You will be met at Prague International airport and transferred* to your centrally located hotel. This Bohemian metropolitan city situated on the banks of the River Vltava offers a blend of both old and new world’s which is sure to entice your appetite. Meet up this evening over a welcome drink with your fellow travellers and Tour Director.
Three Night Special Stay: Prague
This morning we will discover one of the truly magical cities of Europe - Prague. With our local guide we will walk around Hradcany Castle, visit St Vitus Church and the Mala Strana and walk across the Charles Bridge. One of the most familiar sights in Prague, the Charles Bridge was commissioned in 1357 by Charles IV after the Judith Bridge was destroyed by floods and provides the connection between the Old Town and Little Quarter. We then explore the Old Town Square, see the monument to the Protestant Reformer Jan Huss and witness the Astronomical clock strike the hour. With so much to offer enjoy free time this afternoon to explore this bustling city at leisure. Perhaps treat yourself to a coffee and pastry in one of Prague’s famous coffee houses or simply marvel at the diverse range of architectural designs featured throughout the city, highly recognised for its red roofed buildings. This evening we enjoy a welcome dinner of hearty Czech cuisine.
SCENIC FREECHOICE choose from: (1) a bohemian glass tour to learn more about the customs of the world famous glassware. Rückl crystal is linked to a 300 year long tradition in glass making as a family and today manufactures an extensive range of cut 24% leaded crystal in a wide variety of decorations; or (2) a walking tour of Prague’s Communist era buildings and events. Step back in time to 1948 and re-live the history of these dark controlling years; or (3) a visit to the 13th century Gothic-style Jewish synagogue and its amazing cemetery. Built around 1270 this is the oldest synagogue in Europe. The cemetery has over 12,000 headstones dating back to 1478.
We depart Prague for Dresden, perhaps the greenest city in Germany. Dresden has a long history as the capital and royal residence for the Electors and Kings of Saxony, who for centuries furnished the city with cultural and artistic splendour. On our tour we see the Frauenkirche, the Castle of the Electors of Saxony, the Semper Opera House and visit the courtyards of the Zwinger. We continue our journey through the Spreewald forest to Germany’s capital, Berlin our home for the next two nights.
Two Night Special Stay: Berlin
This morning we journey to Potsdam, former residence of the Prussian Kings until 1918, SCENICENRICH where our local expert historian on Potsdam shares his knowledge of the town and its history as we visit the Cecilienhof where the Potsdam Treaty was signed in 1945. After free time in Potsdam we return back to Berlin. Berlin has undergone an exciting transformation since reunification in 1989. SCENICENRICH We have arranged special entry to explore the renovated parliamentary building that was controversially set on fire in 1933. After our tour, we’ll enjoy coffee and cake whilst under the famous glass dome. This afternoon visit the Brandenburg Gate, State Opera House, Alexander Platz, drive ‘Unter den Linden’ and visit the former Checkpoint Charlie. Checkpoint Charlie was once the notorious border crossing between the Soviet and American sectors, and witness to a number of dramatic events during the cold war.
This morning we are taken to the main train station for our journey to Warsaw aboard our first class rail carriage. Time en-route to relax and watch the rural scenery change from the evergreen forests and rolling hills of Germany to the broad agricultural farmland of western Poland. We arrive this evening into Warsaw. Poland’s cultural, entertainment and financial capital was believed to be founded in the late 13th Century, when the Duke Boleshaw built a castle here overlooking the Vistula river.
Two Night Stay: Warsaw
Warsaw was largely destroyed in World War II, however the historic centre has been rebuilt and has attained UNESCO World Heritage status. We visit the Jewish Ghetto with a local guide this morning for a striking reminder of the suffering endured in WWII. We see the monument to the Ghetto heroes, the Palace of Culture and the Chopin Memorial. SCENIC FREECHOICE choose from: (1) an excursion to Wilanow Palace - known as Poland’s Versailles; or (2) a magical tour exploring the mythical founders of Warsaw. SCENICENRICH This evening an exclusive piano concert of Chopin music in Lazienki Palace, stunningly located on an island in a lake, is followed by dinner in one of Warsaw’s finest establishments.
We travel to Czestochowa and admire the portrait of the ‘Black Madonna’, said to have been painted by St Luke and located in the beautiful 14th century Jasna Gora Paulite Monastery. We continue to Auschwitz and visit the former concentration camp and its museum, for chilling reminders of the Holocaust in World War II. Early this evening we arrive in the city of Krakow. Poland’s former capital for nearly six centuries and largest city was one of the few Polish cities scarcely damaged in World War II allowing us to enjoy it in original glory.
Two Night Stay: Krakow
Sightseeing of this UNESCO World Heritage site includes a guided walking tour of the old town where we visit St. Mary’s Church, the Cloth Hall, the cathedral and castle on Wawel Hill. This afternoon we visit the nearby 800 year old Wieliczka Salt Mines. Our tour includes statues of historic and mythical figures, all sculpted by miners out of rock salt. This evening we will soak up the atmosphere of a Polish folklore show with dinner.
