Old World Prague & the Blue Danube 2017 13-Day River Cruise Tour
Extend your trip
Pre-Trips Berlin & Dresden, Germany OR Highlights of Poland: Warsaw & Krakow
Your Day-to-Day Itinerary Grand Circle Cruise Line
Grand Circle Cruise Line is the leader in small ship and river cruising worldwide—offering American travelers a 4-star experience at a 3-star price aboard our privately owned and chartered fleet of 24- to 162-passenger ships. With each Small Ship Adventure or River Cruise vacation, you’ll enjoy unmatched discoveries, leisurely pacing, and more travel choices. Plus, Grand Circle Cruise Line is the only cruise line with expert, local Program Directors who ac- company you throughout your trip, enhancing your exploration with the kind of insight and passion that only a local can provide.
Included in Your Price
»» International airfare, airport transfers, »» All port charges: a value of $125 per government taxes, fees, and airline fuel person surcharges, unless you choose to make »» Baggage handling for 1 piece of luggage your own air arrangements per person, including tips »» Accommodations for 8 nights aboard a »» 5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward private river ship with wireless Internet your next Grand Circle trip—an average access now in all common areas and of $269 cabins, and 3 nights in Corinthia Hotel Prague or similar
»» 28 meals: Daily breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners—including 3 meals in local restaurants—plus all onboard house beer & wine, as well as soft drinks
»» 8 included tours with personal headsets and 3 exclusive Discovery Series events—Apfelstrudel baking demonstration • School visit • Home- Hosted Visit
»» Local Program Directors, a Grand Circle Cruise Line exclusive: These dedicated experts are with you (and no more than 47 travelers) every step of the way to provide insider’s knowledge and the perspective that will enrich your experience
»» Gratuities for local guides and motorcoach drivers
Itinerary subject to change. For information or reservations, call toll-free 1-800-221-2610. What This Trip is Like
Pacing »» March and November weather can be »» 12 days, with 8 nights aboard a private unpredictable and change quickly river ship and 1 three-night hotel stay
»» Return flights often require departing in early morning hours
»» Air travel time will be 9-18 hours and will have at least one connection.
Physical Requirements »» Walk 1-3 miles unassisted and participate in 2-3 hours of physical activities each day, including stairs
»» Not accessible for travelers using wheelchairs or scooters
»» Travelers using walkers, crutches, or other mobility aids must travel with a companion who can assist them
»» We reserve the right for Program Directors to restrict participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their limitations impact the group’s experience
Terrain & Transportation »» Diverse terrain and uneven walking surfaces, including steep paths, hills, riverbanks, 25-50 stairs without handrails, and cobblestones
»» Travel by 140- to 162-passenger river ship and 49-seat coach
»» Changes in water-level depths may require adjustments to your itinerary
Climate »» Daytime temperatures range from 58- 82°F during cruising season
»» June-August are the warmest months
Itinerary subject to change. For information or reservations, call toll-free 1-800-221-2610. Old World Prague & the Blue Danube 2017
Extend your trip
Pre-Trips Berlin & Dresden, Germany OR Highlights of Poland: Warsaw & Krakow
Post-Trip Budapest, Hungary
Follow in the footsteps of the Habsburgs on an enhanced Danube River Cruise Tour that celebrates not only the iconic ports of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, but also some of central Europe’s most stunning river valleys. Explore the storied capital cities of Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, and Prague on this comprehensive four-country journey—experience a slice of daily life in Slovakia ... sip Austria’s famed Wachau Valley wines and visit Mauthausen, one of the first large-scale Nazi concentration camps, during two NEW discoveries ... behold the storybook delights of Cesky Krumlov ... and cruise the legend- ary Danube in comfort aboard an award-winning river ship. Experience it all—from the impressive landscapes to local flavors—for less. In fact, we’ve reduced prices up to $500 per person on most 2017 departures.
Itinerary subject to change. For information or reservations, call toll-free 1-800-221-2610. Detailed Itinerary
Your Grand Circle Program Director
During your exclusive Grand Circle vacation, you’ll have reliable assistance available at all times from an on-site Grand Circle Cruise Line Program Director. Your Program Director is fluent in English and can give you an inside perspective on your destinations. He or she is sup- ported along the way by local tour guides, who guide you expertly through particular sites and cities.
Many Grand Circle Program Directors are graduates of professional education programs for travel guides. In addition, they receive specialized training directly from Grand Circle, training that is based on what we’ve learned from thousands of past travelers about how to make the trip most enjoyable. Your Program Director offers both a deep knowledge of the region and a commitment to make this a very pleasant, informative, and rewarding travel experience for you.
Your Program Director will provide sightseeing trips, handle all travel details, reserve optional tours you choose to take, oversee your Discovery Series events, and provide any other as- sistance you may need. You will be in the company of a Program Director throughout your vacation.
DAY 1 Depart U.S. Director will advise you of your check-in Depart today for your flight to Prague, Czech status and activity schedule for the day when Republic. you arrive. You have the balance of the day to relax after DAY 2 Prague, Czech Republic your overseas flight. You may want to join your Program Director for an orientation Arriving in Prague, you’ll be met at the walk to get better acquainted with the area airport by a Grand Circle representative and around your hotel. Celebrate your arrival transferred to your hotel. Depending on your in Prague and beginning of your Danube arrival time and hotel check-in policy, you River Cruise Tour with a Welcome Drink may not be able to check into your hotel and a short orientation briefing, and get immediately upon arrival. Your Program acquainted with your traveling companions and your Program Director. This evening, enjoy dinner on your own.
Itinerary subject to change. For information or reservations, call toll-free 1-800-221-2610. DAY 3 Prague • Welcome Dinner galleries, gardens, and the bustling Castle After breakfast, set out to explore Prague. District surrounding it. The day is then yours During the reign of Charles IV, King of to explore this beautiful city. Bohemia and Moravia, Prague was the seat This evening, you can choose to attend an of the Holy Roman Empire. Later, it was the optional folk show, which includes dinner. vital center of the Habsburgs. While other European capitals were leveled during World Breakfast War II, Prague survived virtually intact.
Visit Stare Mesto, the Old Town, with its DAY 5 Prague • Cesky many wonderful Gothic and Baroque build- Krumlov • Linz, Austria ings, and see the famous 15th-century After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to Astronomical Clock at the Old Town Hall. Linz, Austria. Along the way, and prior to Every hour, crowds assemble below to watch crossing the border into Austria, enjoy a Christ and the twelve Apostles appear at two walking tour of Cesky Krumlov—a medieval little windows above the clock face, followed town and UNESCO World Heritage Site—fol- by the skeleton of Death tolling the bell. lowed by an included lunch at a local Stroll across the city’s famed Charles Bridge, restaurant. a 15th-century structure spanning the Vltava River that functions as a makeshift Embark your ship in Linz late this afternoon. performance and gallery space for musicians, Then, gather to mingle with your fellow artists, dancers, and more. travelers. Throughout your Central European River Cruise, you’ll be invited to nightly Port The rest of the day is yours in Prague to Talks, during which your Program Director spend as you please. This evening, gather will describe the approaching port area and with you fellow travelers at a local restaurant town prior to arrival so you can prepare for for a Welcome Dinner. the next day’s tour, and so you’ll be able to Breakfast, Dinner make the best use of your free time at the next day’s port of call.
