Magical Danube and Poland

POLAND PRE-CRUISE

DAYS 1-2–WELCOME TO POLAND!
Following our included overnight flights, we meet our Tour Director and enjoy a short bus tour of Krakow, the capital of Poland. We’ll settle in at our hotel for the next three nights before continuing our exploration of Krakow with a walking tour followed by dinner together! L, D

DAY 3–WIELICZKA SALT MINE/SCHINDLER’S MUSEUM
After breakfast, enjoy free time to sightsee around Krakow or choose one (or both) of our unique excursion options below. Tonight’s dinner will be at a local Polish eatery. B, D

Morning Option—Wieliczka Salt Mine Dating back to the Middle Ages, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is the oldest salt enterprise on Polish land. This stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site hosts labyrinthine passageways, four chapels, crystal chandeliers, and numerous statues carved by miners out of the rock salt. Price: $65 per person. (Moderate to extensive walking is required to full enjoy this option.)

Afternoon Option—Schindler’s Factory Museum You may know Oskar Schindler’s story best by the popular Steven Spielberg movie, Shindler’s List. This afternoon, tour the famous Schindler’s Factory Museum that showcases the gripping history of Krakow during World War II and Schindler’s efforts in saving over 1,000 Jews. Price: $37 per person.

DAY 4: KAZIMIERZ/AUSCHWITZ-BIRKENAU
Today, you’ll choose from either a whole day excursion to Auschwitz-Birkenau, or a half day excursion to Kazimierz, the Jewish quarter of Krakow. Tonight’s dinner will be at an authentic restaurant with festive local music. B, D

Full Day Option—Auschwitz-Birkenau This humbling experience begins at Auschwitz I and continues to Auschwitz II-Birkenau as we remember and honor the victims of the Nazis’ genocide. Our tour of these camps will provide the somber details behind Germany’s mass extermination of approximately 1 million Jews. Price: $37 per person. (Please note that moderate to extensive walking is required to full enjoy this option.)

Half Day Option—Kazimierz Explore the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz by foot to see this important cultural region of the Krakow. For many centuries, Kazimierz was a place where ethnic Polish and Jewish cultures coexisted. However, in 1941, the Jews were forcibly relocated by the German occupying forces into the ghetto and most did not survive the war. After this historical tour, return back to your hotel or enjoy free time in the area. Price: $25 per person.

DAY 5: ZAKOPANE/HIGH TATRAS/NORTHERN SLOVAKIA
Travel this morning to Zakopane, where we’ll discover the area on a scenic walking tour. Then, head to Zdiar in Northern Slovakia for lunch together in a local restaurant before settling into our High Tatras hotel. Refresh at the hotel or explore around before our evening dinner together. B, L, D

DAY 6: BANSKA ŠTIAVNICA/BUDAPEST
Banska Štiavnica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is arguably the most striking and historical towns in Slovakia. Uncover all the highlights on a city walking tour before free time to explore on your own. Savor lunch together before we depart for the MS Amadeus Cara. B, L

DANUBE CRUISE

DAYS 1-2: MS CARA/FOLKLORE SHOW
Welcome to Hungry following our included overnight flights (or join in from our Poland Pre-Cruise)! A real “WOW” moment strikes as we board our home for the next 7 nights: the MS Amadeus Cara. Enjoy a festive welcome dinner this evening. Next, we invite a traditional Hungarian folklore group aboard while cruising past the brilliantly illuminated architecture in Budapest. B, L, D

DAY 3: HEROES’ SQUARE/BUDAPEST TOUR
Today we travel to Hösök tere (Heroes’ Square) for views of the Millennium Memorial, a 36m-high pillar topped by the golden Archangel Gabriel. Next, experience the history of Budapest with a tour starting in Pest and ending in Buda’s Castle District. Our expedition will include a guided tour of Matthias church before our visit to Fishermen’s Bastion. In the afternoon, we set sail for Bratislava. B, L, D

DAY 4: BRATISLAVA/SCHLOSS HOF PALACE
This morning brings excellent views on our route to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Upon arrival, we’ll explore Schloss Hof Palace, a seventeenth-century citadel purchased in 1725 by Prince Eugene of Savoy that was transformed into a storied palace and garden estate. Our afternoon in Bratislava is yours to explore at your own pace. B, L, D

DAY 5: VIENNA/NASCHMARKT/KLOSTERNEUBURG MONASTERY
The day starts off with a wonderful city tour. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Imperial Palace, and the Ringstrasse beckon! After being introduced to its most important sites by our local guide, we’ll visit Vienna’s Naschmarkt, the city’s largest and most vibrant outdoor market and home to Austrian and Viennese specialties. Our afternoon is spent learning the eventful history of Klosterneuburg Monastery, Austria’s oldest winery. This evening, a Viennese Quartet boards the MS Amadeus Cara to perform a recital exclusively for us. B, L, D

DAY 6: DÜRNSTEIN/GÖTTWEIG ABBEY/WACHAU VALLEY
We start today in picturesque Dürnstein, noted for its breathtaking scenery, traditional architecture, superb wines, and storied places. It was here in the Kuenringer Castle that the English King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. Our afternoon is spent at Göttweig Abbey to immerse ourselves in one of Austria’s oldest monasteries. Towering on the edge of the Danube, we’ll experience panoramic views of the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Region. Then, sit back deskside as we cruise through the Valley on our way to Linz. B, L, D

