2010 – 19 Days from $7,790
Tauck's The Black Sea to Prague combines The Black Sea to Budapest with The Blue Danube to create an unforgettable 19-day journey from Bucharest and the Black Sea coast to Prague. This ultimate European tour 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 - and 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 Puszta equestrian demonstration in Hungary, a
home-hosted lunch in Bulgaria and an Imperial Evening in Vienna!
Westbound
Click here for Eastbound itinerary.
Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from us for travel originating in the United States.
Hotel Rooms Before and After Cruises – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your cruise. As a service, we will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through us. Hotel room charges will be added to the cruise cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this webpage and discuss it with your reservations sales consultant or your travel agent when you book your cruise.
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, riverboat, airline, train 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 Tauck Travel Protection on this webpage for more information.
Personal Expenses such as phone calls, room service, alcoholic and other beverages not specifically included, laundry, dry cleaning, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, airport arrival and departure taxes, individual airport transfers (when applicable), and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.
Additional Information
Holiday and Museum Closures ― Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many state, religious and civic holidays locally observed.You may wish to log on to Wikipedia to view a list of holidays by country by clicking here.
Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – We pledge to make every effort to operate all cruises as advertised. We reserve 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 us. 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 at 6:00 PM at the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand 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 at check-out time at the Prague Marriott Hotel on the last day of your tour. Guests who choose to post-stay at the Prague Marriott will also receive transportation to the airport whenever they choose to depart. Each carrier and each airport has different rules regarding how early you must arrive for flight check in. Please contact your individual carrier for this information.
Membership will be granted to all persons. We reserve the right to terminate the tour of any persons who are abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.
Photography on Tour – Occasionally, we will use photographs and/or video taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your cruise for print, Internet and other media promotional purposes. If you prefer that your image not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
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 while on the motor coach, during group functions, when sightseeing and when your Tauck Director is addressing the group as a whole. There will be many opportunities to make and 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, Slovakia 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, 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.
New for 2010! Two special departures -
Musical Magic Along the Blue Danube
2010 Itinerary
Westbound
Click here for Eastbound itinerary.
Day 1 - Begin your Eastern European tour in Bucharest
This memorable European tour starts at 6:00 p.m. at the Athénée Palace Hilton Bucharest. A transfer is included from Bucharest Airport to the Athénée Palace
Hilton Bucharest in the heart of the city. Meet your fellow travelers
and Tauck Directors at tonight's welcome reception and dinner at your
storied hotel, a Bucharest landmark since 1914.
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Athénée Palace Hilton Bucharest, Romania
Day 2 - Castles and monasteries in Romania
On a choice of sightseeing in Romania today, you may opt for a full
day's excursion to tour Peles Castle in Sinaia, built for Romania's
royal family in the 1880s. Or take off on a morning visit to isolated Snagov Monastery - set on
a tiny island in the middle of a lake, and said to be the final resting
place of Vlad Tepes, the historical model for the character of Dracula. Dinner is on your own tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Athénée Palace Hilton Bucharest, Romania
• Day 3 - Bucharest or the Black Sea before boarding
More choices in sightseeing await you today. Before embarking your
riverboat, you can choose to explore Bucharest and tour the massive
People's Palace - home to the Romanian Parliament, and the world's
second-largest building after the Pentagon - as well as visit the
Romanian Athenaeum. Or drive to the resort town of Mamaia, set at the
edge of the Black Sea, and stroll along Europe's only pure-white sand
beaches. Then travel to Cernavoda and board ms Swiss Sapphire or ms Swiss Jewel to launch your lower Danube cruise.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 4 - Big day in Bulgaria
Arrive in Ruse, Bulgaria, for excursions to nearby towns. In Arbanassi,
known for its richly ornamented architecture, you'll have an
opportunity to meet and share local specialties with your Bulgarian
contemporaries at a private, home-hosted lunch. Continue on to
Bulgaria's medieval capital of Veliko Turnovo, whose ancient walled
fortress and castle are set atop three hills overlooking the Yantra
River. Rejoin the riverboat in Svishtov, and enjoy a Bulgarian cultural
performance aboard ship this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 5 - Danube cruising and Iconography Demonstration
Kick back and enjoy the views of fields and vineyards studded with
medieval towns as the riverboat cruises the Danube through the scenic
heartland of Eastern Europe today. Learn all about Iconography during
an on-board lecture and demonstration prior to arriving in Vidin, where
you can join us for a walking tour through its cobblestone streets.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 6 - King Decebalus and the Iron Gate of the Danube
On another relaxing day on your Eastern European tour, sail along the Bulgarian
/ Romanian border, enjoying great views of the Transylvanian Alps. As
you cruise, keep an eye out for a kingly face carved into the Danube's
rocky bank on the Romanian side; it's a monument to the 2nd-century
Dacian King Decebalus, who defended his kingdom from the invading
Romans - and it's the tallest rock sculpture in Europe. Glide through
Romania's Kazan Narrows and the Iron Gate of the Danube, a spectacular
two-mile-long series of gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan
Mountains, en route to Serbia.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 7 - Serbia's cosmopolitan capital, Belgrade
Dock in Belgrade, Serbia's modern capital at the juncture of the Danube
and Sava rivers. Sightseeing includes visits to Tito's Memorial, St.
