Eastern Europe Escapade and Splendours of Europe River Cruise

Day 1 - Arrive Prague

Welcome to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. On arrival at the airport, you will be met and

transferred^ to your centrally located hotel. This evening meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome drink.

Day 2 - Prague Sightseeing 

This morning we explore the sights of the Old Town Square on a guided walking tour. We see Mozart ́s Theatre, Little Square, the Astronomical Clock and Charles Bridge. Later drive to the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle area. This evening we experience a night of dancing and entertainment at a Czech Highlight Dinner.

Day 3 - Prague Day at Leisure 

Your Tour Director is on hand to help plan your day. The baroque quarter of Mala Strana is a must see, as is Josefov, the Jewish quarter.

Day 4 - Prague – Dresden – Berlin 

On leaving Prague drive along the Elbe Valley to Dresden, known as Florence on the Elbe. Here we will see the Frauenkirche, the Castle of the Electors of Saxony and the Green Vault with its collection of Meissen porcelain.

Day 5 - Potsdam and Berlin Sightseeing

Take a short drive to Potsdam to see the palace of Frederick the Great and visit the Cecilienhof – where the

Potsdam Treaty was signed. The re-unification of Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, saw the city transform into the impressive and exciting metropolis that it is today. See the new Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate, State Opera House and Alexander Platz – and drive ‘Unter den Linden’. We see the former Checkpoint Charlie as well as other sites associated with the era of the Iron Curtain.

Day 6 - Berlin – Train – Warsaw 

This morning we will be taken to the main train station for a journey across the heart of Poland and into the

capital, Warsaw. Enjoy time en route to relax and watch the scenery pass by, arriving into Warsaw in the early afternoon. A traditional Polish dinner is included this evening.

Day 7 - Warsaw Sightseeing 

Our guided sightseeing tour reveals the historic centre where much of the Old Town was rebuilt after the war.

Memories of Polanski’s film ‘The Pianist’ come to mind as we visit the Jewish Ghetto with a local guide. See a monument to the Ghetto heroes, the Palace of Culture and the Chopin Memorial. Take an excursion to the Royal Castle. Tonight, You’re Invited to an exclusive dinner and private recital of Chopin’s music, performed by a celebrated Polish pianist in a private manor house.

Day 8 - Warsaw – Auschwitz – Kraków 

This afternoon, visit the Concentration Camp at Auschwitz for a guided tour - the chilling reminders of the atrocities of World War II. Later, approach the picture-postcard medieval city of Kraków, the former Royal capital.

Day 9 - Kraków Sightseeing 

Sightseeing of this imposing medieval city includes the cathedral and castle on Wawel Hill and on a walking

tour of the old town we visit St. Mary’s Church and the Cloth Hall. The rest of the day is at leisure. You’re Invited: Enjoy dinner in a family run restaurant.

Day 10 - Kraków – Embarkation Budapest 

Today we journey past the Castle of Oravsky Hrad and over the Tatra Mountains, through Slovakia and into Budapest, the capital of Hungary. A warm welcome awaits you from your Captain and crew as you board your luxury Emerald Waterways river "Star Ship". This evening, join your fellow travellers for a welcome cocktail reception followed by a traditional Hungarian welcome dinner.

Day 11 - Budapest 

Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Enjoy a guided tour of the city sights including the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest or an active walk on the Buda Hill. This afternoon you depart for Bratislava.

Day 12 - Bratislava

This morning we arrive at the city of Bratislava, capital of the Republic of Slovakia. Enjoy a sightseeing tour including the enchanting Old City with its Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and the Gothic Cathedral of St Martin.

Day 13 - Vienna

Today you have a choice of either exploring Austria’s capital beginning with a drive along the Ringstrasse, where we will see Vienna’s world–famous Opera House, Burgtheatre, Spanish Riding School, Town Hall, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Imperial Palace. Alternatively, join the guided bike tour instead of the drive around and guided walk. Then you have free time to sample the wonderful tastes of Vienna.

Day 14 - Durnstein - Melk 

In the morning we arrive in Dürnstein, one of the most enchanting villages of the Wachau wine region. This is the site of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after returning from the crusades in the 12th century. Thereafter you drive through the picturesque landscape of this district to the 900–year old Benedictine Abbey of Melk, which features Austria’s finest Italian baroque architecture.

Day 15 - Passau

Cruise along the Danube this morning, in the afternoon we reach Passau. Cobblestone streets and graceful arcades welcome you in this beautiful city. On this afternoon’s walking tour, stroll through the old town’s narrow alleys and see the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress from the town below. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture and home to Europe’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes.

Day 16 - Regensburg - Kelheim 

After breakfast we arrive in magnificent Regensburg. On our guided walking tour you’ll have the chance to see one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube and see the city’s architectural highlights including the Old Town Hall.

Day 17 - Nuremberg 

Today you will have a sightseeing coach tour of the historic city of Nuremberg. Your coach tour would pass by the 900-year-old ramparts and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. You will also get the chance to pass by the Nazi party rally grounds, where rallies were held from 1933 until 1938. Afterwards take a self-guided tour of the WWII Documentation Centre or instead enjoy free time in the city centre.