Slovakia Tours & Trips 2020

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour the major capital cities along the Danube
• Bask in the idyllic landscapes of the Wachau Valley
• EXCURSIONS INCLUDED:
  • Imperial Vienna and the Schoenbrunn Palace
  • Budapest, 2000 years of history

• Stay in old-school style while supporting a social cause during your time in Vienna. The city’s quirky Magdas Hotel is committed to helping local refugees earn a living through employment.
• Embark on a hike through the lesser known but no less stunning Tatra Mountains in Slovakia. With a range of trails available, you’ll be high above the valley floor admiring the vistas in no time.
• See the classic Polish cities of Wroclaw and Krakow and feel the emotional wallop of a sobering visit to nearby Auschwitz.
• Discover the magical Cesky Krumlov on two wheels with a leader-led cycling tour around town with your small group, passing by medieval buildings, verdant countryside and the flowing Vltava River.
• Get the low-down on Budapest’s classic charm, café culture, and eclectic neighbourhood vibes during your time here. Have you actually been to Budapest if you didn’t go to a ruin bar?

• Onboard welcome reception
• Free time in Linz; choice of visit to St. Florian Monastery or guided tour of Mauthausen Concentration Camp or bike with your Adventure Host
• Choice of guided tour in Ybbs or bike with your Adventure Host; scenic cruising through the Wachau Valley; choice of guided tour in Krems or Wine World Experience with tasting or bike with your Adventure Host
• Choice of guided sightseeing or bike with your Adventure Host
• Choice of a guided sightseeing, visit St. Martin's Cathedral or a hike to Bratislava Castle with your Adventure Host
• Experience views to awaken the senses on your Danube River cruise from Germany to Hungary
• Embark in Deggendorf, Germany, and sail to the lovely city of Linz for a leisurely morning

• See the classic Polish cities of Wroclaw and Krakow and feel the emotional wallop of a sobering visit to nearby Auschwitz.
• Immerse yourself in the history, architecture and bohemian vibes of the Czech Republic. Step right into a fairytale in the World Heritage-listed town of Cesky Krumlov before soaking up the smooth sounds of jazz at a low-lit bar in Prague
• So much of what is great about Europe can be found in Vienna. Revel in the city's rich offerings of art, history and music and stroll along the eclectic Ringstrasse
• Enjoy a scenic walk along the banks of the River Danube in Budapest. Threaded with bridges and hemmed in by castles and historic city buildings, Europe’s second longest river is also one of its most beautiful
• Hike in the picturesque Tatra Mountains and traverse the steep slopes via funicular, gondola and electric steam train
• Sample the famous Hungarian 'bulls blood' in Eger, the wine that supposedly gave the Hungarian army supernatural strength during their battle against the Ottoman Empire
• Experience peasant life on a full-day tour through the countryside of Maramures, Romania's most traditional and colourful region. Don't be surprised if you see horse-drawn carts along the road
• Learn spooky stories while travelling through beautiful Transylvania, famous for its medieval fortified churches and as the birthplace of the inspiration for the world's most famous vampire, Dracula
• A home-stay with a local family in the Saxon/Roma town of Viscri will expose you to Romanian hospitality and some finger-licking home-cooked grub

• Munich : Welcome dinner; orientation including Marienplatz; visit the famous Hofbräuhaus; farewell dinner at the Ratskeller restaurant
• Prague : Guided sightseeing, visit the Hradčany Castle grounds, see the Astronomical Clock
• Bratislava : Visit the capital of Slovakia
• Budapest : Guided sightseeing, a panoramic view from Fishermen’s Bastion, visit Matthias Coronation Church
• Vienna : Guided sightseeing, visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral
• Danube cruise: Enjoy Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake) on board
• Salzburg : Guided walking tour, visit Mirabell Gardens and Residenz Square; a special dinner at St. Peter Stiftskeller restaurant
• This tour is a magnificent journey through the former Habsburg Empire
• It starts and ends in Munich with an orientation of the city

