Prague to the Black Sea

Tauck’s Prague to the Black Sea from Prague to Bucharest combines The Blue Danube and Budapest to the Black Sea. Departures run east and west, and are similar.   Eastbound Itinerary   • = cruise day   1. Arrive Prague Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Prague Marriott Hotel. A transfer is included from Ruzyne Airport to the Prague Marriott Hotel, a short walk from Old Town. We invite you to join us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner. Meals D   2. Discover Past & Present Prague In Prague’s Hradcany (Castle) District, visit the Cathedral of St. Vitus, and take an exclusive private tour of the Strahov Monastery libraries. Spend the afternoon as you wish or join us to discover the Astronomical Clock and other Prague icons on a guided walking tour of Old Town. Meals BD   • 3. Regensburg / Embark Riverboat In the ancient Bavarian town of Regensburg, a walking tour shows you 12th-century Steinerne Brücke, towering Dom St. Peter, and the remains of the town’s Roman wall. Board your luxury riverboat this afternoon. Meals BD   • 4. A Day in Passau After a morning spent cruising through pastoral German landscapes, arrive in Passau for a walking tour of this hillside Bavarian town; continue cruising to Linz, Austria. Meals BLD   • 5. Salzburg and Linz You have a choice today – enjoy Linz or join us on an excursion to Salzburg, visiting Mirabell Gardens. Rejoin the ship for dinner and a classical music performance this evening. Meals BLD   • 6. Wachau Valley Cruise / Dürnstein Cruise through the medieval landscapes of the Wachau Valley to Dürnstein for a walking tour and wine tasting. Castle ruins high above town afford lovely river vistas. Meals BLD   • 7. The Imperial City of Vienna Vienna inspires romantic visions of “Old Europe.” Tauck’s sightseeing includes your choice of a Schönbrunn Palace visit or the Hofburg’s Imperial Silver Room. Tonight, enjoy a private Imperial Evening in a palace! Meals BLD   • 8. Vienna / Cruise to Slovakia Spend time pursuing what interests you most in Austria’s grand capital city – home to more than 100 museums – before setting off on an afternoon cruise to Slovakia; Slovakian entertainment follows dinner tonight. Meals BLD   • 9. Bratislava / Danube Cruise Gain insights about 17 centuries’ worth of history on a Bratislava walking tour, including a visit to the Old Town Hall. Join the Captain and crew this evening for a cocktail reception and dinner aboard your riverboat. Meals BLD   • 10. Fascinating Budapest Today’s sightseeing in Hungary’s fascinating capital on the Danube includes Heroes’ Square and Fishermen’s Bastion. Later, explore on your own, or perhaps visit one of the city’s famous spas. Tonight, your riverboat cruises to Solt, Hungary. Meals BLD   • 11. Visit Solt & Kalocsa, Hungary Ride a horse-drawn wagon to the Equestrian Center, where Hungarian craftsmen and Puszta horsemen demonstrate their traditional skills. See one of Europe’s finest libraries in the Bishop’s Palace in Kalocsa. Meals BLD   • 12. Cruise to Vukovar, Croatia Arrive in Croatia today; visit the fortified city of Osijek and the Baroque port city of Vukovar, which poignantly illustrates the effects of the 1990s war. Meals BLD   • 13. Belgrade, Serbia’s Capital After cruising into Serbia, your morning begins dockside in the capital, Belgrade; sightseeing includes visits to Tito’s Memorial, St. Sava Church, and Kalemegdan Fortress; see Parliament, City Hall, and Slavija Square. Meals BLD   • 14. Iron Gate of the Danube Spend a day on the Danube, cruising through the Kazan Narrows and the celebrated Iron Gate to Bulgaria. See the monument to King Decebalus, Europe’s tallest rock sculpture; enjoy great views of the Transylvanian Alps. Meals BLD   • 15. Welcome to Bulgaria Cruise to Svishtov, Bulgaria, for cultural excursions into nearby Bulgarian towns. Explore Veliko Turnovo, the former medieval capital on the Yantra River. In nearby Arbanassi, sample local cuisine with your Bulgarian contemporaries at a memorable home-hosted lunch. Meals BLD   • 16. Romania’s Black Sea Coast From the port of Cernavoda, travel to the popular Romanian Black Sea resorts of Constanta and Mamaia, the latter boasting the only pure-white sand beaches in Europe. We invite you to join us this evening for the Captain’s farewell cocktail reception and dinner. Meals BLD   17. Disembark Ship / Bucharest After disembarking your riverboat in Cernavoda, travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital city of Bucharest for a two-night stay. Explore Bucharest on a sightseeing tour that includes Revolution Square, a visit to the People’s Palace – the world’s second-largest building after the Pentagon – and the granite Triumphal Arch, a smaller but exact copy of Paris’ Arc de Triomphe. Meals BLD   18. Peles Castle / Snagov Monastery From Bucharest, take a full day excursion to fairy-tale Peles Castle in Sinaia, a grand palace built for Romania’s royal family in the 1880s. Or choose a visit by boat to isolated Snagov Monastery; set on a tiny island in the middle of a lake, it is the reputed burial place of Vlad Tepes, the original model for the character Dracula. Meals BLD   19. Journey Home Tour ends: Bucharest, Romania. A transfer is included from the Athénée Palace Hilton Bucharest to Bucharest Airport; allow 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in. Meals B

