Travel-Learn Program

When: October 10, 2009 - October 20, 2009 (iCal)

Description

Back by popular demand! Discover three of the finest cities in Europe on this unique travel adventure and exceptional travel value. Our journey begins in Prague, the “City of a Hundred Spires,” where echoes of medieval life still linger in this cosmopolitan capital. Become enchanted by Vienna, a city whose name evokes a feeling as light and airy as one of her waltzes, as we marvel at her historic sites. Then, continue to Budapest where we will find aromatic street side cafés and picture postcard vistas. Throughout our journey, a mixture of included and optional excursions provides the opportunity to explore with expert local guides, while retaining the flexibility to branch out on your own if you wish. After a day of exploring these fascinating and fashionable capitals, return to first-class accommodations, where you’ll delight in the luxurious ambience and attentive service—the icing on the cake of your European holiday!

Cost

From $3,095 per person, plus airfare and VAT.
Ask about early booking savings of $100 per person!

Contact

Contact: For more information, contact Usha Sellers, Program Director, in the Office of Alumni Relations at usha.sellers@tufts.edu or 1-800-THE-ALUM (1-800-843-2586) or 617-627-5323.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Departure

Depart for Prague, Czech Republic. (Flight provided for Air-Inclusive participants only.)

Day 2 - Prague, Czech Republic

Upon arrival, transfer to the Prague Imperial Hotel. (Transfer provided for Air-Inclusive participants only.) The remainder of the afternoon is free to settle in, explore, and relax. Tonight, meet for a welcome reception.

Day 3 - Prague

This morning, take a city tour and discover the highlights of Prague, the graceful "City of a Hundred Spires". Situated on the River Vltava in central Bohemia, Prague has been the political, cultural, and economic centre of the Czech state for over 1100 years and is home to more than 1.2 million people. During World War II, it suffered considerably less damage than some other major cities in the region, allowing most of its historic architecture to stay true to form. Visit the Charles Bridge, which was the only means of crossing between Prague Castle and the Old Town for many centuries. Continue to the Old Town Square to see the Astronomical Clock and many more of the most memorable sights of the city. Following the tour, the rest of the day is free to explore the wonders of Prague independently; don’t miss the renowned Jewish Quarter, one of the best-preserved complexes of Jewish historical monuments in the whole of Europe, known for its remarkable synagogue, Wenceslas Square, the Municipal House, and the Estate Theatre. Dinner tonight is on our own.

Day 4 - Prague

After breakfast, join the optional excursion to Prague Castle, whose grounds include the historic St. Vitus Cathedral and the Royal Palace. Said to be one of the largest ancient castles, Prague Castle is the seat of the city’s government today. Walk along the Golden Lane and descend the Old Castle steps for panoramic views of the city on the opposite bank before returning to the hotel.

For those not participating in the optional excursion, the day is at leisure for independent exploration. Dinner is on our own.

Day 5 - Prague/ Passau, Germany

This morning, depart Prague by motorcoach for Passau, Germany. Lunch is served en route. Located in the Bavarian region of southern Germany, Passau is nestled at the confluence of three rivers—the Danube, Inn and Ilz. Once divided between the Bavarian region of Germany and the Austrain city of Salzburg, the entire city became part of Bavaria in 1805. Our walking tour showcases Passau’s many highlights, including the medieval Veste Oberhaus fortress, the Rathaus or “council house”, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which houses the world’s second-largest organ.

This evening, embark on the MS Amadeus Royal.

This evening, join your fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception and Dinner on board the ship.

Day 6 – Melk/ Vienna, Austria

Today, we will witness the beauty of the rolling hills in the pastoral Austrian countryside as we explore the magnificent Melk Abbey. Marvel at this famous masterpiece of Baroque architecture with its lofty river panoramas. All the masters of Austrian Baroque had a hand in its design and development, and it remains one of the most beautiful of completed Baroque masterpieces.

This afternoon, sail through Austria’s spectacular Wachau Valley—considered one of the finest landscapes in all of Europe. See pretty little villages clustered around charming churches and medieval castles, including the picturesque villages of Dürnstein and Krems.

Arrive in Vienna this evening. All meals today will be served aboard the ship.

Day 7 - Vienna

This morning, embark on an Orientation Tour of Vienna’s most important historical sights, including a visit to the Imperial Apartments of the lavish Hofburg Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. A drive around the Ringstrasse, one of the most magnificent boulevards in the world, features views of some of the most impressive buildings in Vienna: the City Hall; the Burgtheater; the University (1365), the oldest in the German-speaking countries; the Houses of Parliament; the two State Museums; and the Opera House.

This afternoon, explore the city on your own or join the optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace whose grounds include the palace, a grand public park with numerous architectural fountains and statues, and even a zoo – the oldest of its kind in the world. Named a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, the palace was designed to rival the splendor of Versailles and served as the seat of the Hapsburg dynasty for generations. The building and grounds illustrate the tastes, interests, and aspirations of successive Hapsburg monarchs.

Tonight, join your fellow travelers at the Captain’s Gala Evening.

Day 8 - Vienna, Austria/ Bratislava, Slovak Republic / Budapest, Hungary

Our morning is at leisure for last-minute sightseeing in Vienna before we depart for Bratislava, the capital of the Slovak Republic, by motorcoach. Lunch is served upon arrival, followed by a walking tour of the city and a visit to the Primatial Palace - the site where Napoleon signed the Pressburg Peace Treaty in 1805 which effectively brought an end to the Holy Roman Empire. Among many architectural gems in the palace is a hall of mirrors that evokes the style of Versailles.

After our tour, we will continue to Budapest and check into the Budapest Hilton Hotel.

Dinner this evening is on our own.

Day 9 - Budapest

Following breakfast this morning, depart the hotel for a Tour of Budapest, one of the world’s most beautiful cities, lying in the heart of Europe and along both banks of the Danube. We will travel through both the Buda and Pest sections of the city and see many of the city’s major landmarks, including Heroes’ Square, the Opera House and the Gothic-style Parliament Building before continuing to the old Castle District, with its 700-year-old Matthias Church and the turreted Fisherman’s Bastion. We will also explore Budapest’s Central Market this afternoon and take time to browse the food stalls and perhaps enjoy a lunch of local fare.

Dinner tonight is on our own.

Day 10 - Budapest / the Puszta

Following breakfast, join the optional excursion to the area of Hungary known as the Puszta, located in the Hortobágy National Park. This UNESCO listed area was formed by centuries of tree-cutting during the Middle Ages and today, resembles the prairies of the American midwest.

For those who do not visit the Puszta, the day is at leisure in Budapest. Tonight, attend a Farewell Reception at the hotel.

Day 11 - Budapest, Hungary / U.S.

This morning, transfer to the airport in Budapest for our return group flight home (provided for Air Program participants only).