Danube River Cruise with Germany, Switzerland & Austria 18 days from $5999

Danube River Cruise with Germany, Switzerland & Austria 18 days from $5999 per person twin share. 18 Day Danube River Cruise with Germany, Switzerland & Austria Discover Europe by land & water - explore historic cities and charming villages Lead Price Travel Dates: 20 July, 3 Aug, 26 Oct '17 Promo Valid for Departures: May - October 2017 The Deal Discover the magic of Europe by land & water aboard our brand new MS Monarch Empress (launched in Spring 2016) and save $2340 per couple when you book today! Only river cruising offers the unique opportunity to visit Europe's historic cities and charming, less-travelled villages as you sail one of the world's most beautiful waterways. On your escorted tour, enjoy one night in the cathedral city of Mainz, then embark on a full day excursion beginning with a cruise on the scenic Rhine and ending in the university town of Heidelberg to view the imposing red sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle. Head south for a drive through the legendary Black Forest region and view the mighty Rhine Waterfall at Schaffhausen. Continue to Lucerne, in the Swiss Alps, and enjoy a full day in the heart of central Switzerland. Drive through glorious Alpine scenery for a highlight visit to Bavaria's "Mad" King Ludwig's fantasy castle of Neuschwanstein, perched high above the valley below, then cross into Austria and journey to Innsbruck, the Tyrolean capital of the Austrian Alps. Continue your journey and embark on the MS Monarch Empress to cruise in comfort, enjoying deluxe accommodations, delicious cuisine, unlimited wine

and beer with dinners, and delightful evening entertainment; plus, we've provided multiple optional tours on each sailing, ensuring you get the most out of your trip. Package Includes Return economy airfares form Australian Capital Cities to Europe 16 nights accommodations o 1 night Mainz o 1 night Heidelberg o 2 nights Lucerne o 2 night Innsbruck o 1 night Salzburg o 2 nights Munich o 7 nights outside cabin aboard the new 2016 Deluxe 5* MS Monarch Empress Hotel & cruise porterage Port fees 33 meals: 16 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 11 dinners Services of English-speaking tour manager & cruise director Shore excursions per itinerary Entrance fees per itinerary Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring during excursions

How to Book Call 1300 813391 and mention promo code based on departure date below $5999 Departures May - 12 Oct 2017 quote promotional code: DLDGSA1170A $5999 Departure 26 Oct 2017 quote promotional code: DLDGSA820A Book by 6 July 2016 to save! DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for Germany Depart for Frankfurt, Germany DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Frankfurt Arrive in Frankfurt and transfer to your hotel in nearby Mainz on the storied Rhine River. The remainder of the day is on your own to rest and relax. In the evening, a briefing by your Tour Manager introduces you to the delightful program that lies ahead, followed by a Welcome Drink and Dinner with your fellow travelers Overnight: Mainz Meals: Dinner DAY 3, Saturday - Rhine River Cruise & Heidelberg City Tour This morning, begin with a cruise on the scenic Rhine. See stunning vistas of hilltop castles, terraced vineyards and villages of timber-framed houses along the course of the river. Pass the mighty Lorelei rock rising vertically from the waters named for the siren "Lorelei" who bewitched sailors passing by. In Heidelberg, home to the oldest university in Germany, view the imposing red sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle originally built in the 12th century. This hilltop Gothic masterpiece has encountered turbulent times but still stands as a dominant symbol of the city. Rest of the day at leisure in Heidelberg to discover the enchanting alleys and lanes in the Old Town with its small gardens, museums and lovely galleries Overnight: Heidelberg Meals: Breakfast DAY 4, Sunday - Black Forest Head south on a scenic drive through the Black Forest region, an area of unrivaled natural beauty with its dense forests of thick pine trees. Nestled in the forest, you will see some of the charming traditional homes with their long sloping roofs. Continue on a drive to Schaffhausen, surrounded by vineyards. Here, you will see the thunderous Rhine Waterfall; one of Europe's largest and most powerful. Then, on to beautiful Lucerne, with its pristine lakeside setting and gorgeous mountainous panorama. You spend two relaxing nights here in the center of the Swiss Alps Overnight: Lucerne Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 5, Monday - Full Day in Lucerne A full day to explore the heart of central Switzerland. Begin the day at the inspiring Lion Monument, one of the best-known monuments in the country, created in remembrance of the heroic death of Swiss guard killed in 1792. Continue to the 14th century medieval Chapel Bridge one of the oldest covered wooden bridges in Europe, forming the centerpiece of Lucerne's townscape. Later, time to shop for chocolate, watches and the

