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Czech Republic, Germany and Austria 2008 - Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Depart US

Depart from the U.S. for the Czech Republic. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary and airline tickets.

Day 2 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Prague

Upon arrival at the Prague airport, claim your luggage and clear customs. If your luggage is lost, you must fill out a PIR form before leaving the customs area: VBT representatives are not allowed into the customs area. Make sure also that your VBT luggage tags are attached to your bags so that your representative can identify you. Leave customs, then enter the arrival hall and look for your VBT representative, who will be holding a VBT sign. Your representative welcomes you to Prague and helps you transfer via taxi or van (approximately 30 minutes, depending upon traffic) to your Prague hotel. Note: at this time, please verify with your VBT representative the time of your transfer from your Vienna hotel to the Vienna airport at the end of your trip. If you arrive early, your hotel room may not be available until 1 p.m. You may store your luggage with the Reception Desk. At the hotel, a VBT representative is available briefly to answer your questions and provide you with a city information packet, which includes information and recommendations on what to see and do in Prague. You have the rest of the day to relax or begin your exploration of the city. Optional walking tours of Prague (Old Town, the Castle and the most popular sights as well as undiscovered areas) can be booked through your VBT hotel representative upon arrival. The approximate price is 22-28 Euro per person and includes the services of our local English-speaking guide.

Hotel: Bellagio Hotel

Day 3 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Prague

Explore Prague's unsurpassed culture and history. You may wish to visit Prague Castle, the city's most popular site. It is the largest ancient castle in the world (570 m long, on average, and 128 m wide with an area of 7.28 hectares). Constructed in the 9th century, the castle was transformed from a wooden fortress surrounded by earthen bulwarks to the imposing form it is today. Rulers made their own additions, resulting in a mixture of styles. Prague castle has had four major reconstructions, but it keeps the classical baroque facade that it took on in the 18th century during the reign of Maria Theresa. The Jewish Quarter, “Josefov,” is also well worth a visit. Named after the emperor Josef II, whose reforms helped to ease living conditions there, the Jewish Quarter contains the remains of Prague's former Jewish ghetto. Since many Jewish people died during World War II or were forced by the Communist regime to leave the country, the current Prague community numbers only 5,000 to 6,000 people. The Jewish Quarter is located in the Old Town, which is mentioned in history as far back as 1091. It is the oldest of Prague's towns. The New Town was founded in the 14th century. The center of the Old Town has always been the Old Town Square, dominated by the Gothic-style Church of Our Lady of Týn and the Town Hall.

Meals: B  Hotel: Bellagio Hotel

Day 4 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Independent Exploration of Prague/Join VBT Air Package guests

Spend another day enjoying Prague. VBT Air Package guests arrive throughout the day.

Meals: B  Hotel: Bellagio Hotel

Day 1of AIR PACKAGE Depart the US

You depart from the U.S. for the Czech Republic. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary and airline tickets.

Day 2 of AIR PACKAGE Arrive in Prague

Upon arrival at the Prague airport, claim your luggage and clear customs. If your luggage is lost, you must fill out a PIR form before leaving the customs area: VBT representatives are not allowed into the customs area. Make sure also that your VBT luggage tags are attached to your bags so that your representative can identify you. Leave customs, then enter the arrival hall and look for your VBT representative, who will be holding a VBT sign. Your representative welcomes you to Prague and helps you transfer via taxi or van (approximately 30 minutes, depending upon traffic) to your Prague hotel. Note: at this time, please verify with your VBT representative the time of your transfer from your Vienna hotel to the Vienna airport at the end of your trip. If you arrive early, your hotel room may not be available until 1 p.m. You may store your luggage with the Reception Desk. At the hotel, a VBT representative provides you with a city information packet, which includes information and recommendations on what to see and do in Prague. You have the rest of the day to relax or explore the city.

Meals: B  Hotel: Bellagio Hotel

Day 1 of BIKE TOUR All guests meet in Prague/Meet Trip Leaders/Warm-up ride and welcome reception

At 9:00 a.m., all guests meet the VBT representative at the hotel in Prague and transfer with her to Cesky Krumlov (approximately 3½ hours with a stop on the way) in the south of the Czech Republic. Meet your Trip Leaders during a planned stop on the way. Cesky Krumlov is a unique town in Bohemia, built in the protection of a curve of the river Vltava. The historical center has been part of the UNESCO Foundation for World Heritage since 1992. In Cesky Krumlov, you have time to find a restaurant and have lunch on own. Our leaders have plenty of recommendations for you. At 2 p.m., check in at the beautiful, 5-star Hotel Ruze. This former Jesuit monastery (built in Renaissance style) dates to the 16th century. In the afternoon, join your Trip Leaders for a safety and bike-fitting session, followed by a warm-up ride around the city. Later, gather with the group for a welcome cocktail reception on the hotel's panoramic terrace and have dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Meals: B, D  Hotel: Hotel Ruze Alternate Hotel: Hotel U Mesta Vidne .   The hotel, which was a traditional bakery in the 16th and 17th centuries, has been recently renovated in accordance to the original design and today can welcome its guests with comfortable hotel services. An historical building with modern standard… Furthermore, the Restaurant “Garden of Vienna” with its wine cellar, impressive garden restaurant, is a good chance to discover local gastronomy.