DAY 4 Prague • Optional After this evening’s Port Talk, enjoy the Folk Show & Dinner Captain’s Welcome Dinner. As it was during the zenith of the Bohemian Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner kingdom, Prague still ranks as the thriving center of the country, with an artistic com- munity reminiscent of Paris in the 1920s. DAY 6 Linz • Mauthausen It boasts one of Europe’s most notable Wake up this morning in Linz, the capital Jewish quarters, world-class museums and of Upper Austria (one of the country’s nine cathedrals, architectural masterpieces that states) that bestrides the Danube. Disembark span a thousand years—and mighty Prague after breakfast to discoverer the city, fol- Castle. Perched regally over the Vltava River lowed by a bit of free time to further explore and offering stunning views of the city, on your own. Prague Castle is more than 1,000 years old and features residential quarters, chapels,
Itinerary subject to change. For information or reservations, call toll-free 1-800-221-2610. This afternoon, visit the Mauthausen con- well-known Imperial Palace, home to many centration camp with a local guide. generations of the Habsburg family, and the renowned Spanish Riding School. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner You’ll have time to pursue your own inter- ests before and after lunch at a local restau- DAY 7 Wachau Valley • Krems rant. You may want to head to the old Jewish Cruising along one of the most beautiful Quarter to see the only Viennese synagogue parts of the Danube—the Wachau Valley— to have survived the 1938 Kristallnacht. Or this morning on your way to Krems, taking perhaps explore Austria’s capital aboard a in the stunning landscape of sculpted hills fiaker. These horse-drawn carriages have and medieval towns built along the river that been in business since the 17th century, and comprise this UNESCO World Heritage Site. drivers are happy to show you the sights and delight you with Viennese anecdotes. Arrive in Krems this afternoon. After lunch, You’ll also find out for yourself whether or discover Krems an der Donau—a large, not it’s true that drivers whistle strains of charming town set at the confluence of Mozart’s beloved Magic Flute as they conduct the Krems and Danbue rivers—on a walk- passengers through the city. ing tour. Then, get an introduction to the region’s established wine heritage at Winzer After an early dinner onboard, enjoy an Krems, a famed local producer where you’ll evening at leisure. Or, join an optional also enjoy a tasting. excursion to one of Vienna’s famed concert halls to attend an enchanting performance of Tonight, begin cruising to Vienna. the classical Austrian music of Strauss and Mozart. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 8 Vienna • Optional Musical Vienna tour DAY 9 Vienna • Optional Schoenbrunn Explore Vienna, Austria, this morning, Palace tour • Apfelstrudel starting at the Ringstrasse—Vienna’s grand baking demonstration main boulevard—one of the many achieve- This morning, explore more of Vienna at ments of the Emperor Franz Joseph. In 1857, your leisure. Or, join us for an optional tour the Emperor ordered the demolition of the of the expansive summer estate of Habsburg ancient city walls, which were no longer royalty, Schoenbrunn Palace (whose name needed as fortifications and were impeding means “beautiful spring”). Featuring 1,400 the growth of the city. In their place was rooms, meticulously maintained gardens, constructed an elegant 2.5 mile-long boule- and an architectural legacy that stretches vard, encircling the city center. The buildings back to the 17th century, the palace is now that line the Ringstrasse bring together all the a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your visit greatest architectural styles in an exuber- includes a tour of palace highlights and free ant celebration of all that seemed possible time to spend exploring the palace’s stun- during the Industrial Revolution. Continue ning park and gardens. on along the city sidewalks, passing by the
Itinerary subject to change. For information or reservations, call toll-free 1-800-221-2610. As we sail this afternoon, you’ll learn the Habsburg Queen, Maria Theresa, and other secrets of Apfelstrudel during an exclusive aristocrats whose lovely houses cluster at its Discovery Series shipboard baking demon- base. stration—and sample the delicious pastry Explore Old Town, the historic heart of hot from the oven! You are then invited to Bratislava, where you can witness the tour the ship’s galley to see where the chef beautiful St. Martin’s Cathedral, built in creates your wonderful meals. the 14th and 15th centuries. Stroll along the You’ll arrive in Bratislava this evening. pedestrian zone to Michael’s Gate with its Dinner tonight is onboard. 