Insight > European Rhapsody and Danube Cruise

European Rhapsody and Danube Cruise
17 Days starting from $5,165

Countries Visited:
Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Hungary, Austria

 

Length: 17 Days
Type: First Class Tour
Category: Eastern Europe and Russia
Operator: Insight
Tour Code: E962A
   
 
About This Tour


Two and three-night stays in all but one of the cities featured on the coaching portion of this tour. The tour culminates with 7 nights aboard your luxurious River Cruise.

 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing
  • SPECIALS

Insight's First Class Services

  • Escorted by a professional Tour Director (Days 2-10)
  • Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet (Days 2-10)
  • Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
  • 7 night cruise in outside stateroom on the River Empress, featuring a full-service bar, library, panoramic restaurant, sun deck, sky lounge, fitness center, sauna and beauty salon
  • Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
  • Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 17

Quality Dining

  • Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Dinners plus onboard entertainment (HD)
  • All meals onboard while cruising (BB,L,D)
  • While touring, 8 enhanced or Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 3 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

17 Days ~ Czech Republic ~ Germany ~ Poland ~ Slovakia ~ Hungary ~ Austria

Tour Pace
Two and three-night stays in all but one of the cities featured on the coaching portion of this tour allows you time to settle into your hotel on arrival and enjoy a city sightseeing tour the next day. The tour culminates with 7 relaxing nights aboard your luxurious River Cruise.

DAY 1 – FRI – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Prague.

DAY 2 – SAT – PRAGUE AT LEISURE
Welcome to the Czech Republic! On arrival at Prague airport there are complimentary transfers to your tour hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore 'Golden Prague'. In the evening, meet your Tour Director for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Andel’s. (D)

DAY 3 – SUN – PRAGUE SIGHTSEEING
Sightseeing begins within the 1000 year old walls of Prague Castle where a local guide takes you inside St. Vitus' Cathedral. Time to gaze down upon the city below before descending to the magnificent Old Town Square - don't miss the chiming of the astronomical clock on the hour! This afternoon is at leisure. (BB)

DAY 4 – MON – PRAGUE – DRESDEN
A short drive from Prague lies Nelahozeves castle, housing a world renowned art collection as well as original scores by Beethoven and Mozart. Adjacent to the museum is the birthplace of Czech composer, Anton Dvorák. Continue high into the Ore mountains to cross the German border and travel through picturesque Saxon Switzerland en route to Dresden.
Hotel: Maritim. (BB,D)

DAY 5 – TUE – DRESDEN SIGHTSEEING
From the reconstructed Frauenkirche your Tour Director walks you past the colossal 'Procession of the Dukes' mosaic and around the Cathedral to view the Opera and baroque Zwinger Palace. Now a highlight visit takes you inside the Royal Palace to admire the fabulous treasures of the Green Vault collections. (BB)

DAY 6 – WED – DRESDEN – WROCLAW
Drive to the German border this morning and admire the beautiful medieval border town of Gorlitz before crossing into Poland. Then continue to the islands, bridges, parks and graceful buildings of Wroclaw. Your guide shows you all the sights including the Main Square and University.
Hotel: Sofitel. (BB)

DAY 7 – THU – WROCLAW – KRAKOW
Before leaving Wroclaw visit the enormous Raclawicka Panorama – a 120 metre long painting depicting the famous Polish victory over the Russians in 1794. Now cross the southern farmlands to reach the magnificent 14th century monastery at Czestochowa. This place of pilgrimage is the home of the world famous portrait of Our Lady, the 'Black Madonna', thought to be painted by St. Luke. Continue to medieval Krakow.
Hotel: Qubus. (BB,D)

DAY 8 – FRI – KRAKOW SIGHTSEEING
Walk through the maze of narrow alleyways which make up old Krakow, at the vast town square see the medieval Cloth Hall and the 14th century Mariacki Church, from where the 'trumpeter' sounds the hour. Ascend Wawel Hill to visit the cathedral, and to see the 'Wawel dragon'. This afternoon there is an optional excursion to the amazing subterranean world of the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Tonight consider a Polish dinner and folklore show? (BB)

DAY 9 – SAT – OSWIECIM & WADOWICE
Journey into the surrounding countryside for a sobering encounter with the most infamous site of the Holocaust, Auschwitz. Spend some reflective moments on a guided tour of the concentration camp and overlook the remains of nearby Birkenau. Continue to the country town of Wadowice, birthplace of Pope John Paul II. See his childhood home, now a museum, and maybe try one of the famous ‘Pope's cream cakes’? (BB)

DAY 10 – SUN – KRAKOW – CRUISE
Drive through the foothills of the Tatra Mountains and cross into Slovakia. Continue south to Hungary and its capital Budapest. Board your River Cruise and settle into your lavishly appointed state room with private bathroom.
Cruise Ship: River Empress. (BB,D)

