DAY 1, DEPART USA.
Board your overnight flight to Budapest, Hungary.
DAY 2, ARRIVE IN BUDAPEST, HUNGARY.
Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your luxurious river cruise ship. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at the Welcome Cocktail Reception followed by dinner. (D)
DAY 3, BUDAPEST.
Your morning sightseeing includes Buda & Pest. From historic Buda Castle, 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 and much more. Your afternoon is free to explore on your own. (B,L,D)
DAY 4, BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA - VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Wake up this morning in Bratislava, capital of the Slovak Republic. This morning’s walking tour reveals the city's major sights, including the Old Town Hall, the stunning Mirbach Palace and Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral. Later, there is time to explore on your own, before cruising this afternoon to Vienna. Tonight, explore the vibrant capital on your own or join an optional evening Mozart and Strauss concert. (B,L,D)
DAY 5, VIENNA
Savor the baroque elegance of romantic Vienna during your morning guided sightseeing tour, including the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, elegant Kärtnerstrasse and awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral. The afternoon, we cruise to charming Krems, where the ship overnights. After dinner onboard you will enjoy local Wachau Valley wine tasting. (B,L,D)
DAY 6, KREMS (DÜRNSTEIN) – MELK.
This morning you visit Dürnstein, where you will marvel at the magnificent blue façade of the baroque Stiftskirche. Above town you'll spot the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. Your walking tour through medieval cobblestone streets reveals 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. You will then cruise the Wachau Valley to Melk, location of the famous Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's largest baroque monasteries, which you will tour this afternoon. The ship moors here tonight. (B,L,D)
DAY 7, LINZ - GMUNDEN
This morning arrive in Linz, Austria’s second city. This morning you will tour the town, seeing its beautiful Baroque buildings, large square and enjoy its environment friendly culture. This afternoon we visit the “Salzkammergut” The World Heritage UNESCO Site The Austrian Lake District; and the town of Gmunden, on the beautiful “Traunsee” Lake Traun. Here there is time to visit the picturesque Ort Castle with its beautiful details, Renaissance frescos and triangular inner courtyard, or enjoy a scenic cruise across the lake, or for the more adventurous you can take a cable car ride up Grünberg mountain for spectacular views over the lake. For those passengers not wishing to visit the lake district, you can join an excursion to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov. This is a wonderfully preserved medieval town, nestled in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border. (B,L,D)
DAY 8, LINZ – PASSAU, GERMANY - VILSHOFEN.
Early this morning, cruise through Upper Austria to Passau in Germany, where, the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Your city tour takes you on an exploration of this fairy-tale city founded more than 2,000 years ago. This afternoon, the ship cruises to Vilshofen, a charming 1200-year-old Bavarian town, on the confluence of the river Vils and the Danube. For those that wish, you can join an optional tour this afternoon to Munich. Departing in mid morning from Passau you will drive to Munich arriving in time for lunch at the Hofbrauhaus. In the afternoon you will enjoy a walking tour of the historic city centre, seeing its famous Town Hall with glockenspiel, located in Marienplatz and see Frauenkirche and “devils footprint” before rejoining your fellow travelers in Vilshofen. Tonight everyone will enjoy “Oktoberfest” in Vilshofen, oom-pah-pah band, music, song and dance Bavarian style. Long tables and benches with traditional beer, a perfect way to celebrate end your cruise. (B,L,D)
DAY 9, VILSHOFEN - REGENSBURG PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
This morning, depart Vilshofen after breakfast and stop in Regensburg, which is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. After lunch on your own, continue on to Prague (B)
DAY 10, PRAGUE.
This morning's sightseeing reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive cities. Visit the 1,000-year-old Hradcany Castle courtyard and St. Vitus, and then walk over the Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square. The evening is free to mix with the locals at Wenceslas Square, shop for souvenirs or enjoy one of the charming cafés or restaurants. (B)
DAY 11, PRAGUE.
Today is a free day to relax or 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. Why not join the optional tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII concentration camp, now a memorial to those who perished. (B)
DAY 12, DEPART PRAGUE.
Bid farewell to Prague and transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
Framed by Austrian Alps, lush vineyards, and medieval castles, the Danube River casts the lure of romance that has caught many artists, musicians, and poets throughout the centuries. Travel through each of these captivating cities, beginning with a 3-nigh
- 3 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Prague including daily Buffet Breakfast
- Transfer from the Hotel in Prague to the Ship in Vilshofen
- 7-night Deluxe Cruise Accommodation in an Outside Stateroom 82% of the Staterooms with large French Balconies
- Infotainment System in all Staterooms with Internet, Movie and Music Library & English Language TV stations
- Terry Bathrobes and White-on-white plush Bedding in all Staterooms
- Superb Dining with all Meals included during your Cruise
- Unlimited Quality Red & White Wines from Europe's great Wine Regions with every Dinner onboard the Ship
- Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner
- Daily Sightseeing Program as outlined in the Itinerary
- Special Highlights including Folklore Dances, Lectures, Theme Dinners, onboard Music Performances and afternoon & evening Piano Music
- Use of Bicycles to explore on your own
- Services of Professional Cruise Director
- All English Language onboard in a non-smoking Environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
- All Transfers with the Purchase of Cruise, Land & Air package
- All local Taxes
*
The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability.
Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your
deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Whenever air-inclusive prices are displayed, these prices do
not include government taxes and fees, which are additional. Air prices are subject to increase and are
guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Air-inclusive prices include air from a major
U.S. gateway; air from other U.S. airports is available at an additional cost. Sorry, we are unable to
offer air from countries other than the U.S. However, for those international customers who are able to
arrange their own transportation to the origination city, we are able to offer the land/cruise portion of
the package, at the price quoted.
. All rights reserved. CST 2072920-50