15th-century tower, offering excellent views of the city. You’ll also walk by the Old Town Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Hall and the neoclassical Primate’s Palace, built in the 1800s for the archbishop. In the Palace’s Hall of Mirrors, Napoleon and DAY 10 Bratislava, Slovakia • School the Austrian Emperor Francis I signed the visit • Home-Hosted Visit historic Peace of Pressburg after the battle of Arrive in Bratislava this morning, and take Austerlitz in 1805. part in an exclusive Discovery Series visit to a local school supported by the Grand Circle Enjoy time on your own in the city before Foundation. getting a taste of local life in Bratislava when you meet with family for a Home-Hosted Please note: The school visit is not possible on Visit complete with coffee and cake. weekends or during the summer and national holidays, when school is not in session. If the Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner school visit is not available, you will instead join a group of students for a roundtable discussion about life in today’s Slovakia during an alterna- DAY 11 Danube Bend • tive exclusive Discovery Series event. Budapest, Hungary Take in scenic views of the historic city of After lunch onboard set off on walking tour Esztergom, along with riverside views of the of Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava—the famous remarkable 16th-century basilica that stands Danube city with a picturesque setting at the near the banks of the Danube River, as you foot of the Little Carpathian Mountains. cruise to Budapest this morning. Once the capital of Hungary, the city has Arrive in Budapest, disembarking after lunch a history dating back to Celtic and Roman for a tour of Hungary’s lovely capital, situat- times—with the Slavs settling here in the ed on both sides of the magnificent Danube fifth century under their ruler, Bretislav. River. In Buda, on the western bank of the Under Hungarian rule, it was known as Danube, you’ll see Castle Hill, encircled by Pozsony, its German-speaking settlers called ramparts that protect the massive castle it Pressburg, and since 1918, it’s been called complex. Destroyed during World War II, the by its Slavic name: Bratislava. The cityscape palace has been restored, approximating its is dominated by its massive namesake original splendor, and it is now a vast mu- castle, which was a favorite residence of the seum complex, where remains of the original structure are displayed. Cross the Danube and see Heroes’ Square, with its Millennial
Itinerary subject to change. For information or reservations, call toll-free 1-800-221-2610. Column set off by equestrian statues of Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers for historic ninth-century Magyar conquerors. a special Captain’s Farewell Dinner. The adjoining colonnade displays more Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner statues of kings, dukes of Transylvania, and liberty fighters who influenced the history of Hungary. DAY 13 Budapest • Return to U.S. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Or, continue your discov- eries with our Budapest post-trip extension. DAY 12 Budapest • Optional Hospital in the Rock tour • Captain’s Farewell Dinner Breakfast Enjoy today at leisure to continue exploring Budapest. Perhaps you’ll visit the Church of Our Lady, formerly used for the coronations of Hungarian kings. Its popular name of Matthias is in recognition of the Renaissance king who ruled in the 15th century and whose heraldic sign—a raven—is displayed on one of the towers of the church. Dating back to the 13th century, the structure is an interesting mix of architectural styles used during reconstruction of the building at dif- ferent times in its history. Note that during the 150-year Turkish occupation of Hungary, the church served as Eski Djami (Old Mosque) for the Turks. Inside the church you can view art of Bertalan Szekely and Karoly Lotz, 19th-century Hungarian painters.
Or choose to join an optional tour to the Hospital in the Rock. Connected to under- ground caves below Castle Hill in Buda, this hospital that tended to scores of sick and wounded during World War II, and again during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. During the Cold War era, it was outfitted as a nuclear fallout shelter. Today, it is a museum, with wax figures in period cloth- ing and vintage medical equipment giving visitors a feel for the intensity of the work performed here.
Itinerary subject to change. For information or reservations, call toll-free 1-800-221-2610. Optional Tours
During your trip you will be able to book optional tours directly with us. We will ask you to confirm the payment for these tours by filling out a payment form and swiping your credit card at the ship’s front desk. Optional tours can only be purchased with a credit or debit card. We accept MasterCard and Visa on all trips, and Discover on all trips except river cruises in France. We also accept Visa and MasterCard debit cards, but it must be a debit card that allows you to sign for purchases.
In order to correctly process these charges, there can be a delay of 2-3 months from the date of your return for the charges to be posted to your account. Therefore we ask that you use a card that will not expire in the 2-3 months following your return.
Please note: Optional tour prices are listed in U.S. dollar estimates determined at the time of publication and are subject to change. Optional tours may vary.
Folk Show & Dinner back to the 17th century. Your tour of this (Day 4 $75 per person) UNESCO World Heritage Site includes a selection of palace highlights and free time Experience night of medieval Czech folklore, to spend exploring the palace’s stunning taking in a vibrant performance over dinner. park and gardens.