famous Swiss and German cuckoo clocks or sip coffee at an outdoor cafe. In the afternoon, there is an opportunity to join the exciting optional tour to Mount Pilatus. Ascend the world's steepest cogwheel railway which winds up through lush meadows and sparkling mountain streams to the summit of Mt. Pilatus at nearly 7000 feet. After admiring the splendid panorama, descend by aerial cableway and return to your hotel Optional: Mount Pilatus Tour Overnight: Lucerne Meals: Breakfast DAY 6, Tuesday - Neuschwanstein Castle The first stop today is in the tiny storybook Principality of Liechtenstein and its capital Vaduz, a proud remnant of feudal Europe, sandwiched between Switzerland and Austria. Next, drive through glorious Alpine scenery to visit Bavaria's "Mad" King Ludwig's fantasy castle of Neuschwanstein perched high above the valley below. This is one of the most visited castles in Germany and a symbol of idealized romantic architecture. Among the castle's finest rooms are two magnificent halls with extravagant decorations dazzling in gold and blue. Cross into Austria via the mighty Fern Pass and journey to Innsbruck, the Tyrolean "capital" of the Austrian Alps Overnight: Innsbruck Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 7, Wednesday - Innsbruck at leisure Steeped in centuries of colorful history, Innsbruck features fine examples of Imperial splendor. Journey back in time with an array of splendid architectural gems from the Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neo-Classical period. On our orientation tour, stop at the Golden Roof, overlooking a bustling square in the heart of historic Innsbruck and the Wilten Basilica, one of the most splendid churches in Tyrol with its stunning rococo decorations. Innsbruck has also hosted two Olympic Winter Games (1964 and 1976); see the famous ski jump used in the winter Olympics. Enjoy our afternoon optional tour to Seefeld with Carriage Ride Tonight experience an authentic Tyrolean evening on the optional tour featuring a varied entertainment program including folk music, Tyrolean dances and yodeling Optional: Seefeld with Carriage Ride (PM) Optional: Tyrolean Evening with drinks (PM) Overnight: Innsbruck Meals: Breakfast DAY 8, Thursday - Salzburg City Tour After breakfast, we drive to Salzburg. This baroque jewel was the birthplace of Mozart. The guided walking tour takes us to view the house where Mozart was born, as well as to the squares and gardens of this beautiful city, crowned by the 11th century Hohensalzburg Fortress. The city is also known for the singing Trapp family and the setting for the film, The Sound of Music Overnight: Salzburg Meals: Breakfast DAY 9, Friday - Morning in Salzburg, Munich More time to explore charming Salzburg or, participate in the optional excursion into the surrounding countryside to the ruins of Obersalzburg, once a mountain retreat for senior Nazi SS officers. Then, transfer to special motor coaches adapted for the scenic mountain climb and ascend to Hitler's notorious "Eagle's Nest." This afternoon, continue