Day 2 of BIKE TOUR Cycle to Borsov nad Vltavou/Guided tour in the Historical Center of Cesky Krumlov

After breakfast, cycle through a beautiful and conserved landscape to Borsov nad Vltavou, a typical little Bohemian village on the banks of the river Vltava that features the Porici Castle and Gothic Church of St. James. On the way, stop in the quiet countryside at Zlata Koruna, one of the best-preserved Gothic monasteries in Bohemia. If you like, board the VBT shuttle to avoid pedaling the few small hills. Return to the hotel in time to visit the gem of Cesky Krumlov, the Rosemberg family chateau, on an included walking tour. Its preserved baroque theater and original stage are still used for baroque opera performances three times a year. Afterward, continue exploring the city center with your local guide, who also gives tips on local restaurants where you may enjoy dinner on your own.

Meals: B  Hotel: Hotel Ruze Alternate Hotel: Hotel U Mesta Vidne .   The hotel, which was a traditional bakery in the 16th and 17th centuries, has been recently renovated in accordance to the original design and today can welcome its guests with comfortable hotel services. An historical building with modern standard… Furthermore, the Restaurant “Garden of Vienna” with its wine cellar, impressive garden restaurant, is a good chance to discover local gastronomy.

Day 3 of BIKE TOUR Discover Sumava, the largest national park in the Czech Republic/Cross the Czech – German border/Cycle to Passau

In the morning, travel by train through the Sumava National Park to Nova Pec, not far from the German border. Take an amazing bike ride through a beautiful, uncontaminated paradise of wild birds, far from traffic and villages. At Nove Udoli, walk and cross the border. This border crossing was closed in 1945 and reopened some time ago for pedestrians and bicycles only. Due to the closure, this route does not yet appear in guide books. Across the border, begin cycling in Bavaria on a downhill stretch of former railway track. Bavaria is among Europe's most beautiful and most serene cycling areas. On your way, stop at a Bavarian tavern for a typical lunch, prepared by the owner-family. Continue cycling to Waldkirchen, where you shuttle or bike to the historic baroque city of Passau, which is situated between three rivers: the Danube, Inn and Ilz. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant, right on the romantic Danube River.

Meals: B, L, D  Hotel: Altstadt Hotel

Day 4 of BIKE TOUR Short ride along river Inn / Explore Passau

Pedal leisurely along the river Inn, the frontier between Germany and Austria. Start by following the German bike path. At Neuhaus, cross the river to the Austrian town of Schärding, with its colorful, baroque-style burgher houses on the two town squares. After exploring Schärding, return to Passau. En route, stop for a delicious picnic lunch on the river's opposite bank, where the Neuberg fortress looms. Use the afternoon to look around Passau and shop the flea market and antique shops. Dinner is on your own tonight; Passau offers many dining choices.

Meals: B, L  Hotel: Altstadt Hotel

Day 5 of BIKE TOUR Danube impressions by bike and boat/Schlögener Schlinge

Start your day with a boating adventure on the most popular river route in Europe. Cruise through the famous Schlögener Schlinge in Austria, where the Danube snakes through steep, forested mountains in a series of sharp and scenic serpentine bends. Silence surrounds you, except for the occasional hum of passing barges. Begin cycling at Schlögen towards Aschach, where you stop for lunch on your own. Continue through a beautiful forested region, then follow the Danube bike path to Ottensheim, before Linz, where you transfer by private motorcoach to the hotel at Weissenkirchen. The village is dominated by St. Michael's Church, which dates to 987. There are also many Renaissance buildings with romantic inner courtyards. One of them houses our charming, family-run hotel. Many “vinegut” (winemakers) and wine cellars call Weissenkirchen home and are located in beautiful ancient manor houses. Have a famous young “heuriger” wine in one of the taverns! Later, gather for a group dinner in a typical local Austrian guesthouse.

Meals: B, D  Hotel: Hotel Raffelsberger Hof Alternate Hotel: Hotel Kirchenwirt .   This stylish property has the personal touch of the tradition and the high quality services of a 4 stars hotel. Besides the main building, Haupthaus Kirchenwirt, there are two newly renovated and very charming houses of the 16th century: Dependance Malerhaus Geller and Dependance Arkadenhof. You will enjoy the historical Dependance Arkadenhof, equipped with its own style and centrally located in a quite area of this lovely village.