Sava Church, and the formidable Kalemegdan Fortress. Also view busy
Slavija Square (now one of the city's major squares, but once a large
pool where residents hunted wild ducks!), Parliament, Republic Square
and City Hall. Return to the riverboat, where a Serbian folkloric group
entertains you this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 8 - Discover Croatia's historic cities
Your European tour crosses the border from Serbia to Croatia and arrives in historic
Vukovar. A mix of old and new, this venerable 10th-century city once
showcased opulent 18th-century Baroque mansions, and now poignantly
symbolizes the effects of the 1990s war as it rebuilds. Your riverboat
continues on to Hungary tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 9 - Baroque treasures, horses and folkways in Hungary
Continue your lower Danube cruise to Kalocsa, Hungary - known for its
folk art and its paprika - where you'll visit the beautiful Baroque
Bishop's Palace Library, housing one of the finest early collections in
Europe. Visit the Equestrian Center in Solt to see Puszta horsemen
demonstrating traditional skills; ride a horse-drawn wagon back to the
riverboat, and enjoy cocktails and dinner aboard ship tonight as your European tour continues to Budapest.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 10 - Explore Budapest or relax at a spa
Arrive in Budapest, Hungary's fascinating capital divided by the Danube into the distinct sections of Buda and Pest. Relax on a visit to one of the city's famous spas, or take a sightseeing tour of this treasure trove of historic architecture; highlights include Heroes' Square and Fishermen's Bastion. This evening, your riverboat sets off for Slovakia for the next segment of your Eastern European tour.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 11 - Baroque in Bratislava
Dock today in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. Bring your passport for a guided walking tour of
this ancient city, on which you'll view several Baroque palaces, the
Opera House, Slovak Philharmonic Hall and St. Martin's Cathedral, and
visit the 13th-century Old Town Hall. Sample some regional fare in a
local coffeehouse prior to returning to the riverboat. After setting
off for magical Vienna to continue one of our popular Danube River
cruises, enjoy a performance by talented Slovakian musicians and
dancers aboard ship this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 12 - Music and more in Imperial Vienna
Welcome to remarkable Vienna, Austria, the picture of "Old World Europe;" get an
overview on 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 tour of the Imperial Silver Room inside the Hofburg. Tonight, indulge
in the royal treatment at a very special private Imperial Viennese
evening in a traditional palace, which features a gala dinner and live
Viennese music.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 13 - Explore Vienna and journey to Dürnstein
Pursue your own interests this morning in Vienna - which boasts a rich
architectural legacy from its centuries as the capital of the
Habsburgs' empire, plus over a hundred museums - and then return to the
riverboat. Your discovery of the Danube River cruises past castles and
abbeys to medieval Dürnstein, where you'll arrive late this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 14 - Picturesque Dürnstein and Wachau Valley cruise
Take a walking tour amidst Dürnstein's lovely cobblestone streets,
16th-century houses, and former Augustinian monastery with our local
guide today. High above this village sit the ruins of the castle
fortress where
England's King Richard the Lionhearted was held for ransom during the
Crusades; during some free time, you may want to walk up to the ruins
and take in magnificent views of the river and the town. Attend a wine
tasting at a local winery before resuming your cruise through the
Wachau Valley, Austria's lush wine-growing region, declared a UNESCO
World Heritage Site for its well-preserved medieval landscapes. Local
Austrian musicians entertain you aboard ship tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 15 - Salzburg sights or relax in Linz
Choose to enjoy the city of Linz, Austria, or take a full-day excursion
to beautiful old Salzburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with
lovely Baroque architecture, and the hometown of 18th-century Austrian
composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The day trip includes enchanting
Mirabell Gardens, a visit to Mozart's birthplace, and a guided walking
tour through the historic district, rich in ornate church towers and
grand palaces.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 16 - Spend the day in Passau and cruise the Danube
Dock in the German town of Passau; take a walking tour through the
cobblestone streets of this picturesque riverside town renowned for its
four-story Baroque houses, exquisite stained glass and scores of
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 past idyllic German landscapes
to Regensburg.