Musical Vienna Hospital in the Rock (Day 8 $90 per person) (Day 12 $55 per person) Vienna without music wouldn’t be Vienna. Below Castle Hill in Buda exists a network of So, you may want to join an optional underground caves, which were eventually evening excursion to one of Vienna’s concert mapped by engineers and connected to a halls, where you’ll enjoy a classical music hospital that tended to scores of sick and performance. You’ll be enchanted by the wounded during World War II, and again most beautiful melodies of classical Austrian during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. music of Strauss and Mozart. In the Cold War era, it was outfitted as a fallout shelter in case of potential nuclear Schoenbrunn Palace disasters. Today, the hospital is a museum, (Day 9 $75 per person) with wax figures in period clothing and vintage medical equipment giving visitors a The expansive summer estate of Habsburg feel for the intensity of the work performed royalty, Schoenbrunn Palace (whose name in this unique site. Your excursion includes means “beautiful spring”) features 1,400 a guided tour of the hospital and its exhibits, rooms, meticulously maintained gardens, and an architectural legacy that stretches
Itinerary subject to change. For information or reservations, call toll-free 1-800-221-2610. along with a scenic photo stop at the Gellert Hill Citadel.
Itinerary subject to change. For information or reservations, call toll-free 1-800-221-2610. Pre-trip Berlin & Dresden, Germany
Included in Your Price
»» Accommodations for 3 nights in Berlin »» All transfers and 2 nights in Dresden
»» 6 meals: Daily breakfasts and 1 lunch
»» Included tours: Wittenberg • Dresden • Pima
»» Dedicated services of a local Program Director
»» Gratuities for local guides and motorcoach drivers
Itinerary, Pre-Trip Extension
Discover two of Germany’s best-loved cities: Berlin, the imperial capital turned epicenter of the Third Reich whose eventual liberation affected us all, and Dresden, a city risen from the ashes of World War II to reclaim its place as an intellectual and cultural center.
DAY 1 Depart U.S. DAY 3 Berlin • Optional Potsdam tour Fly from one of several U.S. gateway cities to This morning, join an included tour of Berlin, Germany today. Berlin. The second-largest urban area in Europe, Berlin is an enormous city, but most of its most iconic sites are relatively close DAY 2 Berlin, Germany together. Divided at the end of World War Your Program Director will meet you at the II, blockaded by the Soviets during the Cold airport and transfer you to your hotel. After War, riven by a cruel grey wall, and finally a short orientation walk, your Program delivered by the sledgehammers of freedom Director will be happy to suggest a restau- fighters, Berlin is once again a united city. rant for dinner on your own. The city’s lakes and forests provide bucolic retreats in an urban setting, while its divided history has led to a truly unique collection
Itinerary subject to change. For information or reservations, call toll-free 1-800-221-2610. of architectural styles. If you find yourself Perhaps you’ll explore Museum Island, a in the old Soviet sector of the city, keep your UNESCO World Heritage Site conveniently eyes open for extant Ampelmannchen, the located near the city center. Or maybe you’d “little traffic light man” who adorned East like to explore Schloss Charlottenburg, the German traffic lights. The Reichstag, site largest remaining palace in Berlin. of the final defense of the Third Reich, was Lunch and dinner are on your own today. rebuilt after World War II and now features an enormous glass dome, emphasizing Breakfast the transparency and openness of the new Germany. Like so much of Berlin, the future and past are inextricably mixed. DAY 5 Berlin • Wittenberg • Dresden
Later on today, use your new-found knowl- Following breakfast, check out of your edge of Berlin to explore the city at your lei- hotel and board a bus for Dresden. Before sure. Perhaps you’ll explore Museum Island, noon, you’ll stop in Wittenburg and enjoy a UNESCO World Heritage Site conveniently a short orientation walk with your Program located near the city center. Or maybe you’d Director. This city is famous for its connec- like to explore Schloss Charlottenburg, the tion to Protestant leader Martin Luther, and largest remaining palace in the city. you will have free time to visit some of the city’s many historic churches and have lunch Or, join us this afternoon for an optional on your own. tour of nearby Potsdam, which includes dinner at a local restaurant. The residence A short two-hour drive through scenic for- of the Prussian kings until 1918, Potsdam ests and farmlands brings you to Dresden in is home to the Sanssouci, the former sum- the early afternoon. Your Program Director mer palace of Frederick the Great and a will lead you on a short vicinity walk after UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even larger checking you into your hotel. The rest of than the Sanssouci is the New Palace, built your afternoon is at leisure in Dresden. to celebrate the Prussian triumph over Dinner is on your own tonight. Austrian domination in the Seven Years’ Breakfast War. Potsdam played an important role in shaping the post-war world. Stalin, Truman, and Churchill met here to determine how DAY 6 Dresden to deal with a defeated Germany, and the Rise early this morning and enjoy a full city’s Glienicke Bridge became known as the breakfast. By mid-morning, you’re off to “Bridge of Spies” during the Cold War, as tour the city of Dresden by motorcoach. the superpowers used its midpoint as a place Situated in a broad floodplain, Dresden was to exchange captured agents. founded in the twelfth century by Slavs; Lunch and dinner are on your own today. only in the early 1300s was Dresden given to the Germanic Wettin dynasty. By the late Breakfast 1400s, Dresden was the seat of Saxon dukes, and a century later, the city was home to the prince-electors of the Holy Roman DAY 4 Berlin Empire. It was one of these prince-electors, Explore Berlin at your own pace today.
Itinerary subject to change. For information or reservations, call toll-free 1-800-221-2610. Augustus I, who first called the finest paint- incorporating the charred bricks of the ers, architects, and musicians from across original structure as a tribute to the past. Europe to Dresden in the late 16th century. Dresden stands as an eternal reminder of From that time onward, Dresden gained the folly of war and the indomitability of the a reputation as an open, tolerant city of human creative spirit. artists. The city was captured by Napoleon Explore Dresden on your own this afternoon during his march across Europe and played a and evening, perhaps enjoying Saxon cuisine significant role in the continent-wide social on your own for lunch and dinner. revolutions of 1848, but even during its time as the capital of Saxony, Dresden was never Breakfast heavily garrisoned. The city experienced exponential growth in the 19th century, seeing its population quadruple as a result of DAY 7 Dresden • Pirna • the Industrial Revolution. Many of these new Prague, Czech Republic residents were, again, artists from across This morning after breakfast onboard, Europe. These artists helped make Dresden a you’ll board a private motorcoach for your hub of modern art until 1933. transfer to Prague for your Old World Prague With the rise of the Nazis in Germany, art- & the Blue Danube River Cruise Tour. En ists and intellectuals began fleeing the newly route to Prague, you’ll stop for a walk in proclaimed Reich. Still, Dresden retained its Pirna, Germany and an included lunch in status as an artistic capital and was largely Litomerice, Czech Republic. defenseless when war broke out in 1939. Breakfast, Lunch Its location far from the front lines and the lack of heavy industry in the Dresden met- ropolitan area seemed to augur that Dresden would escape the worst wounds of the war. As the tide of the war turned inexorably against Hitler, hundreds of thousands of refugees streamed into Dresden; having escaped Allied bombing, Dresden was perceived as a safe zone. February 13, 1945 marked the beginning of one of the most controversial events in World War II: 1,300 Allied aircraft used incendiary bombs to burn Dresden to the ground. The city was utterly and completely destroyed, and thousands of civilians were killed. Kurt Vonnegut, himself a survivor of the air raids, chronicled these events in Slaughterhouse-Five.
Following the war, Dresden was rebuilt from the ground up. Today, the Frauenkirche, a church whose ruins stood as a stark remind- er of the war, has been totally reconstructed,
Itinerary subject to change. For information or reservations, call toll-free 1-800-221-2610. optional tours on Pre-trip
Potsdam (Day 3 $125 per person)
The residence of the Prussian kings until 1918, Potsdam is home to the Sanssouci, the former summer palace of Frederick the Great and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even larger than the Sanssouci is the New Palace, built to celebrate the Prussian triumph over Austrian domination in the Seven Years’ War. Potsdam played an important role in shaping the post-war world. Stalin, Truman, and Churchill met here to determine how to deal with a defeated Germany, and the city’s Glienicke Bridge became known as the “Bridge of Spies” during the Cold War, when the superpowers used its midpoint as a place to exchange captured agents. Following your tour of the city, you’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Itinerary subject to change. For information or reservations, call toll-free 1-800-221-2610. Pre-trip Highlights of Poland: Warsaw & Krakow
Included in Your Price
»» Accommodations for 3 nights in Krakow »» All transfers and 2 nights in Warsaw
»» 7 meals: Daily breakfasts and 2 lunches
»» Included tours: Krakow • Auschwitz • Czestochowa • Warsaw
»» Dedicated services of a local Program Director
»» Gratuities for local guides and motorcoach drivers
Itinerary, Pre-Trip Extension
Immerse yourself among the highlights of Poland, and discover all that Warsaw and Krakow have to offer. Explore the history and charm of Warsaw’s Old Town on an included city tour, discover Krakow’s rich architecture and culture with your expert Program Director at your side, and with your fellow travelers, pay a memorable—and moving—visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Auschwitz.
DAY 1 Depart U.S. DAY 3 Warsaw • Optional Chopin Fly to Warsaw, Poland today. Piano Recital with Dinner Explore the capital of Poland on today’s included city tour. Visit the reconstructed DAY 2 Warsaw, Poland Old Town and the Warsaw Ghetto Memorial Arriving in Warsaw today, you’ll be met in the Muranow quarter. at the airport and assisted to your hotel. Later, get acquainted with your Program After lunch on your own, enjoy the rest of Director—your guide throughout your the day at leisure. Or, this evening, take in entire vacation—and fellow travelers over a an optional piano recital, featuring the works Welcome Drink. of the famous Polish composer Frederic Chopin, followed by dinner.
Breakfast
Itinerary subject to change. For information or reservations, call toll-free 1-800-221-2610. DAY 4 Warsaw • Krakow DAY 7 Krakow • Prague, Czech Republic You’ll ride to Krakow via Czestochowa, After breakfast, transfer by motorcoach to stopping for an included tour of the 14th- Prague, enjoying an included lunch en route. century Jasna Gora Monastery, home of the Upon arrival, you’ll begin your Old World famous Black Madonna shrine. You’ll also Prague & the Blue Danube River Cruise Tour. enjoy an included lunch before continuing Breakfast, Lunch toward Krakow. Upon arrival at your hotel this afternoon, settle in and then stroll the neighborhood with your Program Director.
Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 5 Krakow • Optional Wieliczka Salt Mines tour Krakow is a showcase of seven centuries of architecture, as you’ll see during an included tour that spotlights the Wawel Royal Castle Hill, site of the cathedral where the former Cardinal Wojtyla (the late Pope John Paul II) once preached. Enjoy lunch on your own, followed by time at leisure.
Or join this afternoon’s optional tour, which descends 250 feet underground to visit the eleventh-century Wieliczka Salt Mines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with sculptures and chandeliers carved from salt.
Breakfast
DAY 6 Krakow • Auschwitz Today’s tour may be an emotional one, as you visit the former Nazi concentra- tion camp at Auschwitz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Grand Circle Foundation supports the expansion of the Auschwitz Education Center. Later, back in Krakow, enjoy time at leisure to unwind or explore more of the city before dinner on your own.
Breakfast
Itinerary subject to change. For information or reservations, call toll-free 1-800-221-2610. optional tours on Pre-trip
Chopin Piano Recital with Dinner (Day 3 $95 per person)
In the early evening, you can attend an optional Chopin piano recital, enjoying the music of Poland’s best-known and most beloved musician. The cost of this optional tour includes dinner.
Wieliczka Salt Mines (Day 5 $95 per person)
Join an afternoon optional tour to the Wieliczka Salt Mines—working mines that have been in operation for more than seven centuries, producing about 700 tons of pure salt per day. These fascinating mines are considered one of Europe’s great wonders and are protected by UNESCO as a his- toric monument. Here are more than 2,000 caverns of underground beauty on nine main levels—breathtaking chambers, galleries, and salt lakes. After exploring the mines, end the day with a typical Polish dinner in a local restaurant, accompanied by a sample of Zubrowka, the famous Polish vodka. The cost of this optional tour includes dinner.
Please note: The salt mine tour involves extensive walking inside caves that are not brightly lit. You’ll descend into the caves by stairs that may be slippery and return to ground level via elevator.
Itinerary subject to change. For information or reservations, call toll-free 1-800-221-2610. Post-trip Budapest, Hungary
Included in Your Price
»» Accommodations for 3 nights »» All transfers
»» Daily breakfasts
»» Included tours: Budapest • Hungarian Parliament exterior • Szentendre
»» Dedicated services of a local Program Director
»» Gratuities for local guides and motorcoach drivers
Itinerary, Post-Trip Extension
Budapest, the lively capital of Hungary, is both the political and cultural heart of the nation. Full of monuments to its past, it is also a place of contemporary arts and culture, cafes and restaurants, and museums and galleries—all enhanced by the presence of the mighty Danube.
DAY 1 Budapest, Hungary • Szentendre • As you stroll here, you can browse the art Optional Hungarian Culinary Experience and absorb the atmosphere of this pictur- esque town, some of whose streets consist of After breakfast onboard your ship, you dis- narrow steps climbing the hills. This is also embark and begin your Budapest extension. a fine place to shop for Hungarian arts and Join your Program Director for a visit to crafts if this suits your interests. the charming town of Szentendre. Set in a Lunch is on your own. You then board the painterly landscape, this village is twelve bus for the trip to your hotel. After checking miles north of Budapest, where the Danube in at your hotel, the rest of the afternoon River makes a sharp bend through the Pilis and evening is at leisure. You may want to and Borzsony hills. Artists have drawn inspi- ration from these surroundings for almost 200 years, and the town has many galleries.
Itinerary subject to change. For information or reservations, call toll-free 1-800-221-2610. wander through the city and view some of the local cuisine. Dinner is on your own the classic architectural treasures that lie off tonight, as well. Your Program Director will the beaten paths in Budapest. be happy to give you suggestions.
While Budapest flourished as a cultural and Breakfast commercial center in the latter part of the 1800s, the city greatly expanded the number of its buildings to meet the needs of its DAY 3 Budapest ever-growing populace. As you walk through Today, enjoy an included morning tour of the city, you’ll see that many of Budapest’s the Hungarian Parliament Building, the structures reflect two architectural styles— massive domed structure which dominates Historicism and the more predominant Budapest’s skyline on the banks of the Hungarian Art Nouveau. The variations of Danube. You’ll tour the various chambers this Art Nouveau embellished the facades of the building, including the inside of of buildings with decorative ceramic tiles the impressive dome hall, which features characteristic of Hungarian folk motifs. historic items from the coronation of King The cityscape has retained its Art Nouveau Stephen in the year 1000, as well as statues elegance throughout the 20th century and of other Hungarian monarchs. is now protected by its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List. After your tour, you’ll have the remainder of the day for independent exploration in Dinner is on your own tonight. Budapest, as well as lunch on your own. You can ask your Program Director for sugges- Or, join us for an optional Hungarian Culinary tions on where to dine on your own this Experience—an excursion to Borkapolna evening. Winechapel restaurant, for an evening of traditional food and wine. We’ll enjoy In early evening, join your traveling friends specialties of the region and sample the to share your trip memories over a Farewell best local vintages in a tasting that features Drink, before dining on your own in a few of the more than 1,000 Hungarian Budapest. wines available here. Dine in a vaulted cellar that served as an underground chapel dur- Breakfast ing the communist years. One wall is still adorned with a gilded fresco of St. Stephen, Hungary’s patron saint. DAY 4 Budapest • Return to U.S. After breakfast, you are transferred to the airport for your flight home. DAY 2 Budapest Set out with your Program Director to Breakfast discover more of Budapest via public transportation. After lunch on your own, you have the afternoon free to explore Budapest according to your own interests. You can browse museums and city shops today, and seek out an interesting restaurant to savor
Itinerary subject to change. For information or reservations, call toll-free 1-800-221-2610. optional tours on Post-trip
Hungarian Culinary Experience (Day 1 $90 per person)
Join an excursion to Borkapolna Winechapel restaurant for an evening of traditional food and wine. We’ll enjoy regional specialties and sample the best local vintages at a tasting that features a few of the more than 1,000 Hungarian wines available here. We’ll dine in a vaulted cellar that served as an underground chapel during the Communist years. One wall is still adorned with a gilded fresco of St. Stephen, Hungary’s patron saint.
Itinerary subject to change. For information or reservations, call toll-free 1-800-221-2610.