Day 1 - Welcome to Budapest, HungaryCheck in to your hotel, wonderfully situated in the heart of Budapest. The remainder of the day is free to relax or begin exploring this beautiful city.
Day 2 - Discover the Queen of the DanubeThis morning, your sightseeing tour takes you to historic Buda Castle from where you’ll have a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the River. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace, St. Stephen's Basilica, Heroes’ Square and more. In the afternoon, an optional sightseeing tour delves into the dramatic events of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. Meals B
Day 3 - Embark your Danube River cruise shipEnjoy a free morning in Budapest or join us on an optional tour into the Puszta, the great Hungarian Plain which stretches across the country to the East. This excursion includes a savory lunch of traditional Goulash and a fascinating look into enduring countryside traditions. In the afternoon, you’ll be escorted to your luxurious river cruise ship docked in the center of the city. Tonight, gather with your fellow passengers for a Welcome Dinner as your ship cruises through the night to Bratislava. Meals B,D
Day 4 - Your choice of sightseeing in BratislavaRelax onboard this morning as your luxury Danube cruise carries you towards Bratislava. Arriving in the capital of the Slovak Republic, you’ll have your choice of an afternoon sightseeing tour. Our fascinating “Communist Tour” explores 20th-century architectural landmarks such as the Radio Building, Liberty Square and the Soviet War Memorial. In the alternative, our walking tour of the city's major sights includes the Old Town Hall, the stunning Mirbach Palace and Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral. Late tonight, your ship sets sail for magnificent Vienna. Meals B,L,D
Day 5 - City sightseeing in Vienna, AustriaThis morning’s guided city tour takes you along the majestic Ringstrasse to admire Vienna’s most famous landmarks including the impressive Opera House and historic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In the afternoon, spend your free time strolling along the main shopping street, Kärntnerstrasse, or sampling some of Vienna’s famous pastries. In the alternative, join an optional tour to the Imperial Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens, the city’s most famous Baroque treasure. Tonight, explore the vibrant Austrian capital on your own or come along for an optional concert featuring the music of Mozart and Strauss. Meals B,L,D
Day 6 - Through the Wachau Valley to Dürnstein and MelkYour European river cruise vacation continues this morning as you sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Dürnstein, known as one of the prettiest towns along the Danube. During your walking tour, you’ll marvel at the magnificent blue facade of the Baroque Stiftskirche and see the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionhearted, King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. Your guided stroll through medieval cobblestone streets reveals handsome 16th-century town houses and inviting wine taverns and also includes a wine tasting at a local vintner. After lunch, enjoy your scenic cruise to Melk. Here, you will tour the magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's largest Baroque monasteries. Another option is a guided bicycle tour from Dürnstein to Melk (capacity controlled). Meals B,L,D
Day 7 - Onward to Passau, GermanyUpon arrival in Linz, Austria this morning, you’ll be able to choose how this memorable day will unfold for you. The first choice is an optional excursion to Salzburg, where you enjoy a walking tour of the historic center, famous as the setting for the “Sound of Music” and as the birthplace of Mozart. This tour also includes the Mirabelle Gardens, Salzburg Cathedral, Mozart’s Square, and much more. In the alternative, remain on the ship and cruise through scenic Upper Austria to Passau. Located where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube, this 2,000-year-old German city is noted for its Gothic and Baroque architecture. A walking tour of Passau will take you along the cobblestone streets of Old Town to see the city’s ancient fortifications and historic St. Stephan’s Cathedral. Meals B,L,D
Day 8 - Ashore in RegensburgYour ship arrives early this afternoon in Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities and recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Here you will have your choice of three different tours. The first is a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria - gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 A.D. The second tour you might select is an afternoon bike ride to Walhalla where you will visit the Walhalla Temple, built to honor distinguished Germans throughout history (capacity controlled). Your third choice is a trip to the Audi Factory in nearby Ingolstadt, where a member of the Audi team will take you on a tour of the Audi Car Museum or the Factory Floor (subject to availability). Known for its distinctive architecture, the Audi Museum features unique, high-tech exhibits on the history of the car combined with a fascinating look back at the 20th century. The tour is capacity controlled. Meals B,L,D
Day 9 - A choice of sightseeing in NurembergEnjoy a leisurely morning of scenic cruising through the Main-Danube Canal and relax as your luxury ship continues through the beautiful Altmühl Valley. In the afternoon, you’ll have a choice of guided tours in Nuremberg, the capital of Franconia. You can explore the medieval history of Nuremberg and see the Old Town Hall, Imperial Castle and the 900-year-old ramparts that surround this historic city. Or, join a fascinating tour centered on the modern role the city played in the 20th-century and see the Zeppelin field and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946 (when available). Your ship is docked overnight here in Nuremberg. Meals B,L,D
Day 10 - Disembark in Nuremberg and journey to PragueAfter breakfast onboard, step off ship and depart Nuremberg for a scenic drive through the pastoral countryside to Karlovy Vary, better known by its German name, Carlsbad, and famous for its Bohemian spa. After lunch on your own, continue to Prague and check in to your deluxe, city-center hotel. Meals B
Day 11 - Sightseeing in the City of 1,000 SpiresThis morning's sightseeing reveals why Prague is considered by many to be one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Visit the 1,000 year-old Hradcany Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral. Then walk over the picturesque, statue-lined Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square. The balance of your day is at leisure to mix with the locals at Wenceslas Square, shop for souvenirs or to enjoy one of the city’s many charming cafés or restaurants. This evening, an optional Folklore Dinner Show provides an opportunity to enjoy lively Czech traditions of music and dance. Meals B
Day 12 - At leisure in PragueDay 12 – At leisure in Prague
Today is a free day to enjoy as you wish… Visit a museum or a gallery, wander along the banks of the Vlatava River, dine at an outdoor restaurant or shop for local handicrafts and art work. An optional tour visits Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII concentration camp, now a memorial to those who perished. Meals B
Day 13 - Depart PragueOur Danube River Cruise & Tour end this morning after breakfast. Meals B