Night 1 & 2: Le Méridien Budapest Budapest, Hungary Le Méridien Budapest is ideally located in the heart of Budapest, close to the city’s major sights. Lushly decorated guest rooms offer many amenities including coffee makers, mini bars and televisions with cable and satellite channels. In the Health Club, guests can take advantage of the tranquility of the indoor swimming pool crowned by a glass roof, as well as exercise equipment and a whirlpool. The hotel’s staff enjoys an excellent reputation for their friendliness and enthusiastic efficiency.
Night 3 - 9: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire or ms Swiss Jewel Cruising Europe's inland waterways exclusively for Tauck, the sister ships ms Swiss Sapphire and ms Swiss Jewel represent the epitome of luxurious river cruising. In addition to their spacious, well-appointed cabins, both ships offer 14 beautiful 300-square-foot suites – equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows, marble baths, flat-screen televisions and walk-in closets – as well as 7 junior suites, adding up to four times more suites than most other European riverboats. The cabins, which range from 150 to 183 sq. ft., provide plush accommodations with plasma TV, terry bathrobes, fine L'Occitane toiletries, large windows and much more; 85% of the cabins have floor-to-ceiling windows with French balconies. A crew of 29 attentively serves just 118 guests. The Restaurant offers both an elegant dining venue and a fine dining experience, while the spacious Panorama Lounge in the bow, with its bar, dance floor and entertainment, is a delightful gathering spot in the evenings. The gracious Lido Bar in the stern has a 180° glass wall that opens for an indoor / outdoor cocktail hour, and offers alternative bistro dining featuring lighter fare – a first on Europe’s rivers. The Swiss Sapphire and Swiss Jewel are definitely “top-of-the-line”!
Night 10 & 11: Athénée Palace Hilton Bucharest Bucharest, Romania Set in an enviable location in the center of Bucharest near the Romanian Athenaeum and the former Royal Palace amid museums, cafés and shops, the historic Athénée Palace Hilton Bucharest is today a truly grand European hotel. Opened in 1914, it has a colorful history, including reputedly being a notorious den of spies in the years leading up to World War II! Today, every creature comfort is well attended to in air-conditioned guest rooms with 250-thread-count sheets, comfy duvets and a pillow menu from which to choose; TV with cable and premium channels and remote control; bathrobes, slippers, hairdryer and Crabtree and Evelyn bath amenities; a mini bar as well as coffee/tea-making facilities; iron and ironing board; in-room safe and in-room high-speed Internet access. During leisure hours, take a swim in the heated indoor pool, soak in the Jacuzzi, enjoy a workout in the Fitness Room or amuse yourself in the on-site casino. Savor French and Belgian specialties with a view at the Brasserie or indulge in Italian cuisine at Roberto’s. Le Bistrot offers café au lait and delectable French pastries by day and classic French café cuisine and candlelight by night. When it’s time for a nightcap, the English Bar is the place to taste one of over 40 fine whiskies or sip your favorite cocktail.