Romance of the Rhine and Danube

 

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

Day 1: Welcome to Strasbourg
Transfers from the airport in Strasbourg to Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Île are included. Meet your Tauck Directors and fellow travelers at our welcome reception and dinner this evening.
Overnight: Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Île, Strasbourg, France
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Strasbourg old and new
As you’ll discover today, Strasbourg has one foot firmly in the present and one foot rooted in the past. As the capital of the European Union, the EU Parliament district bustles with the in-the-moment business of modern-day government; see the impressive, modern Parliament buildings en route to the past this morning. Step into the medieval world of La Petite France, with its historic cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and meandering canals, during a walking tour with a local guide. Due to its 142-metre tower, Gothic Strasbourg Cathedral was once the tallest building in Europe; learn more about it and its other treasures during a visit today.
Overnight: Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Île, Strasbourg, France
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch

Day 3: • Authentically Alsace
Head out of town this morning for a drive along the famous Route du Vin (Wine Road). Travel through enchanting Alsatian villages and past endless terraced vineyards that produce the area’s renowned white wines on the way to the picturesque town of Obernai. Here, you’ll enjoy lunch in a former manor house, complete with local wines offering a true taste of the Alsace region. Later, board the ms Swiss Sapphire to begin your riverboat cruise along the Rhine and Danube rivers. This evening, the Captain welcomes you aboard with a special reception in your honor.
Overnight: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4: • Good times in Baden-Baden
Set in the foothills of Germany’s Black Forest, the spa town of Baden-Baden, with its healing waters, has been a popular destination since Roman times and its thermal springs have been known for over 2,000 years. The likes of Queen Victoria, Brahms, Napoleon III and Marlene Dietrich have wandered its streets, "taken the waters" and played in its casino. After a walking tour during which you’ll discover ruins of castles and Roman baths, visit the extravagantly beautiful Belle Epoque Casino, which has been the place to see and be seen for nobility and the elite for over 250 years.
Overnight: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5: • It happens in Heidelberg
A full-day excursion to Heidelberg showcases many facets of this intriguing city, which has been a happening place for students since the University of Heidelberg was founded in 1386. Take in the charm of Old Town during a guided walking tour revealing Gothic gates and walls, Renaissance and Baroque homes and palaces... and life here in the 21st century. Ride a funicular up to the ruins of the famous Gothic-Renaissance castle, Heidelberger Schloss, Return to the ms Swiss Sapphire after lunch in a Heidelberg restaurant and some free time to explore the city on your own before your riverboat cruise continues on along the River Main.
Overnight: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6: • Rollin’ on the River Main
The opportunity to just kick back and relax on your riverboat cruise is yours this morning as your riverboat glides down the Main River bound for Bavaria. Or, see what fun things your Tauck Directors have up their sleeves, work out in the fitness center or find something to challenge you on the on-board Wii game system. Spend the afternoon exploring Miltenberg, with its hilltop castle, lively market square and half-timbered houses. Bavaria comes aboard ms Swiss Sapphire this evening for a special dinner spotlighting this lovely area of Germany.
Overnight: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7: • Feel like royalty at the Residenz
By 1000 BC, the Celts had built a fortress, and in the 8th century, Charlemagne himself consecrated the cathedral that is the focal point of the historic and charming town of Würzburg. 90% of the town was destroyed in World War II and then painstakingly reconstructed by its citizens, most of whom were women at that time. The magnificent Würzburg Residenz, a beautiful complex of palaces begun in 1720 for the Würzburg prince-bishops, was completed, start-to-finish, almost within a single generation. During a tour today, you’ll see a magnificent sequence of rooms containing a wonderful array of paintings, tapestries, furniture and other 18-century treasures. Return to the Residenz this evening for a memorable dinner in its wine cellar, complete with a wine tasting and entertainment – a highlight of your riverboat cruise!
Overnight: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8: • Bound for Bamberg
Spend the morning participating in the on-board activities offered by your Tauck Directors and gaining some new insights about this part of the Main River during your riverboat cruise to Bamberg. What the Alsace is to wine in France, the Franconia region of Germany is to beer. Following a walking tour of Bamberg’s Old Town, you’ll have a chance to sample the excellent local brews during a brewery tour and beer tasting.
Overnight: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9: • The Main-Danube Canal and historic Nürnberg
It wasn’t until 1992 that the dream of linking the North Sea to the Black Sea, and making a riverboat cruise all the way from Holland to Romania possible, was realized with the completion of the Main-Danube Canal. A local expert will tell you all about it as ms Swiss Sapphire transits the canal this morning. After docking in Nürnberg, disembark for an orientation tour of this significant Bavarian city, perhaps best known for its role during and after World War II. But Nürnberg also has a fascinating medieval heart, as you’ll discover on a walking tour following lunch and special entertainment at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 10: • Regensburg revealed
Talk about a long history – humans settled on the banks of the Danube near Regensburg during the Stone Age and the Romans arrived around 90 AD. Regensburg bills itself as "Germany’s best-preserved medieval city," and you’ll understand why when you explore the town during a walking tour. Sightseeing in Old Town Regensburg today includes the Stone Bridge, completed in 1146, magnificent Dom St. Peter, the 15th-century Town Hall and remains of the Roman wall.