• 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
• 9 Breakfast (B)
• 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
• 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
• Budapest: Join the Schieszl family for a hearty Hungarian Be My Guest dinner and the story of their winery.
• Vienna: Enjoy a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest art museum in Austria, to view the Royal Collection before the general public has access.
• Prague: Led by your Local Specialist, explore the delightful Old Town Square and see the detailed Astronomical Clock that attracts onlookers each hour.
• Bratislava: Explore Bratislava's city centre. Take a walk through the charming squares and see the iconic Michael Tower.
• Vienna: Walk through the first district, Inner Stadt, as your Local Specialist reveals the historic core of the city. Tour the Ring Road to see the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche.
• Esztergom: Spend the day enjoying the scenic landscapes of Esztergom.
• Vienna: Take in the wonderful views along the Danube Bend.
• Budapest: Spend the day basking in the iconic views of Budapest.
• Vienna: Stop for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at an inclusive café.
• : VIP Admission to the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna
• : Explore Prague, Vienna and Budapest with a Local Specialist
• : Visit St. Vitus Cathedral and the Old Town Square of Prague, and the old Hungarian capital of Esztergom
• : View the Castle and Old Town of Bratislava, the Hofburg Palace and Imperial Boulevards of Vienna and the Parliament Building in Budapest
• : See St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Opera House in Vienna
• : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
• : Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
• : All porterage and restaurant gratuities
• : All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
• : Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
• : Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
• : Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
• : Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
• : Optional Experiences and free time

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• Create lifelong memories on board a festive ship decked out for passengers to ring in the New Year with pizzazz.

• New Year's Eve at the heart of the Danube's capitals
• 3 great capitals to discover
• EXCURSIONS INCLUDED:
  • Vienna and Schoenbrunn Palace
• New Year's Eve dinner with wine and a glass of champagne