Day 6 of BIKE TOUR Cycle through Wachau Valley/Melk Abbey/The romantic town of Dürnstein

In the morning, cycle through the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage area, to Melk. The Wachau is one of Austria's most striking landscapes, featuring a mix of hillside orchards and vineyards among ruined castles, abbeys, and churches. In Melk, take an included guided tour of the spectacular Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's largest baroque monasteries. Eat lunch on your own, perhaps in the abbey gardens, in Melk before cycling along on the Danube to the lovely village of Spitz. From Spitz, cycle back to Weissenkirchen via Dürnstein, where Richard the Lionhearted was kept prisoner in 1193. Tonight's farewell dinner is in a local restaurant within a private, ancient winepress room.

Meals: B, D  Hotel: Hotel Raffelsberger Hof Alternate Hotel: Hotel Kirchenwirt .   This stylish property has the personal touch of the tradition and the high quality services of a 4 stars hotel. Besides the main building, Haupthaus Kirchenwirt, there are two newly renovated and very charming houses of the 16th century: Dependance Malerhaus Geller and Dependance Arkadenhof. You will enjoy the historical Dependance Arkadenhof, equipped with its own style and centrally located in a quite area of this lovely village.

Day 7 of BIKE TOUR Transfer to Vienna/Free Day/VBT No-Air Package ends

After breakfast, transfer to Vienna, arriving at approximately 10:30 a.m. VBT No-Air Package guests: Your tour ends at the Hotel Stefanie in Vienna. Important: Train departures from Vienna prior to 11 a.m. are not recommended. If you depart earlier, you are responsible for your own transfer arrangements from the last hotel in Weissenkirchen. A taxi ride to the Vienna train station costs approximately 15 euros/$22 USD (approximately 20 minutes). A taxi ride to the Vienna airport costs approximately 30 euros/$44 USD (approximately 40 minutes). VBT Air Package guests: Transfer by coach to Hotel Stefanie. Your room may not be available until 1 p.m., but you can leave your luggage with the Reception Desk. Upon arrival at the hotel, you receive a welcome packet containing maps and recommendations for cafés, restaurants, museums and transportation. The rest of the day is free to explore Vienna. Your hotel is located near the historic “Inner Ring” in the Old Town; many of the Old World palaces and concert halls are easily accessible.

Meals: B  Hotel: Hotel Stefanie

Day 8 of AIR PACKAGE Depart for U.S.

After breakfast, transfer to the Vienna airport (approximately 30 minutes) for your departing flight. Please note: Ensure that you are ready in the hotel reception area at the designated time. VBT recommends that you check your transfer time in your “Transfer Reminder” or with the hotel's reception desk the night before your flight. Please note: VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you extend your stay beyond the scheduled program dates, return transportation to the airport will be at your own expense. Please note: For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast at the hotel may not be available. Please check with the Front Desk to verify the times that breakfast is served.

Meals: B

Day 1 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Independent Exploration of Vienna

If you have chosen the Post-Trip Extension, continue to explore Vienna on your own during your independent trip extension. Vienna is famous for its museums, and today you may want to start your exploration of the city with a stop at some of the best. The Secession Building is renowned for its architectural design as well as for its Art Nouveau collections. The Kunsthistorisches, rated as one of Europe's finest art museums, has a superb collection of Rubens along with a large collection of works by Pieter Brueghel the Elder. In the evening, enjoy dinner on your own in one of the city's many fine restaurants.

Meals: B

Day 2 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Vienna

Today, continue your exploration of the city, perhaps visiting the Spanish Riding School of Vienna. The school trains both horses and riders according to centuries-old methods and is famous for its Lipizzaner horses. Or, spend the afternoon at the Hofburg Imperial Palace. Built in 1279, it remains an impressive tribute to the Habsburgs' great power and wealth. Today it houses the offices of the Austrian president, the chapel where the Vienna Boys' Choir performs, and the hall where the Spanish Riding School Lipizzaner stallions amaze their audiences. Another notable sight is St. Stephen's Cathedral, renowned for its gothic stonework and the largest bell in Austria. The Schonbrunn Palace Gardens offer symmetrical paths and manicured trees. Be certain to shop at the Nachsmarkt — Austria's largest and grandest open-air market. If you've already explored the urban charms of Vienna, head for the rolling hills and trails of the Wienerwald or the Prater woods. Beethoven used the Viennese woods for inspiration and often strolled them while composing music in his head. Strauss also incorporated the woods and their charms into his music. The delightful woods of Vienna are within easy reach of the city.

Meals: B  Hotel: Hotel Stefanie

Day 3 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Vienna extension concludes/Depart for home

After breakfast on the final morning, transfer to the Vienna airport (approximately 30 minutes) for your departing flight. Please ensure you are waiting in the hotel reception area at the designated transfer time. VBT recommends that you check your transfer time in your “Transfer Reminder” or with the hotel's reception desk the night before your flight. VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you extend your stay beyond the scheduled program dates, return transportation to the airport will be at your own expense. Please note: For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast at the hotel may not be available. Please check with the Front Desk to verify the times that breakfast is served.

Meals: B