Prague to the Black Sea

Regensburg to Cernavoda

(Or in Reverse Direction)

River/Canal Cruising | 19 Nights | European History & Architecture

Quiet medieval landscapes and central Europe's greatest cities beckon on this extraordinary Danube River cruise aboard an exclusive Tauck riverboat

Top▲Highlights

Tauck's Prague to the Black Sea combines The Blue Danube with Budapest to the Black Sea to create an unforgettable 20-day journey between Prague to Bucharest on the Black Sea. Tour through the heart of Europe, featuring three nights in Prague and two nights in Bucharest at 5-star hotels, centrally located in the heart of the cities, along with a two-week cruise aboard our exclusive-to-Tauck Swiss Emerald or Swiss Sapphire. This Danube River cruise takes you to Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. Glide past grand cathedrals, medieval monasteries, and historic citadels – as well as through the fabled Iron Gate of Romania. Tauck’s private, inclusive shore excursions ensure in-depth exploration of cosmopolitan cities and picturesque villages including Prague, Regensburg, Passau, Salzburg, Linz, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Belgrade and Bucharest.

Please note that some ports and activities may vary on the reverse itinerary. Please contact one of our Specialty Cruise Advisors for details.

Top▲Itinerary

NOTE: All itineraries on the website are constantly being updated. This itinerary may not be the most current, so please check with one of the Specialty Cruise Advisors on the left to ensure that this is the most current one.

Top▲Dates & Prices

Seasonality

May to July

No sailings available in June.

Note: Cruise of Jun 5 will not visit Peles Castle due to weekly closures.

All prices are per person in U.S. dollars.

This example may be available on other dates or with different itineraries. We will gladly research other options for you! Special savings may be available for groups of 6 or more. Prices shown are per person, based on double occupancy, for standard and/or inside stateroom unless stated otherwise, are capacity controlled and are subject to availability. Fare is shown in US dollars unless otherwise stated. Government Fees and Taxes are additional. Refer to appropriate supplier brochure for terms and conditions. Pricing for Singles, 3rd, 4th or 5th guests if available, will be provided upon request and is subject to stateroom category availability. Unless specified, airfare is not included. Full details of airfare offers will be provided upon request and may vary by departure location. Prices vary by date of travel, were available when written, but are subject to restrictions and availability when booked, and may be withdrawn at any time. Offer not combinable with other promotions or discount offers. FST #ST37451 / CST #2092247-50 / WST #602-708-936

Top▲What's Included

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

Shore Excursions and Activities (Included)   Show All Details    Hide All Details

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  Day 2 - Prague Tour Options (Prague)

  Choose to take a walking tour of Prague’s Old Town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – as well as Wenceslas Square and other "Velvet Revolution" sites. Or opt to visit Josefov, Prague's historic Jewish Quarter, where a walking tour includes the Jewish Museum and Pinkas Synagogue (may not be available on some departures due to Jewish holidays).

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  Day 3 - Visit the Hradcany district (Prague)

  Visit Prague's ancient Hradcany district today, where you'll see Prague Castle's 1,000-year-old complex of palaces, courtyards and gardens; visit the Cathedral of St. Vitus and enjoy an exclusive private tour of Strahov Monastery's grand libraries. Tonight, join us for an exclusive gala evening at the Renaissance-era Nelahozeves Castle; meet members of the former Czech nobility, and enjoy wine from their vineyards.

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  Day 4 - Visit the Steinerne Brücke (Regensburg)

  Visit the Steinerne Brücke, a medieval stone bridge over the Danube and the remains of the town’s Roman wall.

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  Day 5 - Walking Tour of Passau (Passau)

  Take a walking tour through the cobblestone streets of this Baroque town renowned for its lovely stained glass. See the Altes Rathaus, the old town hall with 15th-century origins, murals on the façade and a glockenspiel in the tower.

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  Day 6 - Full-Day Tour of Salzburg (Salzburg)

  Take the full-day excursion to old Salzburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Mozart's hometown. The day trip includes Mirabell Gardens and a guided walking tour through the historic district of ornate church towers and grand palaces.

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  Day 7 - Walking Tour and Wine Tasting in Dürnstein (Dürnstein)

  Take a walking tour amidst Dürnstein's cobblestone streets, 16th-century houses, and a former Augustinian monastery; see the ruins of a castle where Richard the Lionhearted was held for ransom during the Crusades. Enjoy some free time, and attend a wine tasting at a local winery.

