Travel Leaders / Future Travel 

Presents

“Blue Danube Discovery”
Avalon Tapestry

11 days – Budapest to Prague
Led by Colonel Samuel Morthland 

October 13- 20, 2010
West Point Class Reunion

Day 1  Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

** 2-night Pre-cruise Excursion in Budapest @ $430/pp add-on **

Day 2 Budapest, Hungary  Welcome to Budapest, Hungary’s lively capital. The remainder of the day is free to start exploring Eastern Europe’s most cosmopolitan metropolis.

Day 3 Budapest  Budapest straddles both banks of the Danube, with seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connecting ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with FISHERMEN’S BASTION and the Matthias Church is among the many sights your Local Guide will show you. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika. (B) 

Day 2 (or 4) Budapest (Embarkation)   This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a WELCOME RECEPTION. (B,D)

Day 3 Budapest-Vienna, Austria A day to relax on board and marvel at the beautiful scenery on both banks of the Danube. Hungary is on your left as you cruise upriver and Slovakia is on your right. The two countries share the Danube for a 58-mile stretch, with the border in the middle of the river. Vienna, Austria’s capital, is known as the “City of Music” and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. (B,L,D)

Day 4 Vienna  Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will enjoy during your city tour. You do not rush through Vienna; you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. An optional concert is available during your stay. (B,L,D)

Day 5 Durnstein-Melk Dürnstein, known for the magnificent baroque STIFTSKIRCHE with its blue façade, lying right in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Above town are the ruins of the castle where England’s King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. This afternoon: Melk, whose magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The view you have from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! This evening you’ll be able to sample some of the Wachau Valley’s FAMOUS WINES. (B,L,D)

Day 6 Linz-Passau, Germany Linz, Austria’s third-largest city, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights. Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen’s Cathedral houses the world’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. (B,L,D)

Day 7 Regensburg Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights on your guided tour include the Old Town Hall, the beautiful white and gold OLD CHAPEL, and Porta Pretoria—gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town, and one of Bavaria’s cultural centers. It is here you will find Germany’s oldest restaurant, the 12th-century Historische Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen). (B,L,D)

Day 8 Nuremberg  Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses all explained by a local expert. Nuremberg’s traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. After dinner we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s FAMOUS BEERS. (B,L,D)

Day 9 Nuremberg Your homebound flight arrives the same day.

** 3-night Post-cruise Excursion in Prague @ $660/pp add-on **

Day 9 (or 12)  Nuremberg (Disembarkation)–Prague, Czech Republic  Cross the Czech border in the Bohemian Forest and head for Prague, the “Golden City.” (B)

Day 10 Prague Prague is a 1,000-year-old city preserved in time. See its best-known treasures such as the Old Town’s ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK, once the envy of all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Charles Bridge. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books. Mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or stroll along the Vltava River. (B)

Day 11 Prague  A free day for you to explore the city at your own pace. Your Cruise Director will have other suggestions for things to do. (B)

Day 12 Prague Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

Vacation Highlights / INCLUDED FEATURES

Cruise:  Deluxe 7-night cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg in an outside stateroom

Budapest:  Guided sightseeing, visit Fishermen’s Bastion 
Vienna: Guided sightseeing/ evening concert
Dürnstein: Guided walk
Melk: Guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey; wine tasting
Passau: Guided sightseeing; 1 day excursion to Salzburg
Regensburg: Guided sightseeing, visit the Old Chapel
Main Danube Canal:  Cruise in the canal
Nuremberg:  Guided sightseeing; beer tasting
Prague: Guided sightseeing, Astronomical Clock; visit Hradcany Castle

Deposit of $500.00 per peson due at the time of booking; an additional $1000.00 per person due on February 15, 2010; final payment due on June 1, 2010. Included in per person price ~ Travel Guard Group Insurance.

For reservations and more information regarding the 
West Point Class Reunion cruise please contact:

futuretravel@travelleaders.com
or
Judy Shaw 936-273-4001
shawj@travelleaders.com