Includes
2 nights in Prague at Hilton Hotel (breakfast included)
7-night cruise aboard the ms Johann Strauss (all meals included)
Transfer between the Prague Hilton and the cruise ship in Nuremburg
2 nights in Budapest at Hotel Sofitel (breakfast included)
Johann Strauss
All cabins on the ms Johann Strauss are spacious (170 sq. ft.) outside staterooms, equipped with 2 beds convertible to queen, shower and WC, wash basin, adjustable air-conditioning, and TV. The size and furnishings of the cabins are identical on all three decks. Seventy percent of the staterooms have a large panoramic window.
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Day |
Location |
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Saturday, Sep 2 |
Prague, Czech Republic - Flights Arrive |
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Sunday, Sep 3 |
Prague, Czech Republic |
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Monday, Sep 4 |
Prague to Nuremburg, Germany - Embark the ms Johann Strauss |
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Tuesday, Sep 5 |
Regensburg, Germany
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Wednesday, Sep 6 |
Passau, Germany |
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Thursday, Sep 7 |
Melk / Durnstein / Vienna, Austria |
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Friday, Sep 8 |
Vienna, Austria |
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Saturday, Sep 9 |
Vienna, Austria |
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Sunday, Sep 10 |
Bratislava, Slovakia |
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Monday, Sep 11 |
Budapest, Hungary - Disembark and Transfer to Hotel Sofitel |
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Tuesday, Sep 12 |
Budapest, Hungary |
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Wednesday, Sep 13 |
Budapest, Hungary - Flights Home |
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Itinerary subject to change |
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Overview RSVP leads the way again, we first created gay and lesbian charter cruises on the high seas, and again created the first gay and lesbian riverboat cruises. And our Prague-Budapest riverboat cruise has been ever popular and sells out quickly. A combination of a Riverboat Cruise and Tour is one of the best ways for gays and lesbians to experience Eastern Europe. When we combine a tour with a river/canal cruise we can experience so much of this fascinating part of Europe in style and comfort and in the great camaraderie of other gay and lesbian travelers. The riverboat we have selected for this event is one of the newest ships sailing Europe's waterways - the ms Johann Strauss.
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We've created an itinerary that includes the two best Eastern European cities that have for very good reason become prime destinations for gay and lesbian travelers. RSVP makes it simple and elegant to visit the sexy and exciting towns of Budapest and Prague. We also visit Vienna and a host of villages and towns in between. The beauty of the mountains and countryside along the Danube is reason enough to see this enchanted and historic part of the world, but this vacation offers so much more.
Venue
Celebrating her inaugural year in 2004, the ms Johann Strauss is one of the newest river cruise ships in Europe. As you step on board, your eyes are met by a gleaming, two-story lobby lit by a central glass skylight. It's a fitting introduction to the breathtaking views that accompany this modern, spacious vessel. The 89 staterooms, designed by famous architect Hans Sabert, are some of the largest of any river cruise ship at 170 square feet. Seventy percent of the staterooms have floor to ceiling windows that open to French balconies (these are doors that open the room to the outside - turning the room itself into a balcony), and all staterooms offer scenic views. Of course, the rest of the ship is equally inviting from the elegant dining room, to the comfortable lounge and spacious recreation areas. With this great ship, we've created an itinerary that includes the two best Eastern European cities that have for very good reason become prime destinations for gay and lesbian travelers. RSVP makes it simple and elegant to visit the sexy and exciting towns of Prague and Budapest. We also visit Vienna and a host of villages and towns in between. The beauty of the mountains and countryside along the Danube is reason enough to see this enchanted and historic part of the world, but this vacation offers so much more. Day 1 - Arrive in Prague, Czech Republic / Program Begins
Arrive in Prague and transfer to your hotel, the Hilton Hotel in Central Prague, this evening, meet with other RSVP guests at the hotel, dinner is on your own. You may also choose to arrive one or several days before our tour begins to have extra time to explore this fascinating city. RSVP has optional pre-tour extensions in Prague that make this easy to do.
Day 2 - Prague, Czech Republic
Today's sightseeing highlights the "Golden City." View the castle district, St. Vitus' Cathedral, Wenceslas Square and Golden Lane. Remainder of your day is at your leisure. (B)
Day 3 - Prague to Nuremberg, Germany
The morning is on your own to explore the city and we begin our journey to Nuremburg early afternoon with an early evening arrival into Nuremburg to board the ms Johann Strauss. (B, D))
Day 4 - Regensburg, Germany
In the morning you may join in a guided walk around Regensburg. The town is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Germany, and its historic buildings, nearly 1400 of them, are enchanting. We'll sail in the afternoon to enjoy a night on the magical Danube. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Passau/ Excursion to Salzburg/ Linz
The riverboat stops in Passau for anyone interested in departing on an optional sightseeing tour to the enchanting town of Salzburg, home to "The Sound of Music." The tour allows you to view the birthplace of Mozart, St Peter's Abbey and the city's charming cobblestone streets and beautifully preserved architecture. Our tour ends as we re-board the riverboat in Linz in time for dinner. For those passengers not choosing the optional Salzburg excursion, you'll be able to spend a relaxing day enjoying the sights of the Danube as the riverboat meanders on the river on its journey to Linz. (B,L,D))
Day 6 - Melk, Durnstein & Vienna, Austria
This morning brings us to the charming town of Melk. You may choose a guided tour of the Benedictine Abbey church of Melk, the baroque
jewel of the Wachau region. View its chambers, pass along the Kaiser's walk, and through the marble hall, balconies and the library. In
the afternoon we arrive in Durnstein, an enchanting wine-growing town with picturesque streets and quaint pubs. Enjoy a walk through the cobblestone streets and sample a glass of local wine at one of the "Heurigen" wine taverns with their wonderful views. Then, continue on our way to Vienna with an evening arrival of about 11pm. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Vienna, Austria
Awake in the morning to discover the metropolis on the Danube, Vienna. An optional sightseeing today highlights the most important sights
of this vast city. Our drive along the Ringstrasse takes us past the magnificent buildings of the Austrian national opera, Parliament,
the Burgtheater, town hall, university and Catholic church buildings - right into the heart of the city and to the Stephansdom,
Vienna's unique cathedral of St. Stephen. The rest of the day is at your leisure. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Vienna, Austria
Another day in Vienna is yours to enjoy as you like. Relax by the pool on deck, stroll the city at your own pace or take one of the optional tours available, including a guided tour of Schonbrunn Palace or an evening performance of Mozart or Strauss. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislava, known as Pressburg until 1945, is the capital of Slovakia and one of the most famous cities on the Danube. An optional
tour takes us past the Archiepiscopal Palace and the National Theatre to the 13th century Bratislava Castle which has a view as far
as the border of Austria. Other attractions include the city gates, the Baroque palaces of the noblemen, and the elegant residences
that have all survived from the days of the Danube monarchy. A walk through the pedestrian precinct, past St. Martin's Cathedral, the
Town Hall and Michael's Gate, brings you back to the ship. The remainder of the day is free to explore this bustling city dominated
by its enormous castle perched above the Danube. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - Arrive Budapest, Hungary
Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your hotel, the Hotel Sofitel. Budapest is an amazing city with new adventures around every corner.
Experience one of the many spas that the city has been famous for since Roman times.
Day 11 - Budapest, Hungary
Day 12 - Budapest, Hungary / Program Ends (B)
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner - Indicates
meals included in the program.
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