zThe Romantic Danube Jewish Heritage Cruise Only 2013

This morning, depart Prague and stop in Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, where you will enjoy a walking tour or a Jewish Heritage tour. The Jewish community of Regensburg dates to classical times when the city was known as Ratisbon. Your tour will explore the oldest Jewish Ghetto in Germany. A guided tour will show you the site of the Regensburg Synagogue, Jewish Cemetery “Judenau” and Oscar Schindler’s House. After lunch on your own, continue to the charming 1200-year-old Bavarian town of Vilshofen, where you will embark your luxurious ship. Later this afternoon, join your fellow passengers to celebrate “Oktoberfest” in Vilshofen. Relax at long tables and benches, enjoy traditional beers accompanied by Bavarian folk music, song and dance. Meals B,D

This morning you are free to explore Vilshofen’s beautiful old town before you cruise to Passau, where this afternoon you will have your choice of two different excursions. The first option is to take a walking tour through this 2,000-year-old fairy tale city, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture. Walk the cobblestone streets of the Old Town where you will see the city fortifications and St. Stephan’s Cathedral, which is home to the largest cathedral organ in the world. As an alternative, experience this majestic city on a guided bike tour along the Inn River to Weinstein (capacity controlled). Meals B,L,D

This morning the ship arrives in Linz, the second largest city in Austria. Your excursion begins with a walking tour that goes through the Alter Markt ending with a visit inside the New Synagogue. Afterwards, you will tour the Jewish Cemetery, returning to the ship after the visit. Or you can participate in the Linz walking tour, which will take you along the Landstrasse to the city’s main square. You will see St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Marian Column, Landestheatre and St. Martin’s, the oldest church in Austria. Later you have the choice of three different excursions. The first option is a visit to the scenic “Salzkammergut” region, the Austrian Lake District, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the historic town of Gmunden, on the shore of Lake Tranusee, and visit the Castle Ort. The second option is to join an excursion to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov. This is a wonderfully preserved medieval town, nestled in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border. Best known for the art and architecture of its historic old town, Cesky Krumlov also boasts Bohemia’s second largest castle. After your tour, enjoy some free time on your own exploring the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The third choice is an excursion to Salzburg. Your excursion begins with a drive from Linz towards Salzburg, where you will take a walking tour of the historic center, famous as the setting for the “Sound of Music” and as the birthplace of Mozart. The tour includes a visit to the Mirabell Gardens, Salzburg Cathedral, Mozart’s Square, and much more. Enjoy free time on your own, before returning to the ship with a scenic drive through the majestic countryside of Austria’s Lake District and Salzkammergut. Meals B,L,D

MELK - KREMS (DÜRNSTEIN)
Cruise through the narrow Strudengau this morning to Melk. A guided tour will take you to Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest Baroque monasteries. From here, continue cruising the beautiful Wachau valley to Krems. You will have the choice of two excursions this afternoon. The first is a motor coach ride to Dürnstein, where you will take a walking tour of the town’s medieval cobblestone streets, passing by 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. Marvel at the magnificent blue facade of the Baroque Stiftskirche high above town. As an alternative, enjoy a guided bike tour from Krems to Dürnstein and back (capacity controlled). Tonight, after dinner on board, enjoy wine tasting at a local winery. Enjoy several different wines, presented along with bread, knowledgeable hosts, and plenty of laughter. Meals B,L,D

This morning’s Jewish Heritage tour will feature the Jewish Museum, Judenplatz, Sigmund Freud’s House, Jewish Cemetery and the Jewish Quarter in Vienna’s 2nd District. In the alternative you may choose the city tour of Vienna, during which you will see the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, and the historic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The afternoon is free to stroll through the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or take an optional tour to the Schönbrunn Palace. Tonight, you will have the opportunity to enjoy an optional Mozart and Strauss concert in the “Music Capital of the World.” The ship moors in Vienna overnight. Meals B,L,D

This morning, enjoy a scenic cruise to Bratislava, where you can choose from a walking tour which includes the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. In the alternative, you can take a “Communist History Tour” of Bratislava, which includes architectural landmarks such as the Radio Building, Liberty Square and Soviet War Memorial. The remainder of the day is free to explore on your own. Meals B,L,D

Your tour begins with a short stop at the Sankt Stephan Park where you can visit the statues of Raoul Wellenberg and Gabor Sztehlo, both credited with saving thousands of Hungarian Jews during WWII. Afterwards, you will visit the Jewish District where you will have a walking tour with highlights such as the Dohany St. Synagogue, the Old Jewish Cemetery and the Tree of Life. Or join the Budapest city tour which will take you to historic Buda Castle from where you can enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the River. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the Royal Palace, St. Stephen's Basilica, the famous Heroes Square and more. Your afternoon is free to explore on your own. After dinner, the ship will sail a special “Illuminations Cruise” past the illuminated river front of Budapest. Meals B,L,D

Your cruise comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. Meals B