Featured Dining: 7 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches & 4 Dinners

Unique and Distinguished Hotels in the Best Locations:

Night 1,2 Hilton Budapest Hotel - Budapest, Hungary
Night 3,4 Grand Hotel Wien - Vienna, Austria
Night 5,6,7 InterContinental Praha - Prague, Czech Republic


Insightful Tour Directors
During your travels, you have the pleasurable advantage of being with a Tauck Tour Director who is fully knowledgeable about the destination, its history and its culture. You can relax knowing that you are accompanied by a professional who manages the flow of events... a problem-solver (in the unlikely event a problem should arise)... an insider who saves you precious time... and a friend who will help transform your trip into a truly memorable journey.

Every Travel Expense is Included

When you travel with Tauck, you’ll save up to 40% on the cost of traveling the same itinerary on your own. What’s more, virtually every major travel expense is included: Along with most meals, your hotel accommodations, cruises, sightseeing, admissions to museums, galleries and theaters – even taxes and port charges – are built into the price of your trip. Guests are often delightfully surprised at how much is included. You can practically leave your wallet at home! A Tauck vacation offers you both superb quality and extraordinary value.

Itinerary

1. Arrive Budapest
Tour begins: 5:00 PM, Hilton Budapest Hotel, Budapest, Hungary. A transfer is included from Budapest’s Ferihegy Airport to the Hilton Budapest Hotel, where you’ll join us this evening for a welcome reception that’s followed by a dinner cruise on the beautiful Danube River. Meals D

2. See the Sights of Budapest
The Danube River divides the city into two communities – Buda along the western bank, and Pest on the eastern bank. Visit Fishermen’s Bastion and the State Opera House; see Heroes’ Square, Chain Bridge, the neo-Gothic Parliament building, and Gellért Hill. Explore Budapest as you please for the remainder of the day. Meals B

3. Schönbrunn Palace and a Concert
Travel from Hungary to Austria; upon arrival in Vienna, your first visit is to Schönbrunn Palace, where you take a guided tour of the State Apartments and view the formal gardens. Your five-star hotel, in a perfect location right on the Ringstrasse, is noted for its Belle Époque style. Experience a magical evening in Vienna where dinner at your historic hotel is followed by a classical music concert in a private venue. Meals BLD

4. Sightsee Vienna
Sightseeing in Vienna includes a walking tour through the Hofburg Courtyard; view the Gothic architecture of St. Stephen’s Cathedral and medieval Vienna. The afternoon is free to pursue whatever interests you most in Vienna, rich with museums and historic attractions. Meals B

5. Visit Historic Cesky Krumlov
Tauck’s Yellow Roads take you from Vienna to Prague through a wine-producing region boasting lush vineyards, majestic castles and monasteries. Visit Cesky Krumlov, one of the loveliest places in southern Bohemia – the entire town was declared a Historic Monument by UNESCO, preserving its medieval heritage. A walking tour of Cesky Krumlov requires climbing many steps; visit the Baroque Castle Theatre before continuing on to Prague. Meals BLD

6. Explore the City of Prague
Take a walking tour of charming Old Town this morning, linked to the Castle Quarter by the ornate Charles Bridge, and see the astronomical clock. Get a taste of Prague during lunch at a local restaurant, then tour the Josefov District (Jewish Quarter), holidays permitting. See Maisel and Pinkas Synagogues; visit the Jewish Cemetery, built in the 15th century, and the Old-New Synagogue, one of Europe’s oldest places of worship that is still in use today. The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish. Meals BL

7. Centuries of History in Prague
Prague’s many squares, spires and colorful architectural styles form the backdrop for some city sightseeing today. See the Vltava River and Old Town on your way to Hradcany Castle in the Castle Quarter; magnificent palaces, museums and monasteries surround the 1,000-year-old castle. Visit the Library at Strahov Monastery, as well as the immense Gothic Cathedral of St. Vitus. The largest church in Prague has served as the coronation site for Czech kings and queens – St. Wenceslas’ Chapel is memorable. Join us for a special farewell evening at 16th-century Nelahozeves Castle. Meals BD

8. Journey Home
Tour ends: Prague, Czech Republic. A transfer from the InterContinental Praha to Prague’s Ruzyne Airport is included. You should allow a minimum of 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in. Meals B

Dates & Prices

To book a tour, call and speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
8 Days from $3,090 plus airfare (7 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches & 4 Dinners) Price Per Person Double $3090 Single $4035 Triple $2936 2008 Apr 27 May 4, 11, 25 Jun 8, 15, 29 Jul 6, 20, 27 Aug 10, 17, 24, 31 Sep 7, 14, 21, 28 Oct 5, 12, 19

International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.
 

Sightseeing Highlights

Budapest ~ Danube River ~ Vienna ~ Cesky Krumlov ~ Prague

Tauck’s Yellow Roads
The drive from Vienna to Prague takes in lush vineyards and gentle countryside; it’s one of Europe’s most beautiful wine-producing regions.

Classical Music Evening
Enjoy an evening of classical music at a private venue in Vienna, the city that gave birth to Mozart and the waltz.

Nelahozeves Castle Gala Evening
Exclusive to Tauck, spend an evening at Nelahozeves Castle; join a member of the Lobkowicz family (former Czech nobility) for a wine reception followed by a tour of their private art collection and a gala farewell dinner.
 

Featured Dining: 9 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches & 9 Dinners

Unique and Distinguished Hotels in the Best Locations:

Night 1 Hotel Amigo - Brussels, Belgium
Night 2-8 Aboard MS Swiss Emerald / MS Swiss Sapphire - Cruising Benelux Waterways
Night 9 Hotel Pulitzer, A Luxury Collection Hotel - Amsterdam, Netherlands


Insightful Tour Directors
During your travels, you have the pleasurable advantage of being with a Tauck Tour Director who is fully knowledgeable about the destination, its history and its culture. You can relax knowing that you are accompanied by a professional who manages the flow of events... a problem-solver (in the unlikely event a problem should arise)... an insider who saves you precious time... and a friend who will help transform your trip into a truly memorable journey.