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  Day 8 - Sightseeing Tour of Vienna and Attend a Private Imperial Viennese Evening (Vienna)

  Get an overview of Vienna, Austria, with a morning sightseeing tour of this historic city that includes the Ringstrasse, the Opera House, City Hall and Parliament. Then choose a tour of Schönbrunn Palace, built to rival Versailles, or a tour of the Imperial Silver Room inside the Hofburg. Tonight, attend a private Imperial Viennese evening at a traditional palace, which features dinner and live Viennese music.

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  Day 10 - Bratislava Walking Tour (Bratislava)

  On a guided walking tour you'll view several Baroque palaces, the Opera House, Slovak Philharmonic Hall and St. Martin's Cathedral, and visit the 13th-century Old Town Hall.

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  Day 11 - Spa Visit and Sightseeing Tour of Budapest (Budapest)

  Start your visit to Budapest with a relaxing spa visit before embarking on an afternoon sightseeing tour. See Heroes' Square, and Fishermen's Bastion

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  Day 12 - Carriage Ride and Equestrian Center (Solt)

  A horse-drawn carriage ride takes you to the Equestrian Center, where you'll see Puszta horsemen, folkloric dancers, and Hungarian craftsmen all demonstrating traditional skills.

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  Day 12 - Kalocsa's Paprika House and the Bishop’s Palace Library (Kalocsa)

  Visit the Paprika House and the Bishop’s Palace Library, housing one of the finest early collections in Europe.

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  Day 13 - Explore the Cities of Osijek and Vukovar (Vukovar)

  Travel overland to the fortified city of Osijek, which still has its Viennese-style mansions. Visit the ancient Tvrda Citadel, standing guard over the city, and the medieval Church of the Holy Cross. This afternoon, explore the Baroque city of Vukovar, once showcasing 18th-century mansions, but now symbolizing the effects of the Serbian war.

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  Day 14 - Sightseeing in Belgrade (Belgrade)

  Sightseeing includes Tito's Memorial, St. Sava Church, and Kalemegdan Fortress. Also view busy Slavija Square, Parliament, Republic Square, the National Museum of Serbia, and City Hall.

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  Day 16 - Explore Veliko Turnovo and the Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi (Svishtov)

  Explore the medieval capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Turnovo, whose ancient walled fortress and castle are set atop three hills; view artisans at work in local shops. See amazing frescoes at the 16th-century Church of the Nativity in the town of Arbanassi.

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  Day 18 - Sightseeing Tour of Bucharest (Bucharest)

  Travel through the Romanian countryside to Bucharest, where a sightseeing tour includes the Triumphal Arch, Revolution Square, and Patriarchal Cathedral, built in 1658 and the center of the Romanian Orthodox faith.

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  Day 19 - Bucharest Excursion Options (Bucharest)

  You have a choice of sightseeing in Romania today. Opt for a full day's excursion to tour Peles Castle in Sinaia, built for Romania's royal family in the 1880s. Or visit isolated Snagov Monastery – said to be the final resting place of Vlad Tepes, the historical Dracula – and tour Bucharest's gargantuan Parliamentary Palace, the world's second-largest building after the Pentagon.

Top▲What's NOT Included

International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air, in coach or business, for travel originating in the United States (subject to availability).

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

Top▲Optional Add-ons

Shore Excursions and Activities (Optional)   Show All Details    Hide All Details

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  Accomodations or Meals: Accommodations in Prague, Czech Republic, Before Your Tour

  $310 (US Dollar)

  2008 Hotel Room Rates:
  May 20 – October 10
  Double: $310
  Single: $310
  Triple: N/A

  Many Tauck travelers prefer arriving at their destination a day before their Tauck journey begins, or often extend a stay at the end of their trip.

  As a service, Tauck will make hotel reservations before and after your journey. Rooms are usually reserved at the first or last night’s hotel property of a tour so there is no worry of having to change hotels or rooms at the start or end of your trip. Rooms are reserved on a space-available basis, and the cost is added to your tour cost.

  Prague Marriott
  A majestic jewel in one of Europe's most enchanting cities, the Prague Marriott Hotel is steps from Old Town Square and major attractions. This upscale hotel evokes classic European charm and welcomes you with elegant accommodations. Known for first-class service, the Prague Marriott was ranked as one of the Top 100 Best Luxury Hotels in the World for 2005 by TripAdvisor.com.

