Compare Royal Danube, Berlin & Kraków - Eastbound 2021 by Tauck vs Germany, Czech Republic, Austria & Hungary in 11 days - Capitals of Central Europe - CHARM BY BUS by Exoticca

Day 1 Arrive Berlin

Tour Begins: 5:00 PM, Hotel Adlon Kempinski. A transfer is included upon arrival at Berlin Tegel Airport or Berlin Central Train Station to the Hotel Adlon Kempinski, ideally located near Brandenburg Gate, one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Settle in, then join us for a special welcome dinner where a local expert shares a personal perspective of life behind the Iron Curtain.

MEALS : D

LODGING : Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin

PORTOFCALL : Berlin, Germany

Day 2 A choice of Berlin city sights

In the years since the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, Berlin has emerged as one of the most exciting cities in the world. Explore it on your choice of excursions today – a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Museum Island for guided museum tours of either the Pergamon Museum or the Neues Museum, or an in-depth tour of Berlin’s Jewish Heritage sites. Everyone meets up for lunch and a boat ride, followed by your choice of time at leisure to explore Germany’s vibrant capital as you wish.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin

PORTOFCALL : Berlin, Germany

Day 3 Berlin or historic Potsdam

Today you can choose to experience the city from one of three perspectives. Join us for a guided visit to the Baroque city of Potsdam, where the WWII-in-Europe-ending treaty was signed, attractively rebuilt after its wartime losses and a showcase of beautiful gardens and grand palaces. Your second sightseeing choice is an opportunity to explore World War II history in Berlin – and your third sightseeing choice is also in Berlin, an opportunity to learn more about the unification of the split city through a tour of contrasting sights and stories. Spend the remainder of the day as you please; if you wish, take an optional bicycle ride to see Berlin from a different, modern-day perspective.

MEALS : B

LODGING : Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin

PORTOFCALL : Berlin, Germany

Day 4 Embark your riverboat in Nürnberg

A ride aboard the fast train speeds you from Berlin to Nürnberg today, where your riverboat awaits. Enjoy a welcome reception and dinner onboard in your choice of dining venues, from the formal Compass Rose to Arthur’s intimate bistro, followed by evening entertainment in the piano lounge.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : ms Joy

PORTOFCALL : Berlin, Germany

Day 5 Discover Bavarian Bayreuth or Nürnberg

Follow your passions today on a choice of morning sightseeing excursions... three of which will delight music lovers with a visit to nearby Bayreuth – once home to German composer Richard Wagner and the Hungarian composer Franz Liszt – and begin with a walking tour that visits the city's Baroque opera house and views its magnificent Baroque palaces. Your Bayreuth choices then focus on either the life of Wagner at the Richard Wagner Museum; a brewery experience at Maisel Beer Adventure World; or a tour of Bayreuth's Steingraeben Piano Factory. A fourth choice offers a locally guided tour of the Bavarian city of Nürnberg that focuses on its role in World War II, with opportunities to visit the Courthouse, the Zeppelin Field rally grounds, and other sites associated with the war and its aftermath. Return to the riverboat for lunch and an afternoon cruise.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Joy

PORTOFCALL : Bayreuth, Germany

Day 6 In Kelheim, an abbey, a gorge or BMWs

After a morning at leisure onboard your riverboat, disembark in Kelheim, located at the confluence of the Danube River and the Danube-Main Canal, for a choice of excursions. On one, take a walk through Kelheim, followed by visits to the Danube Gorge – a scenic stretch of the Danube lined by limestone cliffs, also known as the Weltenburg Narrows – and nearby Weltenburg Abbey, Bavaria's oldest monastery and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On another, drive into the country for a tour of a working BMW factory, schedule permitting.  You may wish to enjoy free time in Kelheim, perhaps riding along picturesque bike paths on one of your ship’s complimentary bicycles. Return to the riverboat for dinner onboard tonight.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Joy

PORTOFCALL : Kehlheim, Germany

Day 7 Exploring Straubing, your way

Wake up this morning aboard your riverboat in Straubing. An ancient settlement that dates back to 6,000 BC and is steeped with Roman roots, Straubing is the quintessential Bavarian city. Explore it as you wish, choosing from two themed afternoon tours offering a different perspective of the city – one featuring the unique St. Peter's Church and its historic graveyard, and another touring Straubing's main square and its late-Baroque Ursuline Convent Church.  Return to the riverboat for lunch and an afternoon cruise to Deggendorf, then overnight to Linz.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Joy