Every Travel Expense is Included
When you travel with Tauck, you’ll save up to 40% on the cost of traveling the same itinerary on your own. What’s more, virtually every major travel expense is included: Along with most meals, your hotel accommodations, cruises, sightseeing, admissions to museums, galleries and theaters – even taxes and port charges – are built into the price of your trip. Guests are often delightfully surprised at how much is included. You can practically leave your wallet at home! A Tauck vacation offers you both superb quality and extraordinary value.

Itinerary

1. Arrive Brussels
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Hotel Amigo. A transfer is included from Brussels Airport to the Hotel Amigo. Your five-star hotel, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, is ideally located in the heart of Belgium’s capital, adjacent to Grand Place, one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. We invite you to join us this evening for a welcome cocktail reception followed by dinner. Hotel Amigo ~ Meals D

2. Medieval Bruges / Embark Ship
Travel this morning through the Belgian countryside to beautiful Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned as the birthplace of Flemish painting. A sightseeing tour and canal boat cruise reveal the 13th-century architecture featuring half-timbered houses, flower-rimmed canals and ancient arched bridges of this lovely medieval city, one of the best-preserved in Europe. Explore on your own before traveling to Antwerp for embarkation on the riverboat – join us for a Belgian beer reception and Belgian-style dinner tonight. Aboard the Riverboat ~ Meals BD

3. Antwerp / Albert Canal
A sightseeing tour of Antwerp, one of Europe’s most important ports, includes the city’s majestic 1905 Central Station, the opera house, and city park. Visit the Peter Paul Rubens House – a museum in the reconstructed Renaissance-Baroque home and gardens of the famed 17th-century Flemish painter, displaying his works and those of some of his Baroque contemporaries – and a local chocolatier to see how fine Belgian chocolate is made. Return to the ship for a cruise through the Albert Canal to Maastricht in the Netherlands. Join the ship’s Captain for a welcome reception tonight.
Aboard the Riverboat ~ Meals BLD

4. Visit Maastricht in the Netherlands
Rivaling Nijmegen as one of the oldest towns in the Netherlands, Maastricht is said to contain more than 1,400 historic buildings and monuments. A walking tour of Old Town includes Vrijthof Square, Basilica of Our Lady, and the Spanish Government House. Tour Sint-Servaasbasiliek before a poignant visit to the Netherlands American Cemetery, the only World War II cemetery in the country. Have lunch at the 17th-century Château Neercanne, the Netherlands’ only terraced castle, whose restored garden terraces are protected by UNESCO. Aboard the Riverboat ~ Meals BLD

5. Maas River Cruising / Nijmegen
Spend the morning cruising the Maas River through the scenic Dutch countryside to Nijmegen, the Netherlands’ oldest city, whose roots go back thousands of years to Roman times. Ancient ruins and intact historic buildings alike document Nijmegen’s storied past – from the 8th-century Valkhof, once the stronghold of Charlemagne, to the 14th-century church of Sint-Stevenskerk and the well-preserved Grote Markt. Visit the Museum Het Valkhof to see artifacts such as Roman coins, glassware and jewelry, as well as Nijmegen silver and guild objects. Your riverboat docks in Arnhem tonight.
Aboard the Riverboat ~ Meals BLD

6. Airborne Museum / De Hoge Veluwe
From Arnhem, travel by land to Oosterbeek for a visit to the World War II Airborne Museum, housed in a former Allied command center during the 1944 operation depicted in the film A Bridge Too Far. You’ll also explore the well-preserved streets of the old Hanseatic town of Deventer. Or you may choose to visit De Hoge Veluwe National Park in Arnhem – the largest nature reserve in the Netherlands – and the Kröller-Müller Museum, home to over 275 works by Van Gogh. Rejoin the ship at Deventer, and spend the afternoon cruising. Aboard the Riverboat ~ Meals BLD

7. Enkhuizen / Seafaring Hoorn
Cruise to Enkhuizen, considered one of the Netherlands’ prettiest towns, a former center of herring fishing laced with canals and historic buildings. A walking tour features a visit to the open-air Zuiderzee Museum, recreating life in a Zuiderzee (south sea) fishing village between the 1880s and the 1930s. Your riverboat continues on to the bustling port town of Hoorn, birthplace of explorer Willem Schouten, who named South America’s southern tip Cape Horn in honor of his hometown. You have a choice of a walking tour of Hoorn to discover its many intact 16th- and 17th-century house facades, or a journey to the Alkmaar region in the Schermer polder. There, you’ll visit the Schermer Museum Windmill, dating from 1634, for a look at how windmills created the polder, and the Zeezicht cheese farm for a tour and a cheese-making demonstration. Aboard the Riverboat ~ Meals BLD

8. Discover Vibrant Amsterdam
Arrive overnight in Amsterdam; the Netherlands’ lively capital city is a vibrant blend of the historic and the contemporary, from its medieval core and surrounding network of 17th-century canals, to the bustling shops, cafés and rich cultural life of a 21st-century European metropolis. Have breakfast aboard ship before departing for Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse, where millions of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths are in various stages of bloom at this time of the year. Following lunch aboard your riverboat, you’ll enjoy a relaxing afternoon in Amsterdam that’s spent as you please. The Captain and crew bid you farewell at a reception and dinner aboard ship tonight.
Aboard the Riverboat ~ Meals BLD

