Home
   - Europe Cruises
       - Danube River Cruises
             - Blue Danube River Cruise

May 18 2008
Jun 17 2008

1-888-942-3301

Certain restrictions apply. All rates in U.S. dollars. Prices, savings offers, and other terms subject to change without notice. Images, logos, photographs etc. on this page is copyrighted by Collette Vacations. It is presumed to be accurate and is subject to change without notice.

• Unpack for a relaxing 5-night cruise down the amazing Danube River.

• Visit the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site, Schoenbrunn Palace, during your visit to Vienna.

• Discover many of the marvelous sites of Budapest, the "Queen of the Danube", including Mathias Church and Fishermen's Bastion.

• Enjoy a three night stay in the "Golden City" of Prague.

• Learn some French phrases during a fun-filled French language lesson.

• Enjoy a cooking lesson on board the cruise ship and learn more about the local cuisines.

• Sample some of the local varieties with wine included with every dinner while on your cruise.

• 19 Meals: 8 Breakfasts, 4 lunches, 7 dinners

• Cruise the incredible Danube River for 5 nights.

EXPERIENCE IT!
Danube River: The Danube is the second longest river in Europe, but is second to none in terms of the history it has witnessed and the scenery it showcases. It passes through nine counties and many political and cultural boundaries on its journey from the Black Forest to the Black Sea. Because of its central location, the river has played an important role in European history. In the 3rd century it was the northern boundary of the mighty Roman Empire, protecting against invading Goths, Huns, and Slavs. After World War I, it outlined the new borders between Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. Today, it provides the perfect route for visiting such fascinating cities as Budapest, Vienna, and Belgrade and taking in the natural beauty of Central Europe.

Notes:

• Options listed above that are offered from CroisiEurope River Cruise are included in your Collette Vacations land rate.

• The Jewish Cemetery and the New and Old Synagogues are closed on Saturday. Entrance fee is not included.

• Single accommodations are limited and available on request only. Triple accommodations are not available.

• On day 5, embarkation is approximately 4:00 PM. While on board your cruise ship, breakfasts are normally served beginning at 7 AM, lunch at 12:30 PM and dinner at 7:30 PM.

• Lunch and dinner aboard the river vessel do not include alcoholic beverages. Iced water, coffee or tea are included with lunch and dinner.

• Ports of call are subject to change based on pier availability and weather conditions.

• Due to flight schedules, you may require an early morning departure from the ship on the last day (day 10). Return flights should not be booked prior to 10 AM on the last day of your tour.

• Visitors are required to have travel/health insurance to travel to the Czech Republic. The health insurance must cover medical services abroad. The minimum coverage of the insurance has to be at least $35,000. If you have purchased Collette Vacations Travel Protection, your coverage meets this requirement. If you opted not to purchase our travel protection, you will be required to have proof of your own coverage for the minimum of $35,000. We certainly encourage you to buy our comprehensive travel protection that not only covers this requirement; but also allows a full refund for cancellation any time up to the day prior to departure.

• Smart casual wear is recommended throughout the trip. For the welcome and farewell dinners, an evening dress for the ladies and jacket & tie for the gentlemen is recommended. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended throughout the trip.

• At Collette, we pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.

• If you have not purchased air through Collette and wish to purchase transfers, you must transfer at our pre-scheduled times.

Day 1: Overnight Flight
Your visit to the Imperial cities of Central Europe will be the cultural experience of a lifetime.

Day 2: Prague, Czech Republic - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in the “Golden City” of Prague. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. Today dinner is included.

Day 3: Prague
A sightseeing tour of this fairy tale city highlights the amazing Hradcany Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral. A leisurely walking tour of the old town showcases the unique astronomical clock and the statue-lined Charles Bridge. Today breakfast is included.

Day 4: Prague
Today is at leisure for you to independently explore this beautiful city. You may choose to visit Prague’s Old Jewish Quarter* and its historic cemetery, synagogues and museum. Or, perhaps you will visit one of the many theaters or enjoy strolling through the magnificent streets where every turn produces a unique shopping experience. Enjoy dinner this evening at one of Prague's local restaurants. Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 5: Prague - Passau, Germany - Board Ship
LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Travel the picturesque Czech countryside, crossing the German border to the charming town of Passau. Enjoy leisure time to explore the town’s baroque buildings and hidden alleyways. Late afternoon, board your ship and unpack for a relaxing 5-night Danube River cruise. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included daily during your cruise. During your sailing on the Danube you will enjoy a fun-filled French language lesson. Also learn about some of the local cuisines during a special cooking lesson. This evening, enjoy a welcome cocktail followed by dinner while you cruise toward the Austrian border. Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 6: Wachau Valley, Austria - Durnstein - Vienna
After breakfast, visit the 11th century Melk Abbey which was a strategically important fortress centuries ago. Mid-day, you proceed to Durnstein, considered the most popular town in the historic Wachau Valley. Enjoy free time to explore the baroque church and charming town center. Later, your journey continues to the grand city of Vienna, the former capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This evening, enjoy a wonderful Vienna-by-Night excursion in this beautiful city. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Day 7: Vienna - Esztergom, Hungary
This morning, journey to the baroque marvels of spectacular Schoenbrunn Palace. The summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty for more than 200 years and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the palace and gardens themselves are a work of art. Early evening you set sail for Hungary, passing Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Day 8: Esztergom - Budapest
After breakfast, visit the original capital of Esztergom. This city was home to the Archbishop of Hungary and is a city rich in monuments including the neo-classical basilica and the old Royal Palace. Mid-day, your journey continues to Budapest, the "Queen of the Danube," and truly one of the world's most beautiful cities. Buda sits on one side of the river, and Pest is on the opposite bank. After dinner, a special Budapest by Night excursion allows you to see this historical city’s buildings and bridges illuminated. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Day 9: Budapest
Today you will visit Mathias Church, site of many coronations of kings, and the Fishermen’s Bastion with its white walls, towers and arcades. The balance of your day is at leisure to explore historic Old Buda, Gellert Hill, the Parliament and Heroes Square. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a wonderful farewell dinner celebrating the end of a marvelous trip on the Danube River. Later, enjoy a fantastic evening of traditional folk entertainment in Budapest. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Day 10: Budapest - Disembark Ship - Tour Ends
Your tour ends, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation.