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Prague to the Black Sea

2010 – 19 Days from $7,790

Tauck's Prague to the Black Sea combines The Blue Danube with Budapest to the Black Sea to create an unforgettable 19-day journey from Prague to the Black Sea and Bucharest. Your journey features two nights each in Prague and Bucharest at 5-star hotels, centrally located in the heart of the cities, along with a two-week cruise aboard ms Swiss Sapphire or ms Swiss Jewel. This ultimate Eastern Europe travel experience takes you to Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. Glide past grand cathedrals, medieval monasteries, and historic citadels - as well as through the fabled Iron Gate of the Danube. Tauck's private, all-included shore excursions ensure in-depth exploration of cosmopolitan cities and picturesque villages including Prague, Regensburg, Passau, Salzburg, Linz, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Belgrade and Bucharest. Enjoy special Tauck experiences including a welcome reception, tour and dinner at Lobkowicz Palace in Prague, a Puszta equestrian demonstration in Hungary, a home-hosted lunch in Bulgaria and an Imperial Evening in Vienna!

Day-by-Day Itinerary

2010 Itinerary


Eastbound
Click here for Westbound itinerary.

• Indicates cruise day

Day 1 - Arrive in Prague
Your Eastern Europe travel experience begins at 6:00 PM at the Prague Marriott Hotel.  A transfer is included from Prague's Ruzyne Airport to the Prague Marriott Hotel. Meet your fellow travelers and Tauck Directors for a preview of your Danube River cruise at tonight's grand kickoff event - a royal welcome reception, tour and dinner at 16th-century Lobkowicz Palace at the Prague Castle, accompanied by a classical quartet!
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Prague Marriott Hotel, Prague, Czech Republic

Day 2 - The legacy of many centuries in Prague
Start today's exploration of Prague in the ancient Hradcany (Castle) district, where you'll see 1,000-year-old Prague Castle's complex of palaces, courtyards and gardens; visit the Cathedral of St. Vitus and enjoy a Tauck Exclusive - a private tour of Strahov Monastery's grand Baroque libraries. You're free to spend the afternoon as you please in Prague, or join us if you like on a walking tour of Prague's Old Town - a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's home to the Astronomical Clock and Tyn Church - along with Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square. Sample the culinary pleasures of Prague with dinner on your own tonight; the city's many fine restaurants and cafés feature a wide range of cuisines... and some of the best schnitzels, goulashes, strudels, dumplings and beer the region has to offer.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Prague Marriott Hotel, Prague, Czech Republic

• Day 3 - Ancient Regensburg / Danube River cruise begins
Drive to the well-preserved German cathedral town of Regensburg, whose roots stretch back to Roman days. Your local guide leads you on a walking tour that includes the Steinerne Brücke, a medieval stone bridge over the Danube; the Gothic Dom St. Peter; the 15th-century town hall; and the remains of the town's Roman wall. Enjoy lunch on your own - perhaps opting for some of the town's celebrated Bavarian sausage - before boarding the riverboat in Regensburg to launch your 7-night Danube River cruise.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

• Day 4 - Spend the day in Passau
Enjoy the views from your riverboat's sun deck, lounge, or the windows of your outside cabin. Your first port of call is Passau, Germany; accompanied by a local guide whose love for Passau is evident, take a walking tour through the cobblestone streets of this Baroque town renowned for its lovely stained glass and nearly 100 churches. See the Altes Rathaus, the old town hall with 15th-century origins, murals on the façade and a glockenspiel in the tower. Return to the riverboat for lunch as you cruise to Linz, Austria.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

• Day 5 - Salzburg sights or relax in Linz
With your riverboat docked in Linz, you can choose to enjoy this Austrian port city, or take a full-day excursion to old Salzburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's hometown on the Salzach River. The day trip includes visits to Mozart's birthplace and beautiful Mirabell Gardens, and a guided walking tour through the historic district of ornate church towers and grand palaces. Back aboard the ship, enjoy dinner and a classical music performance this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

• Day 6 - Wachau Valley cruise and picturesque Dürnstein
Continue your Eastern Europe travel experience as you cruise through the Wachau Valley, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved medieval landscapes. Dock in Dürnstein and take a walking tour amidst its cobblestone streets, 16th-century houses, and former Augustinian monastery; if you like, hike up to the ruins of a hilltop castle above the town where Richard the Lionhearted was held for ransom during the Crusades. Enjoy some free time in this charming riverside town, and sample the fruits of the Wachau Valley vineyards surrounding it during a wine tasting at a local tavern.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

• Day 7 - Music and more in Imperial Vienna
Get an overview of the longtime capital of the old Habsburg Empire and one of Europe's grandest cities - Vienna, Austria - with a morning sightseeing tour of this historic city that includes the Ringstrasse, the Opera House, City Hall and Parliament. Then choose a tour of Schönbrunn Palace, built to rival Versailles, or a special visit to the Imperial Silver Room inside the Hofburg, now Austria's presidential residence. Tonight, indulge in a bit of royal treatment with a gala, private Imperial Viennese evening at a traditional palace in the heart of the city, featuring a sumptuous dinner and live Viennese music... an unforgettable highlight of your Danube River cruise!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

• Day 8 - Cruise the Danube to ancient Slovakia
Pursue your own interests this morning in glorious Vienna - which boasts over a hundred museums of all kinds - and then return to the riverboat to continue your Danube River cruise to Slovakia. Gliding along the "river of kings," admire the pastoral scenery and immerse yourself in Slovak culture aboard the riverboat, as you enjoy a taste of regional cuisine at dinner - and join in as Slovakian folkloric entertainers in traditional costumes perform for you.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

• Day 9 - Baroque in Bratislava
Wake up today in ancient Bratislava, capital of modern Slovakia - and, strangely enough, the long-ago capital of Hungary! Your local expert shares insights and anecdotes about this beloved city on a guided walking tour; view several Baroque Habsburg-era palaces, the Opera House, Slovak Philharmonic Hall and St. Martin's Cathedral; visit the 13th-century Old Town Hall; and savor some delectable Slovakian pastry at a local café. After some exploring on your own, return to the riverboat and enjoy a shipboard reception and dinner tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

• Day 10 - Relax or explore in Budapest
After arriving in fascinating Budapest - Hungary's capital encompassing both sides of the Danube - you might enjoy a relaxing visit to one of the city's famous spas, or embark on a Budapest sightseeing tour including Heroes' Square and Fishermen's Bastion. Later, cruise to Solt, Hungary for more eastern Europe travel discoveries.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

• Day 11 - Horses and folkways in Hungary
A horse-drawn wagon ride takes you to the Equestrian Center, where you'll see Puszta horsemen demonstrating traditional skills. Then cruise to Kalocsa, celebrated for its paprika and folk art, where you'll visit the beautiful Baroque library in the Bishop's Palace, housing one of the finest early collections in Europe.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

• Day 12 - Cruise to Croatia's historic cities
As you cruise into Croatia on your Eastern Europe travel adventure, attend an on-board lecture on the country's culture and history. Set out overland to the Baroque city of Vukovar, once showcasing opulent 18th-century mansions, but now poignantly symbolizing the effects of the 1990s war as it rebuilds. Continue cruising to Serbia this afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

• Day 13 - Serbia's cosmopolitan capital, Belgrade
Dock early morning in Belgrade, Serbia's modern capital at the juncture of the Danube and Sava rivers, with roots dating back to 3 BC. A shipboard lecture sets the stage for sightseeing including visits to Tito's Memorial, St. Sava Church, and Kalemegdan Fortress, one of the city's key historic sites. You'll also see busy Slavija Square in the heart of Belgrade, Serbia's Parliament complex, Republic Square, the National Theatre and City Hall. Back aboard your riverboat, enjoy some leisure time before dinner, which is followed by a music and dance presentation.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

• Day 14 - The Iron Gate, King Decebalus and more
Continuing one of Tauck's popular Danube cruises, relax on a day's cruise past the fields and vineyards of Eastern Europe; shipboard activities which may be offered during your cruise range from cooking demonstrations to folkloric, music and dance performances. Pass into Romania and through the Kazan Narrows and the Iron Gate of the Danube, a two-mile-long series of narrow gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains. As you glide along the Bulgarian / Romanian border, look for the massive monument to the 2nd-century Dacian King Decebalus - Europe's tallest rock sculpture, completed in 2004 - carved into the riverbank on the Romanian side, as well as spectacular views of the Transylvanian Alps.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

• Day 15 - Big day in Bulgaria
Learn all about Iconography with a lecture and demonstration as your journey along the lower Danube cruises to Svishtov, Bulgaria, for excursions to nearby towns. Travel to the medieval capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Turnovo, whose ancient walled fortress and castle are set atop three hills overlooking the Yantra River. In the nearby town of Arbanassi, you'll enjoy a unique opportunity to meet and share local specialties with your Bulgarian contemporaries at a private, home-hosted lunch. A busy day concludes with an on-board presentation on Bulgarian customs, as well as special music and dance perfomances.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

• Day 16 - Romania’s Black Sea coast
Arrive in Cernavoda and head off on a day trip to Romania's Black Sea coast, stopping at the seaside resort towns of Constanta - where you'll take a guided tour - and Mamaia, set at the edge of the Black Sea. You may want to take a walk along one of Mamaia's fine beaches - they're the only ones in Europe sporting pure-white sand, and have helped make Mamaia a popular vacation destination for more than a century. Please join us aboard the riverboat for the Captain's farewell cocktail reception and dinner tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 17 - Bucharest beckons
After disembarking your riverboat and bidding the crew goodbye in Cernavoda, travel through the Romanian countryside to Bucharest, capital of Romania and once regarded as the "Paris of the Balkans." A sightseeing tour includes Revolution Square and the Triumphal Arch; erected to commemorate Romania's reunification and those who fell in World War I, it is a smaller but exact copy of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. You'll also pay a visit to the massive People's Palace, home to Romania's Parliament; the world's second-largest building after the Pentagon, some parts of it are reportedly still unfinished! Tonight you'll spend the first of two nights at the landmark Athénée Palace Hilton Bucharest, one of Romania's finest hotels since 1914.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Athénée Palace Hilton Bucharest, Romania

Day 18 - Castles, monasteries and mysteries in Romania
A choice of sightseeing in Romania today invites you to opt for a full day's excursion to tour fairy-tale Peles Castle in Sinaia - built for Romania's royal family in the 1880s - or a boat ride to Snagov Island to visit isolated Snagov Monastery, said to be the final resting place of Vlad Tepes, the historical model for Bram Stoker's character of Dracula. Both groups return to Bucharest as Tauck's memorable cruise draws to a close.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Athénée Palace Hilton Bucharest, Romania

Day 19 - Homeward bound
Your memorable Eastern Europe travel adventure ends in Bucharest, Romania. A transfer is included from Athénée Palace Hilton Bucharest to Bucharest Airport.
Meals: Breakfast

Don't miss this extraordinary Danube River cruise, the ultimate in eastern Europe travel with Tauck - book today!


Need to Know

Inclusive Prices 

Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel and riverboat accommodations, riverboat and motor coach transportation, port charges, sightseeing, admissions, land excursions, entertainment, wine with dinner aboard the riverboat, luggage handling, and the services of the Tauck Directors, Tauck Cruise Director, ship staff, local guides and drivers are included. A representative of Tauck will meet you at Prague Ruzyne Airport and provide transportation to the Prague Marriott Hotel, regardless of the date and time of your arrival, provided you have furnished us with accurate flight arrival information at least two weeks prior to the start of your tour. Tauck will also provide transportation from the Athenée Palace Hilton to Henri Coandă International Airport, also known as Otopeni Airport, near Bucharest, whenever you choose to depart.  

Hotel and Riverboat Accommodations ― The tour price includes hotel and riverboat accommodations. The Tauck standard is to provide the best available hotel accommodations without sacrificing value. Although the quality may differ slightly from place to place, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. 
 
Depending on the date of your departure, you will board either the MS Swiss Emerald or the MS Swiss Sapphire, which both accommodate 118 guests. Your well-appointed, outside-facing cabin is equipped with a plasma television, mini-bar, radio, international direct-dial telephone, safe and hair dryer. Your cabin also features adjustable air-conditioning and a private bathroom with shower. Your cabin has two twin beds that can be joined together. Triple accommodations are only available in Category 6 on this tour.
 
Other riverboat facilities include a lounge with panoramic bar and dance floor, a spacious restaurant that can accommodate all guests in one seating, a large sun deck with deck chairs and whirlpool, a library, a small boutique, and a sauna, solarium and spa.

Meals ― Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.

On board the riverboat, an ample cold and hot buffet breakfast is served in the spacious restaurant. At lunch, you are presented with a choice of entrée with several courses, or a delicious buffet. Dinner’s choice of entrée is accompanied with an international selection of wines. Please let us know about your special dietary requirements when booking your cruise; vegetarian and special diet meals are available, however kosher meals cannot be accommodated. We will be pleased to meet your special dietary needs whenever possible.

Tauck Director ― Prague to the Black Sea is conducted by one Tauck Director for each 40 guests and one Tauck Cruise Director who will remain with the group throughout the duration of the tour. Your Tauck Directors are professional, fully trained employees of Tauck.

Gratuities Included ― All appropriate gratuities for the hotel and ship staff, local guides, drivers, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director are included.

No Options Sold ― Tauck Directors assist with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance, but they will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed and pleasant experience for you.
 

Not Included


Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from Tauck for travel originating in Eastern Europe.

Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours ― To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, Tauck will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through Tauck. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this website and discuss it with the reservations agent when you book your tour.

Luggage Responsibility ― Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to the Tauck Protection Plan for more information.

Personal Expenses ― Phone calls, alcoholic and bar beverages not included with meals, laundry and dry cleaning, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, transfers to and from railway stations, visa fees and services, airport and departure taxes, and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.
 

Additional Information


Airline Security Measures ― In the U.S., you must provide identification in the form of a passport at the time of airport check-in for travel to international destinations. Your passport name must match the name on your tour reservation and airline ticket or you may be denied boarding.

If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S, you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is required for that particular airport.

Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter, or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, or aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items, and recommended airport check-in times.
 
You may also visit the U.S. Transportation Security Administration Internet website to obtain more information on acceptable identity documentation and prohibited luggage items by clicking here.
 
Air Services ― Airfare may be purchased through Tauck for travel originating in the United States. By using Tauck's air services, you agree that Tauck, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, is acting only as your agent and is not liable or responsible for any accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by Tauck. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline (and not Tauck), even if purchased through Tauck. Tauck is not liable for, and does not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to, seat assignments, schedule changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar relief from creditors). Tauck must handle ticketing for Tauck's special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Special fares cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. Tauck's air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a Tauck tour. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply.

Cruise Regulations ― International maritime security guidelines require that your passport information be provided to the cruise line prior to your embarkation. You need to provide this information to Tauck as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied.

Holiday and Museum Closures ― Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many religious, state and local holidays locally observed.

Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility ― Tauck pledges to make every effort to operate your tour as advertised. Tauck reserves the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to you. Any resultant added expense will be covered by Tauck. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecast at the time of publication.

Journey Start and End Times are provided at the time of booking. The tour begins with a Welcome Reception and Dinner at 6:00 PM at the Prague Marriott Hotel. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. When making flight arrangements, allow sufficient time to claim luggage and clear customs in order to join the tour on time. The tour ends when you check out of the Athenée Palace Hilton. When departing from Bucharest, we suggest you allow at least 2½ hours for flight check-in.

Membership will be granted to all persons. Tauck reserves the right to terminate the tour of any persons who are abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.

Photography on Tour ― Occasionally, Tauck will use photographs taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
 

Preparing to Go


Air Conditioning ― All hotels, riverboats and motor coaches are air conditioned for your comfort.

ATM and Credit Cards ― We recommend that you contact your bank in advance of departing on your journey to determine whether you will be able to use your ATM and credit cards while traveling. When contacting your bank, notify them of your travel dates so that they will anticipate charges being made outside of your hometown and do not suspend your cards for what may appear to them to be “suspicious” charges. We also recommend that you make a photocopy of both sides of your ATM and credit cards to leave behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.

Clothing and Packing ― Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is flexible and allows for layering. Casual, cotton clothing is always advisable. A light jacket or sweater for the sun deck is also recommended. Comfortable yet sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in are necessary, as many of the sites visited were built centuries ago and have uneven surfaces, some steep inclines and many steps. For the welcome reception and the farewell dinner, you may wish to dress up a bit – jacket and tie for men, a casually elegant outfit for ladies - but certainly be comfortable.
Bathrobes, slippers and hairdryers are provided in each riverboat cabin.

The hotels provide valet laundry and dry cleaning. The riverboat provides limited valet laundry services and no dry cleaning; ironing services are available onboard.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor’s prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for a cruise on the Danube:
  • Flat, rubber-soled walking shoes for onboard
  • Sturdy but comfortable walking shoes that have already been broken-in for onshore
  • Jacket and tie for men
  • Casually elegant outfit for ladies
  • Short and long-sleeved cotton shirts
  • Shorts, slacks and jeans
  • Tee shirts
  • Socks
  • Light sweater (summer), medium-weight sweater (fall)
  • Light jacket (summer), medium-weight jacket (fall)
  • Raincoat and rain hat
  • Lightweight gloves
  • Collapsible umbrella
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun hat
  • Swimwear
  • Insect repellent
  • Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and plenty of film
  • Binoculars
  • Daypack for camera equipment
  • Travel clock with alarm
  • Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room or cabin while traveling
Elevation ― The maximum elevation on this tour is 1,776 ft (541 m).

Health ― While a cruise on the Danube is very relaxing and the pace leisurely, to enjoy fully all the tour has to offer, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, as some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. There is a moderate to significant amount of walking during our excursions. Many of the Old Towns of Europe are well preserved and are designated pedestrian zones. However, the cobblestone streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and inclines are challenging to travelers who are used to more modern, flat, paved roadways and sidewalks. Mostly, the amount of walking you do is at your discretion.

The riverboats have four decks: Diamond, Ruby, Emerald and Sun. The elevator travels between the Ruby and the Diamond decks and does not travel to the Emerald and Sun decks. There is no chair lift between any of the decks.
 
Because you will be cruising on a river and not on the open sea, you are never far from land and, therefore, there is no doctor onboard either riverboat. In case of emergency, we can easily dock the boat and call for an ambulance or medical assistance.
 
We regret that we cannot accommodate wheelchairs on this cruise. We also cannot provide you with individual assistance for walking, dining or other personal needs. If you need such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will help you.

On board the riverboat, smoking is permitted in a limited area of the Sun deck. Smoking is not permitted in any cabin, the restaurant, the lounge or any other interior space.

The MS Swiss Emerald and the MS Swiss Sapphire are registered in Basel, Switzerland. Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.
 
The government of the Czech Republic will not permit entry or issue visas to non-insured persons.  The Tauck Protection Plan provides sufficient and acceptable coverage. If you decide not to purchase Tauck Travel Protection, you would need to purchase a retail insurance plan and be prepared to show proof if asked by Czech immigration officials. In order to obtain a Czech Republic visa, you must state on the visa application that you have adequate insurance; however, you do not need to show proof at time of application.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify Tauck as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

If you are a U.S. citizen, no vaccinations are currently required for travel to Hungary, Slovakia, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Austria, Germany, Romania and the Czech Republic. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour, prerecorded "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 877-394-8747 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC Internet website by clicking here.
 
If you are a citizen of another country, please contact an embassy or consulate of each of the countries visited to determine what vaccination(s) may be required for you to visit.
 
Luggage Restrictions -  

Checked Luggage ― General
While it is common for airlines to allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.

In addition, airlines have adopted more strict policies in enforcing number, size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.

Many carriers require checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, Tauck cannot be held liable to the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current number, weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage number, weight and size may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers.

Tauck World Discovery cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage number, weight and size policies.

Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home!

Carry-on Luggage ― General:
Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and only those items you need handy during the day such as purses, make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or in the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may not allow for access during daytime travel.

Travel Document Requirements ― You will need a valid passport or similar acceptable travel document to enter each of the countries visited on this tour.

If you are a citizen, you are not required to obtain a visa to enter any of the countries visited for the short duration of this tour. Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

If you are a citizen of another country, you should contact an embassy or consulate of each of the countries visited to determine what travel documentation is required.

Please read the section on Health regarding the Czech Republic's requirement that all visitors have proof of sufficient health insurance in order to enter the country.

When you begin the cruise portion of your journey, you will be issued a boarding card that you must present before embarking the ship in each port. This security measure also ensures that only Tauck guests are permitted on board.

We strongly recommend that your passport be valid for six months beyond the completion of your tour. In addition, we recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as both sides of your driver’s license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your cabin while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents or cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.

Travel with Children

Age Recommendations ― Children 5 years of age or older at the time of travel are welcome on this Tauck journey. Based upon our experience with family travelers, for each itinerary we have a minimum recommended age to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older in order to make a reservation.

Babysitting ― Tauck journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. However, our guests have occasionally inquired about babysitting services. If you are interested, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements, to ensure your precise needs are met. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer babysitting services that may be arranged on site; however, babysitting services are not guaranteed at all of our hotels. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.

Safety and Welfare Responsibility ― We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the tour. By traveling with Tauck, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.

Special Travel Documentation for Children
Authorization for Travel
If you travel into or out of the U.S. with children under the age of 18, you should be aware of the following: because of increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and because children are at risk as possible victims of child pornography, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, you should have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends, a note signed by both parents) stating that the parent(s) not traveling acknowledge that the parent(s), family members, etc. who are traveling into or out of the U.S. with the child have permission to do so. CBP also suggests that this note be notarized. While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if they do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed.
 
If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (deceased, sole custody, etc.) any other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc., will be useful.
 
All children who are U.S. citizens should also have a certified copy of their birth certificate or baptism record for ID. Children over the age of 14 are also required to have a photo ID.
 
Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, Tauck requires all guests to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information is available from each country’s consulate.
 
Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment
In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, a medical facility will require permission from the child’s parents to provide treatment. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you bring along a letter from both parents authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.
Tauck is not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for any travelers, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard for these letters, click here to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.
 

Destination Information


Cell Phones ― We understand and appreciate the value of instant communication when we travel; it keeps us in touch with friends and family, and it's a reassurance in the event of an emergency. However, the use of cell phones can be disruptive to a tour and to other guests who are enjoying their vacation. As a courtesy to others, we ask that you refrain from using your cell phone during motor coach travel or group functions. There are usually many opportunities to make or receive calls at times when it does not affect others.

Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine whether your cell phone service extends to the cities visited on this cruise along the Danube.

Currency and Exchange Rates ― Although it is not necessary for you to exchange money prior to your trip, it may be useful to have a small amount of local currency with you when sightseeing. If upon arrival you require local currency, you can visit one of the many currency exchange facilities at the airport or use an ATM. Currency can also be exchanged at the hotels in Prague and Bucharest. The riverboat does not exchange currency, but does accept Euro, American Express, MasterCard and Visa as methods of settling shipboard accounts; debit cards are not accepted.

In those countries that are now using the Euro as the official currency – Germany and Austria - major credit cards and travelers’ checks are widely accepted, and ATMs are found in most tourist venues. In those countries which do not use the Euro ― Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania ― credit cards and travelers’ checks are not widely accepted, fees are often charged for currency exchange, and ATMs are often not found outside of main cities. In these countries, paying cash for purchases in the local currency ― and often in U.S. dollars ― is preferable.

Contact your bank in advance of departure to determine whether you will be able to use your credit card or ATM card in the countries visited on this tour.

To obtain the most current exchange rate, you may want to check your local newspaper or log on to the Internet website, oanda.com, by clicking here.

Customs and Tax-Free Shopping – Each country visited has its own Customs clearing process. You should familiarize yourself with each country’s specific required declarations before you travel. In general, you are not permitted to bring live plants, fresh fruits and other produce items into most countries.
 
Croatia – VisaHQ.com
Romania - VisaHQ.com
Serbia – VisaHQ.com
Bulgaria – VisaHQ.com
Germany – VisaHQ.com
Czech Republic – VisaHQ.com
Slovakia – VisaHQ.com
Hungary – VisaHQ.com
Austria – VisaHQ.com
 
 If you are a U.S resident who will be returning to the U.S. at the end of the tour, current regulations permit bringing back $800 worth of items duty-free, as long as you physically bring them with you. There are limits to the amount of alcohol that can be a part of this exemption. Certain restrictions apply to unaccompanied goods mailed from abroad to the United States. Please call your local customs office or consult the U.S. government's customs regulations as contained in their publication entitled Know Before You Go.

If you are a resident of another country, please refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.
 
The current Value Added Tax (VAT) levied by each country on this itinerary is:
  • Austria 20%
  • Bulgaria 20%
  • Croatia 22%
  • Czech Republic 19%
  • Germany 19%
  • Hungary 25%
  • Romania 19%
  • Serbia 18%
  • Slovakia 19%
The tax rate may be higher for luxury items and lower for basic goods. As a rule, if you are not a resident of the country (or of the country’s intergovernmental economic community, e.g., the European Union) in which the purchase is made, you may be entitled to a VAT refund and should inquire about the refund policy where you shop.
 
Electrical Current – All hotel and riverboat guest rooms are equipped with 220 V, 50 Hz, alternating electrical current, which accommodates standard European plugs with two round prongs. However, the riverboat cabins are also equipped with a 110 V outlet for shavers. If you bring an electrical device that is not compatible, you should bring the appropriate adapters and converters.
 
Internet Access is available as indicated below:
 
Athenee Palace Hilton - Wireless access in all rooms
Prague Marriott  - High-speed wireless access for a fee 
Riverboats - Free Wi-Fi access is available all over the ship; a stationary computer is located in the lido bar. Please be advised that the accessibility is through cellular service and maybe spotty at times due to the ship’s location on the river. Internet connectivity recommendations and sign-up sheets for the stationary computer are available on board. You may bring your own laptop aboard the riverboats but you should be aware of the challenges with internet access on the rivers.

Time Zones – Except for Bulgaria and Romania, the countries visited on this tour are 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time); Bulgaria and Romania are 2 hours ahead. From late March through October, these countries switch to Daylight Savings Time and are 2 and 3 hours ahead, respectively.

To determine current time in major cities around the world, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, timeanddate.com, by clicking here

Weather – The climate along the Danube River is temperate and unpredictable. From June through August, the average high temperatures increase as you travel east along the river and range from 69 to 83°F (21 to 28 °C) and the average low temperatures increase and range from 51 to 61°F (11 to 16 °C). Rainfall amounts in this region remain somewhat constant throughout the year, although they do peak in June.