9. Disembark Ship / Canal Cruise
After disembarking the riverboat, begin an overnight stay in Amsterdam with an inspiring visit to the famed Rijksmuseum, home to myriad works by the Dutch Masters, including Rembrandt’s The Night Watch. The Netherlands’ capital was designed around a network of concentric, tree-lined canals dating from the 17th century; enjoy a luncheon canal cruise for a different view of the city. Your accommodations tonight are at the unique Hotel Pulitzer, A Luxury Collection Hotel, comprised of 25 restored 17th- and 18th-century canal houses. Please join us this evening for a farewell dinner.
Hotel Pulitzer, A Luxury Collection Hotel ~ Meals BLD

10. Journey Home
Tour ends: Amsterdam, Netherlands. Fly home any time; a transfer from the Hotel Pulitzer, A Luxury Collection Hotel, to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport is included. Allow a minimum of 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in. For additional hotel nights in Amsterdam (or Brussels), inquire at time of booking. Meals B
 

Dates & Prices

To book a tour, call and speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

8-DAY CRUISE-ONLY FROM $3,040 PLUS AIRFARE (7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches & 7 Dinners) 10 DAYS FROM $3,490 PLUS AIRFARE (9 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches & 8 Dinners)   8-Day Cruise Only             Date Cat 1 Cat 1 Cat 2 Cat 3 Cat 4 Cat 5 Cat 6 Apr 4* $3140 $3590 $3840 $4440 $4740 $5340 $6040 Apr 4 $3040 $3490 $3740 $4340 $4640 $5240 $5940 Apr 11 $3540 $3990 $4240 $4840 $5140 $5740 $6440 Apr 11* $3440 $3890 $4140 $4740 $5040 $5640 $6340 Apr 18* $3540 $3990 $4240  $4840 $5140  $5740 $6440 Apr 18 $3440 $3890  $4140 $4740 $5040 $5640 $6340 Apr 25 $3540 $3990 $4240 $4840 $5140 $5740 $6440 Apr 25* $3440 $3890 $4140 $4740 $5040 $5640 $6340 May 2 $3240 $3690  $3940  $4540 $4840 $5440 $6140 * Indicates Amsterdam to Brussels direction. Single prices start at 40% over the double price; please inquire at time of booking, additional 8-Day Cruise-Only price categories, and space availability. Departure dates in blue will cruise aboard the MS Swiss Sapphire; departure dates in green will cruise aboard the MS Swiss Emerald.

Special Singles Savings – $1000 per cabin – on Apr 4 & May 2 departures. Certain restrictions apply; ask at time of booking.

Land / cruise price per person, based on double occupancy, includes cruise fare, most meals, port charges, wine with dinner aboard ship, shore excursions, applicable fuel surcharges, and gratuities to Tauck Directors, Tauck Cruise Director, ship staff, local guides & drivers, and on all included meals.

International Airfare is additional.

Itinerary Changes – Although not expected, Tauck reserves the right to alter the sequence of ports or omit or substitute scheduled ports or attractions at any time without prior notice. North and south itineraries are similar; ask at booking for the Amsterdam to Brussels itinerary.

Museums and attractions may be subject to closure due to state, local or religious holidays. This cruise includes a fair amount of walking in each city.

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before or after your cruise, or about our Cruise Protection Plan.

Note: Cruises of Apr 4, 18 & 25 and May 2 will not visit the Peter Paul Rubens House in Antwerp due to weekly closures.  Cruise of Apr 25 will not visit the Valkhof in Nijmegen due to Queen’s Day closure.

Sightseeing Highlights

• Overnight stays in Amsterdam and Brussels at 5-star hotels, centrally located in the heart of the cities

• A Tauck Exclusive: Lunch at Château Neercanne

• Tours of lovely Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse, and Amsterdam’s world-famous Rijksmuseum

• A scenic luncheon canal cruise in Amsterdam

• A cheese-making demonstration and a visit to a 17th-century windmill museum in the Alkmaar region

• Visits to the World War II Airborne Museum in Oosterbeek, or Arnhem’s Kröller-Müller Museum

• A poignant visit to the Netherlands American Cemetery

• A canal boat ride in medieval Bruges

• Breakfast & dinner daily and most lunches. Many meals in local restaurants; wine with dinner on the riverboat

• Gratuities to ship staff, drivers, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director

 

Featured Dining: 11 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches & 8 Dinners

Unique and Distinguished Hotels in the Best Locations:

Night 1 Hotel Schweizerhof Zurich - Zurich, Switzerland
Night 2,3 Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa - Interlaken, Switzerland
Night 4,5 Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol - Telfs, Austria
Night 6,7 Hotel Strasserwirt - Strassen, Austria
Night 8,9 Hotel Goldener Hirsch - Salzburg, Austria
Night 10,11 Hotel Imperial - Vienna, Austria


Insightful Tour Directors
During your travels, you have the pleasurable advantage of being with a Tauck Tour Director who is fully knowledgeable about the destination, its history and its culture. You can relax knowing that you are accompanied by a professional who manages the flow of events... a problem-solver (in the unlikely event a problem should arise)... an insider who saves you precious time... and a friend who will help transform your trip into a truly memorable journey.

Every Travel Expense is Included

When you travel with Tauck, you’ll save up to 40% on the cost of traveling the same itinerary on your own. What’s more, virtually every major travel expense is included: Along with most meals, your hotel accommodations, cruises, sightseeing, admissions to museums, galleries and theaters – even taxes and port charges – are built into the price of your trip. Guests are often delightfully surprised at how much is included. You can practically leave your wallet at home! A Tauck vacation offers you both superb quality and extraordinary value.