 

•   Gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director

Day 1: Arrive Prague
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Prague Marriott Hotel. A transfer is included from Prague’s Ruzyne Airport to the Prague Marriott Hotel, ranked among the Top 100 Best Luxury Hotels of the World, for a memorable two-night stay in the historic “city of a hundred spires.” Tauck brings you inside Prague’s soaring cathedrals and grand palaces during your visit, beginning with a royal welcome reception, tour and dinner at the 16th-century Lobkowicz Palace at Prague Castle, where a classical quartet and privileged views of the city’s cultural treasures enchant inside and out.
Overnight: Prague Marriott Hotel, Prague, Czech Republic
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Discover Past & Present Prague
Exquisite examples of European architecture await on a guided excursion that takes you to the Hradcany (Castle) district and the magnificent Gothic Cathedral of St. Vitus. An exclusive private tour of the grand libraries of Strahov Monastery is sure to be a highlight of your day. Spend time at leisure exploring the nooks and crannies off the courtyards and squares of Prague’s winding cobblestone streets, or join us on a walking tour through ethereal Old Town; see the famous Astronomical Clock, Tyn Church, iconic Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square. Lantern-lit streets set the mood for dinner on your own tonight, tempting with cafés and restaurants that serve up the region’s best schnitzels, dumplings, strudels, goulashes and beer.
Overnight: Prague Marriott Hotel, Prague, Czech Republic
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3: Regensburg / Embark Riverboat
Drive to the quintessential Bavarian town of Regensburg, Germany, nestled on the banks of the River Danube. Walking here is a delight and is the only way to view its historic sights up-close. A local guide will lead the way as you see the town’s 12th-century Steinerne Brücke (Germany’s oldest surviving stone bridge), the 15th-century Altes Rathaus (Town Hall), towering Dom St. Peter, and the remains of the Roman wall. Enjoy lunch on your own – this medieval town is famous for its Bavarian sausage – before embarking ms Swiss Sapphire or ms Swiss Jewel for the start of your 7-night cruise.
Overnight: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner

Day 4: Picturesque Passau
One of our guests happily remarked that this riverboat cruise is like taking a magic carpet ride through a parade of picturesque places, getting on and off in towns that beg to be explored. An early arrival in Passau this morning lets you do just that when we disembark for a walking tour with a local guide whose love for his hometown makes your visit even more special. Pedestrian walkways take you through tunnels and archways, Baroque houses and ancient cobblestone streets in this hilly town. See the Altes Rathaus and Old Town before cruising to Linz, Austria.
Overnight: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5: Salzburg and Linz
Your boat stays docked in Linz today, giving you the opportunity to visit the town as you wish or join us for a full-day excursion to Salzburg on the Salzach River, the celebrated hometown of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. A parade of beautiful Baroque architecture, painted wrought-iron signage, ornate church towers and grand palaces paves the way for your visits to Mozart’s birthplace and lovely Mirabell Gardens. Rejoin the ship for dinner and a wonderful classical music performance.
Overnight: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6: Wachau Valley Cruise / Durnstein
On-board commentary enriches this morning’s leisurely cruise past lush vineyards, fairy-tale castles and ancient monasteries in the Wachau Valley, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved medieval landscapes – it is the perfect scenic appetizer for your stop in the charming little village of Dürnstein in Austria’s wine country. Take a closer look at its 16th-century Baroque houses and 13th-century Romanesque church as you stroll down its one main street or take an invigorating climb up the steps to the ruins of hilltop Kuenringerburg Castle for great views. A wine tasting back in town at an authentic tavern celebrates local cultural traditions and new friendships.
Overnight: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7: The Imperial City of Vienna
Wake up in Vienna, inspiring romantic visions of “Old Europe.” A choice of sightseeing today features a tour of the Habsburgs’ Schönbrunn Palace, resplendent with history, or the Imperial Silver Room at the Hofburg, Austria’s official presidential residence. Nothing quite compares to the royal treatment – and pageantry – you will experience tonight at our private Imperial Evening in a traditional Viennese palace; from a spectacle of beautiful ball gowns and elegant finery to a musical performance alive with the spirit of Mozart, you’ll feel like you could dance all night.
Overnight: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8: Vienna / Cruise to Slovakia
Spend time this morning as you wish discovering the Vienna you have dreamed of in your mind’s eye. Join us back on the ship for lunch and an afternoon cruise to neighboring Slovakia. Dinner tonight introduces you to a glimpse of daily life in Slovakia with a taste of regional cuisine and an on-board performance by a talented troupe of Slovakian dancers who welcome you to Bratislava in authentic dress.
Overnight: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9: Bratislava / Danube Cruise
Our local expert will share insider anecdotes about Bratislava before you embark on a walking tour of this vehicle-free, cobblestoned city. See 17 centuries of history eloquently chronicled in its 13th-century Old Town Hall, Baroque Habsburg-era palaces, the Opera House, Slovak Philharmonic Hall, and St. Martin’s Cathedral, site of the coronation of many Hungarian kings and queens, and sample some of Slovakia’s delectable almond pastry at a local café. Back on board ship, get ready to celebrate tomorrow’s arrival in Budapest – with our gala Captain’s reception and dinner.
Overnight: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 10: Fascinating Budapest
Spend time in Budapest where you will see Heroes’ Square and Fishermen’s Bastion on a city tour, or indulge in a spa visit. Reboard your riverboat for a cruise along the Lower Danube.
Overnight: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 11: Solt / Kalocsa
Take a horse-drawn wagon ride to the Equestrian Center, where local craftsmen and traditional Puszta horsemen demonstrate their skills. Your riverboat cruises to Kalocsa this afternoon, celebrated for its paprika and folk art. Visit the magnificent Rococo-style paneled library in the 18th-century Baroque Bishop’s Palace, considered one of the finest libraries in Europe, and attend a wine tasting at a Hungarian winery before rejoining the riverboat.
Overnight: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 12: Cruise to Croatia
An on-board lecture about the diverse events and cultural influences that have contributed to Croatia’s turbulent history sets the stage for your visit to the 10th-century city of Vukovar, rebuilding after the 1990s war. Vukovar was renowned for its elegant 18th-century Baroque mansions, and today is a mix of old and new. Cruise to Serbia this afternoon, with commentary from your Tauck Director.
Overnight: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 13: Belgrade, Serbia's Capital
Awaken dockside in Belgrade, the cosmopolitan capital of Serbia; the city’s roots date back to a Celtic settlement in 3 BC. A lecture aboard ship paves the way for a guided sightseeing tour that includes visits to Tito’s Memorial, St. Sava Church, and Kalemegdan Fortress; see Slavija Square, Parliament, City Hall, Republic Square and the National Theatre. You’ll have time on your own before returning to the riverboat, where this evening a music and dance presentation follows dinner.
Overnight: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 14: Iron Gate of the Danube
Activities on the riverboat throughout your cruise include special lectures and presentations, such as cooking demonstrations or music and dance performances. Spend a relaxing day cruising the Danube River through the scenic heartland of Eastern Europe. Pass through the Kazan Narrows and the Iron Gate, a series of narrow gorges where the Danube courses down from the towering Carpathian Mountains. Today you’ll see a monument to the 2nd-century Dacian King Decebalus carved into the Danube’s rocky bank. Europe’s tallest rock sculpture, it was completed in 2004 after a decade of work by a dozen sculptors. View the Transylvanian Alps as you cruise to Bulgaria.
Overnight: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 15: Welcome to Bulgaria
For those fascinated by the imagery and symbols in visual arts –and the subject of several popular novels –, there is an opportunity to attend a lecture and demonstration on Iconography this morning. Your riverboat arrives into Svishtov, Bulgaria, for culturally rich visits to nearby Bulgarian towns. Travel to Veliko Turnovo, which served as Bulgaria’s capital in medieval times – the sight of its ancient walled fortress and castle nestled atop three hills on the Yantra River is memorable. In the neighboring town of Arbanassi, sample local cuisine at a home-hosted private lunch, where you’ll have a unique opportunity to meet and dine with your Bulgarian contemporaries. The day ends back on board the riverboat with a special music and dance performance and a look at traditional Bulgarian customs.
Overnight: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 16: Romania's Black Sea Coast
Your riverboat arrives in Cernavoda, Romania, this morning for a day trip to the beautiful Black Sea coast. Take a guided tour of the resort city of Constanta, then visit the seaside resort of Mamaia, one of the largest on Romania’s coast. A popular vacation destination for over a century, Mamaia boasts the only beaches in Europe featuring fine, pure-white sand. Back on the riverboat, your cruise comes to an end this evening when we celebrate new knowledge, renewed inspiration and everlasting friendships at the Captain’s farewell cocktail reception and dinner.
Overnight: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 17: Disembark Ship / Bucharest
Disembark the riverboat in Cernavoda and travel through the Romanian countryside to Bucharest for a two-night stay. Following lunch at a local restaurant, a sightseeing tour of Romania’s capital, once regarded as “the Paris of the Balkans,” includes Revolution Square and the granite Triumphal Arch, a smaller copy of Paris’ Arc de Triomphe. Your day also features a visit to Bucharest’s huge People’s Palace, home to the Romanian Parliament; some parts of it are still unfinished! Your landmark hotel, Athénée Palace Hilton Bucharest, has played a role in Bucharest history since 1914; it is one of Romania’s top hotels.
Overnight: JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel, Bucharest, Romania
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 18: Peles Castle / Snagov Monastery
You have a choice of sightseeing today. Take a full day excursion to tour fairy-tale Peles Castle in Sinaia (subject to weekly closures), built for the Romanian royal family in the 1880s. Alternatively, take a boat across Snagov Lake to tiny Snagov Island, the reputed burial place of Vlad the Impaler (inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula).
Overnight: JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel, Bucharest, Romania
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch

Day 19: Journey Home
Tour ends: Bucharest, Romania. A transfer from the Athénée Palace Hilton Bucharest to Bucharest Airport is included; allow 3 hours for flight check-in.
Overnight:
Meals Included: Breakfast

Don't miss our current specials: Tauck Tour Deals Traveling with a group of friends or family can add to the joy of any journey. Book a group of 10 on any Tauck land journey or cruise and the 11th guest travels FREE. Book a group of 8 on any Tauck Bridges family adventure and the 9th guest travels FREE Tauck Single Specials For those seeking singles tours, we are pleased to offer special values on select departures to our guests who choose to travel solo. You can travel with peace of mind, knowing that you are among like-minded travelers and will have all the day-to-day details handled for you! While everyone is welcome, on these select dates we offer special arrangements to those traveling solo at a reduced cost. Tauck Single Specials in North America Best of the Canadian Rockies Michigan's Lakes & Mackinac Island Charleston/Savannah Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia San Fransisco, Sonoma & Napa Valleys Tauck Single Specials in Europe A Week in Ireland A Week in Spain Mediterranean Discovery Istanbul and the Black Sea Treasure of the Mediterranean Cruising Mediterranean Shores The Blue Danube Holland Belgium in Spring Strasbourg to Prague Serenade The Rhine and Moselle Budapest to Amsterdam by Riverboat Budapest to the Black Sea Classic Italy Bellissima Northern Italy Italian Lakes, Venice, Florence and Rome A Week in Paris and Provence Tauck Singles Specials in Latin America Panama Canal & Costa Rica
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
9/28/2010 - 10/17/2010	$8,290
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

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