Day 8 Lovely Linz & the lakes of Austria

Welcome to Austria, a land of great musical traditions, alpine beauty and Imperial lifestyles. Wake up this morning in Linz, inhabited since Roman times and one of Austria’s leading cultural centers. Today you may choose to stay in town and join our local guides for a walking tour of Old Town Linz, then hop aboard the historic mountain tram to Pöstlingberg for panoramic views of the countryside and time at leisure to visit the beer gardens or the pilgrimage basilica. Alternatively, you may choose to spend a full day in the Salzkammergut Lake District – enjoying a boat ride across a lake, a scenic journey by coach to Lake Wolfgangsee, and a visit to St. Wolfgang in Salzkammergut to see the famous Gothic winged altar in its 14th-century church.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Joy

PORTOFCALL : Linz, Austria

Day 9 Krems and Wachau Valley Wines

Your riverboat arrives in the 1,000-year-old city of Krems this morning, located at the beginning of the Wachau Valley, celebrated for its exquisite Austrian wines. You may choose a walking tour through town with a local guide, or a bicycling excursion through the Krems area and the lush vineyard-lined landscapes of the Wachau Valley. This afternoon’s wine tasting excursion offers an authentic taste of the grape and reveals time-honored secrets of the Austrian winemakers. It’s on to Vienna this afternoon, where an evening arrival offers you the opportunity to see the city at night.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Joy

PORTOFCALL : Krems, Austria

Day 10 Vienna, Past and Present

The Austrian capital of Vienna is a compact city with an abundance of important sights. Many are clustered around the Hofburg, the former Imperial Court. Farther afield you’ll find palaces like Belvedere and Schönbrunn palaces, graced by gardens and gilded treasures. The city’s historic Jewish Quarter, Judenplatz, is in the heart of the city, and Vienna’s contemporary center, including the new Hauptbahnhof and the university campus, is also nearby. You will have a choice of exploring the city’s Jewish Heritage sites, contemporary sights or Schönbrunn on different excursions with our local guides. Spend the afternoon as you like, then dress for an exclusive royal dinner at the private Palais Pallavicini with sparkling entertainment, a highlight of your cruise!

 

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Joy

PORTOFCALL : Vienna, Austria

Day 11 Disembark in Vienna & drive to Krakow

Disembark your riverboat in Vienna after breakfast and journey on a day’s drive across the border to Kraków, Poland, for a three-night stay. Pass through the ancient kingdom of Moravia in the easternmost part of the Czech Republic en route to Kromeriz; this town is best known for its Archbishop Castle and gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Arrive at your grand hotel in Kraków in late afternoon, ideally located near historic Wawel Castle. Enjoy the evening at leisure.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : Sheraton Grand Krakow

PORTOFCALL : Kraków, Poland

Day 12 Krakow sights & Auschwitz

For nearly six centuries, Kraków reigned as the capital of Poland, its rulers residing at Wawel Castle until the court and parliament moved to Warsaw in 1609. Today it’s renowned for preserving its country national identity with its prestigious university, royal castle, Gothic cathedral and still thriving Old Quarter. Enjoy a walking tour of the city with a local guide, and choose to join us on a drive into the countryside for a poignant visit to the Auschwitz Memorial and Museum, site of the infamous Nazi concentration camp, or remain in Kraków to spend some time on your own. Please note: the Kraków walking tour and the Auschwitz visit could be either in the morning or afternoon, depending on ticket availability at the Auschwitz site. Your evening is free to spend as you wish; you can enjoy an included meal at your hotel either for dinner tonight or lunch tomorrow, your choice.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Sheraton Grand Krakow

PORTOFCALL : Kraków, Poland

Day 13 Zakopane in the Tatras or Kazimierz

Nestled in the foothills of the Tatra Mountains, Zakopane was first established as a resort town at the end of the 18th century, known for helping heal tuberculosis patients; not long after, skiers flocked to the town attracted by its alpine landscapes. Today it retains its role as a picturesque resort town that is enjoyed year-round. You will have an opportunity to sample its charms on an excursion that includes time to explore the area on your own. Or, you may wish to explore Kraków's Kazimierz District to learn more about its Jewish history with a visit to Schindler’s Factory, now a museum. Join us this evening for a memorable Tauck experience – a fascinating descent down a shaft into the nearby historic Wieliczka Salt Mine for an underground farewell reception and dinner. If you wish, you can choose to take a robust walking tour of the mine complex prior to tonight's special reception and dinner.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Sheraton Grand Krakow

PORTOFCALL : Kraków, Poland

Day 14 Journey Home

Tour ends: Kraków. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the Sheraton Grand Krakow to Saint John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice or Kraków Main Train Station. Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in at the airport.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Kraków, Poland

Day 1: US - Night on board

Arrive at your US departure airport ready to board a flight to Berlin, the Germany capital. Night on board.* * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Berlin

Touch down in Berlin, the stylish and historic German capital. Get settled at the hotel and, if time allows, get to know the city at your leisure. Overnight stay in Berlin.