 
Average Temperature
 
Prague, Czech Republic
Budapest, Hungary
Month
Hi/Lo ºF
Hi/Lo ºC
Hi/Lo ºF
Hi/Lo ºC
January
34 / 24
1 / -4
34 / 24
1 / -4
February
36 / 25
2 / -4
40 / 28
4 / -2
March
46 / 32
8 / 0
50 / 35
10 / 2
April
54 / 36
12 / 2
61 / 43
16 / 6
May
64 / 45
18 / 7
70 / 51
21 / 11
June
69 / 51
21 / 11
75 / 57
24 / 14
July
72 / 54
22 / 12
79 / 59
26 / 15
August
73 / 53
23 / 12
78 / 58
26 / 14
September
65 / 48
18 / 9
71 / 52
22 / 11
October
54 / 39
12 / 4
61 / 44
16 / 7
November
41 / 32
5 / 0
46 / 35
8 / 2
December
36 / 28
2 / -2
37 / 28
3 / -2
 

Belgrade, Serbia

Bucharest, Romania
Month
Hi/Lo ºF
Hi/Lo ºC
Hi/Lo ºF
Hi/Lo ºC
January
38 / 27
3 / -3
34 / 22
1 / -6
February
43 / 31
6 / -1
39 / 26
4 / -3
March
53 / 37
12 / 3
50 / 32
10 / 0
April
63 / 46
17 / 8
64 / 42
18 / 6
May
72 / 53
22 / 12
73 / 50
23 / 10
June
77 / 59
25 / 14
80 / 57
27 / 14
July
81 / 61
27 / 16
83 / 60
28 / 16
August
81 / 61
27 / 16
83 / 59
28 / 15
September
74 / 55
23 / 13
76 / 52
24 / 11
October
64 / 46
18 / 8
64 / 42
18 / 6
November
51 / 39
11 / 4
50 / 34
10 / 1
December
41 / 31
5 / -1
38 / 27
3 / -3

 

 
Average Rainfall
 
Prague, Czech Republic
Budapest, Hungary
Month
Inches
Millimeters
Inches
Millimeters
January
2.7
69
1.3
33
February
1.9
48
1.2
30
March
2.6
66
1.1
28
April
2.1
53
1.5
38
May
2.4
61
2.2
56
June
2.8
71
2.5
64
July
3.0
76
2.1
53
August
2.8
71
2.0
51
September
2.6
66
1.6
41
October
2.9
74
1.3
33
November
3.2
81
2.1
53
December
3.3
84
1.6
41
 

Belgrade, Serbia

Bucharest, Romania
Month
Inches
Millimeters
Inches
Millimeters
January
1.9
48
1.6
41
February
1.8
46
1.4
36
March
2.0
51
1.5
38
April
2.3
58
1.8
46
May
2.8
71
2.8
71
June
3.6
91
3.0
76
July
2.6
66
2.5
64
August
2.0
51
2.3
58
September
2.0
51
1.7
43
October
1.6
41
1.3
33
November
2.1
53
1.9
48
December
2.3
58
1.7
43

 
To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website weather.com by clicking here.
 

If You Have to Cancel


Cancellation Fees – Regardless of reason, cancellations of confirmed bookings result in Tauck incurring costly penalties and cancellation fees from our travel and hotel providers. Therefore, if you have to cancel a confirmed booking, Tauck will charge you a cancellation fee according to when your cancellation notice is received in its Norwalk, CT office. To help limit your liability, Tauck offers a Tauck Protection Plan.

If you choose to purchase Tauck’s Guest Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver, you will have your cancellation penalties reduced. Click here for more details.

If you choose not to purchase Tauck’s Guest Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver, you will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:
 
60 days or more before departure
$600 per person (the amount of the deposit)

59-30 days before departure
50% of the cost of the tour per person

29-1 days before departure
100% of the cost of the tour per person