Day 1 - Welcome to Budapest, HungaryCheck in to your city-center hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to relax or explore at your own pace.
Day 2 - Discover “The Queen of the Danube”This morning’s guided city 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 sightseeing also features the distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace, historic St. Stephen's Basilica, impressive 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 shipAfter checking out of your hotel, you can enjoy 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 elegant 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 afternoon 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 excursion to one of the city’s premier venues for an outstanding 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 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 Audi 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; you’ll 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 - A day in Munich!Today you will travel by train to Munich, the capital of Bavaria and one of Germany’s largest and most delightful cities. Your escort will offer suggestions on what to see while in town and will take you to lunch in a local restaurant. Back onboard this evening, you will meet additional passengers joining our river voyage from Prague. Meals B,L,D
Day 11 - Ashore in BambergYour ship arrives this morning in Bamberg, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. On your guided walking tour along the winding streets of this finely preserved medieval town, you’ll admire its breathtaking cathedral, charming 18th-century Burgher homes and the Old Town Hall which straddles the river. Take a refreshing break to sample some of Bamberg’s famous smoked beer before returning to ship. Your cruise now continues on the Main River to the charming town of Schweinfurt, where you’ll join fellow passengers for a guided evening walk. Meals B,L,D
Day 12 - From Kitzengen to WürzburgThis morning you’ll alight in Kitzingen for a guided walking tour… See the famous Leaning Tower, built during the 13th century, the Old Main Bridge, Kitzingen Church and the Renaissance Town Hall. Later, the Aulic Council and Wine Queen will welcome you to Germany’s oldest wine cellar for a tasting of several fine vintages and an enlightening introduction to the history of the region’s long wine-making traditions.
In the afternoon, you will have a choice of three different tours. Our Würzburg Tour showcases the major sites of this historic town, including the magnificent Residenz Palace – recognized as one of Europe’s foremost examples of Baroque architecture and design. In the alternative, take a guided bike tour from Kitzengen to Würzburg (capacity controlled) or enjoy an optional tour to medieval Rothenberg, a beautiful walled city situated on the Romantic Road. Meals B,L,D
Day 13 - Wertheim and MiltenbergStep ashore this morning in Wertheim, located at the confluence of the Main and Tauber Rivers. The town has retained much of its medieval Franconian character, which you will discover on your walking tour of the historic city center. In the alternative, a guided bike tour from Wertheim will take you along the Main River Valley (capacity controlled). Return to ship for lunch as you continue your cruise to Miltenberg, arriving in the afternoon for a guided walking tour along cobblestone streets lined with handsome half-timbered houses. Tonight, as your river voyage continues, you’ll leave behind Bavaria, Franconia and the Main River. Meals B,L,D
Day 14 - Along the Rhine to MainzEarly this morning, your ship navigates through the spectacular Rhine Gorge, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful river stretches on the Continent! See the fabled Lorelei Rock and marvel at the castle-dotted landscapes. Arrive in Mainz, where you will have the opportunity to customize your day with the sightseeing excursion of your choice. You can embark on a walking tour of this lovely and historic town, including a visit to the famous Gutenberg Museum to see the world’s first printed Bible; continue to Rüdesheim and visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, which houses a fascinating collections of robotic and self-playing musical instruments of the 18th to 20th centuries. The second option upon arriving in Mainz is to join our excursion to Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town. You will visit the red-walled Heidelberg Castle, the Great Vat and also take a walking tour of Old Heidelberg. Tonight, the ship cruises to Koblenz, which is situated at the confluence of the Mosel and Rhine rivers. Meals B,L,D
Day 15 - Discover charming Cochem and ZellToday, you’ll step ashore to visit the fairytale village of Cochem, surrounded by the lovely vineyards of the Mosel Valley. Walk along narrow cobblestone streets lined with medieval houses before taking a guided tour of Reichsburg Castle. Situated high above Cochem, the castle grounds boast spectacular views of the River Mosel. In the alternative, enjoy a guided bike tour (capacity controlled) of the scenic Mosel Valley. This evening continue past hillside vineyards to Zell, where a welcoming wine fest awaits you. Experience the hospitality of Zell with a visit by the Mayor and Wine Queen. Meals B,L,D
Day 16 - Afternoon in TrierAfter a leisurely morning and lunch onboard, our river ship arrives in Trier, Germany’s oldest city. Your guided tour here in this UNESCO World Heritage Site includes the old Roman amphitheater, Roman Baths, Basilica of Constantine and the Porta Nigra gate, dating back to 180 A.D. This evening, the ship sails for the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Meals B,L,D
Day 17 - By rail to Paris!Your two-week river odyssey comes to a finish this morning as you step off ship here in Remich. Visit the American Cemetery and Memorial - final resting place of General George S. Patton, Jr. – and enjoy a walking tour of Luxembourg. After free time for lunch on your own, continue to the rail station to board the high-speed TGV Train to Paris. Arrive in the mid-afternoon and check in to your hotel. The balance of your day is free to do as you wish, a great opportunity to begin exploring the City of Light at your own pace. Meals B
Day 18 - The sights of ParisThis morning’s sightseeing begins with a panoramic tour showing you some of the city’s most iconic sights including the Champs Élysées, Place de la Concorde and the Eiffel Tower. Your tour concludes with a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral. The remainder of the day is yours to explore on your own. Meals B
Day 19 - At leisure in ParisYou have this entire day free to enjoy as you wish. In the morning, you might choose to join an optional Seine Cruise of Eiffel Tower Excursion. This evening, an optional Parisian Cabaret excursion is available. Meals B
Day 20 - Depart ParisYour journey comes to an end this morning after breakfasts. Meals B