Tonight, celebrate this most enjoyable Eastern European tour with the
Captain's gala farewell reception and dinner aboard the riverboat.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
Day 17 - Disembark in ancient Regensburg and on to Prague
The Danube river cruise portion of your European tour concludes when you disembark your riverboat in the well-preserved Bavarian town
of Regensburg, which began its long life as a Roman encampment many
centuries ago. On a walking tour led by your enthusiastic local guide,
you'll visit the Steinerne Brücke, a medieval stone bridge over the
Danube, towering Dom St. Peter, and the remains of the town's Roman
wall. Have lunch on your own and explore at leisure before driving to
Prague, capital of the Czech Republic and the City of 100 Spires, where your hotel has been named one of the Top 100 Best Luxury Hotels of the World. Enjoy dinner tonight at your choice of select Prague restaurants.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Prague Marriott Hotel, Prague, Czech Republic
Day 18 - Discover the legacy of Prague
Begin your discovery of Prague - a vibrant city where ancient and
modern, and east and west, converge - in the Hradcany (Castle) district
today, where you'll see Prague Castle's 1,000-year-old complex of
palaces, courtyards and gardens. Visit the Cathedral of St. Vitus and
enjoy a Tauck-exclusive, private tour of Strahov Monastery's grand
Baroque libraries. Spend the rest of the day exploring this fascinating
metropolis as you please, or join us for a walking tour of Prague's Old
Town - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the celebrated
Astronomical Clock and Charles Bridge - as well as historic Wenceslas
Square.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Prague Marriott Hotel, Prague, Czech Republic
Day 19 - Homeward bound
Your European tour ends in Prague, Czech Republic. A transfer is included from the Prague Marriott Hotel to Prague's Ruzyne International Airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging:
Don't miss this extraordinary Danube River cruise, the ultimate eastern Europe tour with Tauck - book today!
Inclusive Prices
Cruise prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All riverboat and hotel accommodations, motor coach transportation, port charges, land excursions, admissions, entertainment, special dinners, wine with dinner aboard the riverboat, all-day soft drinks, sightseeing, porterage, and the services of the Tauck Directors, Tauck Cruise Director, hotel and ship staff, local guides and drivers are included. Transportation from Henri Coandă International Airport, also known as Otopeni Airport to the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel is included, regardless of the date and time of your arrival, provided you have furnished us with accurate flight information at least two weeks prior to the start of your tour. Transportation from Prague Marriott Hotel to Prague Ruzyne Airport is also included whenever you choose to depart. Transportation to and from airports and train stations may be shared with other Tauck guests.
Hotel and Riverboat Accommodations ― The cruise price includes all hotel and riverboat accommodations. Our standard is to provide the best available accommodations without sacrificing value. Although the quality of accommodations may differ slightly from one hotel to another, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are usually two-bedded rooms plus a rollaway cot and are not recommended for comfort.
Depending on the date of your departure, you will board either the ms Swiss Jewel or the ms Swiss Sapphire, which all 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 an en suite bathroom with shower. Most cabins have two twin beds that do slide together. Triple accommodations are only available in Category 6 on this cruise.