to Munich. Upon arrival join your tour manager for an orientation of the Marienplatz, the heart of the city with it s plethora of shops, restaurants and beerhalls to explore at leisure. Optional: Eagle's Nest Tour (AM) Overnight: Munich Meals: Breakfast DAY 10, Saturday - Munich City Tour This morning drive past the Olympic Stadium situated in the heart of Olympia Park in northern Munich built as the main venue for the 1972 Summer Olympics. Continue for a photo stop at the breathtaking Nymphenburg Palace, once summer residence of the rulers of Bavaria, decorated with a gorgeous baroque façade. Driving through the city, we see countless museums, galleries, palaces and historic monuments. Arrive at Marienplatz square, cultural center of the city, dominated by the gothic New Town Hall housing Munich's world-famous Glockenspiel, which dates back to 1908. This colorful mechanical clock has life-size figures that dance to music with shows several times a day. This afternoon venture to the mountains on our optional tour to the fairytale village of Oberammergau and visit Linderhof castle. Tonight, toast your final night in Munich with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant Optional: Linderhof & Oberammergau Overnight: Munich Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 11, Sunday - Embark in Regensburg Time this morning for last minute sightseeing, or shopping in Munich before the early afternoon departure to Regensburg. Arrive at the port to embark on the Monarch Empress. After arrival formalities, time to relax on board. Tonight, a gala Welcome Dinner sets the mood for your delightful river cruise Overnight: River Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 12, Monday - Regensburg City Tour This morning, explore Regensburg, one of Germany's largest and best preserved medieval cities, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The guided walking tour highlights the city's stunning architecture as you view the Old Town Hall, Dom St. Peter and the Porta Praetoria, gateway to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest stone bridges crossing the Danube. Return to the ship for lunch or spend the afternoon at leisure discovering the delights of Regensburg on your own. At 3:00 pm, the ship will set sail for Passau Overnight: River Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 13, Tuesday - Morning in Passau Dock this morning in 2500-year-old Passau, known for its pastel patrician houses, cafes, cobblestone lanes and riverfront promenade. Passau is a Bavarian town with a mix of Roman, Italian Baroque and Gothic architecture. Explore Passau independently in the morning and continue sailing during lunch. Relax on board this afternoon as the ship sails to Melk Overnight: River Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 14, Wednesday - Melk Abbey Disembark in Melk this morning for a guided tour of the historic Benedictine Abbey, considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe. View the Abbot's chambers, the Kaiser's walk and the lavish library. Then, return to the ship and continue cruising through the scenic Wachau Valley on the way to Vienna, the Imperial city legendary for its opulence and elegance. Tonight, perhaps take the opportunity to attend an evening of Viennese culture in the "City of Music" at an optional concert performance of the classical masterpieces of Mozart and Strauss, two of Vienna's most famous citizens Optional: Classical Viennese Concert (PM) Overnight: River Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 15, Thursday - Vienna City Tour This sparkling city on the Danube has captivated travelers for years with its elegant shops, world-class museums, and beautiful gardens. Drive along the famed Ringstrasse, Vienna's main boulevard lined with magnificent Baroque palaces, parks and monuments. View the lavish Hofburg Palace, and the impressive Vienna Opera House. Continue to majestic St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Parliament building. Enjoy the afternoon at a café sampling the famous Viennese Sacher Torte, or, join the optional afternoon tour to the Imperial Schonbrunn Palace, once summer residence of the Hapsburgs. Visit the opulent baroque apartments and stroll through the world-famous manicured gardens. Set sail for Bratislava this evening Optional: Schonbrunn Palace Tour (PM) Overnight: River Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 16, Friday - Bratislava City Tour This morning, enjoy the tranquil scenery as the ship sails along the scenic Danube. At noon, arrive in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, a mix of modern and Baroque architecture. This capital city is among the youngest in Europe, yet retains a rich history dating back more than 2000 years. Walk along the cobblestone lanes of the historic town center; view St. Martin's Cathedral, coronation site of the Kings of Hungary, the 13th century Old Town Hall and the Franciscan church. Time to explore this colorful city on your own before returning to the ship for dinner as you sail for stunning Budapest Overnight: River Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 17, Saturday - Budapest City Tour Your morning tour begins on the Pest side of the city, view the Parliament, City Park and Heroes Square. Cross to Buda to see the Royal Palace, Matthias Church and the graceful medieval architecture along the cobbled streets. Explore the city's wonderful shops and cafes this afternoon on your own. Tonight, enjoy a lavish Captain's Dinner on board Overnight: River Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 18, Sunday - Depart Hungary This morning, disembark and transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Disembarkation will end at 9:30 am Meals: Breakfast

MS Monarch Empress Sail the Danube in comfort and style on the all new Monarch Empress by Gate 1 Travel. Ship Profile Hilton Mainz, Mainz This first class hotel is close to the Rhine River and the city center of Mainz. Crowne Plaza, Heidelberg This first class hotel is well located in the city center close to Heidelberg Castle, the Old Bridge and other major attractions. Marriott Heidelberg, Heidelberg

This first class hotel is located on the banks of the Neckar River with lovely views and close to historic Heidelberg. Grand Europe Hotel, Lucerne This first class hotel is situated in a prestigious location just 10 minutes away from the city center. Radisson Blu Hotel Lucerne, Lucerne This first class hotel is located nearby Lake Lucerne and the KKL Culture and Convention Center. Hilton Hotel, Innsbruck

This superior first class hotel is located in the heart of the city near to many attractions. Castellani Parkhotel Salzburg, Salzburg This first class hotel is located just outside the city center in a picturesque garden setting. Holiday Inn Munich City Centre, Munich This first class hotel is conveniently located and close to downtown Munich. Book your Optional Tours before you travel. See more, save time, save money. Tours purchased while travelling may cost an extra 10% or more

Tours often sell out. Avoid disappointment Save your cash. Credit card processing may not be possible locally Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure Book Online or call to book these tours up to 1 week before your departure The day the optionals operate varies by the day of the week Mount Pilatus Tour Ascend the world's steepest cogwheel railway which winds up through lush meadows carpeted with Alpine flowers, past sparkling mountain streams and fascinating rock faces to Mt. Pilatus. After admiring splendid views of the Bernese Oberland and the snowcapped Swiss peaks from the summit at nearly 7000 feet, descend by aerial cableway and return to Lucerne. Approximate tour duration is 3 hours. *In the event of adverse weather, the cogwheel will be replaced by the cable car. Day #5 01 Dec 2016-31 Oct 2017 AUD$131.00 Seefeld with Carriage Ride Enjoy the spectacular alpine scenery as you travel by train high above the Inn Valley to Seefeld, the picturesque alpine village which hosted the skiing events of the Innsbruck Winter Olympics. Here the carriages await you for a leisurely ride through the town and around the lake. Afterwards, enjoy some time at leisure. Relax in the peaceful mountain atmosphere and sample some coffee and luscious "torte" cakes in one of the many sidewalk cafés. Day #7 01 Apr 2017-30 Nov 2017 AUD$90.00

Tyrolean Evening with drinks Enjoy a varied entertainment program including authentic folk music, Tyrolean dances and "shoe-slapping" as well as typical Tyrolean songs and "yodeling." Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 2 hours. Day #7 01 Apr 2017-05 Nov 2017 AUD$76.00 Eagle's Nest Tour Excursion into the surrounding countryside of Salzburg to the ruins of Obersalzberg, once an important mountain retreat for senior Nazi SS officers and top party members. Transfer to special motor coaches adapted for the scenic mountain climb to Hitler s notorious "Eagle's Nest." Ascending with the original elevator to the Kehlsteinhaus, you ll see dramatic views of the snowcapped peaks Approximate tour duration is 3 hours. This tour will not operate in April, October and November. In the event of inclement weather, the Eagle's Nest will be closed and the optional will not operate.

Day #9 01 Jun 2017-30 Sep 2017 AUD$88.00 Linderhof & Oberammergau Tour Two of the highlights of southern Bavaria are visited during this excursion to the high Alps. First, admire the artistically decorated castle Linderhof built by "Mad" King Ludwig II along with a guided tour of the palace. Proceed via the Ettal Monastery to Oberammergau, world-famous for its Passion Play, the woodcarvers and the richly painted houses (Lüftl-paintings). Approximate tour duration is 2.5 hours. Day #10 01 Jan 2017-05 Nov 2017 AUD$86.00 Tour of Salzburg Enjoy a full-day excursion to beautiful Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and setting for the Sound of Music. The walking tour will include some of Salzburg s most historic sites including Mirabell Palace, the house where Mozart lived, Nonnberg Abbey, Salzburg Cathedral, St. Peter's Cemetery. Lunch is included at a local restaurant, and then there will be time to explore the streets of Salzburg on your own before returning to the boat.

Approximate tour duration is 9 hours. *Tours operating from Nov 19 - Dec 26, 2015 will include the Christmas market in Salzburg. Day #13 01 Mar 2016-31 Dec 2017 AUD$145.00 Classical Viennese Concert Experience a delightful evening of Viennese culture in the "City of Music." Attend a concert featuring the classical masterpieces of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johann Strauss, two of Vienna's most famous citizens. The musicians will bring to life the passionate strains of Mozart, a child prodigy who blossomed into one of history's greatest composers and Strauss, the Waltz King, who composed the Blue Danube, the world's most famous waltz. The chamber orchestra is accompanied by a professional dance performance, recalling the golden age of the 19th-century Viennese ballrooms. Approximate tour duration is 2.5 hours. Day #14 01 Mar 2016-31 Dec 2017 AUD$86.00

Schonbrunn Palace Tour Enjoy an afternoon guided tour of the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace, once the summer residence of the Hapsburg emperors. Visit the gorgeous baroque apartments and stroll through the world-famous manicured and aromatic gardens. Approximate tour duration is 3 hours. *Tours operating from Nov 21 - Dec 26, 2015 will include the Schonbrunn Christmas Market Day #15 01 Mar 2016-31 Dec 2017 AUD$68.00