Berlin to Budapest with Danube Cruise 
Aboard the deluxe  MS Amalyra

16-DAYS - from October 24 to November 08, 2010

Berlin - Potsdam - Wittenberg - Dresden - Meissen - Prague - Regensburg - Passau - Melk - Vienna - Bratislave - Budapest
 


Start your tour in Berlin, where East meets West, the German capital, vibrant and cosmopolitan. Continue to Dresden known as  the "Florence of the North" and to historic Prague. Then enjoy a 7 dys cruise along the history ladden Danube, one of the great  European rivers. Travel aboard the deluxe MS. AMALYRA the newest 5-star cruise ships on the European waterways and behold the spectacular shores, lined with terraced vineyards, picturesque villages and historic towns. Spend the entire morning exploring on shore, before continuing to cruise around noon.Refresh in your comfortable cabin, then treat yourself to a  delectable buffet lunch in the Panoramic Restaurant. In the afternoon relax on the Sun Deck, sipping your favorit drink, and let  the world float by. 
ITINERARY
 
 
Day 1 : FLIGHT USA - BERLIN
Board your overnight flight to Berlinnbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;        (in-flight meals)
Day 2 : ARRIVE IN BERLIN, GERMANY
Arrive in Berlin and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to start exploring this beautiful city.                    (B,D) 
Day 3 : BERLIN
As capital and largest city of the Federal Republic of Germany, Berlin serves as the hub of politics, culture, media and science. A guided morning tour will show you the city's major sights, including the iconic landmark of Berlin - the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, the neoclassic square of Gendarmenmarkt, Memorial Church, Westside Gallery and Checkpoint Charlie. The remainder of the day is free for further exploration of this marvelous city.               (B) 
Day 4 : BERLIN - POTSDAM - WITTENBERG - DRESDEN
After breakfast depart for Dresden, known as the "Florence of the North", situated in a valley on the Elbe river. En route we will stop in Potsdam and visit Sanssouci Palace, the former summer residence of Frederick the Great. Then we visit Cecilienhof Palace, the last palace built by the German Royal Family and location of the World War II Potsdam Conference. This afternoon, we continue on to famous Martin Luther city of Wittenberg for a walking tour of the Market Square, Town Church and visit of the Castle Church. After a viist of the Luther House we continue on to Dresden. This evening enjoy a typical "Saxon" dinner at a traditional "Keller" restaurant.   (B,D) 
Day 5 : DRESDEN
Capital and royal residence for the Electors and Kings of Saxony, Dresden offers a long history as a cultural center in Germany. During our walking tour we will see the Opera House, Dresden Schloss and the Zwinger Palace. August the Stron's vision of creating a Baroque synthesis of arts is captured in the Green Vault. After our city tour you are free to explore more of the precious treasures this city offers. Visit the Frauenkirche, a Lutheran church reconstructed as a landmark symbol of reconciliation after the firebombing destruction of Dresden during World War II;       (B) 
Day 6 : DRESDEN - MEISSEN - PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC .
We depart Dresden after breakfast and head to Meissen, a town famous for the manufacturing of porcelain. Our city tour includes a visit to the Meissen Porcelain Factory and museum with its fine samples of outstanding porcelain, considered equal to the best found in China. We then continue through the Elbe Sandstone Hills with its bizarre rocky landscape to the Bastei, a rocky prominence, from where we enjoy an awe-inspiring view of the Elbe River. Evening arrival in Prague;               (B) 
Day 7 : PRAGUE
Morning sightseeing reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive cities. 
See thousand-year-old Hradcany Castle, the Old Town, the Jewish ghetto and many other major sights. The afternoon and evening are free to mix with the locals at Wenceslaus Square, shop for souvenirs or enjoy one of the charming cafés or restaurants;                     (B) 
Day 8 : PRAGUE
A relaxing day to mix with the locals at Wenceslaus Square, wander along the banks of the Vltava River, relax at an outdoor restaurant, or shop for local handicrafts and art work;               (B) 
Day 09 : PRAGUE - REGENSBURG, GERMANY - VILSHOFEN
After breakfast, drive from Prague through the pastoral countryside to Regensburg. After a tour of this medieval town continue on to 1200 year old Vilshofen. Tonight gather on board for a Gala Welcome Dinner. The ship will moored overnight in Vilshofen;                    (B-D) 
Day 10 : VILSHOFEN - PASSAU
This morning relax onboard or explore Vilshofen’s beautiful old town, which is located directly on the banks of the Danube and the Vils. From the river the old town gives the impression of a floating peninsula. In the background above the town the imposing double-towers of the Benedictine Abbey Schweiklberg is dominating the scenery. During lunch you will cruise to Passau, where this afternoon enjoy your walking tour through this 2,000-year-old fairy tale city. Due to its unique position on the Danube, Passau has been given the nickname, “Venice on the Danube.?For those that wish, join an optional tour to Munich. Departing in midmorning from Vilshofen you will drive to Munich arriving in time for lunch at the Hofbrauhaus. In the afternoon you will enjoy a walking tour of the historic city center, seeing its famous Town Hall with glockenspiel, located in Marienplatz and see Frauenkirche and “devils footprint?before rejoining the ship in Passau.             (B-L-D) 