After breakfast we depart Krakow and cross the border into Slovakia, passing the 13th century Castle of Oravsky Hrad en-route to the Hungarian capital of Budapest. Be impressed by this majestic city on the banks of the mighty Danube with its powerful Parliament building and towering castle overlooking the hill. Witness by night the transformation of the city as it illuminates under the night sky. This afternoon, a warm welcome awaits you from your crew as you board your luxury Scenic Tours “Space-Ship”.
Your morning tour will visit both Buda and Pest, linked by the famous Chain Bridge. Visit Heroe’s Square, Matthias Church, the Fisherman’s Bastion and the medieval town on Castle Hill. In the afternoon enjoy free time to explore more of this fascinating city on your own or shop for local crafts.
Sit back and relax as you watch the world cruise by. Today enjoy a day of cruising on the Danube onboard your Scenic Space Ship as we sail through Hungary, Slovakia and Austria before arriving in the grand city of Vienna. SCENICENRICH This evening enjoy a glass of Austrian Sekt at the majestic Palais Liechtenstein, followed by a private Viennese concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart.
This morning we explore the famous sights of Vienna, including the Ringstrasse and the Hofburg Palace. SCENIC FREECHOICE (1) a guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace; (2) visit the Opera House before enjoying coffee and cake in a famous coffee house: or (3) a guided excursion to the Slovakian capital of Bratislava. This afternoon your Cruise Director is on hand to enhance your experience and help you make the most of your time in this history steeped Austrian capital
This morning we awake in the picturesque town of Durnstein. The town is nestled below the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after the crusades in the 12th century. Enjoy leisure time to discover this treasure on your own. Back on board your cruise, sail through the spectacular wine region of the Wachau Valley to the town of Melk. Discover the magnificent Benedictine Abbey where SCENICENRICH during your visit inside the Abbey an exclusive short organ recital has been arranged.
Today you’ll have the choice of some great experiences. Today SCENIC FREECHOICE choose from: (1) a guided tour of Passau; or (2) visit Salzburg, setting for ‘The Sound of Music’ and birthplace of Mozart; or (3) a full day excursion to the beautiful medieval town of Cesky Krumlov.
Dating back to settlement in 500 B.C., Regensburg is one of Germany’s finest preserved cities. Your guided walking tour visits the Old Chapel and the Thurn und Taxis Castle and includes the medieval stone bridge across the Danube which is a wonderful place to view the cityscape of red roofs, churches, towers, turrets and townhouses from the 12th to 14th centuries.
Today, explore this lively 950 year old city with its medieval feel. Commence with a guided orientation tour including the old town. You’ll see the Justice Palace and Imperial Castle rising above the old quarter enclosed by thick walls punctuated with 80 towers. We dedicate time to the history of WWII with a visit to the Documentation Centre or you may wish to stay in the centre of town to enjoy free time to perhaps shop for traditional handicrafts, toys and metal work.
Explore this UNESCO World Heritage city with your guide and see some of the 2,400 listed buildings. The centre of town is the largest preserved old quarter in Europe. Admire hundreds of richly decorated and ornamented building facades including the iconic Old Town Hall, built in the middle of the Regnitz River. SCENICENRICH Enjoy an exclusive beer tasting at the Zehnthaus, a private brewery established in 1533.
SCENIC FREECHOICE Today choose from: (1) a guided walking tour of Würzburg and the magnificent Prince Bishop’s Residenz Palace; or (2) a Romantic Road excursion to Rothenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site considered to be the best preserved medieval city in Europe.
Known for its glassworks, Franconian wine and friendly people, enjoy time today exploring this quaint medieval village with its half-timbered houses and cobble stoned streets.
We continue our journey to Rüdesheim where we board the ‘Winzerexpress’ mini train for a guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Board a cable car for the trip to the 125-foot Niederwald Monument, overlooking the river. Cruise this afternoon through the spectacular Rhine Gorge with its stunning castles and vine-covered slopes. Pass the infamous Lorelei Rock where sailors are said to have been lured to their doom by enchanted temptresses. The ship overnights tonight in Coblenz.
Sail through breathtaking scenery en-route to Cologne where your guide awaits you. Explore the Old Town with its beautiful squares and historical monuments. Perhaps sample the region’s most famous beer, ‘Kölsch’ or explore inside the imposing Cologne cathedral.
This afternoon you will arrive in Amsterdam, a fascinating and compact city of picturesque canals, world-class museums and cafés. SCENIC FREECHOICE Today choose from: (1) a sightseeing canal cruise; (2) a guided bicycle tour of Amsterdam (limited availability); or (3) a visit to the windmills at Zaanse Schans.
After breakfast, you will be transferred* to the airport for your flight and the end of an unforgettable journey. *Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.
Brochure: DS/ERC/AUD1011
Tour code: EESC.1