2010 – 12 Days from $3,990
The newest of Tauck's memorable Europe river cruises invites you to experience the romance of idyllic villages in the lush wine country of France's Alsace region... explore the magnificent medieval cathedral cities and colorful culture of Bavaria... and discover a remarkable mix of old and new during two-night stays in the ancient cities of Strasbourg and Prague! An
extraordinary weeklong cruise aboard the state-of-the-art ms Swiss Sapphire winds its way past castles, vineyards and historic villages along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers in the gracious style once reserved for the nobility. Walk in the footsteps
of the rich and famous of long ago as you visit the glamorous spa
town of Baden-Baden and its elegant Casino, enjoy an exclusive private tour of the Strahov Monastery libraries in Prague, and discover what royal life was
like in palaces like the Heidelberger Schloss, Würzberg's imposing
Residenz, and Prague Castle.
Feel history come alive as you explore medieval towns and cities such
as Obernai, Miltenberg, Regensburg and Bamberg. Savor an authentic
taste of the region during meals aboard ship and at specially selected
restaurants ashore during your riverboat cruise; and sample fine wines
of the Alsace and the beers
of Germany's Franconia region during tours and tastings. All this and more awaits on Tauck's new-for-2010 Strasbourg to Prague Serenade!
Eastbound
Click here for Westbound itinerary.
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2010 Itinerary
Eastbound
Click here for Westbound itinerary.
• Indicates cruise day
Day 1 - Welcome to Strasbourg
The newest of Tauck's Europe river cruises begins at 6:00 PM at the Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Ile.
Transfers from Strasbourg International Airport to the Sofitel Strasbourg Grand Ile
are included. Please join us to meet your Tauck Directors and fellow
travelers at our welcome reception and dinner this evening.
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Ile, Strasbourg, France
Day 2 - Strasbourg old and new
Strasbourg has one foot firmly in the present
and one foot rooted in the past. As the capital of the European Union,
the EU Parliament district bustles with the in-the-moment business of
modern-day government; see the impressive, modern Parliament buildings
en route to the past this morning. Step into the medieval world of La
Petite France - with its historic cobbled streets, half-timbered houses
and meandering canals - during a walking tour with a local guide, and visit Strasbourg's 11th-century Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady, once the tallest
building in Europe.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Ile, Strasbourg, France
• Day 3 - Authentically Alsace
Head out of town this morning for a drive along the famous Route des Vins d'Alsace
(Alsatian Wine Road), through enchanting villages of France's Alsace region, and past
endless terraced vineyards that produce the area's renowned white wines
on the way to the picturesque town of Obernai. Here, you'll enjoy lunch
in a former manor house, complete with local wines offering a true
taste of the Alsace. Later, board the ms Swiss Sapphire
to begin this most extraordinary of Europe river cruises along the Rhine. This
evening, the Captain welcomes you aboard with a special reception in
your honor.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire
• Day 4 - Good times in Baden-Baden
Set in the foothills of Germany's Black Forest, the spa town of
Baden-Baden, with its healing waters, has been a popular destination
since Roman times; its thermal springs have been known for over
2,000 years. The likes of Queen Victoria, Brahms, Napoleon III and
Marlene Dietrich have wandered its streets, "taken the waters" and
played in its casino. After a walking tour during which you'll discover
ruins of castles and Roman baths, visit the extravagantly beautiful
Belle Epoque Casino, which has been the place to see and be seen for
nobility and the elite for over 250 years.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire
• Day 5 - It happens in Heidelberg
A full-day excursion to Heidelberg showcases many facets of this
intriguing city, which has been a happening place for students since
the University of Heidelberg was founded in 1386. Take in the charm of
Old Town during a guided walking tour revealing Gothic gates and walls,
Renaissance and Baroque homes and palaces... and life here in the 21st
century. Ride a funicular up to the ruins of the famous
Gothic-Renaissance castle, Heidelberger Schloss. Return to the ms Swiss Sapphire
after lunch in a Heidelberg restaurant and some free time to explore
the city on your own before you continue one of the most unique Europe river cruises along
the River Main.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire
• Day 6 - Rollin' on the River Main
The opportunity to just kick back and relax is
yours this morning as your riverboat glides down the Main River bound
for Bavaria. Or, see what fun things your Tauck Directors have up their
sleeves, work out in the fitness center or find something to challenge
