The Globus Family of Brand is please to announce a River Cruise Educational opportunity for NACTA members. Your land/cruise package will visit Central Europe and include a 7 night cruise aboard the Avalon Artistry.

Your itinerary:

Day 1 June 19(Thu.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Days 2-3, June 20 and 21: Budapest, Hungary

(Fri. & Sat.) Budapest, spanning the banks of the Danube, is the liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis of Eastern Europe. Seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with FISHERMEN'S BASTION and the Matthias Church are sights not to be missed. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika. Your Cruise Director will have more suggestions for interesting outings and things to do. (BB)

Day 4, June 22: Budapest. (Embarkation)

(Sun.) This afternoon, the crew of your vessel waits to welcome you aboard. (BB,D)

Day 5, June 23: Budapest–Vienna, Austria

(Mon.) A day to relax on board and marvel at the beautiful scenery on both banks of the Danube. Hungary is on your left as you cruise upriver and Slovakia is on your right. The two countries share the Danube for a 58-mile stretch, with the border in the middle of the river. Vienna, Austria’s capital, is known as the “City of Music” and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. (FB,L,D)

Day 6: June 24: Vienna

(Tue.) Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights. You do not rush through Vienna, you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. An optional concert is available during your stay. (FB,L,D)

Day 7: June 25: Dürnstein–Melk

(Wed.) Dürnstein, known for the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade, lies right in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Above town are ruins of the castle where England’s King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. Melk’s magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! (FB,L,D)

Day 8: June 26: Linz–Passau, Germany

(Thu.) Linz, Austria’s third-largest town, lies on both banks of the Danube, and is an important industrial town and busy river port. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights. Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen’s Cathedral houses the world’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. (FB,L,D)

Day 9: June 27: Regensburg

(Fri.) Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights include the Old Town Hall; the beautiful white and gold OLD CHAPEL; and Porta Pretoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 A.D. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town, and one of Bavaria’s cultural centers. It is here you will find Germany’s oldest restaurant, the 12th-century Alte Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen). (FB,L,D)

Day 10: June 28: Nuremberg

(Sat.) Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous Gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. Nuremberg’s traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. (FB,L,D)

Day 11: June 29: Nuremberg (Disembarkation)–Prague, Czech Republic

(Sun.) Cross the Czech border in the Bohemian Forest and head for Prague, the “Golden City.” (FB)

Days 12-13: June 30 and July 1: Prague

(Mon. & Tue.) Prague is a 1,000-year-old city preserved in time. It straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires, and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. Best-known treasures are the Old Town’s Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE; St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Charles Bridge. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books. Mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or stroll along the Vltava River. Your Cruise Director will have more suggestions for things to do. (BB daily)

Day 14: July 2: Prague

(Wed.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)

The package includes: all hotels in Budapest and Prague with breakfast daily; reduced rates on our standard optional excursions both on the land and cruise portion; cruise aboard the Artistry including wine with dinner and all local sightseeing as indicated in the itinerary; transfers in both Budapest and Prague if you are traveling on the dates shown above; two hours of educational sessions on the Avalon Waterways product; special welcome reception in Budapest and NACTA reception while on board the ship (night TBD) – plus other ‘surprises’ exclusive to NACTA members.

Insurance is available for an additional $299 per person (contact nacta@asta.org for more details).