Join us on onboard our custom-built deluxe Emerald 'Star Ship' and experience the romance of Europe's waterways.
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62 24 Day Eastern Europe Escapade & Splendours of Europe River Cruise Day 1 Arrive Prague Welcome to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. 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. Three Night Stay: K+K Central, Prague or similar Day 2 Prague Sightseeing HD (FB,HD) This morning we explore the sights of the Old Town Square on a guided walking tour. We see Mozart´s Theatre, Little Square, the Astronomical Clock and Charles Bridge. Later drive to the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle area. This evening we experience a night of dancing and entertainment at a Czech Highlight Dinner in a local tavern. Day 3 Prague Day at Leisure (FB) Your Tour Director is on hand to help plan your day. The baroque quarter of Mala Strana is a must see, as is Josefov, the Jewish quarter. Discover More: Blatná Castle (see pages 134-137) Day 4 Prague – Dresden – Berlin (FB) On leaving Prague drive along the Elbe Valley to Dresden, known as Florence on the Elbe. Here we will see the Frauenkirche, the Castle of the Electors of Saxony and the Green Vault with its collection of Meissen porcelain. Two Night Stay: Courtyard by Marriott, Berlin Day 5 Berlin Sightseeing and Potsdam (FB,D) The re-unifi cation of Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 saw the city transform into the impressive and exciting metropolis that it is today. We see the new Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate, State Opera House and Alexander Platz – and of course we will drive 'Unter den Linden'. We visit former Checkpoint Charlie and its museum as well as other sites associated with the era of the Iron Curtain. It's then a short drive to Potsdam to see the palace of Frederick the Great and visit the Cecilienhof where the Potsdam Treaty was signed. Day 6 Berlin – Train – Warsaw (FB,D) This morning we will be taken to the main train station where we board our fi rst class carriage for a journey across the heart of Poland and into the capital, Warsaw. Time en route to relax and watch the scenery pass by, arriving into Warsaw early afternoon. Two Night Stay: The Sheraton Warsaw or similar Day 7 Warsaw Sightseeing & at leisure (FB) Our guided sightseeing tour reveals the historic centre where much of the Old Town was rebuilt after the war. Memories of Polanski's fi lm 'The Pianist' come to mind as we visit the Jewish Ghetto with a local guide. We see a monument to the Ghetto heroes, the Palace of Culture and the Chopin Memorial. Then we take an excursion to the historic Royal Castle with buildings dating back to the 14th Century. Discover More: Chopin Concert (see pages 134-137) Day 8 Warsaw – Auschwitz – Kraków (FB,L) This morning we visit the Concentration Camp at Auschwitz for a guided tour. The chilling reminders of the atrocities of World War II really come to life. Later we approach the picture-postcard medieval city of Kraków, the former Royal capital. Two Night Stay: Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, Kraków or similar Day 9 Kraków Sightseeing HD (FB,HD) Sightseeing of this imposing medieval city includes the cathedral and castle on Wawel Hill and on a walking tour of the old town we visit St Mary's Church and the Cloth Hall. An exciting highlight is our visit to the nearby 800 year old Wielicka Salt Mines – the greatest tourist attraction in southern Poland. Here you will wonder at the glistening chandeliers of pure crystal salt as well as many other fascinating salt sculptures. The rest of the day is at leisure. You're Invited: Enjoy dinner in a family run local restaurant. Day 10 Kraków – Embarkation Budapest HD (FB,L,HD) Today we journey past the Castle of Oravsky Hrad and over the Tatra Mountains, through Slovakia and into Budapest, the capital of Hungary. A warm welcome awaits you from your crew as you board your luxury Evergreen Tours river cruise ship. This evening join your fellow travellers for a welcome cocktail reception followed by a traditional Hungarian Welcome dinner. Day 11 Budapest (FB,L,D) Budapest is Eastern Europe's liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Enjoy a guided tour of the city sights including the Royal Palace of Buda, hilltop castle complex with Fisherman's Bastion, the Matthias Church, and the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest. Return to your ship for lunch before an afternoon departure to Bratislava. Day 12 Bratislava (FB,L,D) This morning we arrive at the city of Bratislava, capital of the Republic of Slovakia. Enjoy a sightseeing tour including the enchanting Old City, You're Invited: The highlight will be a home hosted afternoon tea with a local Slovakian family. Day 13 Vienna (FB,L,D) Today we explore Austria's capital beginning with a drive along the Ringstrasse, where we will see Vienna's world-famous Opera House, Burgtheatre, Spanish Riding School, Town Hall, St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Hofburg Imperial Palace. Then you have free time to sample the wonderful tastes of Vienna. Discover More: Exclusive Viennese concert with music from Mozart and Strauss and/or Schonbrunn Palace tour (see pages 134-137) Day 14 Dürnstein – Melk (FB,L,D) In the morning we arrive in Dürnstein, one of the most enchanting villages of the Wachau wine region. Drive through the picturesque landscape of this district to the 900-year old Benedictine Abbey of Melk, which features Austria's fi nest Italian baroque architecture. Emerald Active: A guided biking tour along the Danube River. Day 15 Passau (FB,L,D) Cruise along the Danube this morning, in the afternoon we reach Passau. Discover More: Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov (see pages 134-137) Day 16 Regensburg – Kelheim (FB,L,D) After breakfast we arrive in magnifi cent Regensburg. On our guided walking tour you'll have the chance to see one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube. You're Invited: Tonight, enjoy a Bavarian Band on board. Discover More: Danube Gorge Cruise and Weltenburg Abbey (see pages 134-137) Brandenburg Gate, Berlin