DAY 7: LINZ/PÖSTLINGBERG TRAIN
Today, we dock at Linz and drive into the countryside to visit the family farm of Norbert Pankratzhofer, a cultivator of Simmental cattle and producer of award-winning must, a type of fruit cider. You can also enjoy free time to explore the city of Linz, a cultural hub in the region. This afternoon provides a unique experience as we travel the Pöstlingberg Narrow Gauge Train, one of the steepest adhesion railways in the world. Disembark at the top and explore the Seven Sorrows of Virgin Mary church, a cultural and religious icon in Linz. B, L, D

DAY 8: PASSAU/BAVARIAN EVENING
Join us on a gorgeous walk through the old city of Passau where winding streets lead to the heart of Old Town. High above Old Town sits one of the largest fortress complexes in all of Europe—the Veste Oberhaus, which can be discovered on your own. On-board tonight, a local Bavarian group festively entertains us. B, L, D

DAY 9: TRAVEL HOME
After breakfast, disembark in Passau to catch your flight home. B, L, D

Quality Accomodations
PRE-CRUISE POLAND OPTION:
Nights 2-4: Best Western Plus Old Town, Krakow
Night 5: Grandhotel Praha, Tatranska Lomnica (High Tatras)
CRUISE:
Nights 2-8: MS Amadeus Cara

Poland Pre-Cruise Dates:
Aug 9-14, 2023

Poland Price Per Person:
Double $1,497; Single $1,695

Cruise Dates:
Aug 13-21, 2023

Cruise Price Per Person:
See table
Land only pricing available

Depart/Return:
Chicago, IL or Washington, D.C.

Pre-/Post-Tour Hotel:
Chicago, IL $198/night
Call for rates in Washington DC

Inclusions:
Round-trip airfare from the U.S.
Professional, English speaking Tour Director
Welcome Dinner, Captain’s Gala Dinner, and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Included local red & white wines, beer, and soda) with every dinner
Fees and tips for included attractions, meals, crew, and drivers
Luggage handling of one suitcase per person
24-hour emergency call service

***Enjoy the below Early Booking Discount pricing until March 31, 2023***

Haydn Deck Stern (window) - $3,747

Haydn Deck Forward (window) - $3,847

Strauss Deck Stern (dropdown panoramic windows) - $4,497

Strauss Deck Mid (dropdown panoramic windows) - $4,597

Strauss Deck, Forward (dropdown panoramic windows) - $4,697

Mozart Deck Stern (dropdown panoramic windows) - $4,797

Mozart Deck Mid (dropdown panoramic windows) - $4,897

Mozart Deck Mid Suite (french balcony) - $5,547

Mozart Deck Forward Suite (french balcony) - $6,397

Haydn Deck Single Room (window) - $4,997

Prices vary based on stateroom category. This tour is NOT eligible for Travel More, Save More discount pricing. Mandatory port taxes (per person): $165

Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Our Pre and Post hotels offer complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport. Free parking is offered during the tour with an overnight booked.

Walking Distance
To fully enjoy your CTD vacation, you should be in good physical health and understand there are times when a good deal of walking is involved in our tours. Those who have difficulty walking may not want to take this trip or should discuss their personal situation with their doctor before deciding. You should be able to walk at a steady pace for a mile at a time for a daily total of three to four miles per day and be able to manage steps to board/de-board the motorcoach several times a day. In addition, many US and European airports require lengthy walks to get from ticketing counters to your departure gate. Due to the lack of proper facilities at some of the farms, ranches, and off-the-beaten-path sites we often visit, we are unable to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.

We are finding that larger European cities are closing their historic districts to motor traffic. This, of course, adds to the amount of walking involved when visiting a city (sometimes on uneven and/or cobblestone walkways). In addition, you should know that you may be required to exit the motorcoach at each stop because local law often does not allow travelers to remain on the motorcoach while it is parked for a scheduled stop.

Average Temps
Poland – high of 70°, low of 50°
Slovakia – high of 80°, low of 60°
Hungary – high of 80°, low of 60°
Austria – high of 80°, low of 60°
Germany – high of 75°, low of 55°

Currency
Euro (Germany, Austria and Slovakia), Polish Zloty (Poland), Forint (Hungary)

Time Zone
GMT+2 (6 hours ahead of New York)

Hotel and Ship Amenities
All AMADEUS ships have an elevator that operates between the Mozart and Haydn decks. The sun deck is not accessible by elevator.

Wi-Fi is available aboard the ship and the price is fully covered by CTD. We will travel in rural river landscapes, meaning the Wi-Fi connection at times can be limited.

All cabins and suites are equipped with high-quality care products, such as soap, shampoo, body lotion, and shower gel. You will also find a hair dryer, sewing set, shower cap, and nail file in your cabin. Laundry is available onboard for a small fee.

Breakfast and lunch are lavish meals, with evenings featuring chef’s specialties and regional dishes. In addition, a light breakfast and lunch is offered in the Panorama-Bar. There is always a vegetarian option for all meals on board.

Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.

Dress on tour is casual. Evening dinners aboard the ship will be a more elegant occasion, so we welcome you to dress in a business casual manner. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, visors, and comfortable walking shoes will add to your enjoyment of this tour.

An outlet converter that adapts to European outlets is needed. You can find these at many stores, including Amazon and Walmart.

Travel Protection Available?
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.