For the first time we have arranged a river cruise on the Blue Danube River through four of the most interesting countries on the MS Swiss Diamond ship. Each stateroom has a river view window as you travel with other Jehovah’s Witnesses along the most romantic section of the Blue Danube River. We have included sightseeing tours in PASSAU, GERMANY; BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA; ESZTERGOM, HUNGARY and BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included with wine each evening. Afternoon tea and snacks are served daily. Each night there is piano music plus a Hungarian folklore show on the last evening. (All Reservations must be made by April 10, 2012.)

THE ITINERARY WILL BE AS FOLLOWS:
Sept. 16 Everyone will depart from their hometown and fly overnight to Munich, Germany. Enjoy dinner, a movie and some rest as you cross the Atlantic Ocean.

Sept. 17 Arrive Munich and transfer to PASSAU, GERMANY to board the river cruise. In the afternoon we have included a tour of Passau and in the evening you’re invited to the “Captain’s Welcome Aboard Reception and Dinner.”

Sept. 18 During the night, you will cruise the Blue Danube River to LINZ, AUSTRIA. The entire day is free or you can take an optional excursion to Salzburg, home of the famous composer, Mozart and where the movie, “Sound of Music” was filmed.

Sept. 19 This morning you will arrive in MELK, AUSTRIA where you can walk around this historical town filled with its terraced gardens that overlook the Danube River. In the afternoon you will arrive in the pretty medieval town of DURNSTEIN, AUSTRIA in the spectacular vine-terraced Wachau Valley. Here you can explore the Castle that dates back to 1193 as you walk along the cobblestone streets.

Sept. 20 Today you will enjoy VIENNA, AUSTRIA, the home of famous music composers such as Beethoven, Schubert, Mozart and Johann Strauss. There will be an optional tour to visit the Palace of Schonbrunn with its magnificent interiors and landscaped gardens. Your river cruise will stay overnight in Vienna.

Sept. 21 Morning free to explore more of Vienna. You will then cruise during lunch to BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA where we have included a tour of the city and the Castle that was built over a thousand years ago. You’ll walk through the charming Old Quarter and its quaint Central Square and Fairytale Town Hall.

Sept. 22 Depart Bratislava in the morning and cruise to ESZTERGOM, HUNGARY where another interesting tour of the city has been included.

Sept. 23 Be sure to be on deck this morning for a breathtaking view of BUDAPEST, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Included is a tour of BUDA that’s located on one side of the river and PEST on the other side as the city is linked by seven bridges. You’ll see the historic Castle and the Royal Palace. Afternoon will be free to explore and shop for the renowned peasant embroidery and porcelain. At tonight’s “Farewell Dinner,” the highlight will be a Hungarian folklore show.

Sept. 24 Transfer to the Budapest Airport for the return flight to your hometown.