Overnight: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 11: • The "three river city" of Passau
Located on the Danube at the confluence of the Inn and Ilz rivers, Passau is a treasure trove for history buffs, as the city began with a Roman fortress. Today a local guide shares residents’ passion for lovely Passau with you during a walking tour through its cobbled streets. See the Town Hall, the 18th-century New Bishop’s Residence and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the largest Baroque church north of the Alps. You’ll have some free time to explore this German gem of a town, renowned for its many churches and exquisite stained glass, on your own before returning to the ship to continue your riverboat cruise.
Overnight: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 12: • Linz or Salzburg – it’s your choice
When you awaken in Linz, the European Capital of Culture in 2009, this morning, the focus of your riverboat cruise switches to Austria. From just strolling through the Old Town to checking out its wonderful museums, the Botanical Garden – among the most beautiful in Europe – and historic landmarks, enjoy exploring Linz on your own. Or join us for a full-day excursion to lovely Salzburg, Mozart’s hometown and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There you’ll feel the presence of days gone by as you view splendid examples of Baroque architecture, impressive palaces and grand churches; visit Old Town, Mirabell Gardens and Mozart’s birthplace on a walking tour with a knowledgeable local guide. A classical music performance aboard ms Swiss Sapphire this evening rounds out another memorable day on your riverboat cruise.
Overnight: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 13: • The wonderful Wachau Valley
Austria’s Wachau Valley seems straight out of a picture book; vine-covered hillsides, quaint villages, impressive structures and castle ruins line the riverbanks of this region of the Danube. Considered by many to be the most beautiful and historic stretch along the river, what you’ll see around you today is a highlight of any riverboat cruise.  Gain some insights about the valley from the commentary provided by your Tauck Directors as you glide along this morning. When you arrive in tiny Dürnstein, you’ll find history all around you; along its one main street, there are Baroque houses and a 13th-century Romanesque church. Perhaps you’ll climb the path up to Kuenringerburg Castle, where Richard the Lionhearted was imprisoned during the Crusades, to take in the spectacular view. Later, join us for a wine tasting in an authentic local tavern.
Overnight: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 14: • Viva Vienna
From the lilting strains of the waltz to the glory and grandeur of the Habsburgs, Vienna is absolutely enchanting. See how the other half lived long ago on a choice of two excursions today; tour the resplendent Schönbrunn Palace, opulent summer home of the Habsburgs, or imagine the lifestyle of the rich and famous when dining at court as you view the "domestic household treasures" in the Hofburg’s Silver Room. Feel like royalty yourself at our Imperial Evening when you dine grandly and enjoy musical performances at a traditional Viennese palace.
Overnight: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 15: • Vienna as you please
During our time in Vienna, you’ve undoubtedly noticed a few places that you’d like to explore further and today is your chance to do just that before your riverboat cruise continues on. Back aboard ms Swiss Sapphire, you’ll have an opportunity to visit the galley and see where and how the culinary magic that you’ve been enjoying happens, before partaking in a dinner offering an authentic taste of Slovakian cuisine, followed by a performance by a talented troupe of Slovakian dancers.
Overnight: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 16: • Slovakian surprises
Welcome to Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. This fascinating city, once one of the most important in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is a true melting pot of the various nations and nationalities that have shaped it over the centuries. Many local residents fluently speak four languages – Slovak, German, Hungarian and "mishmash," a combination of words from each in a single sentence. Sightseeing today includes St. Martin’s Cathedral, where Maria Theresa was crowned Queen of Hungary, National Philharmonic Hall, the National Opera House and the Primate’s House. As you wander through Bratislava’s streets, you may come upon some surprising local "residents" who may seem rather cold and unresponsive... but because they're statues, you couldn’t expect them to be anything else! Join the Captain for his farewell reception and dinner this evening as your riverboat cruise nears its final destination, Budapest.
Overnight: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 17: As your riverboat cruise concludes, Buda beckons
Arriving in the Hungarian capital of Budapest, bid farewell to ms Swiss Sapphire and set out to explore Buda, which occupies the hills on the west bank of the River Danube. A half-day guided tour of the beautiful Castle Quarter reveals such beloved landmarks as Fishermen’s Bastion and 700-year-old Matthias Church. Dine tonight in your choice of the restaurants at your waterfront hotel, the InterContinental Budapest.
Overnight: InterContinental Budapest, Hungary
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 18: Passionate about Pest
On the flat lands on the east bank of the Danube lies Pest, with a personality all its own as you’ll discover today. See the immense Parliament, one of the largest buildings in Europe; Andrassy Avenue, built to emulate the Champs-Elysées in Paris; Heroes' Square with its heroic equestrian statues; the chic shopping street, Váci Utca; and pay a special visit to the elegantly eclectic State Opera House. The remainder of the day is free to explore more of Budapest as you please.
Overnight: InterContinental Budapest, Hungary
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 19: Homeward bound
Your riverboat cruise adventure along the Rhine and Danube ends in Budapest. An airport transfer from the Intercontinental Budapest to Ferihegy Airport is included; please allow a minimum of 2 1/2 hours for airport check-in formalities. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.
Overnight:
Meals Included:

