Evergreen Europe River Cruising & Tours

Day 1: Arrive Munich Welcome to Munich, the capital of Bavaria. On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred^ to your centrally located hotel. This evening meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome drink. Two Night Stay: Four Points by Sheraton Munich Central. Day 2: Munich (FB) On our included guided walking tour we visit the heart of old Munich, Marienplatz, a large open square with the Marien column in the centre, where we see the famous Glockenspiel on the Town Hall play. At the nearby victuals market, which has been operating for 100 years, local delicacies and souvenirs are available. In your free time visit the English Garden, the largest central park in Europe, Deutsche Museum or the BMW Museum, an automotive display. Day 3: Munich – Neuschwanstein – Zurich (FB) Today drive south to Fussen to 'Mad King Ludwigs' fairy-tale castle at Neuschwanstein. Be amazed at the intricately carved furnishings, frescoes and mosaics on our included guided tour. There is also an included horse and cart trip down from the castle after the tour. Following Lake Zurich, we arrive into the financial centre of Switzerland. Overnight Stay: Crowne Plaza, Zurich. Day 4: Zurich – Lucerne (FB,HD) An included guided walking tour reveals a contrast between the luxury designer shops and modern buildings on the Bahnhofstrasse and the imposing Romanesque Cathedral which dominates the old town with its twin towers. Arrive into the picturesque lake resort town of Lucerne. Stroll to the Lion Monument, a memorial to the 767 Swiss Guards killed during the French Revolution, the old town and cross the medieval Chapel Bridge to the ornate Jesuit Church with our local guide. Tonight we enjoy a traditional folklore show as we savour a highlight meal of traditional Swiss fondue. Two Night Stay: Hotel Monopol, Lucerne. Day 5: Lucerne (FB) Enjoy a guided cruise on Lucerne's gorgeous lake en-route to the quaint village of Vitznau. Here we join the oldest cogwheel train in Switzerland for a breathtaking ascent of Mount Rigi, known as 'the Queen of the Mountains'. Savour the incredible scenery from the summit where you have a breathtaking panoramic view of the Alps. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore. Shopping is plentiful, from Swiss watches to jewellery and delicious chocolates. Day 6: Lucerne – Glacier Express – St. Moritz (FB,D) This morning, we drive to Andermatt where we board the Glacier Express for possibly the world's most breath-taking mountain rail journey. Journey past towering peaks with green valleys arriving into St. Moritz. Initially known for its curative mineral springs, St. Moritz is now a chic and exclusive international resort frequented by celebrities and royalty from all over Europe. Enjoy dinner at your hotel this evening. Overnight Stay: Crystal Hotel, St. Moritz or similar. Day 7: St. Moritz – Innsbruck (FB,D) After a leisurely morning we depart for a spectacular drive along the Engadine Valley. This area is considered by some to be one of the most beautiful areas in the world, with its deep blue lakes, larch forests and mountain peaks exceeding 12,000ft. Cross the border back into Austria and the Tyrolean capital, Innsbruck, encircled by the spectacular Austrian Alps. Two Night Stay: Hotel Grauer Bär, Innsbruck or similar. Day 8: Innsbruck (FB) This delightful town on the Inn River is sandwiched between towering mountain ranges to the north and south. Innsbruck prospered due to its strategic position at the head of the Brenner Pass to Italy. See the impressive baroque Wilten Basilica, the recently built ski-jump and the old town including the famous Golden Roof, built to cover the Emperor in 1,500. Discover More: Excursion to the mountain village of Seefeld. Day 9: Innsbruck – Salzburg (FB) This morning, drive through the Alpine region of Austria which includes Kitzbuhel - one of the most famous ski resorts in Europe - and into Salzburg. Salzburg is famous for its onion shaped domes and charming courtyards, all dwarfed by the imposing Hohensalzburg fortress. The history and sights of this baroque city are revealed during an included guided walking tour. See the mighty cathedral, Mozart's birthplace and many of the locations used during the filming of 'The Sound of Music', such as the Mirabell Palace and gardens. Overnight Stay: Crowne Plaza The Pitter, Salzburg. Day 10: Salzburg – Graz (FB,D) We continue through Austria's mountains and valleys to the country's second city, Graz where we take a tour of the well preserved old quarter of the city and admire its galleried courtyards and Renaissance squares. The city has 6 universities with more than 40,000 students, and the Old Town in a UNESCO World Heritage site. Overnight Stay: Austria Trend Hotel, Graz. Day 11: Graz – Budapest (FB) Today's journey takes us through northern Slovenia, where we tour the town of Maribor, one of the few places that remained free under the iron curtain of former Yugoslavia. Travel into Hungary, with time at leisure for lunch on Lake Balaton. Later, continue into Budapest, the capital of Hungary. Overnight Stay: Courtyard by Marriott, Budapest. Day 12: Budapest Embarkation (FB,HD) Enjoy a morning at leisure to explore Budapest. Perhaps visit the thriving local market or relax in one of the many thermal baths throughout the city. In the afternoon, a warm welcome awaits you as your board your luxury Emerald Waterways Star Ship. This evening enjoy a traditional Hungarian welcome dinner while cruising along the Danube passing under the city's numerous bridges. Day 13: Budapest (FB,L,D) Budapest is Eastern Europe's liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Enjoy a guided tour of the city sights or join EmeraldACTIVE for a guided hike to Buda Hill. Day 14: Bratislava (FB,L,D) This morning we arrive at the city of Bratislava, capital of the Republic of Slovakia. You're Invited: Today's highlight will be a home hosted afternoon tea with a local Slovakian family. 26 Day Grand Alpine and Splendours of Europe River Cruise 98 Innsbruck, Austria

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