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Day 1, Thursday – July 22,
2010 - Overnight Flight - Great sightseeing,
traditional entertainment and fabulous cultural elements await you
on your amazing tour of the Imperial Cities of Central Europe.
Your cultural experience of a lifetime begins with an overnight
flight to Europe.
Day 2, Friday, July 23,
2010 – Arrive Budapest, Hungary – You arrive
in Budapest, the “Queen of the Danube,” and truly one of the world’s
most beautiful cities. Buda, decidedly more rugged in
terrain, sits on one side of the river, and Pest is on the
gentler opposite bank. This evening, join your fellow travelers for
a welcome dinner. (D)
Day 3, Saturday – July 24,
2010 – Budapest –Domonyvolgy (Horse Show) – Travel to
the picturesque Hungarian countryside, called the “Puszta,”
and visit a typical horse farm in this land which some say is “flat
as water.” Learn the unique culture and history of the Csikos, or
Hungarian horsemen, whose equestrian lineage reaches back 1,000
years. Watch in amazement as they put on a spectacular horse show
for your pleasure. *Afterwards, enjoy a traditional Hungarian
Feast, including goulash soup, in a typical setting against a
backdrop of wonderful gypsy music. (B) (L)
Day 4, Sunday, July 25, 2010 –
Budapest – Szentendre – Visegrad - Budapest – An informative
city tour features the Mathias Church, site of many
coronations of kings. You also visit the Fishermen’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, completed in 1904, which
memorializes the 1000th
anniversary of Hungarian dominion. Later, visit the beautiful
baroque town of Szentendre and travel to the former
Renaissance capital of Visegrad to enjoy 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 colorful costumes and authentic
weaponry recreate the days of chivalry. *This evening, enjoy a
special Renaissance-style dinner and re-enact the days of medieval
times. Complete with wine and music, this evening is sure to
delight. (B) (D)
Day 5, Monday – July 26,
2010 – Budapest – Vienna, Austria – Your journey
takes you to the grand city of Vienna, the former capital of
the Austro-Hungarian Empire. A city tour features the baroque
marvels of Schoenbrunn Palace, the summer retreat of the
Habsburg dynasty for more than 200 years. Touring Vienna’s city
center, see the gothic St. Stephan’s Cathedral and behold the
beautiful architecture, scenic parks, and gothic spires that fill
the city. Tonight, enjoy a memorable evening with entertainment in
the picturesque wine-making village of Grinzing. (B) (D)
Day 6, Tuesday, July 27, 2010 –
Vienna – Danube River – Melk - Vienna – Travel along the banks
of the Danube to the medieval town of Durnstein where you
board your boat for a scenic Danube River cruise. “Waltz”
across one of the most breathtaking bodies of water in the world,
immortalized by Strauss, and travel through the historic Wachau
Valley. Later, visit the 11th
century Melk Abbey, famous for its production and collection
of manuscripts. A leisurely ride through the Vienna Woods
concludes this marvelous day. (B)
Day 7, Wednesday, July 28, 2010 –
Vienna – Prague, Czech Republic – A scenic ride through the
countryside takes you to Prague, variously called the “Golden
City” or the ”The City of 100 Spires.” The remainder of your day is
at leisure to independently explore the city, shop for famous
Bohemian crystal, or visit one of the city’s many outstanding
museums, such as the Lapidarium, home of stone sculptures
dating from the 11th
century to the present. (B)
Day 8, Thursday, July 29,
2010 – Prague – This morning begins with a panoramic
tour as you drive through the city to the amazing Hradcany Castle.
Walk the famous Golden Lane with its delightful miniature
houses, including one that was the residence of Franz Kafka. View
St. Vitus Cathedral as well as the lovely statue-lined
Charles Bridge. This evening you are invited to a wonderful
dinner of culinary delights at one of Prague’s historic restaurants.
(B) (D)
Day 9, Friday, July 30,
2010 – Prague – Oberammergau, Germany – Today, travel
to the beautiful Bavarian village of Obermmergau. *This
afternoon, witness a performance of the Passion Play.* The
original performance dates back to 1634. During the Thirty Year War,
the village of Oberammergau was spared the Black Plague and for this
reason, the villagers vowed that every ten years they would give a
play to honor the life of Christ. The performers are native
Oberammergauers. To lend authenticity to the performance, the cast
start to grow their hair and beards more than a year in advance.
Also, the intricate costumes are made locally by the villagers.
During the break of the performance, join your fellow travelers for
a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable trip (B) (L)
(D)
Day 10, Saturday, July 31,
2010 – Oberammergau – Tour ends. (B)
TOUR COST PER
PERSON
Single $6,299 - Double $5,549
Included in price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $350
per person, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $430 (subject to
increase until paid in full), Hotel transfers, Round Trip Air from
Minneapolis St Paul Intl
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