• 6 Dinner with Wine (DW)
• 13 Breakfast (B)
• Choose between two carefully selected activities
• Prague: Stroll through the Jewish Quarter with your Local Expert to hear how the Jewish community has shaped the history of Prague.
• Prague: Visit the imposing St. Vitus Cathedral and explore the atmospheric courtyards of the historic Prague Castle with your Local Expert.
• Choose between two carefully selected activities
• Vienna: Listen to the musical masterpiece of Mozart and learn the Viennese Waltz, in an inclusive workshop designed to support the visually impaired community. Unique to Insight Guests, ‘Dancing without Barriers’ takes place in the dark, in a specially designed sensory studio, and will be a unique experience for all your senses. This specifically designed workshop focuses on inclusion and education around the topic of visual impairment. Through their foundation the organisation supports children from disadvantaged family and children with a visual impairment. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities. Alternatively, visit a traditional Viennese café to enjoy local specialties of coffee and sachertorte.
• Vienna: Visit a traditional coffeehouse to enjoy Viennese specialities of coffee and Sachertorte.
• : Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
• : Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
• : We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
• : Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
• : Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
• : From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
• : If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
• Warsaw: Enjoy a demonstration of the traditional techniques of dumpling-making with an expert chef. Then enjoy a hearty Polish Highlight Dinner with a variety of local delicacies and drinks.
• Ceske Budejovice: Tour a local brewery to discover the secrets of how the golden vintage of beer is made, followed by a sampling.
• Cesky Krumlov: For your Dine-Around Evening, choose your own style of ambience and cuisine from a fine selection of restaurants in the atmospheric centre.
• Vienna: Visit a traditional coffeehouse to enjoy Viennese specialities of coffee and Sachertorte.
• Vienna: Your Imperial Viennese Celebration Dinner is regal splendour on a plate. Enjoy a delicious traditional meal with drinks at a local restaurant, before a concert of classical music that pays homage to the genius of Strauss and Mozart.
• Budapest: Enjoy a tour of the Liszt Music Academy with a student, followed by an enchanting recital. Producing incredible musical talent, the university was founded by piano virtuoso and composer Franz Liszt in 1875.
• Vienna: Listen to the musical masterpiece of Mozart and learn the Viennese Waltz, in an inclusive workshop designed to support the visually impaired community. Unique to Insight Guests, ‘Dancing without Barriers’ takes place in the dark, in a specially designed sensory studio, and will be a unique experience for all your senses. This specifically designed workshop focuses on inclusion and education around the topic of visual impairment. Through their foundation the organisation supports children from disadvantaged family and children with a visual impairment. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities. Alternatively, visit a traditional Viennese café to enjoy local specialties of coffee and sachertorte.
• Budapest: Stroll through the alleys of the Old Town of Buda with a Local Expert.
• Kraków: The medieval heart of Krakow is rich in legend, a kind of Polish Camelot. Join your Local Expert for an in-depth exploration of this historic Holy Grail.Cross the former Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz to Podgórze and see the Ghetto Square.
• Kraków: Visit the cathedral atop Wawel Hill, see the castle and look for the iconic dragon, accompanied by your Local Expert.
• Kraków: Visit the 14th-century St. Mary's Basilica, the most important church in the city.
• Auschwitz: Experience a powerful and moving visit, with a Local Expert. See the Auschwitz memorial and museum and stop at Birkenau, which bears witness to the terrible atrocities of the Holocaust.
• Częstochowa: Visit the 14th century Monastery of Jasna Góra, famous for the Black Madonna supposedly to have been painted by St. Luke.
• Warsaw: Your Local Expert will show you the city's highlights. See the Old Town, Palace of Culture and visit the Chopin Memorial in the Lazienki Park before paying your respects at the Ghetto Heroes Memorial.
• Berlin: You Local Expert provides a tour of this vibrant city. Drive along the Ku'Damm, passing the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and through Tiergarten to the Reichstag building. See the Brandenburg Gate, State Opera House and visit Alexanderplatz.
• Dresden: During your orientation with your Travel Director, take a moment to admire the 'Procession of the Princes' mosaic on the Saxon wall of the castle. You'll also see Frauenkirche, Zwinger Palace and the opera house, Semperoper.
• Prague: Stroll through the Jewish Quarter with your Local Expert to hear how the Jewish community has shaped the history of Prague.
• Prague: Visit the imposing St. Vitus Cathedral and explore the atmospheric courtyards of the historic Prague Castle with your Local Expert.
• Cesky Krumlov: Your Travel Director will lead you on an orientation of the city as you explore the medieval streets of this fairy-tale town.
• Cesky Krumlov: Visit the fairytale castle considered to be the finest in the land. Let a Local Expert lead you through a medieval labyrinth of private chambers, courtyards, kitchens and dungeons of the castle, so rich in history.
• Vienna: A private, guided exploration of Schönbrunn Palace will have all your senses tingling. Stand beneath frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers and gilded Rococo frames where Mozart performed as a child prodigy.
• Vienna: Walk through the first district, Inner Stadt, as your Local Expert reveals why this is the historic core of the city. You will also tour the Ring Road to see the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche.
• : "One thing I really love about showing guests Eastern Europe is the rich history and culture of places that have previously been impossible to visit due to political situations."
• : Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
• : Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19.All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
• : We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
• : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

• Welcome to Munich
• Visit Neuschwanstein Castle
• Guided tour in Munich, see the Marienplatz; travel by motorcoach to Deggendorf; onboard welcome reception
• Free time in Linz; choice of visit to St. Florian Monastery or guided tour of Mauthausen Concentration Camp or bike with your Adventure Host
• Choice of guided tour in Ybbs or bike with your Adventure Host; scenic cruising through the Wachau Valley; choice of guided tour in Krems or Wine World Experience with tasting or bike with your Adventure Host
• Choice of guided sightseeing or bike with your Adventure Host
• Choice of guided sightseeing, visit St. Martin's Cathedral or a hike to Bratislava Castle with your Adventure Host
• Experience your Danube River cruise from Germany to Hungary your way with two nights in Munich before your cruise
• Enjoy a full-day guided tour to Neuschwanstein Castle—home of King Ludwig, and plenty of free time to explore Munich before your cruise

