Embark on a magnificent cruise-tour through some of Europe's most fascinating landscapes! Your journey starts with a visit to the enchanting lakeside town of Lucerne, surrounded by the majestic Swiss Alps. Journey to the picturesque Tyrol Region of Austria for a stop in Innsbruck and proceed to delightful Salzburg where the film Sound of Music was set. The final stop on the land portion of your vacation is in vibrant Munich, Germany. You'll then embark on a 7-night deluxe cruise of the romantic Danube River, taking in the captivating countryside vistas. The leisurely cruise includes shore excursions and visits to some of the most charming towns and cities along the river including magnificent Melk Abbey, cosmopolitan Vienna and lively Budapest. All meals aboard the cruise are included as well as free wine with dinner! Availability is limited so please reserve early!

Day 1: USA/Europe. Your fascinating cruise-tour journey begins as you depart today on your overnight flight bound for Europe.

Day 2: Arrive Zurich/Lucerne (Switzerland). After landing in Zurich International Airport in Switzerland you'll be met and escorted to your hotel located in the nearby charming lakeside town of Lucerne at the foothills of the majestic Swiss Alps. This evening, your tour director hosts a welcome orientation followed by dinner. Waldstatterhof Hotel (D)

Day 3: Lucerne. Set on the shores of sparkling Lake Lucerne and with a backdrop of dramatic mountains, Lucerne's old town is circled by medieval walls and is dotted with watchtowers and ancient covered bridges. Enjoy a brief guided morning tour to view the impressive Lion Monument, the 14th century Chapel Bridge and the scenic lakeshore drive. The balance of the day is at leisure to spend as you please. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets, relax in a local cafe, shop for delicious Swiss chocolates, watches or cuckoo clocks. An optional tour ($110) that combines a relaxing cruise on the lake with a cogwheel railway ride to the top of nearby Mount Pilatus is available. (B)

Day 4: Vaduz ( Liechtenstein) / Innsbruck ( Austria). After departing Lucerne, your first stop is in the tiny Principality of Liechtenstein and its capital Vaduz, a proud remnant of feudal Europe, sandwiched between Switzerland and Austria. Next cross into Austria and journey to the heart of the picturesque Tyrol Region and the mountains encircled Innsbruck. On arrival view the Winter Olympics' ski jump, the Wilten Basilica with its stunning rococo decorations, the Imperial Palace (Hofburg) with its Golden Roof and the medieval arcaded shops in the old town. Your hotel is centrally located within a short walk of the charming old town. Grauer Baer Hotel. (B)

Day 5: Neuschwanstein Castle Excursion/ Salzburg. After enjoying a sumptuous breakfast journey through glorious Alpine scenery for a memorable visit to Bavaria's "Mad" King Ludwig's fantasy castle, the magnificent Neuschwanstein Castle, perched high above the valley below. This afternoon, continue your journey to Salzburg, the baroque jewel and birthplace of the composer Mozart. This is where the film "Sound of Music" was set! Dinner is included tonight. Castellani Parkhotel (B,D)

Day 6: Salzburg/Munich ( Germany). This morning, a local expert leads you on a tour of delightful Salzburg, crowned by the 11th century Hohensalzburg Fortress. Stroll through the historic city center, admire exquisite Mirabel Gardens, the Great Festival Hall, St. Peter's Churchyard and the monumental Domplatz. You'll also visit Mozart's Birthplace in the charming Getreidegasse. Free time to explore independently or join an optional tour to Berchtesgaden and Eagle's Nest ($65). Later drive through the stunning landscapes of the Bavarian Alps and arrive in Munich. Holiday Inn City Center Hotel. (B)

Day 7: Munich. On this morning's guided tour of Munich view the Olympic Stadium, 1,000-foot-high Television Tower, Marienplatz with the mechanical clock and the Old and New Town Halls, and the gothic Frauenkirche church. The afternoon is at leisure to explore at your own pace. This evening enjoy dinner at a famous local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 9: Nuremberg/Set Sail. After breakfast, join a guided tour of Nuremberg that includes such sights as the Palace of Justice, the venue of the Nuremberg trials, the Market Square and the Church of Our Lady. Enjoy some free time to stroll and marvel at this historic city with its fabulous gothic structures and elegant patrician houses. Return to the ship in time for lunch and set sail. Over the next week you'll leisurely sail along the romantic Danube, take in the captivating countryside and visit some of the most charming towns and cities along the river. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Regensburg/Passau. This morning dock in Regensburg, one of Germany's best preserved medieval towns. Enjoy a guided walking tour of this city, built in 179 BC by the Romans. The tour includes such sights as the Old Town Hall, the Dom St. Peter, the Roman Gates at Porta Pretoria and one of the oldest stone bridges over the Danube. Free time is available to explore independently this vibrant university town before returning to the ship and setting sail for Passau. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Passau/Sailing. Disembark in Passau and explore independently. Most well-known for its St. Stephen's Cathedral and old town, Passau boasts many fine examples of Baroque and Gothic architecture. Discover the winding cobblestone streets and graceful arcades. As you continue sailing the Danube River this afternoon savor the passing majestic scenery. (B,L,D)