Day 3: Berlin

Tuck into a hearty German breakfast at the hotel and set off on an exciting panoramic city tour of East and West Berlin, to uncover the history and sights of the capital! Take an iconic photo at the majestic Brandenburg Gate, visit the poignant Holocaust Memorial and stroll along the leafy Unter den Linden Avenue. Discover Museum Island, the Red Town Hall, the Nikolai Quarter. Trace the turbulent history of the city at Checkpoint Charlie and see the fragmented remains of the Berlin Wall, noticing the contrasts between the different sides of the city. See the Forum of Culture and the idyllic Tiergarten Park. Potsdamer Platz shows you a modern side of the city before you spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. It's time for a well-deserved German beer after a day of sightseeing! Overnight stay in Berlin.

Day 4: Berlin

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day exploring Berlin at your leisure. Why not visit the brilliant amazing cultural treasures at Museum Island or spend the day exploring the flower gardens of the Tiergarten. Overnight stay in Berlin.

Day 5: Berlin - Prague

Breakfast at the hotel. Self-transfer to the bus station to catch a shared bus to the Czech capital of Prague, a journey of around 5 hours. Arrive in Prague, known for its fairytale old town, lively nightlife and nicknamed the 'City of a Hundred Spires'. Self-transfer to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure. Alternatively, enjoy an optional excursion to Kozel Brewery, the home of the most famous Czech beer! Overnight stay in Prague

Day 6: Prague

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on a city tour of Prague, nicknamed the 'Golden City'. See the famous Powder Tower and explore the Old Town. Reach Old Town Square home to the famous Astronomical Clock, one of the most popular sights in Prague, and the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn. Finish the tour at the iconic Charles Bridge. The remainder of the day is free at your leisure to explore the sights and sample the local cuisine at your own pace. Overnight stay in Prague.

Day 7: Prague - Vienna

After breakfast at the hotel self-transfer to the bus station to catch a shared bus to Vienna, a journey of around 4.5 hours. Travel through the beautiful landscapes of Bohemia and Moravia towards Austria and its capital, Vienna. Arrive in Vienna, an imperial city famed for its artistic legacy and for being the home town of Mozart and Beethoven. Self-transfer to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure. We recommend heading to the historic centre to enjoy the charming atmosphere. During the summer the riverbanks come alive with lively bars and restaurants, so be sure to check this out if the weather is pleasant. Overnight stay in Vienna.

Day 8: Vienna

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure, soaking up the cultural sights of Vienna at your leisure. Overnight stay in Vienna

Day 9: Vienna - Budapest

Breakfast at the hotel. Catch a shared bus this morning to travel to Budapest, the capital of Hungary, a journey of around 3 hours. After enjoying the changing landscapes of the Danube Delta arrive in Budapest and self-transfer to the hotel. The city is famously divided in two by the River Danube Buda and Pest, each with its own distinctive atmosphere. Overnight stay in Budapest

Day 10: Budapest

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on an enthralling guided tour of Budapest, beginning with Heroes Square, the largest and most impressive in the city and an emblem of Pest's Golden Era. Next, see the National Opera Theatre and the amazing Parliament building, a true icon of the city on the banks of the Danube. Continue the tour across the river, in the Castle District, where you can enjoy the sweeping views from Castle Hill and the amazing architecture of the Fisherman's Bastion. Cross Margaret Bridge to visit the Király Baths before ending the tour at the oldest and most photographed bridge in the city, the glorious Chain Bridge. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Budapest.

Day 11: Budapest

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure in Budapest. Why not take in the views from Fisherman's Bastion or stroll along the riverside promenade. Overnight stay in Budapest.

Day 12: Budapest - US

Breakfast at the hotel. It's time to bring your journey through Central Europe to an end. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip.