Gems of the Danube
with Prague
May 31 – June 6, 2019
River Cruise & Land Tour
Friday, May 31 – Home City/Hamburg
Saturday, June 1 – Hamburg
Upon arrival in Hamburg, Germany, site of the 110th Rotary International Convention, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Sunday, June 2 – Hamburg
This and every morning, breakfast will be served in your hotel. Prior to the opening ceremonies, discover the Hanseatic city of Hamburg on a guided tour immersing yourself in the unique atmosphere and enjoy a piece of Hamburg’s lively culture. Hamburg has a lot to offer from Jungfernstieg with its upmarket shops, the downtown lakes (the Binnenalster and the Aussenalster), the Reeperbahn (Hamburg’s entertainment district), to the largest harbor in Germany and the old Speicherstadt (warehouse district). Strolling through time, you will discover the historical beauty of Hamburg’s Speicherstadt accompanied by a guide clad in the traditional robes of Hamburg’s merchants of old. This strikingly picturesque commercial and warehouse complex with its unmistakable red-brick architecture, green copper crowns, charming modest towers, bay windows and gabled roofs offers you unique views of historical urban beauty. Aromas of roasted coffee, tea and various spices from around the world fill the air. On a little hill, not far from the harbor, you will find the “Michel”, Hamburg’s landmark. It is 132 meters high and Germany’s most important
Monday, June 3 – Hamburg
Breakfast will be available in your hotel this morning, prior to a day filled with several Plenary Sessions during the convention hours. Tonight you may wish to choose one of the many Host Committee Events available. (B)
Tuesday, June 4 – Hamburg
Breakfast will again be available in your hotel. Plenary Sessions and events of the Rotary International Convention continue. Tonight, you may wish to choose one of the optional tours available. (B)
Wednesday, June 5 – Hamburg
Again, breakfast is served in your hotel this morning. The Plenary sessions and events of the convention continue. Tonight, enjoy the unforgettable Closing Ceremonies. (B)
Thursday, June 6 – Hamburg/Budapest
After breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Budapest, Hungary. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the ship to begin your journey into wonder. Enjoy dinner on board your luxurious Spaceship, the Scenic Amber.(B)
Friday, June 7 – Budapest
Make the most of a guided tour of this city including a piano concert, or discover the Jewish heritage on a guided tour with an expert local guide. Alternatively, you can choose to journey to a nearby riverside town in Pest County, Szentendre. Szentendre is known for its museums, galleries, and artists, and you’ll have the opportunity to discover this charming town on a guided city tour. (B,L,D)
Saturday, June 8 – Vienna
As you cruise the mighty Danube relax in one of the lounges and viewing areas, and enjoy the scenery as your Scenic Space-Ship sails towards majestic Vienna. Breathe in the opulence and luxury of Palais Liechtenstein while enjoying a glass of fine Austrian Sekt. Then be enthralled by an enchanting private Viennese evening concert featuring the timeless music of Strauss and Mozart. Even in elegant Vienna, Palais Liechtenstein is one of the grandest of all venues, and you’ll have ample opportunity to explore it. (B,L,D)
Sunday, June 9 – Vienna
Take a guided tour of historic Bratislava or tour Schönbrunn Palace and witness the sheer opulence of the Habsburg Empire. Alternatively, visit the Belvedere Museum, one of Europe’s most stunning Baroque landmarks. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the greatest collection of Austrian art dating from the Middle Ages to the present day, complemented by the work of international artists such as Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Max Beckmann. The museum houses the world’s largest collection of Gustav Klimt’s paintings, including the famous golden Art Nouveau icons the Kiss and Judith. (B,L,D)
Monday, June 10 – Durnstein/Melk
Be guided through Melk’s magnificent 18th century Benedictine Abbey, originally built as a palace. Explore the opulence of this grand abbey including the awe-inspiring library and abbey church. Alternatively, if you’re feeling more active, embark on an enjoyable guided bike ride along the river from Dürnstein to Melk – at your own pace, of course. Or visit a local winery for a guided tour and tasting of its fine wines. As the day ends, you’ll get to take in the fine scenery at the breathtakingly beautiful Wachau Valley. You’ll be in very fine company and can expect a wonderful ending to a magnificent day. Of course, we don’t take all the credit for this one. It’s nature who’ll provide the view, we’re just bringing the drinks. (B,L,D)
Tuesday, June 11 – Linz/Passau
Take an excursion to the medieval Czech town of Cesky Krumlov and discover its World Heritage-listed Old City, or journey to Salzburg and explore the birthplace of Mozart and the city backdrop for ‘The Sound of Music’. (B,L,D)
Wednesday, June 12 – Regensburg
At the confluence of three rivers, Regensburg offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from its medieval Old Town to the Bavarian Forest on its border. Join your insightful local guide for an enjoyable walk around Regensburg where you’ll discover the old town, with its array of wealthy merchant houses, the Old Bridge and the Porta Praetoria – a reminder of Regensburg’s Roman heritage. Alternatively, hop on a local ferry and sail the Danube Gorge to view historic Weltenburg Abbey, set on the shore of the Danube River. Explore the abbey and sample beer from one of the oldest monastic breweries in the world. (B,L,D)
Thursday, June 13 – Nuremberg/Prague
Disembark Scenic Amber this morning and explore this fascinating and ancient Bavarian city, dating back to the 11th century, on an orientation tour. Learn about the infamous history Nuremberg is renowned for, and discover some of the important sights that shaped modern history, before journeying by coach to Prague, one of the truly magical cities of Europe.
Friday, June 14 – Prague
Few cities embody the past as authentically as Prague, the Czech Republic’s atmospheric capital on the Vltava River that clings to its history with unwavering passion. Prague’s medieval architecture is
Saturday, June 15 – Prague
The beautiful city of Prague is rich in history and home to some of the world’s most striking architectural wonders. Stroll the city at your leisure or maybe take an optional excursion to Terezin. There’s no need to fret– your Tour Director is on hand to help take care of everything. (B)
Sunday, June 16 – Prague/USA
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to the United States, with fond memories of your European Rotary experience. (B)
LAND & CRUISE ONLY PRICE
This price is based on a Standard Suite “Category D” Cabin
Upgrades to Balcony and Suite are available upon request.
We offer International Air Fare from all major US Cities. Please ask us about Economy and Business Class