Day 12: Melk Abbey (Austria)/ Vienna. This morning, enjoy a guided tour of the magnificent Benedictine Abbey in Melk, considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe. The abbey is perched on a hill site, offering breathtaking views of the Danube River and surrounding countryside. On your tour, you'll have the opportunity to view the abbot's chambers, the Kaiser's walk and the library. Return to the ship and continue sailing through the scenic Wachau Valley to splendid Vienna, the center of the Hapsburg Empire. (B,L,D)

Day 13: Vienna. This morning explore Vienna's glorious past on a guided tour that takes you along the Ring Boulevard, past Emperor Franz Josef's Hofburg Palace and the ornate State Opera to a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Cathedral of St. Stephen's. The afternoon is at leisure to explore on your own or relax in a charming Viennese cafe. You may opt to visit the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace, the baroque summer residence built for the Hapsburgs. Set sail later this evening. (B,L,D)

Day 15: Budapest/USA. Today disembark your riverboat and transfer to the airport for your return flight. Your fascinating voyage ends as you arrive in New York later today. (B)

YOUR TOUR INCLUDES:

NEW! Tour prices now INCLUDE airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges

• Round trip airfare from New York (JFK) via Lufthansa Airlines (American Airlines for Sep 9 tour)
• Airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
• 6 nights accommodations at first class hotels in Lucerne, Innsbruck, Salzburg & Munich
• 7-night cruise aboard the deluxe
  MS Sound of Music riverboat in a category C, Rhine Deck (middle deck) outside facing cabin with private bath and panoramic window
• Port charges
• 29 meals: 13 buffet breakfasts (B),
  6 lunches (L), 10 dinners (D)
• Unlimited wine and beer with dinners aboard the cruise (Days 8-14)
• Evening entertainment aboard the cruise boat
• Comprehensive sightseeing tours and shore excursions as per itinerary
• English-speaking tour and cruise directors and local tour guides

TOUR COST AIRFARE INCLUDED
DEPART	RETURN	RESERVE BY MAY 31, 2012		RESERVE AFTER MAY 31
2012		w/cash discount	sale
Aug 26	Sep 9	$ 3899	$ 3999	$ 4299
Sep 9	Sep 23	$ 3799	$ 3899	$ 4199
Rates are per person based on double occupancy from New York (JFK). Single room/cabin supplement add $1299. CABIN UPGRADE: Rates are based on Cat. C, Rhine Deck outside facing cabin with panoramic window. Upgrade to Cat. A, Danube Deck (upper deck) outside facing cabin with floor to ceiling sliding glass doors (French Balcony): add $249 per person/$399 single Land only rates may be available. Please inquire. Reservations and Payments: Reservations can be made by phone 1 800 337 7773 and will be confirmed upon receipt of $300 per person non-refundable deposit (by check) which must be received within 7 days of reservation. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Baggage fees may apply. Space and prices subject to availability. For complete booking information and terms & conditions click here.

About Your Riverboat The deluxe MS Sound of Music river boat is a charming vessel offering a delightful itinerary and entertainment by live musicians. A maximum of 128 guests are looked after by highly experienced, dedicated and friendly crew. The comfortable cabins are of good size (approx. 165 sq ft). All cabins are river facing. Category C cabins on the Rhine deck have a large panoramic window and category A cabins on the Danube deck have large glass sliding panoramic doors (French Balcony). The air-conditioned cabins are tastefully furnished and have a private bath facilities, shower, telephone and flat screen satellite TV. Category A cabin - Danube Deck Category C cabin - Rhine Deck Public areas include a spacious restaurant serving delicious cuisine, an elegant lounge, a bar, library, small spa and a panoramic sun-deck. A complimentary email station is also available. The vessel is air-conditioned throughout. Join us on this cruise-tour for a thoroughly enjoyable experience! Spa DECKPLAN FOR MS SOUND OF MUSIC