you on the on-board Wii game system. Spend the afternoon exploring
Miltenberg, with its hilltop castle, lively market square and
half-timbered houses. Bavaria comes aboard ms Swiss Sapphire this evening for a special dinner spotlighting this lovely area of Germany.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire
• Day 7 - Feel like royalty at Würzburg's Residenz
By 1000 BC, the Celts had built a fortress, and in the 8th century,
Charlemagne himself consecrated the cathedral that is the focal point
of the historic and charming town of Würzburg. About 90% of the town was
destroyed in World War II and then painstakingly reconstructed by its
citizens - most of them women. The magnificent
Würzburg Residenz, a beautiful complex of palaces begun in 1720 for the
Würzburg prince-bishops, was completed, start-to-finish, almost within
a single generation. During a tour today, you'll see a magnificent
sequence of rooms containing a wonderful array of paintings,
tapestries, furniture and other 18-century treasures. Return to the
Residenz this evening for a memorable dinner in its wine cellar,
complete with a wine tasting and entertainment - a highlight of your
riverboat cruise!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire
• Day 8 - Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire
Spend the morning participating in the on-board activities offered by
your Tauck Directors and gaining some new insights about this part of
the Main River during your riverboat cruise to Bamberg; you can even listen to your Tauck Director's commentary in the comfort of your cabin! What the Alsace
is to wine in France, the Franconia region of Germany is to beer.
Following a walking tour of Bamberg's Old Town, you'll have a chance to
sample the excellent local brews during a brewery tour and beer
tasting.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire
• Day 9 - The Main-Danube Canal and historic Nürnberg
It wasn't until 1992 that the dream of linking the North Sea to the
Black Sea, and making a riverboat cruise all the way from Holland to
Romania possible, was realized with the completion of the Main-Danube
Canal. A local expert will tell you all about it as ms Swiss Sapphire
transits the canal this morning. After docking in Nürnberg, disembark
for an orientation tour of this significant Bavarian city, perhaps best
known for its role during and after World War II. But Nürnberg also has
a fascinating medieval heart, as you'll discover on a walking tour
following lunch and special entertainment at a local restaurant. Celebrate your unforgettable cruise this evening at the Captain's farewell reception and dinner aboard the riverboat.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire
Day 10 - Regensburg revealed and on to Prague
Talk about a long history - humans settled on the banks of the Danube
near Regensburg during the Stone Age and the Romans arrived around 90
AD! Regensburg, where you'll disembark ms Swiss Sapphire, bills itself as “Germany's best-preserved medieval city”
and you'll understand why when you explore the town during a walking
tour. Sightseeing in Old Town Regensburg today includes the Stone
Bridge, completed in 1146, magnificent Dom St. Peter, the 15th-century
Town Hall and remains of the Roman wall. Then it's on to Prague for a two-night stay in this ancient city, now the capital of the Czech Republic.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Hilton Prague Old Town, Prague, Czech Republic
Day 11 - A day across the centuries in Prague
Start today's exploration of this "city of 100 spires" in the ancient Hradcany (Castle)
district with your local guide; 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: Hilton Prague Old Town, Prague, Czech Republic
Day 12 - Homeward bound
This most memorable of Europe river cruises ends in Prague, Czech Republic. A transfer is included from the Hilton Prague Old Town to Prague's Ruzyne International Airport.
Meals: Breakfast
From the pleasures of Strasbourg and the Alsace to the treasures of Bavaria and Prague... on the newest of Tauck's popular Europe river cruises - book today!
Tauck is currently working to provide information regarding this tour. Please check back soon for more information.
If you have an immediate questions, please call us at 800-788-7885 or email info@tauck.com.
If you have an immediate questions, please call us at 800-788-7885 or email info@tauck.com.
Did you know that you can link-up Tauck itineraries to create longer journeys? Many of these trips are in the same region, and depending upon availability you might connect with them before or after your trip. Alternatively, you might find one of these options better suited for your interests and preferences or for when you are available to travel.
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New for 2010! The romance of idyllic Alsatian villages and vineyards in France, magnificent medieval cities and colorful Bavarian culture in Germany, and the magic of Prague... all waiting for you on Tauck's newest Europe river cruise along the Rhine, Main and Danube!
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