  Spacious guest rooms include premium bedding, air conditioning, cable/satellite television, comfortable work area, multi-line telephone with voicemail and speaker capability, Internet access (surcharge), mini-bar, hair dryer, iron & ironing board, and in-room safe. The World Class Health Academy – Prague’s largest fitness center and a haven for relaxation and leisure - features a swimming pool, sauna, whirlpool, and fully equipped gym.

  Check-in time is 3pm; check-out time is 12pm.

  Included: Tax is included. Breakfast is included.

  Transportation from the airport: Ruzyne International Airport is approximately 12 miles (20 kilometers) away; travel time is about 25 minutes. Transfers to the hotel are included provided that we have arrival flight information at least two weeks prior to departure. A taxi costs around 31 Euros (approximately $42 U.S. Dollars).

  Note: On reverse itinerary this add-on will be after your tour.

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  Accomodations or Meals: Accommodations in Bucharest, Romania, After Your Tour

  $165 (US Dollar)

  2008 Hotel Room Rates:
  May 1 – August 30 (Saturday - Monday): Double: $180 Single: $165
  May 1 – August 30 (Tuesday - Wednesday): Double: $250 Single: $230
  May 1 – August 30 (Thursday - Friday): Double: $230 Single: $230
  Triples are not available

  Many Tauck travelers prefer arriving ato their destination a day before their Tauck journey begins, or often extend a stay at the end of their trip.

  As a service, Tauck will make hotel reservations before and after your journey. Rooms are usually reserved at the first or last night’s hotel property of a tour so there is no worry of having to change hotels or rooms at the start or end of your trip. Rooms are reserved on a space-available basis, and the cost is added to your tour cost.

  Athenee Palace Hilton Bucharest
  Located in the heart of the city center, the Athénée Palace Hilton is within walking distance of the shops, business center, museums and downtown entertainment facilities. Built in 1914, the Athénée Palace has long been synonymous with the highest standards of service, comfort and cuisine for international travelers. In 1997 it was completely renovated and restored to its former glory under the management of Hilton.

  All guest rooms feature air conditioning, mini-bar, cable/satellite television, desk, multi-line telephone with voicemail, Internet access (surcharge), bathrobes, handheld shower, hairdryer, trouser press, and in-room safe. Guests can work out in the fitness center, relax in the sauna and steam room, and enjoy a range of treatments in the beauty salon. Massage treatments and therapies are also available.

  Check-in time is 2pm; check-out time is 12pm.

  Included: Tax is included. Breakfast is included.

  Transportation to the airport: Henri Coanda Airport is approximately 10 miles (16 kilometers) away; travel time is about 20 minutes. Transfers to the airport are included.

  Note: On reverse itinerary this add-on will be before your tour.

Top▲Vessel Information

Swiss Sapphire

Motor Ship (Riverboat) | 118 Passengers | Operated by Tauck,

Along with her sister ships MS Swiss Emerald and MS Swiss Jewel, the MS Swiss Sapphire – launched exclusively for Tauck River Cruises in 2008 – defines the word luxury. She features three passenger decks custom-designed to comfortably accommodate 118 Tauck guests in gracious style – as opposed to most similar-sized riverboats, which average about 140 guests. And like all Tauck riverboats, MS Swiss Sapphire boasts four times more suites than most of her European counterparts – 14 luxurious 300-square-foot suites featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, brocade upholstery, walk-in closets and marble baths with full-size tubs, along with 7 junior suites.

Tauck guests enjoy exceptional vantage points throughout MS Swiss Sapphire; panoramic windows provide spectacular views of the passing shore. Culinary pleasures are many, from a spacious panoramic restaurant offering menus designed for a variety of tastes, to alternative bistro dining – a first on Europe’s rivers – featuring lighter fare in the teak-lined Lido Bar on the aft deck, as well as breakfast served in your cabin, available in select cabin categories. Sporting a fully opening 180º glass wall, the Lido Bar also offers coffee & tea, cappuccino, and snacks throughout the day. Guests can get in a workout in MS Swiss Sapphire's fitness center; curl up with a good book or catch up on the news in the reading/Internet corner; or relax on the topside sun deck (complete with 24-hour Jacuzzi) or in the panoramic lounge.

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