DAY 11 – MON – CRUISING BUDAPEST
Today is devoted to Budapest - 'Queen of the Danube'. Your city tour features the famous Chain Bridge and takes you through the narrow medieval streets the Castle Hill district to the Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church. Tonight enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Dinner on board. (BB,L,HD)

DAY 12 – TUE – CRUISING BRATISLAVA
Cruise the famous Danube bend to arrive in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. A city tour will acquaint you with the city’s eclectic architecture and main sights including Freedom Square, Peace Square, Mirbach Palace and Primatial Palace. (BB,L,D)

DAY 13 – WED – CRUISING – VIENNA
Travel along the stately Ring Street on your included city tour - past the Opera, City Hall and Parliament. Finish at St Stephen’s Cathedral where Mozart was married in 1782. Maybe join an optional excursion to Schonbrunn Palace? (BB,L,D)

DAY 14 – THU – CRUISE WACHAU VALLEY
Continue cruising to the tiny village of Durnstein, nestled below the ruined castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. After time to explore on your own, rejoin your cruise and follow the scenic Wachau Valley. Your featured excursion is a tour of the 900 year old Baroque-style Melk Abbey, situated high atop the granite cliffs. (BB,L,D)

DAY 15 – FRI – CRUISING – LINZ
Your cruise ship slips into Linz where you embark on a full day excursion to Mozart's home town of Salzburg. Walk with your guide through the old town's narrow lanes to the ornate domed cathedral and visit the formal gardens of the Mirabell Palace. (BB,L,D)

DAY 16 – SAT – CRUISING – PASSAU
You reach Passau, situated on the Austrian border at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Danube and Ilz. Your guided walk takes you past the medieval merchant’s houses the old town. Later enjoy an organ concert on the world’s largest pipe organ in St Stephan’s Cathedral. The Captain’s Farewell Dinner is tonight. (BB,L,HD)

DAY 17 – SUN – RETURN TO USA
Disembark & transfer to Munich airport. (BB)


To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
9/12/2008 - 9/28/2008
$5,399
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
10/10/2008 - 10/26/2008
$5,399
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
         

Hotels
A selection of modern hotels on the touring portion of the tour; the brand new Maritim situated beside the River Elbe in Dresden, the ultra modern design of the Sofitel close by the Market Square in the heart of Wroclaw and the stylish Andel’s in Prague.

Fellow Passengers
With a name like European Rhapsody, you will not be surprised to find that this tour has a strong musical following. History lovers are also well catered for. It also seamlessly combines the many benefits of coach touring with the relaxation of a River Cruise.

Highlights
Musical luminaries such as Mozart and Dvorak all come to life on this tour. You will be touched by the old world charm of the cities of Prague & Krakow, the moving devotion of Czestochowa’s pilgrims and the overwhelming sorrow of Auschwitz.

Enjoy our Premium Highlights plus these extra tour features

Excursions & Sights
  • Visit St Vitus Cathedral in Prague Castle & see the Astronomical Clock in the town square
  • View the beautiful landscape of Saxon Switzerland
  • See the historic heart of Dresden - now risen again from war time destruction
  • See the sights of Wroclaw including a visit to the immense Raclawicka Panorama
  • Visit Czestochowa’s magnificent 14C Pauline monastery, home of the 'Black Madonna'
  • Visit the Cathedral in Krakow and see the Cloth Hall and Mariacki Church
  • Visit the late Pope John Paul II’s home town of Wadowice and see his birthplace
  • Visit Budapest’s Castle Hill district to see the Fisherman’s Bastion & Matthias Church
  • See Freedom Square, Peace Square, Mirbach Palace and Primatial Palace in Bratislava
  • Drive along Vienna’s Ring Road and walk to St. Stephen’s Cathedral
  • Explore the tiny baroque village of Dürnstein
  • Cruise the scenic Wachau Valley Full day excursion to Salzburg
  • Enjoy a concert on the world’s largest pipe organ in Passau

Guided City Tours

  • In-depth sightseeing tours in Prague, Wroclaw, Krakow, Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Salzburg, Passau
  • Orientation tour in Dresden

Insight's First Class Services

  • Escorted by a professional Tour Director (Days 2-10)
  • Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet (Days 2-10)
  • Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
  • 7 night cruise in outside stateroom on the River Empress, featuring a full-service bar, library, panoramic restaurant, sun deck, sky lounge, fitness center, sauna and beauty salon
  • Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
  • Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 17

Quality Dining

  • Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Dinners plus onboard entertainment (HD)
  • All meals onboard while cruising (BB,L,D)
  • While touring, 8 enhanced or Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 3 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

CURRENT SPECIALS:

Great Savings and Discounts

EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNTS

SAVE UP TO 10%: Insight sells its tours in many countries worldwide so the most popular tours fill very quickly. Don’t be disappointed, book early! You’ll be assured of the tours you want, andthe earlier you pay, the more you SAVE!