Itinerary

1. Arrive Zurich
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Hotel Schweizerhof Zurich. Welcome to Switzerland! A transfer is included from Zurich Airport to Hotel Schweizerhof Zurich. Join us tonight for a welcome reception and dinner. Meals D

2. Zurich / Berne / Interlaken
Following a city tour of Zurich this morning, set out for Berne, the Swiss capital, where you’ll see the famous clock tower; enjoy lunch in a 17th-century Gasthof offering views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks. Continue to Interlaken for two nights at one of Europe’s most celebrated resort hotels. Meals BL

3. Jungfraujoch / Interlaken
Enjoy a short scenic ride to Grindelwald, and begin your alpine journey with an ascent through the mountains by cogwheel train to the Jungfraujoch, where, at 10,500 feet, snow-covered peaks and breathtaking valleys surround you. Descend through flower-filled meadows to Lauterbrunnen, and return to Interlaken for an evening at leisure. Meals BD

4. Liechtenstein / Tyrolean Evening
Sparkling lakes and alpine peaks abound as you traverse the heart of Switzerland to Vaduz in tiny Liechtenstein. Arrive at your resort hotel in Telfs, Austria, for a two-night stay; dine on Tyrolean cuisine tonight at the Ropferstub’m, an authentic mountain Hütte with amazing views. Meals BD

5. Linderhof Palace / Oberammergau
An excursion to Germany today begins with a tour of Linderhof Palace in Bavaria, King Ludwig II’s opulent “royal villa” inspired by Versailles, and a walk through its lovely gardens. In Oberammergau, a Bavarian town famous for its production of the Passion Play, enjoy time to explore the theatre and town on your own; return to the Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol for the evening. Meals BD

6. Explore Innsbruck / Distillery Visit
Explore lovely Innsbruck’s rich Imperial architecture – including the Hofkirche, adorned with 28 giant bronze statues of Habsburg kings – and its well-preserved Old Town. Travel to the Schnapsbrennerei Kuenz near Lienz for a tour of their vineyards and distillery, along with a tasting. Arrive in Strassen for a two-night stay; enjoy dinner and traditional music tonight. Meals BD

7. A Day in the Dolomites
Austria and Italy intertwine today as you weave your way through both countries. Standing like sentinels in the sky, the sheer rock walls of the Dolomites are distinctive landmarks that can be seen for miles. Visit the alpine village of Ortisei, and ride a cable car for panoramic views of the Dolomites (weather permitting). Meals BLD

8. Grossglockner / Salzburg
Your travels along the Grossglockner-Hochalpenstrasse high in the Alps today take you on one of the most famous roads in Europe – a Tauck Yellow Roads highlight! As you ascend from the valley floor to over 11,000 feet, green meadows give way to soaring granite walls. Have lunch in Zell am See en route to charming Salzburg for a two-night stay. Meals BLD

9. Sightsee Salzburg
A picturesque city on the Salzach river, Salzburg’s skyline is a symphony of Baroque church towers, cupolas and steeples. A guided walking tour includes a visit to the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg’s most famous son. Tonight, attend an evening of classical music at Mirabelle Palace to enjoy a taste of Mozart’s legacy as celebrated by music festivals the world over, in the very same palace he performed in as a child. Meals B

10. Rail to Vienna
Travel first class by train from Salzburg to Vienna, Austria’s capital and one of Europe’s most beautiful cities; upon arrival, visit a Viennese café for coffee and cake. Discover the heart of old Imperial Vienna on a walking tour concluding at your landmark hotel, Hotel Imperial. The rest of the day is yours to explore this city of noble palaces, broad avenues, lovely parks and inspiring architecture at your own pace. Meals B

11. Sightsee Imperial Vienna
Vienna was capital of the Habsburg empire for centuries; see the Ringstrasse and some of the city’s magnificent Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture on a city tour. Visit Stift Klosterneuburg, just north of Vienna, for a tour and a wine tasting at this remarkable monastery complex on the banks of the Danube, whose roots date back to the 12th century. Spend the rest of the day experiencing more of romantic Vienna at your leisure, pursuing what interests you most; please join us tonight for a farewell dinner and reception. Meals BD

12. Journey Home
Tour Ends: Vienna, Austria. A transfer is included from Hotel Imperial to Vienna International Airport. Allow a minimum of 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in. Meals B

Dates & Prices

To book a tour, call and speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
12 Days from $4,890 plus airfare (11 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches & 8 Dinners) Price Per Person Double $4890 Single $6078 Triple $4549 2008 May 25 Jun 8, 22, 29 Jul 6, 20, 27 Aug 3, 17, 31 Sep 14, 21, 28

International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.
 

Sightseeing Highlights

Interlaken ~ Liechtenstein ~ Bavaria ~ Dolomites ~ Salzburg ~ Vienna

Tauck’s Yellow Roads
Experience the beauty of one of the world’s most scenic roads, the Grossglockner-Hochalpenstrasse, through the Alps; see Austria’s highest mountain and largest glacier.

Sacred Tour at Stift Klosterneuburg
Visit the centuries-old Baroque monastery complex of Stift Klosterneuburg, whose roots date back to the 12th-century, for a sacred tour followed by a wine tasting.

Tyrolean Evening at Ropferstub’m
Savor the taste of Austria while dining on Tyrolean cuisine in a rustic setting at Ropferstub’m, an authentic mountain Hütte, taking in the incredible alpine views.

Classical Music Concert in Salzburg
Classical music comes alive at a performance celebrating the musical legacy of Salzburg’s native son Mozart in Mirabelle Palace, where he performed as a child.
 

Featured Dining: 10 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches & 7 Dinners

Unique and Distinguished Hotels in the Best Locations:

Night 1 Hotel Royal Plaza Montreux - Montreux, Switzerland
Night 2,3* Mont Cervin Palace - Zermatt, Switzerland
Night 4,5 Grand Hotel Eden - Lugano, Switzerland
Night 6** Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains St. Moritz - St. Moritz, Switzerland
Night 7,8 Grand Regina - Alpin Well & Fit Hotel - Grindelwald, Switzerland
Night 9,10 Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern - Lucerne, Switzerland

*Tours of May 18, 25, June 8 and September 21 will stay at Seiler Hotel Schweizerhof
**Tours of May 18 and 25 will stay at the Hotel Monopol


Insightful Tour Directors
During your travels, you have the pleasurable advantage of being with a Tauck Tour Director who is fully knowledgeable about the destination, its history and its culture. You can relax knowing that you are accompanied by a professional who manages the flow of events... a problem-solver (in the unlikely event a problem should arise)... an insider who saves you precious time... and a friend who will help transform your trip into a truly memorable journey.

Every Travel Expense is Included

When you travel with Tauck, you’ll save up to 40% on the cost of traveling the same itinerary on your own. What’s more, virtually every major travel expense is included: Along with most meals, your hotel accommodations, cruises, sightseeing, admissions to museums, galleries and theaters – even taxes and port charges – are built into the price of your trip. Guests are often delightfully surprised at how much is included. You can practically leave your wallet at home! A Tauck vacation offers you both superb quality and extraordinary value.

Itinerary

1. Arrive Geneva / Montreux
Tour departs: 11:00 AM from Geneva International Airport. Travel through the vineyards above Lake Geneva for views of the towering French Alps; a church spire signals the appearance of villages where wine has been produced for centuries. Vineyards give way to forests as you wind your way high above Lake Geneva and descend to Montreux on the shores of the lake. Join us this evening for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner. Meals LD

2. Chillon / Gruyères / Zermatt
Visit lovely Château de Chillon, a castle set on Lake Geneva made famous by Lord Byron in his epic poem The Prisoner of Chillon. Travel to the idyllic region of Gruyères, comprised of scenic farmland in the foothills of the Alps, surrounded by majestic mountain peaks. Visit the charming town of Gruyères and the former castle of the counts; most of the castle dates from the late 15th century, recalling both the feudal period and the refinements of the 18th century. Journey to Visp, where you climb toward Zermatt by cogwheel train; your accommodations for the next two nights are situated in the heart of Zermatt. Five-star Mont Cervin Palace is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and has been hosting guests from all over the world since 1851. Zermatt is a car-free resort, where the ever-present Matterhorn looms high above. Meals BLD

3. Cogwheel Train; View the Matterhorn
Journey by cogwheel train up to Gornergrat, weather permitting (elevation is 10,225 feet). The Matterhorn dominates the skyline, creating alpine vistas that are breathtaking. Have a coffee or an aperitif before descending to Zermatt for time at leisure. Meals B

4. Lake Maggiore / Lugano
Descend by rail from Zermatt to board a coach for the trip over the 6,578-ft. Simplon Pass. Arrive in the resort town of Stresa on Lake Maggiore in Italy where a private water taxi awaits to take you to Isola Bella (“beautiful island”). In 1632, Carlo III of the influential House of Borromeo started work on a magnificent palazzo; when completed years later, the sumptuous villa was the site for lavish parties and theatrical events. Visit the palace and gardens, built in the shape of a ship, before continuing on to the resort city of Lugano. Meals BLD

5. Lugano at Leisure
Enjoy a relaxing day in Lugano – there is much to see and do here. Be sure to visit the Via Nassa for shopping, or take a walk in the old town with its cobblestone alleys and lanes. Numerous vessels traverse the lake and call on little villages along the shore; Gandria and Morcote are particularly memorable. Meals B

6. Lake Como / St. Moritz
View some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe as you cross between Italy and Switzerland along Via Regina, the old Roman road. Drive over the Maloja Pass en route to St. Moritz; scenic roads are lined with clear lakes and majestic mountains. Spend the night at one of the world’s most famous alpine resorts, the five-star Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains; St. Moritz is chic and elegant, a favorite haunt of international celebrities. Meals BLD

7. Glacier Express / Grindelwald
Ride The Glacier Express aboard a private panoramic dome car through the magnificent Alps, where you’ll travel along silver streams, beneath massive peaks with crystal-blue glaciers and through lush valleys speckled with tiny alpine villages. Depart the train at Andermatt for a spectacular drive over Susten Pass, weather permitting, to the glacier village of Grindelwald. Your accommodations for two nights are at the historic Grand Regina – Alpin Well & Fit Hotel, which is close to many interesting shops and cafés, and surrounded by alpine beauty. Meals BD

8. Jungfraujoch Excursion
This part of the Bernese Oberland has come to be known as Switzerland’s “jewel in the crown.” Given reasonable weather, today’s excursion to the top of the world will be a most memorable highlight as your mountain railway train ascends into the majestic Swiss Alps. Arrive at Kleine Scheidegg, the famous mountain station at the foot of the Eiger. Continue to the Jungfraujoch (11,333 feet), where there is time to take in fabulous views or visit the Ice Palace. Weather permitting, superb views extend as far as the summits of the Vosges Mountains in France and the Black Forest in Germany. Spend the remainder of the afternoon and evening at your leisure in the charming resort town of Grindelwald. A popular Swiss ski and winter sport resort, the town is surrounded by folkloric hamlets, swift streams, and quintessential Swiss landscapes that are summertime treats. Meals B

9. Interlaken / Berne / Lucerne
Savor one last view of the incredible peaks of the Jungfrau region before traveling along crystal-clear Lutschine Creek toward Interlaken, then continuing through the Bernese Oberland to Berne, Switzerland’s capital. The Old City of Berne is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for medieval architecture, sandstone arcades, fountains, and thick, sturdy towers. Your destination today is the lakeside city of Lucerne. Visit the Löwendenkmal (Lion Memorial), dedicated to the Swiss Guards who died defending Louis XVI in 1792, before arriving at your hotel. Spend the next two nights on Lake Lucerne at one of Europe’s most renowned hotels. Located in the heart of the Old Town of Lucerne, the Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern overlooks the lake; it was built in 1845, reflecting the grand architectural and design styles of the 19th century. Dine at your leisure tonight in one of the hotel’s fine restaurants. Meals BD

10. Lucerne at Leisure
Enjoy a guided walking tour of lakeside Lucerne; a renowned cultural center, the city evokes images of a storybook alpine town, with narrow cobblestone streets, slender spires and turrets, covered bridges, frescoed houses, and fountains. Spend the afternoon as you please in Lucerne. There are magnificent shops, galleries and cafés to explore along the maze of old streets, nooks and hidden alleyways. Take a cruise across the lake this evening to a waterfront resort for a special farewell dinner. Meals BD

11. Journey Home
Travel from Lucerne to Zurich Airport, approximately 34 miles. Tour ends: 9:00 AM at Zurich Airport. Allow a minimum of 21/2 hours for flight check-in. Persons departing at other times should secure their own transportation to the airport. Meals B

Dates & Prices

To book a tour, call and speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
11 Days from $4,890 plus airfare (10 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches & 7 Dinners) Price Per Person Double $4890 Single $5473 Triple $4714 2008 May 18, 25 Jun 8, 15, 22, 29 Jul 20, 27 Aug 10, 17, 24 Sep 7, 12, 21

International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.
 

Sightseeing Highlights

Montreux ~ Zermatt ~ Lugano ~ St. Moritz ~ Grindelwald ~ Lucerne
Tauck’s Yellow Roads
Spend eleven days traveling along the scenic Yellow Roads of Switzerland, amidst some of Europe’s most breathtaking scenery, from sparkling lakes to lush alpine passes and emerald landscapes.

Alpine Cogwheel Train to Zermatt
Arrive by cogwheel train in the alpine resort of Zermatt, where you can view the Alps’ most famous peak, the Matterhorn; it’s a “must-do” experience for all travelers.

Private Boat to the Borromean Islands
Cruise aboard a private water taxi to Isola Bella, one of the beautiful Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore.

Private Car Aboard The Glacier Express
Travel through the magnificent Alps aboard Tauck’s private domed observation car on The Glacier Express, the most famous train in Switzerland.

 

Featured Dining: 10 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches & 7 Dinners

Unique and Distinguished Hotels in the Best Locations:

Night 1,2 Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik - Dubrovnik, Croatia
Night 3,4 Hotel Adriana - Hvar, Croatia
Night 5,6 Le Méridien Lav, Split - Podstrana, Croatia
Night 7,8 The Regent Esplanade Zagreb - Zagreb, Croatia
Night 9,10 Grand Hotel Union Executive - Ljubljana, Slovenia


Insightful Tour Directors
During your travels, you have the pleasurable advantage of being with a Tauck Tour Director who is fully knowledgeable about the destination, its history and its culture. You can relax knowing that you are accompanied by a professional who manages the flow of events... a problem-solver (in the unlikely event a problem should arise)... an insider who saves you precious time... and a friend who will help transform your trip into a truly memorable journey.

Every Travel Expense is Included

When you travel with Tauck, you’ll save up to 40% on the cost of traveling the same itinerary on your own. What’s more, virtually every major travel expense is included: Along with most meals, your hotel accommodations, cruises, sightseeing, admissions to museums, galleries and theaters – even taxes and port charges – are built into the price of your trip. Guests are often delightfully surprised at how much is included. You can practically leave your wallet at home! A Tauck vacation offers you both superb quality and extraordinary value.

Itinerary

1. Arrive Dubrovnik, Croatia
Tour begins: 6:30 PM, Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik. A transfer is included from Dubrovnik International Airport to the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik. Please join us for a welcome reception and dinner this evening. Meals D

2. Discover Colorful Dubrovnik
Surrounded by 10th-century walls, the splendid medieval city of Dubrovnik is one of the world’s great treasures, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; extensive restoration efforts began following the early 1990s war. A walking tour reveals the success of those efforts – visit the Rector’s Palace, Dubrovnik Cathedral, the Dominican Monastery and the Franciscan Monastery, and attend a lecture on the 1990s war and Croatia’s future. Join us for a wine tasting and dinner this evening featuring entertainment by a local guitar group. Meals BD

3. Along the Dalmatian Coast to Hvar
The coastal road through lower Dalmatia is one of the most scenic drives in Croatia. Ferry to Hvar, a jewel of an island with a fascinating history. A drive explores its rocky coastline, quaint villages and harbors where small fishing boats bob on the tide. Admire the views of Hvar Town from historic Hvar Fortress, high on a hill overlooking the town, before arriving at your waterfront hotel. Meals BLD

4. Explore Fascinating Hvar
On Hvar, visit the Cathedral of St. Stephen and the Franciscan Monastery; Croatia’s rich history comes to life on a walk through Stari Grad, founded by Syracusans in the 4th century BC. Travel through olive orchards and fragrant fields of lavender, for which the island is known, en route to the abandoned village of Malo Grablje for a traditional lunch in a scenic setting, weather permitting. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore Hvar Town; you’ll find many restaurants to choose from for dinner on your own this evening. Meals BL

5. Sail to Split
Take in views of the islands of Brac and Solta during a two-hour ferry cruise to Split. This remarkable city grew up in and around the palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, within whose walls the entire historic center of Split was built – and where approximately 2,000 people still live today. A guided visit to Diocletian’s Palace includes the Cathedral that was the emperor’s mausoleum prior to its consecration in the 7th century. After time at leisure, arrive at your hotel, Le Méridien Lav, Split, a newly built luxury beachfront resort on the Dalmatian Coast in nearby Podstrana. Meals BD

6. Salona (Solin) / Omis
Visit the art gallery of one of Croatia’s most famous sculptors, Ivan Mestrovic, before traveling to the ancient Roman ruins of Salona (Solin) – the hometown of the emperor Diocletian, whose palace dominates the city of Split. See Salona’s remarkable 2nd-century Roman amphitheatre before continuing to Omis. With its maze of twisting alleys, this small seaside town was once home to legendary pirates. Drive through the dramatic Cetina River Canyon for lunch, and return to your resort for some free time to spend as you please. Meals BLD

7. Krka National Park / Zagreb
Discover the natural beauty of Croatia at Krka National Park during a walking tour past ancient water mills, peaceful forests and cascading waterfalls. Continue your journey by boat to Skradin, for lunch at Zlatne Skoljke. Arrive late afternoon at your landmark hotel in Croatia’s capital city, The Regent Esplanade Zagreb. Meals BLD

8. Zagreb, Croatia’s Lively Capital
Croatia’s capital since its independence in 1991, historic Zagreb has played a major political and cultural role for centuries. Endowed with myriad museums, libraries and theatres, its cultural life is enviable. Visit Mirogoj Park Cemetery, whose sculptures and pavilions by architect Hermann Bollé make it one of Europe’s most beautiful memorial parks; the Cathedral of St. Stephen, with roots dating back 1,000 years; and the colorful, open-air Dolac Market. Spend the rest of the day as you wish in Zagreb, pursuing what interests you most. Meals B

9. Ljubljana, Capital of Slovenia
A drive through the Croatian Highlands to Slovenia reveals splendid medieval landscapes. Ljubljana, Slovenia is famous for its diverse architecture from the Roman, Baroque and Art Nouveau eras, but owes much of its grand style to native-born architect Joze Plecnik, who transformed his provincial hometown into the capital of the Slovenian nation. See some of the city’s architectural masterpieces on a walking tour before checking into your hotel in Ljubljana’s Old Town. Meals BL

10. Beguiling Bled
View Vintgar Gorge en route to the charming resort village of Bled, set in the mountains overlooking Lake Bled. Visit medieval Bled Castle, perched on a steep cliff above the lake with great views of St. Mary’s Church on Lake Bled Island. Join us tonight for a farewell reception and dinner at a historic restaurant in Ljubljana. Meals BLD

11. Journey Home
Tour ends: Ljubljana, Slovenia. Transfers from Grand Hotel Union Executive to the Ljubljana Airport are included. Allow a minimum of 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in. Meals B

Dates & Prices

To book a tour, call and speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
11 Days from $4,160 plus airfare (10 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches & 7 Dinners) Price Per Person Double $4160 Single $5320 Triple N/A 2008 May 4, 11, 18, 22, 29 June 1, 12, 22 July 3, 17 Aug 14, 28 Sep 7, 14, 18, 25, 28 Oct 5, 9, 16

International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.
 

Sightseeing Highlights

Dubrovnik ~ Hvar ~ Split ~ Salona ~ Krka ~ Zagreb ~ Ljubljana ~ Bled
Tauck’s Yellow Roads
A drive along Croatia’s lovely Dalmatian coast takes in picturesque harbors, villages and lush mountains.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Visits to Croatia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites include the medieval walled city of Dubrovnik, and the ancient palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian.

Dinner in the Dubrovnik Countryside
Sample the fruits of Croatian vintners at a wine tasting and dinner featuring entertainment by local musicians.

Lecture on Croatia’s History & Future
Attend a special lecture on Croatian history that discusses the effects of the 1990s war and the country’s future.
 

Featured Dining: 12 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches & 12 Dinners

Unique and Distinguished Hotels in the Best Locations:

Night 1,2 InterContinental Budapest - Budapest, Hungary
Night 3-9 Aboard MS Swiss Emerald or MS Swiss Sapphire - Cruising the Danube River
Night 10-12 Prague Marriott Hotel - Prague, Czech Republic

Insightful Tour Directors
During your travels, you have the pleasurable advantage of being with a Tauck Tour Director who is fully knowledgeable about the destination, its history and its culture. You can relax knowing that you are accompanied by a professional who manages the flow of events... a problem-solver (in the unlikely event a problem should arise)... an insider who saves you precious time... and a friend who will help transform your trip into a truly memorable journey.

Every Travel Expense is Included
When you travel with Tauck, you’ll save up to 40% on the cost of traveling the same itinerary on your own. What’s more, virtually every major travel expense is included: Along with most meals, your hotel accommodations, cruises, sightseeing, admissions to museums, galleries and theaters – even taxes and port charges – are built into the price of your trip. Guests are often delightfully surprised at how much is included. You can practically leave your wallet at home! A Tauck vacation offers you both superb quality and extraordinary value.

Itinerary

1. Arrive Budapest
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, InterContinental Budapest. A transfer is included from Budapest’s Ferihegy Airport to the InterContinental Budapest in the heart of Pest on the Danube’s eastern bank, across the river from the Royal Palace. Please join us for a welcome reception and dinner.
InterContinental Budapest ~ Meals D

2. Fascinating Pest
View the impressive architecture of Hungary’s capital – divided by the Danube into two sections, Buda and Pest – on a tour of Pest that includes patriotic Heroes’ Square, Váci Utca, the Parliament building, tree-lined Andrassy Avenue, and a special visit to the State Opera House.
InterContinental Budapest ~ Meals BD

3. Explore Buda / Embark Riverboat
After a morning at leisure, a guided walking tour of Buda takes you up to Gellért Hill – you’ll see the city spread out before you! View Fishermen’s Bastion and visit the National Gallery and Matthias Church (may be closed on some days due to services) before embarking your riverboat.
Aboard the Riverboat ~ Meals BLD

4. Danube Cruise / Bratislava
Cruise the Danube to Bratislava, Slovakia’s charming capital city and former capital of Hungary, where a guided walking tour chronicles centuries of history and includes a visit to the 13th-century Old Town Hall. See Baroque Habsburg-era palaces, the Opera House, Slovak Philharmonic Hall, and St. Martin’s Cathedral, site of the coronation of many Hungarian kings and queens.
Aboard the Riverboat ~ Meals BLD

5. The Imperial City of Vienna
Arrive in legendary Vienna, inspiring romantic visions of “Old Europe” from majestic Habsburg-era palaces to magnificent boulevards and parks. Sightseeing includes the Ringstrasse, the Opera House and Parliament, and your choice of a visit to Schönbrunn Palace – which both Marie Antoinette and Napoleon once called home – or the Imperial Silver Room at the Hofburg. Receive the royal treatment tonight at a private Imperial Evening in a traditional palace, where a grand dinner is accompanied by Viennese musicians.
Aboard the Riverboat ~ Meals BLD

6. Vienna / Cruise to Dürnstein
Spend time exploring Vienna as you wish before setting off on an afternoon cruise to medieval Dürnstein in Austria’s wine country. High on a hilltop above the town lay the ruins of Kuenringerburg Castle, a place of history and legend – Richard the Lionhearted was once imprisoned here.
Aboard the Riverboat ~ Meals BLD

7. Dürnstein / Wachau Valley Cruise
A guided walking tour of Dürnstein’s cobblestone streets reveals 16th-century Baroque houses and a 13th-century Romanesque church. Explore on your own, or walk up to the castle ruins for lovely vistas of Dürnstein and the Danube, prior to a delightful wine tasting in town. Cruise past lush vineyards, ancient castles and monasteries in the Wachau Valley today, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved medieval landscapes.
Aboard the Riverboat ~ Meals BLD

8. Salzburg and Linz
You have a choice today; enjoy the town of Linz, Austria, or join us for a full-day excursion to enchanting Salzburg, Mozart’s hometown on the Salzach River. A pageant of beautiful Baroque architecture awaits on a guided walking tour through narrow lanes and old squares, past ornate church towers and grand palaces. Have lunch at a local restaurant; visit Mirabell Gardens with their Baroque statues and fountains before rejoining the ship for dinner.
Aboard the Riverboat ~ Meals BLD

9. Passau / Cruising the Danube
Arrive in Passau for a walking tour through the tunnels, archways, many churches, four-story Baroque houses and cobblestone streets of this Bavarian town on the Danube and Inn Rivers. See the Old Town and Altes Rathaus (town hall), with its 15th-century origins and 19th-century tower, before spending the rest of the day cruising through Germany’s pastoral landscapes to Regensburg.
Aboard the Riverboat ~ Meals BLD

10. Regensburg / Prague
Disembark your riverboat in Regensburg, whose roots stretch back to the days of the Roman Empire. A guided walking tour shows you 12th-century Steinerne Brücke (Germany’s oldest surviving stone bridge) and the remains of the Roman wall. Enjoy lunch on your own – perhaps partaking of some of Regensburg’s renowned Bavarian sausage – before departing for Prague, ancient capital of the modern Czech Republic.
Prague Marriott Hotel ~ Meals BD

11. Prague / Nelahozeves Castle Evening
Prague’s name translates to “crossroads”; it truly is a city where ancient and modern, and east and west, converge. Discover it for yourself on a choice of guided walking tours today – of Old Town, Wenceslas Square and other sites that contributed to the Czech Republic’s “Velvet Revolution” of 1989, or of key sites in the historic Jewish quarter of Josefov, including Pinkas Synagogue and the Old Jewish Cemetery (may not be available on some departures due to Jewish holidays). Join us tonight for an exclusive evening at Nelahozeves Castle, a Renaissance palace originally built in 1553, where a member of the former Czech nobility greets you and relates the castle’s history; enjoy wine from their vineyards and a farewell dinner in the castle.
Prague Marriott Hotel ~ Meals BD

12. Hradcany / Prague Castle
Tour Prague’s Hradcany district, where 1,000-year-old Prague Castle is surrounded by palaces, museums, and monasteries. Visit the magnificent Gothic Cathedral of St. Vitus, and enjoy an exclusive private tour of the grand libraries of Strahov Monastery. Spend time exploring more of dazzling Prague on your own or relaxing at your hotel, ranked among the Top 100 Best Luxury Hotels of the World.
Prague Marriott Hotel ~ Meals BD

13. Journey Home
Tour Ends: Prague, Czech Republic. A transfer is included from the Prague Marriott Hotel to Prague’s Ruzyne Airport; allow a minimum of 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in. For additional nights in Prague (or Budapest), ask at time of booking. Meals B

Above itinerary is for 2008, please call for 2009 details.
 

Dates & Prices

To book a tour, call and speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

8-DAY CRUISE-ONLY FROM $2,990 PLUS AIRFARE (7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches & 7 Dinners) 12 DAYS FROM $3,990 PLUS AIRFARE (11 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches & 11 Dinners) Date Cat 1 Cat 1 Cat 2 Cat 3 Cat 4 Cat 5 Cat 6 Apr 24* $3590 $4590  $4840 $5440 $5740 $6340 $7040 Jun 5 $3990 $4990 $5240  $5840 $6140 $6740 $7440 Jun 12* $3990 $4990 $5240 $5840 $6140 $6740 $7440 Jun 12 $4090 $5090 $5340 $5940 $6240 $6840 $7540 Jun 19 $3790 $4790 $5040 $5640  $5940 $6540 $7240 Jun 19* $4090 $5090 $5340 $5940 $6240 $6840 $7540 Jun 26* $3790 $4790 $5040 $5640 $5940 $6540 $7240 Jul 2 $3290 $4290 $4540 $5140 $5440 $6040 $6740 Jul 9* $3290 $4290 $4540 $5140 $5440 $6040 $6740 Jul 17 $3190 $4190 $4440 $5040 $5340 $5940 $6640 Jul 24*  $3190 $4190  $4440 $5040 $5340 $5940 $6640 Sep 4 $4090 $5090 $5340 $5940 $6240 $6840 $7540 Sep 10 $3990 $4990 $5240 $5840 $6140