Other riverboat facilities include a lounge with a panoramic bar and dance floor, a spacious restaurant that can accommodate all guests in one seating, a large sun deck with deck chairs as well as a whirlpool, sauna, solarium, library, fitness center and small boutique.
Meals ― Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
Hotel and Riverboat Accommodations ― The cruise price includes all hotel and riverboat accommodations. Our standard is to provide the best available accommodations without sacrificing value. Although the quality of accommodations may differ slightly from one hotel to another, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are usually two-bedded rooms plus a rollaway cot and are not recommended for comfort.
Depending on the date of your departure, you will board either the ms Swiss Jewel or the ms Swiss Sapphire, which all 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 an en suite bathroom with shower. Most cabins have two twin beds that do slide together. Triple accommodations are only available in Category 6 on this cruise.
Other riverboat facilities include a lounge with a panoramic bar and dance floor, a spacious restaurant that can accommodate all guests in one seating, a large sun deck with deck chairs as well as a whirlpool, sauna, solarium, library, fitness center and small boutique.
Meals ― Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
An ample buffet breakfast, both hot and cold, is served in the spacious restaurant on board the riverboat. 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 diets are available with advance notice, however kosher meals cannot be accommodated. We will be pleased to meet your special dietary requirements whenever possible.
Complimentary all-day soft drinks, coffee and tea service, cookies and fruit are available in the Lido Bar on the riverboat. A continental breakfast of muffins, pastries, fruit and yogurt is served here daily.
The legal drinking age aboard the riverboat is 21 years old.
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 customary 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.
Complimentary all-day soft drinks, coffee and tea service, cookies and fruit are available in the Lido Bar on the riverboat. A continental breakfast of muffins, pastries, fruit and yogurt is served here daily.
The legal drinking age aboard the riverboat is 21 years old.
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 customary 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 us for travel originating in the United States.
Hotel Rooms Before and After Cruises – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your cruise. As a service, we will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through us. Hotel room charges will be added to the cruise cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this webpage and discuss it with your reservations sales consultant or your travel agent when you book your cruise.
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, riverboat, airline, train 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 Tauck Travel Protection on this webpage for more information.
Lost luggage is an unfortunate possibility in today's world of airline travel. We suggest that you:
- Pack at least one change of clothing in your carry-on bag
- Split your items between your suitcase and a traveling companion's suitcase
- Do not pack any vital medications or valuables in your checked luggage
- Confirm that your luggage is checked and tagged to your final destination at airport check-in
- Place your luggage claim tags in a secure place for your flight
- File a claim for any missing luggage immediately before leaving the baggage claim area
- Secure a case number and contact information for follow-up communications
- Make certain that the airline has your onward itinerary
Personal Expenses such as phone calls, room service, alcoholic and other beverages not specifically included, laundry, dry cleaning, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, airport arrival and departure taxes, individual airport transfers (when applicable), and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.
Additional Information
Airline Security Measures -
If you are traveling from the U.S., the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Secure Flight program requires that your name, as it appears on your domestic or international airline ticket, must precisely match your name as it appears on the government-issued photo ID (i.e., passport or driver’s license) that you present during security screening. The ID name must also match any additional airline data, such as frequent-flyer information. For example, if you present your driver's license to security and it says John T. Smith, your ticket must also say John T. Smith, not John Thomas Smith, Jack Smith, or any other variant. Your date-of-birth and gender information provided to the airline must also match your passport.
If you make your air travel arrangements through us, please ensure that the name you provide us precisely matches your name as shown on the identification you will use while traveling. If you make your own airline reservations, please ensure that the airline has the correct information.
For more information on the Secure Flight program, please visit the TSA web site by clicking here.
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.
