Nights 1, 2 & 3: Prague Marriott Hotel Prague, Czech Republic This sleek, modern hotel is centrally located in Prague, at the gate to the Old Town Square and within walking distance of many attractions. Guestrooms are spacious by local standards and quite comfortable. The World Class Health Academy, the largest fitness center in Prague, offers an indoor swimming pool, sauna, whirlpool and fully equipped gym. Guests seeking other forms of recreation may want to try their luck at the hotel’s on-site casino.
Nights 4 – 10: Aboard MS Swiss Sapphire or MS Swiss Emerald Cruising Europe's inland waterways exclusively for Tauck, the new-for-2008 MS Swiss Sapphire and the MS Swiss Emerald (launched in 2006) represent the epitome of luxurious river cruising. At cocktail time, the gracious Lido Bar in the stern has a 180° glass wall that opens for an indoor / outdoor cocktail hour. The spacious Panorama Lounge in the bow, with its bar, dance floor and entertainment, is a delightful gathering spot in the evenings. The Restaurant offers both an elegant dining venue and a fine dining experience. 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. In addition to their spacious, well-appointed cabins, both ships offer 14 beautiful 300 sq. ft. suites equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows, marble baths, flat-screen televisions and walk-in closets. Crews of 29 attentively serve just 118 guests. The Swiss Emerald and Swiss Sapphire are definitely “top-of-the-line.”
Nights 11 & 12: InterContinental Budapest Budapest, Hungary Situated in the heart of the city close to the main shopping street, Vaci Utca, the InterContinental Budapest offers some of the best views in Budapest of the Danube River and the city from its public areas. The elegantly-appointed guest rooms feature all of the amenities that today’s sophisticated travelers expect. Guests have access to the Fitness Club, with an indoor, reverse-flow swimming pool, cardiovascular machines, weights and sauna. The Corso Restaurant, ranked among the best in Budapest, offers dining on an outdoor terrace overlooking the Buda Hills during the summer.
*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. *Eastbound tour beginning on September 11, 2008 will stay at Le Méridien Budapest on nights 11 and 12.