• Cycle leafy paths from vibrant Vienna to Bratislava and bohemian Budapest
• Follow the Danube downstream, passing romantic castles, picturesque villages and lowland forests
• Experience one of Austria's most important archaeological sites, the Roman remains at Carnuntum
• Marvel at the domed Basilica of Esztergom, reflected in the still waters of the Danube Bend
• Straddle the borders of Hungary and Slovakia in the historic spa town of Komarom

• Berlin : Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing, take pictures of Brandenburg Gate and the Holocaust Memorial, visit Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church; farewell dinner at a local restaurant
• Poznan : Stop in the historic city
• Warsaw: Guided sightseeing, visit the Cathedral of St. John; attend a private Chopin concert
• Czestochowa: Visit the Monastery of Jasna Góra and its Black Madonna
• Auschwitz: Visit the site of the former concentration camp
• Krakow: Guided sightseeing, walking tour of the Kazimierz Quarter, see Wawel Castle, visit St. Mary’s Church
• Donovaly: Stop in this picturesque ski resort
• Budapest: Guided sightseeing, panoramic view from Fishermen’s Bastion, visit Matthias Coronation Church
• Vienna: Guided sightseeing, visit Heldenplatz and St. Stephen’s Cathedral
• Telc: Enjoy an included lunch
• Prague: Guided sightseeing, Astronomical Clock, visit the Hradčany Castle grounds; taste a Trdelnik rolled pastry
• Dresden: Walking tour
• When you think of an Eastern Europe vacation, what comes to mind? Perhaps it's visiting old churches and seeing historical sites that have been standing for many centuries
• Perhaps you think of visiting cities bombed in World War II and restored to their former splendor

• Welcome to Vienna
• Choice of early risers guided tour, or guided sightseeing
• Morning at leisure; onboard welcome reception
• Choice of guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk or hike with your Adventure Host; scenic cruising through the Wachau Valley; free time in Dürnstein
• Choice of a guided sightseeing, visit St. Martin's Cathedral or hike to Bratislava Castle with your Adventure Host
• Guided tour, see Heroes' Square
• Day at leisure
• Arrive in Vienna for a 2-night stay in the legendary “City of Music
• ” Enjoy guided sightseeing, including the Imperial Palace, Vienna Opera House, and stunning St

• Welcome to Prague
• Guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit Hradcany Castle grounds
• Travel by motorcoach to Regensburg, guided sightseeing; transfer to Deggendorf; onboard welcome reception
• Choice of guided walk or hike with your Adventure Host; Schlögen Oxbow scenic cruising
• Guided sightseeing, see Hauptplatz and the Trinity Column
• Choice of guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk or guided tour in Ybbs with Artstetten Castle visit; cruise through the Wachau Valley; choice of guided walk or hike up to the castle ruins in Dürnstein
• Choice of guided sightseeing or bike with your Adventure Host
• Choice of guided sightseeing in Bratislava, visit St. Martin’s Cathedral or hike to Bratislava Castle with your Adventure Host
• Scenic cruising into Budapest; choice of guided tour, see Heroes’ Square or hike with your Adventure Host
• Free time
• Choice of guided tour in Pécs, visit the underground tombs, or sightseeing in Mohács, visit St. Nicolas watermill or bike with your Adventure Host
• Ilok guided tour; choice of Novi Sad guided tour or walk with your Adventure Host
• Choice of guided tour or walk with your Adventure Host; onboard lecture
• Visit to Golubač fortress; choice of visit Lepenski Vir archaeological site or bike with your Adventure Host; scenic cruise through the Iron Gates Gorge
• Choice of guided tour in Vidin, excursion to Belogradchik, see the rock formations or hike with your Adventure Host
• Choice of full-day excursion, visit to Tsarevet's Fortress in Veliko Târnovo and to the Ethnographical Museum and the Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi, or a guided sightseeing in Rousse, or a walk in the park with your Adventure Host
• Transfer to Bucharest, guided sightseeing
• Brasov guided tour; visit Bran Castle
• Visit Peles Castle
• Embark on a 20-day journey from Czech Republic to Romania, beginning with two nights in dazzling Prague
• Explore the “Golden City” of Prague before your cruise

