Thrilling Cities itinerary - Berlin to Budapest 2018 - Viking River cruise

Cruise Express

Australian owned and operated

Thrilling Cities Itinerary

DATE ITINERARY
25 AUG 2018 Fly from Australia to Berlin (see Fly to Europe for $995pp deal).
26 AUG 2018 Berlin – Upon arrival at Berlin airport transfer to your hotel.* After check-in, you have free time to get acquainted with the city, or join our “welcome walk” to stretch your legs and get oriented.
Overnight: Hilton Berlin (or similar)
27 AUG 2018

Berlin – Half-day tour – Witness Berlin’s resurgence as you tour the highlights, an intriguing blend of modern sophistication and sobering reminders of the past. You will meet your guide and travel along Berlin’s Unter den Linden, a lovely boulevarde lined with Linden trees. Cross the Spree River over the restored Schlossbrücke, or Palace Bridge, and see the Berlin Cathedral, a breathtaking neo-Renaissance masterwork. You will also stop at the East Side Gallery, a section of the Berlin Wall where 106 paintings by international artists are on display. Continue with a drive into the older part of Berlin, past the New Synagogue, an imposing Moorish Revival structure topped with ornately gilded domes. After time to admire the many historic buildings in this part of town, stop to see the Brandenburg Gate, an entry into the city through which Napoleon once marched. Conclude your excursion at Checkpoint Charlie, once the only crossing point between East and West Berlin.
Overnight: Hilton Berlin (or similar) (B)

28 AUG 2018

Berlin – Wittenberg – After breakfast, travel to Potsdam. Tour Sanssouci Palace, a perfect example of German rococo architecture, built by Prussian King Frederick the Great in the 18th century. Continue to Wörlitz Park, Germany’s first landscaped park with English-style gardens. Tour inside Wörlitz Castle, fashioned after an English country home, and stroll the grounds. Then, transfer to Wittenberg to embark Viking Beyla. (B,D)

29 AUG 2018

Wittenberg – Morning tour – Stroll in the footsteps of Martin Luther, founder of the Protestant Reformation, during a walking tour of his city. Wittenberg’s history centers around the courageous actions and teachings of Martin Luther, the Augustinian monk who nailed his “95 Theses” to the door of All Saints’ Church, the palace’s revered Castle Church. You will walk with your guide to this Late Gothic gem, which today hosts a Lutheran congregation. Luther preached here, and you’ll see the “Theses Doors” to which he attached the message that changed the world. After, continue to the Luther House Museum. The famous theologian lived here between 1508 and 1546, and the museum has preserved many of his manuscripts, printed books and paintings from the period. You can walk through his sitting room and his lecture room, which contains his pulpit. In the market square, you can admire the Town Hall and the statue of Luther.

Return to your ship and for our afternoon departure as we cruise along a very pretty stretch of the Elbe. Around dinnertime, the ship arrives in Torgau. (B,L,D)

30 AUG 2018

Meissen – Half-day tour – Visit the famous Meissen porcelain factory, where fine pieces are still made by hand despite the technology of today. En route to the factory in the nearby Triebisch Valley, you will see the Albrechtsburg Castle. Upon the introduction of porcelain by Johann Friedrich Böttger in 1709, August the Strong required that the innovator set up his factory in the imposing structure. Upon arrival at today’s factory, you will see firsthand how Meissen porcelain is made from china clay and potter’s earth and trademarked with the famous crossed swords. Even now, many of the lines and motifs in the pieces have their origin in the baroque and rococo styles that were popular when “white gold” was first created. Later, you will enjoy a walking tour past the beautiful Meissen castle built in the 15th century. You will have free time in the market square to explore on your own.

Your ship remains docked overnight. (B, L, D)

31 AUG 2018

Dresden – After breakfast, disembark in Dresden, nicknamed “Florence on the Elbe.” Drive through the 19th-century residential area to the Dresden Castle complex; enter the Green Vault to see a comprehensive collection that houses what many claim is the world’s largest collection of treasures, including priceless jewels and emeralds. Continue on foot to see Zwinger Palace, Semper Opera House and the Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Lady) with its distinctive bell-shaped dome that survived World War II bombings but collapsed the following day, later then being rebuilt.