Don't miss our current specials: Special Air Savings - Learn More Hurry! Air Savings End March 26! Special International Air Savings – Europe Book and deposit summertime departures of the following Tauck journeys to Europe by March 26, 2010 and save $2,000 per couple off Business Class Air ($1,000 off per person) from select U.S. cities. Savings are valid for travel between June 29 and September 5, 2010, subject to availability: •Treasures of the Aegean – 14 days with a 7-night cruise aboard Wind Star / Wind Spirit •Sicily, the Amalfi Coast & Rome – 11 days with a 7-night cruise aboard Le Ponant •Switzerland – 11 days featuring travel along Tauck’s scenic Yellow Roads •Italian Lakes, Venice, Florence & Rome – 10 days in Italy with all multiple-night stays •Paradors of Northern Spain – 14 days exploring culturally rich Iberia •The Best of Ireland – 13 days featuring iconic cultural treasures of the Emerald Isle •A Week In… Ireland – 8 days with a 2-night stay at Dromoland Castle •A Week In… Spain – 8 days from Barcelona to Andalucía, Seville and Madrid •A Week In… Scotland – 8 days with 2- and 3-night stays in Loch Lomond, Inverness & Edinburgh •Spain and Portugal – 14 days of Iberian pleasures and culinary treasures •Normandy, Brittany, Paris & the Loire Valley – 13 days showcasing joie de vivre •A Week In… London & Paris – 4 nights at a grand hotel in London and 3 nights in Paree •Castles & Kings: London to Paris – An 8-day family vacation alive with royal traditions Deposit must be paid at time of booking and certain restrictions apply. Valid on new bookings only and not combinable with other promotions; ask for details. 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)
8/10/2010 - 8/29/2010	$6,790
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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Tauck Tour Deals

Tauck Single Specials

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