• Welcome to Bucharest
• Visit Peles Castle
• Guided tour of Brasov; guided visit of Dracula’s Bran Castle
• Guided sightseeing in Bucharest; transfer to ship; onboard welcome reception
• Excursion to Danube Delta; Km 0 celebration; onboard lecture
• Guided sightseeing, visit the National History and Archaeological Mu-seum in Constanta
• Choice of full-day excursion, visit to Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Târnovo and to the Ethnographical Museum and Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi, or guided sightseeing in Rousse, or walk in the park with your Adventure Host
• Choice of guided sightseeing to Vidin’s fortress, see the rock formations in Belogradchik or bike with your Adventure Host
• Scenic cruise through the Iron Gates gorge; choice of visit Lepenski Vir archaeological site or bike with your Adventure Host; visit to Golubač fortress
• Choice of guided sightseeing or walk with your Adventure Host; onboard lecture
• Choice of Novi Sad guided tour or walk with your Adventure Host; Ilok guided tour
• Choice of guided tour and organ concert in Pécs or sightseeing in Mohács, visit St. Nicolas watermill
• Choice of guided tour, see Heroes’ Square or hike with your Adventure Host
• Day at leisure in Budapest
• Choice of guided tour, visit St. Martin’s Cathedral, or hike up to Bratislava Castle with your Adventure Host
• Choice of guided tour or bike with your Adventure Host
• Choice of guided tour or hike up to the castle ruins in Dürnstein; scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley; choice of guided tour of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk or hike with your Adventure Host; onboard wine tasting
• Guided tour
• Choice of guided tour or bike with your Adventure Host
• Onboard lecture; choice of guided sightseeing of Roth, or guided sightseeing in Nuremberg, or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour
• Choice of guided tour, see the Old Town Hall or bike with your Adventure Host; onboard lecture
• Choice of walking tour in Volkach or bike with your Adventure Host; free time in Kitzingen
• Choice of guided sightseeing, visit the Bishop’s Residenz or bike with your Adventure Host
• Guided walk
• Choice of visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum or hike in the vineyards with your Adventure Host; scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge; classical concert
• Choice of Cologne highlights walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tour or bike with your Adventure Host
• Choice of canal cruise or walk with your Adventure Host
• This enchanting European river cruise from Bucharest to Amsterdam is truly an adventure
• In beautiful and mysterious Transylvania visit Peles Castle in Sinaia—considered one of the most beautiful in Europe

• Welcome to Prague
• Choice of urban hike, or guided city tour including Hradcany Castle grounds and St. Vitus Cathedral; afternoon at leisure
• Guided tour of Cesky Krumlov; transfer to Linz; onboard welcome reception
• Choice of visit to the Jochenstein power station or visit to Engelszell Abbey; choice of guided hike along the Danube trails or scenic cruising around the Schlögen Oxbow
• In Mauthausen, choice of visit to St. Florian Monastery, guided tour of Mauthausen Concentration Camp, or guided bike tour; guided tour in Grein, visit to the historical theatre and Clam Castle to meet its owner the Count
• Choice of canoe tour; bike tour from Spitz to Krems Wine World Experience with tasting; or regional products showcase
• Choice of bike tour, or insider's tour of Vienna, or guided tour, visit to Belvedere Palace
• Choice of early risers guided tour, with breakfast at a Viennese café, or guided tour, see the Habsburg private art collection and the Italian and Dutch Masters Gallery, or guided tour, see Habsburg private art collection and the Military Museum
• In Visegrád, choice of medieval knights tournament, or guided hike in Danube-Ipoly National Park, or canoe tour
• Choice of guided tour travel writer Kinga Tittel, or guided bike tour, or city sightseeing tour
• Start your Danube River vacation with two nights in the exquisite city of Prague
• You’ll explore the Czech Republic capital with your choice of included excursions