Alternatively, enjoy more of Dresden on an optional tour. Select a full day excursion and visit Dresden’s baroque castles, sweeping wine estates and opulent palace – once home to royal and lavish banquets. Alternatively, you can visit car manufacturing giant Volkswagen, and gain Working World insight during a tour of their state-of-the-art-facility.

Dinner is served aboard your ship. Afterward, feel free to enjoy Dresden’s many charms and attractions as we remain docked until early morning. (B, L, D)

1 SEP 2018

Saxon – This morning, cruise through the magnificent, soaring rock formations of the Saxon Switzerland region, then dock at the spa town of Bad Schandau. From here we make our way to the famous rock tower known as the Bastei (bastion), formed by water a million years ago, here you will enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Elbe. Return aboard for dinner and evening cruising. (B, L, D)

See the graceful path of the Elbe from the most dramatic lookout point. Journey with your guide to the breathtaking Bastei. These towering rocks soar above the river like jagged teeth and offer sweeping vistas from the footbridge that connects them. These massive walls once formed a natural defence around the adjacent rock castle of Neurathen, hence their name Bastei, meaning “Bastion.” The bridge that you will cross to reach the castle’s remains was originally built of wood in 1824 and was replaced with a sandstone structure just 27 years later. It spans 250 feet and boasts seven arches. Throughout your visit, you will see evidence of Germany’s pride on the grounds of this natural wonder: rock tablets commemorate the first mention of Bastei by a travel writer in 1797, the first landscape photographs taken in 1853 and the first pioneers of tourism who introduced the world to this wondrous sight.