Air Services – Airfare may be purchased through us for travel originating in the United States. By using our air services, you agree that we, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, are acting only as your agent and are 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 us. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline only, even if purchased through us. We are not liable for, and do 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). We must handle ticketing for our special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Our air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a one of our tours. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air booking 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 us prior to your embarkation. You need to provide this information to us as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied. Once you board the riverboat, your passport will be held by the purser until you disembark.If you are traveling from the U.S., the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Secure Flight program requires that your name, as it appears on your domestic or international airline ticket, must precisely match your name as it appears on the government-issued photo ID (i.e., passport or driver’s license) that you present during security screening. The ID name must also match any additional airline data, such as frequent-flyer information. For example, if you present your driver's license to security and it says John T. Smith, your ticket must also say John T. Smith, not John Thomas Smith, Jack Smith, or any other variant. Your date-of-birth and gender information provided to the airline must also match your passport.
If you make your air travel arrangements through us, please ensure that the name you provide us precisely matches your name as shown on the identification you will use while traveling. If you make your own airline reservations, please ensure that the airline has the correct information.
For more information on the Secure Flight program, please visit the TSA web site by clicking here.
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.
Air Services – Airfare may be purchased through us for travel originating in the United States. By using our air services, you agree that we, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, are acting only as your agent and are 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 us. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline only, even if purchased through us. We are not liable for, and do 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). We must handle ticketing for our special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Our air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a one of our tours. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air booking before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply.
Holiday and Museum Closures ― Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many state, religious and civic holidays locally observed.You may wish to log on to Wikipedia to view a list of holidays by country by clicking here.
Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – We pledge to make every effort to operate all cruises as advertised. We reserve 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 us. 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 at 6:00 PM at the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand 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 at check-out time at the Prague Marriott Hotel on the last day of your tour. Guests who choose to post-stay at the Prague Marriott will also receive transportation to the airport whenever they choose to depart. Each carrier and each airport has different rules regarding how early you must arrive for flight check in. Please contact your individual carrier for this information.
Membership will be granted to all persons. We reserve the right to terminate the tour of any persons who are abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.
Photography on Tour – Occasionally, we will use photographs and/or video taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your cruise for print, Internet and other media promotional purposes. If you prefer that your image not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
Preparing to Go
Travel Document Requirements ―
If you are a U.S. citizen, you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into the countries visited on this cruise. 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.
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
Children who are U.S. citizens must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the completion of the journey.
We are not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by the improper documentation of any guest, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard, click here to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.
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 this cruise 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 the front and back 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 ― Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing. 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 for a fee and no dry cleaning; ironing services are available onboard.
Following is a list of recommended items to pack for a cruise on the Danube:
If you are a U.S. citizen, you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into the countries visited on this cruise. 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.
You will be issued a boarding card, which you must present before embarking the ship in each port. This security measure also ensures that only Tauck guests are permitted onboard.
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, we have a minimum recommended age for each journey 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 ― Our journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. If you require babysitting services, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer on-site babysitting services; however, babysitting services may not be available at all of our hotels.
There are no babysitting services available on the riverboat. 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 during the cruise. By traveling with us, 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
Babysitting ― Our journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. If you require babysitting services, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer on-site babysitting services; however, babysitting services may not be available at all of our hotels.
There are no babysitting services available on the riverboat. 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 during the cruise. By traveling with us, 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 (parent deceased, sole custody, etc.), other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, or a death certificate, will be useful.
Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, we require you to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information may be obtained from a country’s consulate or embassy.
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 (including other pertinent documents as cited above) authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.
We are not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by the improper documentation of any guest, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard, click here to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.
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 this cruise 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 the front and back 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 ― Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing. 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 for a fee 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. No medications are sold on board the riverboat.
Following is a list of recommended items to pack for a cruise on the Danube:
- Flat, rubber-soled walking shoes for onboard
- Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
- An optional jacket and tie for men
- Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
- Swimwear
- Gym wear
- A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
- Binoculars (7x50 preferably)
- Insect repellent
- Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and/or plenty of film
- Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
- Battery-operated travel alarm clock
- Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
- Zipper-lock bags
- Daypack for camera equipment
- Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
- Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your ship 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 this cruise, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. The amount of walking you do, however, is at your discretion. 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.
The riverboats have four decks: Emerald, Ruby, Diamond and Sun. The elevator travels between the Ruby and Diamond decks and does not travel to the Sun deck. There is no chair lift between any of the decks.
