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~ Europe ~

European Christmas Markets by River Cruise
Featuring Vienna, Budapest, and the Danube River

December 9 - 16, 2008


     If you watch the Travel Channel you may have seen a story on the Christmas Markets with their traditional decorations, nutcrackers, crystal, candies, and food. It is an experience that any woman would love. To enhance this magical trip, we're going to travel by riverboat and cruise from city to city. We'll see much more than the markets... we'll see the cities dressed up for the holiday, and learn how Christmas customs originated. This is a trip for the young and the young at heart. For this trip only we will lower our minimum age to 12 or older so that you may invite a younger female family member to experience this wonderful trip.

     Enjoy an experience celebrating the varied cultures of five Central European countries. Join both locals and visitors as they prepare for the holidays during this cruise along the Danube. Get a taste of Germany in beautiful Passau and witness the Czech Republic’s picturesque countryside in Cesky Krumlov. Sail through Austria and stop in a variety of quaint riverside towns and bustling cities, and experience the capital cities of Hungary and Bratislava.

Booking Deadline - 1 June 2008
Reserve a Space on this Tour

3 Spaces Left


$2948.00*
Single Room - Not Available
Cabin-sharing arranged by WTT for solo travelers.

 *Cabin Category A. Price includes a
ll port charges, taxes, and fuel surcharges.
Deduct $100 for
Cabin Category B


TOUR DETAILS

 Activity Level:
     90% Easy;
     10% Moderate

Tour Includes:

 - 7-night River Cruise  onboard deluxe Viking River Ship. Cabin Category A or B.

  - Tours and Cultural highlights with private English-speaking guides as noted in the itinerary.

 - Meals: All meals onboard the ship as noted.

Book Your AIR through WTT
and get airport transfers included
(a $100 value)

Air begins at $1095 inclusive of taxes from the East Coast. Additional departure cities available for a slightly higher cost.
Contact WTT for a price quote.

Arrival Airport: Vienna, Austria  (VIE) on Tuesday, December 9 (you will depart the US on Dec. 8)

Departure Airport: Munich, Germany (MUC) on Tuesday, December 16.

Early Arrival Cost:  WTT is not making early arrival arrangements for this trip


Special Notes Regarding this Trip:

- You will need a valid passport for this trip.
Check your expiration date. It cannot expire less than 6 months after your travel completes.

Not Included in the Price of this Tour:

· Air from your home and return to your home,

· Airport transfers IF you do not make your air reservations through WTT

· Meals and activities not specified in the itinerary,

· Any personal expenses, and any guide, driver or cruise ship staff gratuities.
 

· You will be responsible for your own airport transfer(s) if WTT does not book your air. Transfers can be purchased at $50 each way.

Note: You will depart the US on December 8th. (See air information on the left side-bar)

 

Tuesday, December 9:  Arrive Vienna, Austria

Schedule flights to Vienna to arrive no later than 11:00am or use WTT provided air.  Transfer to the ship.  Boarding begins at 3:00pm.  After boarding, use your free time to do some exploring before departure.  (D)

 

Wednesday, December 10:  Vienna - Spend a day in the “City of Waltzes”

 Explore the city that inspired fine art & classical music.  This capital city of Austria is filled with green parks, elegant stores, theaters and gracious boulevards. Known as the “City of Waltzes,” Vienna is considered the center of classical music, and here Strauss, Beethoven and Mozart composed many of their finest pieces. Be sure to stop in one of the city’s famous cafes to taste the delectable Sacher Torte. Noted landmarks include the impressive Hofsburg Palace, Vienna Opera House and lavish Schönbrunn Palace, the preferred residence of the Hapsburgs.  See this “City of Waltzes” on your half-day city tour. Your motorcoach takes you past the elegant Opera House, Parliament Building, Hofburg Palace and the Ringstrasse. Then stop at St. Stephan’s Cathedral and enjoy free time at the Stephansplatz. After lunch aboard, you can spend free time shopping along the Kärtnerstrasse or strolling the world-famous Christmas market. Tonight, you may opt to see a classical concert. (B, L, D)

 

Thursday, December 11:  Explore Budapest - ancient “Buda” and modern “Pest”

 The city is often referred to as the Paris of the east, and deserves this name. The picturesque setting on two sides of the Danube, the nine connecting bridges, and the villas and public buildings make Budapest one of the most enjoyable cities in Europe.

Embark on a city tour in Hungary’s vibrant capital, exploring both parts of the city, traditional “Buda” and modern “Pest.” Begin on the Pest side where you see the National Opera House and Heroes’ Square. Then, cross over to Buda to see Matthias Church and catch great panoramic views from Fishermen’s Bastion. You have some free time to further explore Budapest. You might visit Gellért Spa or stroll through the city’s Christmas market with its unique Hungarian flair. Enjoy a traditional Hungarian dinner and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

 

Friday, December 12:  Bratislava - Tour Historic Old Town

Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia. It is an old city with a long history.  Bratislava Castle dominates the town and there are interesting museums, such as the Museum of Jewish Culture and the Municipal Museum. Opposite is the Blue House, which houses the Exhibition of Arts and Crafts.  Arrive in Bratislava for a walking tour through this elegant capital city. During your tour, you’ll encounter beautiful baroque architecture from the Hapsburg Dynasty as well as Trinity Church. See Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral and medieval Michael’s Tower. Free time allows you to further explore or visit the festive Christmas market. Dinner aboard coincides with your departure.  (B, L, D)

 

Saturday, December 13:  Dürnstein - Picturesque villages, hilltop castles & a famous wine town

Set amidst the scenic Wachau Valley, Dürnstein is encircled with vine-clad hills and beautiful landscapes. The village maintains its medieval atmosphere by means of its cobblestone streets, and boasts enchanting 18th century houses. Highlights include the ruins of Kuenriger Castle, where Richard the Lionheart of England was allegedly imprisoned in the 12th century. You’ll be treated to a special organ concert followed by free time to sample some local vintages from this famous wine-producing region.  (B, L, D)

 

Sunday, December 14:  Linz - Discover the Austrian charms of Linz

Linz is Austria's third-largest city after Vienna and Graz.  Linz is quite an elegant city with an interesting historic Old Town Quarter with many nice patrician houses and a large pedestrian zone.

After breakfast, your walking tour takes you to the Hauptplatz, a large square surrounded by beautiful baroque buildings. Continue your walk through the old market, followed by a tour inside the stunning cathedral with its ornate Gothic tower. Lunch is served aboard and you have afternoon free time to explore more of the town or venture to its bustling Christmas market. Or, you can choose to take an optional full-day tour to Salzburg, a quaint town famous for the film, The Sound of Music. Take a motorcoach through Austria’s scenic countryside and then a walking tour brings you to the home and birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Enjoy some free time to roam Salzburg’s cobbled streets. Return to your ship for dinner.  (B, L, D)

 

Monday, December 15:  Cesky Krumlov - Explore a castle in this quaint Czech town

Today’s full-day excursion takes you to Cesky Krumlov, a small town in the southeastern Czech Republic and one of Europe’s best-preserved cities. Take a guided walk through the historic Old Town, known for its fine architecture. You’ll also see Krumlov Castle, the Czech Republic’s second largest castle complex. After lunch in a local restaurant, you have free time to explore on your own—go shopping or sample some local beer. (B, L, D)

 

Tuesday, December 16:  Passau; Return Home

End your journey at Passau.  It is a quaint town located at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube Rivers.  The wonderful Baroque buildings that dominate the city today were built after the great fire of 1662. One of the most striking is cathedral of St. Stephan, which boasts the world’s biggest church organ. After breakfast, disembark the ship no later than 10:00am and return to the Munich Airport for your flight home.  Schedule flights at your convenience but no earlier than 12:00 noon if you are making your own air arrangements.  (B)

 

This trip is not exclusive to Women Traveling Together and will include other individuals on the same ship.

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All previous information has been superseded.