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Christmastime Zurich To Prague 2013
| Package Information |
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Tour Operator |
Globus |
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Tour Code |
WZN3 |
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Vacation Quality |
First Class |
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Vacation Type |
River Cruise |
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Number of Days |
12 |
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Countries Visited |
Czech Republic, France, Germany, Switzerland
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City Highlights |
Basel, Breisach, Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Nuremberg, Prague, Rothenburg, Rudesheim, Speyer, Strasbourg, Wurzburg, Zurich |
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Basel: Welcome receptionBreisach: Excursion to the Black ForestStrasbourg: Guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedralHeidelberg: Take pictures of the castleFrankfurt: Excursion to Rüdesheim; visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument MuseumMiltenberg: Guided walk; baking demonstrationWürzburg: Guided sightseeing, visit the Bishop’s ResidenzBamberg: Guided sightseeing, see the Old Town Hall; beer tastingNuremberg: Guided sightseeingPrague: Guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit Hradcany Castle grounds
MEALS
B: full buffet breakfast L: lunch D: dinnerComplimentary sparkling wine with breakfast, soft drinks with lunch, and wine, beer, or soft drinks with dinner are included on board your vessel.
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Day 1: Zürich, Switzerland. Transfer to Basel (Embarkation).
Flights into Zürich must arrive before 3 pm. Your river cruise vessel is docked on the Rhine River in Basel, where France, Switzerland, and Germany meet. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception at 6 pm. (D)
Day 2: Breisach, Germany. Excursion to the Black Forest.
Located at the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border, Breisach is the gateway to Germany’s BLACK FOREST region, an area of unrivaled natural beauty with its forests of thick pine trees. There’s no better setting for this time of year than when smoke curls from the chimneys of the traditional Black Forest houses with their long sloping roofs, connoting images of warm and festively decorated interiors. And if there has been a fresh snowfall, this will indeed be a Winter Wonderland! Surely the most well-known products from this region are Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and cuckoo clocks. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Strasbourg, France.
Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg is influenced by the culture of both countries and is the capital of the Alsace region. It is the seat of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. A Certified Local Guide shows you the noteworthy sights: the GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, the lovely LA PETITE FRANCE district, Place Kléber, and Place Gutenberg with the statue of the inventor of the printing press. Dating back to 1570, the traditional Christmas market is one of the oldest and finest in Europe. Located around Place de la Cathédrale and Place Broglie, its centerpiece is a giant Christmas tree. As you stroll through the festively decorated and illuminated streets you’ll notice the pleasing aromas of mulled wine, sweets, spice cakes, and biscuits—a truly magical atmosphere! (B,L,D)
Day 4: Speyer, Germany. Excursion to Heidelberg.
This morning, dock in the ancient imperial city of Speyer on the left bank of the Rhine. From here, an included excursion takes you to Heidelberg, of Student Prince fame and Germany’s oldest university town. Take your photos of imposing Heidelberg Castle, built of red sandstone and towering above the city. At this time of year an ice rink is set up at the foot of the castle, and stalls offer Glühwein, Bratwurst, and other tasty treats. The Christmas market itself is scattered over five town squares and you’ll find a wide array of crafts and regional delicacies. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Frankfurt. Excursion to Rüdesheim.
After breakfast this morning a comfortable motorcoach ride takes you to the pretty little town of Rüdesheim, a perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town. A visit to SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM is a real surprise! Afterward, there’s free time to explore. The entire town transforms itself into one large Christmas market, offering products and specialties from a number of nations, all presented in a distinctive manner. You’ll be spoiled by the selection of shops offering a vast variety of Christmas presents and decorations. In the Market Square you’ll find Europe’s largest nativity scene, with life-size figures. After lunch, return to Frankfurt. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Miltenberg–Wertheim.
Miltenberg is a picturesque Bavarian village that thrived on income from river traffic. Its cultural wealth and affluence are reflected in the beautiful medieval and renaissance houses and the gothic splendor of the Merchant Hall shown to you during your guided walk. After lunch, learn how to bake a local SOFT COOKIE specialty. In the afternoon, there’s free time in Wertheim, whose overlapping half-timbered houses are grouped along winding streets. Glassblowers have a long tradition in this town and, especially in winter, they produce ornaments that hang on Christmas trees all over the world. Marvel at the tasteful Christmas decorations in all the shop windows. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Würzburg.
Known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The magnificent BISHOP’S RESIDENZ is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This afternoon is free to explore more of the city. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Bamberg.
Medieval Bamberg is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your walking tour takes in its breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall straddling the Regnitz River, and serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions. At this time of year the town is decked out for Christmas. Especially interesting are the many nativity scenes that are built by local citizens and exhibited throughout the town. Today, we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s FAMOUS BEERS! (B,L,D)
Day 9: 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. The Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations. The city’s traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Nuremberg (Disembarkation)–Prague, Czech Republic.
Cross the Czech border in the Bohemian Forest and head for Prague, the “Golden City.” (B)
Day 11: Prague.
Prague is a 1,000-year-old city preserved in time. It straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. See its best-known treasures such as the Old Town’s Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE GROUNDS, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Charles Bridge. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books, and stroll through the Christmas markets. Rows of brightly decorated wooden huts sell Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys, and Czech handicrafts. Get a little inner warmth with a cup of svařené víno (hot mulled wine) and a traditional hot sausage from one of the stalls. The beautifully decorated tree in the Old Town is an impressive sight. Christmas is the most important family holiday of the year in most Eastern European countries, and the Czechs begin their preparations and celebrations on December 4 with the Feast of St. Barbara. (B)
Day 12: Prague.
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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Prague Hilton (SF) Port charges: $162Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.Extra nights per person in Zürich:in single room $175, in twin room $118Extra nights per person in Prague:in single room $228, in twin room $128Prices shown above include cruise in Category E in a deluxe outside stateroom on Indigo Deck.To upgrade to a higher category, add per person: Category / Decks / PriceD / Indigo Deck / $192B / Sapphire Deck / $1,027A / Sapphire Deck / $1,092P / Royal Deck / $1,284Royal Suite / Royal Deck / $2,184
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| Touring Date | Land & Air | Land Only | | Dec 18, 2013 - Dec 29, 2013 | Call Us | $2,919 |
* All prices are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. Please call us toll free at 1 800 232 6459 to confirm availability and current pricing on all our discounted specials. The prices on this website are not guaranteed until a deposit has been made. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in these prices until a booking has been confirmed by one of our agents.
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