On the Emerald deck of the riverboat, you will find a Wellness Center, which is complimentary and available on a sign-up basis by obtaining a key from the Font Desk. The center includes a tanning bed, Jacuzzi, steam bath, sauna and toilet.
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.
The water on board the ship is potable, and complimentary bottled water is placed in your cabin each day. We also provide bottled water on the motor coaches.
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 riverboats 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. Tauck Travel Protection 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 us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.
If you are a resident of the U.S., 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 resident 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.
If you are a resident 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.
Recently, airlines have adopted policies enforcing strict 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 that checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, we cannot be held liable for the accuracy of 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. You may wish to consult the website, luggagelimits.com, by clicking here.
We 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 that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.
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.
Recently, airlines have adopted policies enforcing strict 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 that checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, we cannot be held liable for the accuracy of 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. You may wish to consult the website, luggagelimits.com, by clicking here.
We 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 that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.
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 while on the motor coach, during group functions, when sightseeing and when your Tauck Director is addressing the group as a whole. There will be many opportunities to make and 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, Slovakia 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, 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
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, you are entitled to a duty-free exemption based on the total value of merchandise purchase abroad, 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 U.S. 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:
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 – Most European hotels are equipped with 220 V, 50 Hz, alternating electrical current that accommodates standard European plugs with two round prongs. The riverboat is similarly equipped; however, cabins are also equipped with a 110 V outlet for shavers. If you bring an electrical device that is not compatible with this electric current and its associated outlets, you should bring the appropriate adapters and converters. The riverboat has a few adapters that are available to guests who may rent one for a fee.
Internet Access is available as indicated below:
Internet Access is available as indicated below:
JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel - High-speed wired and wireless access in guest rooms; wireless access in public areas
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.
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
|
|
|
|
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
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43
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To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov, by clicking here.
If You Have to Cancel
Cancellation Fees – Regardless of reason, cancellations of confirmed bookings result in our incurring costly penalties and cancellation fees from our travel and hotel providers. Therefore, if you have to cancel a confirmed booking, we will charge you a cancellation fee according to when your cancellation notice is received in our Norwalk, CT office. To help limit your liability, please refer to Tauck Travel Protection on this webpage for more information.
If you choose not to purchase Tauck Travel Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver, you will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:
If you choose not to purchase Tauck Travel 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
Loss of 50% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person
29-1 days before departure
Loss of 100% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person
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.
You might also be interested in ...Alpine Interlude
Including the Passion Play! - Our ultimate alpine experience features Tauck's premier seating at the 2010 Oberammergau Passion Play, a cogwheel train journey to the Jungfraujoch and more on a 12-day adventure through the Austrian, German, Italian and Swiss Alps.The Blue Danube - Westbound
Wind your way past medieval landscapes aboard ms Swiss Emerald, ms Swiss Sapphire, or ms Swiss Jewel to discover castles, cathedrals, frescoes and Habsburg palaces in five European countries on this most extraordinary of Danube River cruises. Includes land stays featuring two nights each in Prague and Budapest at centrally located 5-star hotels.New for 2010! Two special departures -
Musical Magic Along the Blue Danube
The Black Sea to Budapest - Westbound
Explore Europe's heart on Tauck's popular Danube cruise aboard ms Swiss Sapphire or ms Swiss Jewel between the Black Sea and Budapest, along what was once a highway for ancient civilizations. See dramatic castles, quaint towns, and centuries-old monasteries, and enjoy the cultural treasures of Budapest and Bucharest.Grand European Cruise - Westbound
Explore the heart of Europe on Tauck's ultimate European cruise - a spectacular Danube, Main and Rhine river tour aboard a state-of-the-art Tauck riverboat! Set off aboard ms Swiss Sapphire or ms Swiss Jewel on a grand 3-week cruise through nine European countries all the way from the Black Sea to the North Sea, preceded by two nights at a grand city-center hotel in Bucharest.
Prague to the Black Sea - Eastbound
Tauck's 19-day journey through Europe's ancient heart - combining The Blue Danube and Budapest to the Black Sea and including an unforgettable 14-night luxury riverboat cruise along the Danube aboard either ms Swiss Sapphire or ms Swiss Jewel - offers the very best in Eastern Europe travel!
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