2 SEP 2018 Děčín to Prague – After breakfast, disembark Biking Beyla and transfer to Prague. Upon arrival visit the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its main square was a major crossroads on 12th-century trade routes, and so it was the focal point of the city’s early development. Today, it is a repository of Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic splendor. Among the buildings you will see are the Týn Church and the 15th-century Astronomical Clock, which comes alive every hour with its “Walk of the Apostles.” Continue to Prague Castle. Within this massive complex, visit the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral where the good St. Wenceslas is entombed behind polished emeralds and stones. You will also see the grand castle itself, the residence of the Czech president and the powerful seat of Bohemian kings and Holy Roman emperors of old. After a guided walk through Old Town, take some free time to explore on your own. Then ride to visit Hradčany Castle. Return to the hotel for check-in.
Overnight: Marriott Hotel Prague (or similar) (B)
3 SEP 2018 Prague – Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore this celebrated city, or join an optional tour to Lobkowicz Palace.
Overnight: Marriott Hotel Prague (or similar) (B)
4 SEP 2018 Prague – After breakfast, check out of your hotel and make your own way to the Grandium Hotel for check-in. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.
Overnight: Hotel Grandium Prague (or similar) (B,D)
5 SEP 2018 Prague – Feel the magic. Your introduction to this fairy-tale city begins with a panoramic tour. Explore the “Castle District,” including the gothic St. Vitus Cathedral and the majestic Prague Castle. Next, visit Lobkowicz Palace, the only privately owned building in the sprawling Prague Castle complex, and home to the largest and finest art collection in the Czech Republic spanning over 600 years of family history. A masterpiece of 16th-century Baroque architecture, the aristocratic Lobkowicz family lost it under Communist occupation following World War II and regained control only in 2002. The priceless collection also encompasses one of Central Europe’s finest libraries of rare books and a musical archive that includes scores by Mozart, Beethoven and Gluck. After a delightful lunch, gather in the palace’s elegant Baroque concert hall for a mid-day Classical music concert featuring the likes of Mozart, Bach, Dvorák and Smetana. Later, proceed to the lovely statue-lined Charles Bridge.
Overnight: Hotel Grandium Prague (or similar) (B,L)
6 SEP 2018 Prague – The day is yours to discover Prague on your own. Shop for famous Bohemian crystal or visit one of the city’s many outstanding museums, such as the Lapidarium, home to 11th-century stone sculptures. Stroll to the Old Town square, home to the famous Orloj, which functions as a clock, calendar and primitive planetarium. Perhaps you will join an optional excursion to Prague’s Old Jewish Quarter to see its historic Jewish Museum and Europe’s oldest surviving Jewish cemetery, founded in 1478. This evening, it’s your choice. Enjoy traditional Czech culture at one of Prague’s popular restaurants, or tip a pint whilst dining at one of Eastern Europe’s oldest breweries and take a tour to see how this famous beer has been brewed for 500 years.
Overnight: Hotel Grandium Prague (or similar) (B,D)
7 SEP 2018 Prague – Cesky Krumlov – Vienna – Take a scenic ride through the countryside as you travel from Prague to Vienna. En route, make a stop in the fairy-tale town of Cesky Krumlov to explore the well-preserved streets lined with Baroque architecture before continuing on to the grand city of Vienna. Tonight’s dinner is a real treat: a meal showcasing regional wine and the impressive local cuisine of the Grinzing region.
Overnight: Hotel Am Konzerhaus (or similar) (B,D)
8 SEP 2018 Vienna – This morning, join a local resident for a visit to magnificent Schoenbrunn Palace, the summer retreat of the Hapsburg Dynasty for more than 200 years. Continue on to Vienna’s centre as you behold the beautiful architecture, scenic parks and gothic spires that fill the city. Tonight, return to Schoenbrunn Palace for an unforgettable classical music performance featuring the works of Mozart and Strauss.
Overnight: Hotel Am Konzerhaus (or similar) (B)
9 SEP 2018 Vienna Travel along the banks of the Danube, immortalized by Strauss, to the medieval town of Durnstein. Embark on a scenic Danube River cruise* through the historic Wachau Valley. Later, visit the 11th-century Melk Abbey, famous for its production and collection of manuscripts. A leisurely ride back to Vienna leads to a free evening to enjoy the city.
Overnight: Hotel Am Konzerhaus (or similar) (B)
10 SEP 2018 Vienna – Bratislava, Slovakia – Budapest – This morning we journey to Bratislava, former Imperial capital of the Hapsburg Empire. Get to know the city’s 4000-year-old history on a tour with a local expert. Continue to Budapest, the “Queen of the Danube,” truly one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Upon arrival we drive through this majestic capital on our way to the hotel. Take some time to relax or explore before gathering for tonight’s dinner in the city.
Overnight: Nh Budapest Hotel (or similar) (B,D)
11 SEP 2018 Budapest – Capture the true spirit of Budapest. Join a local expert and discover the incredible Neo-Gothic marvel of Matthias Church atop Buda Castle Hill. Next, be enamored by the Fisherman’s Bastion with its white walls, towers and arcades for spectacular views. Continue to historic Old Buda and Gellert Hill, followed by the Parliament. At Heroes Square, admire the imposing Millennium Monument which memorializes the 1000th anniversary of Hungarian dominion.
Overnight: Nh Budapest Hotel (or similar) (B)
12 SEP 2018 Budapest – Begin your day with a visit to a school (subject to availability) in Budapest where you will get a glimpse into the daily life of the locals whilst meeting the young students. In the afternoon, venture outside the city to the former Renaissance capital of Visegrad for a magnificent view of the Danube Bend and the Borzsony Mountains. Travel back in time with a visit to a 14th-century castle where knights with colourful costumes and authentic weaponry re-create the days of chivalry. Finally, enjoy a special Renaissance-style dinner at the castle restaurant and re-enact the days of medieval times. Revel in this evening of wine and music.
Overnight: Nh Budapest Hotel (or similar) (B,D)
13 SEP 2018 Budapest – Make your way to the airport for your flight home to Australia. (B)
14 SEP 2018 Arrive Australia.

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