Here’s how...

Pay 4 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 2.5%

Pay 7 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 5%

Pay 10 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 7.5%

Pay 12 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 10%

Tours must be paid in full for this discount to apply. Discounts apply to the land-only portion of your tour. Tour prices may change in future brochures. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.

FAMILY SAVINGS

YOUNG TRAVELLERS SAVE 10% AGED 5-17 YEARS :Travel broadens the mind and enhances those special relationships. Insight offers you the opportunity of

sharing your happy holiday memories with your children or grandchildren. This discount applies to the Land Only portion of your tour. Young Travellers must be under the age of 18 years old on the tour departure date, and MUST be accompanied by an adult (limit of one Young Traveller Discount per room). On all escorted tours, children under 5 years old are NOT accepted. The Young Traveller must be the specified age at the time of travel to be eligible for this discount. This discount cannot be combined with our Groups Discount. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension,

and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.

GROUP DISCOUNTS

5 OR MORE – SAVE 5%: If a group of 5 to 8 people travel together a discount of 5% per person applies to the Land Only portion of your tour. So it pays to get together with your family and friends!

SAVE $$$ FOR 9 OR MORE : If you have a group of 9 or more people travelling together on the same scheduled tour, then you automatically qualify for big savings! Your savings will be determined by the number of people travelling so ask call for details. You may also reserve a tour departure exclusively for your group! Some restrictions apply. Please contact our Groups Department 1-866-475-7023.

These discounts cannot be combined with Frequent Traveller, Family Savings or Triple Room Discounts. To qualify, names of all passengers travelling must be advised to Insight at the time of booking. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension,

and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.  

SINGLE TRAVELLER SAVING

SAVE UP TO $2850 PER PERSON with Insight’s Room Mate Matching service Insight believes travelling solo should not cost you more! That’s why for people travelling alone on an Insight coach tour, we'll match you with someone of the same gender, so you don't have to pay the single room supplement. If we fail to match you, we'll provide a single room at no extra cost. Please note there is a no-smoking policy in all shared rooms. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises. 3. Does not apply to Irish Elegance.

TRIPLE ROOM DISCOUNTS: When three people travel together and share one room,

each of the three enjoys a discount off the tour price. See the Triple Room Reductions on the itinerary of your choice. This discount only applies to tours featuring the “Share a Triple Room” reduction on the itinerary pages. Note the third bed will, on occasions, be a foldaway.

FREQUENT TRAVELLER SAVING

SAVE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TOUR: Most first-time travellers go on vacation with Insight again and again. In recognition of our loyal customers, Insight now extends to all clients automatic membership into our Premier Plus Club, as well as a 5% Discount off the Land portion of their next Insight trip. Insight’s Premier Plus Club & 5% Discount is not available retroactively. Only one voucher is available per person, per tour, per year and only one voucher can be redeemed against each further tour

booking. This discount cannot be combined with our Groups Discount.  Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise.

EXTRA TOUR DISCOUNTS

SAVE $$$ON YOUR 2ND TOUR: Book two Insight vacations, each 7 days or longer and you will receive a reduction of 5%off the cheaper of the two tours. Both tours must be booked at the same time. This discount is per person.

COMPLIMENTARY TRANSFERS: Save up to $135 per couple on LONDON taxi fares

FREE LONDON RETURN : Passengers taking the 'Land only' option on our Discovery

tours may return to London by Insight motorcoach at NO EXTRA CHARGE, instead of departing from Paris. Offer applies to the final day of the following Discovery tours:  E920, E910, E933, E914, E912, E913, E916 & G916. Accommodations will be

required, as arrival in London is late afternoon/early evening.

SMALL GROUPS ADVANTAGE : Many tour operators fill their tours with up to 53 passengers. This means more congestion and less leg room on the coach as seats are configured more closely. At Insight we have a

maximum of only 40 guests per tour.

INSIGHT'S GUARANTEES

PRICE GUARANTEE: With Insight, you don’t need to worry about currency fluctuations. Once we receive your full deposit, your land tour price is guaranteed and protected against any increases. (Excludes pre-registration for tours in future brochures and any imposed fuel surcharges or Government Taxes.

TOUR GUARANTEE FOR LAND TRAVEL: To assist you when booking our airline offers and taking our great early payment savings, Insight has designated a large number of tours which we guarantee will operate on the scheduled date, unless circumstances occur beyond our control. Look for Tour Guarantee (TG symbol) on the itinerary of your choice indicating applicable dates. All other featured departures are planned to operate however, for operational reasons, may be subject to re- scheduling with at least 50 days notice (between May 1st & September 30th).


   
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