Day 11: LINZ, AUSTRIA - GMUNDEN
This morning the ship arrives in Linz, the second largest city in Austria. This morning you will tour this historic city, before returning to the ship for lunch onboard. This afternoon we visit the “Salzkammergut?The UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Austrian Lake District, and the town of Gmunden, on the beautiful “Traunsee?Lake Traun. Here there is time to visit the picturesque Ort Castle with its beautiful details, Renaissance frescos and triangular inner courtyard, or enjoy a scenic cruise across the lake. For the more adventurous, you can take a cable car ride up Grünberg mountain for spectacular views over the lake. For those passengers not wishing to visit the lake district, you can join an excursion to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov. This is a wonderfully preserved medieval town, nestled in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border.                (B-L-D) 
Day 12 : PASSAU -  MELK KREMS (DUERNSTEIN)
During a guided sightseeing tour you will see the Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, the Ringstrasse, St. Stephen's Cathedral. Enjoy a free afternoon to stroll along the main shopping street, Kärntnerstrasse, or sample some of Vienna's famous pastries. Tonight, explore the vibrant Austrian capital on your own, or join an optional evening Mozart and Strauss concert. The ship moors overnight.                  (B-L-D) 
Day 13 : VIENNA 
During a guided sightseeing tour you will see the Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, the Ringstrasse, St. Stephen's Cathedral. Enjoy a free afternoon to stroll along the main shopping street, Kärntnerstrasse, or sample some of Vienna's famous pastries. Tonight, explore the vibrant Austrian capital on your own, or join an optional evening Mozart and Strauss concert. The ship moors overnight.           (B-L-D)
Day 14 : BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
This afternoon, enjoy a scenic cruise to Bratislava followed by a walking tour, which reveals the city's major sights, including the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral. The remainder of the day is free to shop or explore on your own. Tonight, there is an evening music performance onboard.   (B-L-D) 
Day 15 : BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Morning sightseeing includes historic Buda Castle, from where you have a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the river. Your tour also features 500-year old Matthias Church, St. Stephen’s Basilica, distinctive Fisherman’s Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace and much more. Your afternoon is free to explore on your own. Tonight gather on board for a Gala Farewell Dinner with gypsy violins;        (B-L-D) 
Day 16: DEPART BUDAPEST
Bid farewell to Europe and transfer to the airport for your return flight home.Your fascinating cruise comes to an end as you transfer to the airport your onward flight. Extra nights are available if you wish to extend your stay in Europe.                (B,in-flight meals)
 (B - breakfast, L - lunch, D - dinner)
INCLUDED IN THE TOUR
  • All hotel accommodation in Berlin, Dresden & Prague including daily buffet breakfast 
  • All ground transportation from Berlin to Prague to to ship by private deluxe motor-coach 
  • Seven nights deluxe cruise accommodation in outside cabin with hotel-style beds 
  • Superb dining with all meals included on cruise. One seating with open seating arrangements 
  • Quality wines with dinner on the cruise 
  • Cocktail Reception and Welcome Dinner 
  • Captain’s Gala Dinner 
  • Sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary 
  • Special highlights including folklore performances, lectures, theme dinners, local festivities and on board music performances 
  • Services of a professional Cruise Manager throughout your cruise
  • Nightly piano music on board 
  • On board amenities including fitness center, physician (Symphony only), beauty salon, massage, souvenir shop and Club Lounge 
  • All English language on board in a non-smoking environment (smoking only on the Sun Deck)
  • All local taxes 

  •  
NOT INCLUDED
  • Gratuities for guides & cruise personnel
  • Transatlantic air-fare (can be arranged by UET from any US city)
  • Items of personal nature & items not listed in the itinerary
  • Optional travel insurance
  • Port charges USD 133

TOUR PRICE & DEPARTURE DATE:

 
16 DAYS PROGRAM PRICE INCLUDES A 7 DAYS DANUBE CRUISE IN E-CATEGORY CABINS;  FROM OCT 24 - NOV 08, 2010:        $ 3,500.00
Single Supplement: $ 1,785  prices are effective as of Feb. 01, 2010 
 
CABIN UPGRADES PER PERSON
  AMALYRA
Cat E Base Price
Cat D + $ 169
Cat C + $ 499
Cat B + $ 699
Cat A + $ 799
Jr. Suite + $ 1,699
Round-trip airfares are available from all US - cities. Please contact UET for more information and prices.
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The   MS AMALYRA operate for the English speaking market only and offer a long list of amenities, which no other river cruise ship in Europe can match. Please note that group size is limited