EASTERN EUROPEAN WINTER SPLENDOR (XV) / 2009

9 days incl. travel, or 8 days from Munich to Munich

Itinerary

DAY 1

(Sat.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

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DAY 2Arrive in Munich, Germany

(Sun.) Time to rest or to start exploring the Bavarian capital. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (Dinner)

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DAY 3Munich–Prague, Czech Republic

(Mon.) An orientation tour of Germany’s “Secret Capital” features the Olympic Stadium, 1,000-foot-high Television Tower, 17th-century Nymphenburg Palace, and MARIENPLATZ in the historic heart of the city. Later, head for the Czech border in the Bohemian Forest and travel to Prague, the “Golden City.” How about an optional Czech folklore show tonight? (Breakfast, Dinner)

Nymphenburg Palace in Munich was the summer residence of the rulers of Bavaria View Marienplatz in Munich, Germany Czech capital of Prague 
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DAY 4Prague

(Tue.) Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive capitals. Visit the HRADCANY CASTLE GROUNDS and ST. VITUS CATHEDRAL, and see the Old Town, the Jewish ghetto, and the ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK, once the envy of all Europe. Afternoon at leisure. This evening you may wish to join an optional dinner outing. (Breakfast)

St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague contains the tombs of many Bohemian kings The historic Astronomical Clock in Prague has been operating for over six centuries Czech capital of Prague 
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DAY 5Prague–Bratislava, Slovakia–Budapest, Hungary

(Wed.) Into Moravia, where Napoleon established his headquarters during the Battle of Austerlitz. Stop for a short visit in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. Then, follow the course of the Danube River to Budapest. Tonight, a delectable optional Hungarian specialty dinner can be arranged. (Breakfast)

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Budapest

Budapest


"A few hours in Hungary’s culturally-rich capital, and you’ll understand how it came to be known as the “Paris of the East.” A day or two of soaking in Budapest’s complex history, intricate artwork and ornate architecture, and you’ll be ready for a relaxing evening with the Danube’s calm waters as your backdrop. If your plans leave you with a bit of daylight, take time for a stroll around picturesque Margaret Island, Budapest’s answer to Central Park. Then head to dine and wine on one of the many first class restaurants tucked away in ships docked along the shores of the Danube. As the sunlight begins to fade, set your sights on the medieval Fisherman’s Bastion for an awe-inspiring view of the city. Budapest’s bridges and historic buildings, adorned with sparkling lights, create a breathtaking reflection in the river’s still waters."
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DAY 6Budapest–Vienna, Austria

(Thu.) Your Local Guide takes you through Eastern Europe’s most cosmopolitan city. See the elegant Andrassy Avenue, the Thermal Baths, and the world’s second-largest Jewish synagogue. From the lacy lookout towers of Fishermen’s Bastion, enjoy a panoramic view of the sprawling city. Then, visit the 13th-century ST. MATTHIAS CORONATION CHURCH and Heroes’ Square. In the afternoon, drive through the Hungarian plains to Vienna, once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire. (Breakfast)

The Vienna City Hall 
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DAY 7Vienna, Austria

(Fri.) Start your morning sightseeing with a Local Guide and vistas of Prater Park with its giant Ferris wheel, and the United Nations City on the banks of the Danube River. Then, drive along Ring Boulevard, pass the State Opera House, the Jewish Quarter, and stop at the Hofburg Palace, winter residence of the Austrian Imperial family. Marvel at the impressive courtyards and famous Heldenplatz, and visit awesome ST. STEPHEN’S CATHEDRAL. Optional excursions to historic Schönbrunn Palace and to the wine village of Grinzing are available. (Breakfast)

View the Romanesque and Gothic architecture of St. Stephen’s Cathedral Visit Vienna 
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DAY 8Vienna–Salzburg–Munich

(Sat.) Follow the Danube River and pass the Sound of Music lakeland to Salzburg. A pleasant stroll with a Local Guide takes you through the historical center. Admire exquisite MIRABELL GARDENS, the Great Festival Hall, ST. PETER’S CHURCHYARD, and the monumental Domplatz. Also visit MOZART’S BIRTHPLACE in the charming Getreidegasse. A comfortable drive brings you back to Munich. Tonight, why not join an optional farewell dinner and a stein of beer at the Hofbräuhaus? (Breakfast)

Visit the world famous Mirabell Gardens The Hohensalzburg Fortress is the largest fully preserved fortress in Europe Shop along the cobbled Getreidegasse Street in downtown Salzburg 
"Munich, Germany

"Munich, Germany's Secret Capital"


"Munich is the only German metropolis that seems to have everything – wealth, beauty, prominence, fame. Some even call it Germany’s “secret capital.” Unlike Berlin, which some dub “architecturally challenged,” Munich bursts with historical buildings reconstructed after the devastation of World War II. Its grand Residenz, the former home of Bavarian kings, dominates the city center, which also boasts the flamboyant, gilded Cuvillié Theater. Nearby, the neo-gothic Neues Rathaus gives a medieval touch to the Marienplatz, the heart of Munich. "
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DAY 9

(Sun.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (Breakfast)

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