Danube Discovery 2011 (Vienna to Nuremberg)

DAY 1: Vienna (embark)
Arrive at Vienna International Airport where you will be transferred to the ship. (D) 

DAY 2: Vienna
Featured Excursion: Vienna city tour and National Library visit 

There can be no exploration of the Danube without a visit to Vienna, which is a city both steeped in history and on the cusp of current trends. Your panoramic city tour showcases all the imperial Habsburg grandeur of the stately Ringstrasse, taking you past the Rathaus (City Hall), Parliament, the Hofburg (Imperial Palace), and the State Opera, among other sights. Leaving the motorcoach, you will start a walking tour through the Hofburg grounds, culminating at the magnificent Baroque State Hall of the Austrian National Library, which is said to be the most beautiful library room in the world. (BB, L, D) 

DAY 3: Cruising the scenic Wachau Valley, Melk
Featured Excursion: Melk Abbey 

Today you’ll cruise the scenic, vineyard-rich Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape representing one of the most beautiful river valleys in Europe. Then tour Melk’s 900-year-old Benedictine abbey, a masterpiece of Baroque art and architecture situated high atop the granite cliffs of the Danube. The views from the terrace are spectacular, but the splendid frescos, marble, and gilded plasterwork of its interior will be the true highlight of your visit. (BB, L, Captain’s Welcome Gala) 

DAY 4: Passau
Featured Excursion: Passau walking tour and St. Stephan’s organ concert 

Passau boasts a delightful layer of Italian style on top of quintessential German foundations. Explore the well preserved town on your guided walking tour. Visit St. Stephan’s Cathedral, home to Europe’s largest pipe organ, where you will hear a magnificent organ recital. (BB, L, D) 

DAY 5: Deggendorf (Theresienthal)
Featured Excursion: Bavarian Forest horse-drawn carriage ride and Theresienthal visit 

After enjoying a scenic horse-drawn carriage ride through the Bavarian Forest, you will be taken to the world-famous crystal glass manufacturer, Theresienthal. Here you will experience the fine art of hand-made crystal glass-making firsthand during a workshop where you will learn all the various steps involved, as well as the extraordinary history of Theresienthal that dates back to the 1830s. (BB, L, D)

DAY 6: Regensburg
Featured Excursion: Regensburg walking tour 

Regensburg, one of the finest Medieval towns in Europe, captures 2,000 years of living history with outstanding manmade monuments like the 12th-century Stone Bridge and the towering Gothic cathedral. Your walking tour takes you past the architectural treasures of Old Town as well as the Cathedral of St. Peter with its magnificent 14th-century stained glass windows. Genuine Bavarian hospitality adds to the vibrant mix of art and culture in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. (BB, L, D) 

DAY 7: Cruising the Main-Danube Canal, Nuremberg
Featured Excursion: Nuremberg city tour 

After cruising the most scenic parts of the Main-Danube Canal, a marvel of modern engineering, visit Nuremberg, an archetypal Medieval German city encircled by mighty defensive walls and red-roofed buildings. Birthplace of Albrecht Du¨rer and famous for its pocket watches, the city also held the astounding War Crimes Trials after WWII. Discover the sights of Nuremberg during your panoramic tour before exploring its walled Old Town on foot. (BB, L, Captain’s Farewell Dinner)

DAY 8: Nuremberg (disembark), transfer to the airport
Disembark the ship and transfer to the Nuremberg airport for your flight home, or extend your stay in beautiful Berlin. (CB or BB)

Relax as you sail the majestic Danube for an unforgettable journey from Vienna to Nuremberg. Celebrate the astounding beauty and variety of architectural styles to be found in just one region—and often in a single building.

Discover the imposing 900-year-old Baroque Melk Abbey, the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Wachau Valley, and Old Town Regensburg, the largest intact Medieval town in Europe. Waltz through imperial Vienna, home to some of Europe’s finest music, art, and architecture. Explore Passau with its Italian-Baroque flair, and delight in a cathedral organ concert on Europe’s largest pipe organ. Walk through Nuremberg’s archetypal Medieval streets. And take a unique excursion through the Bavarian Forest with a horse-drawn carriage ride and a glass workshop visit.

• Cabin upgrades are available at additional cost.
• Port charges of $112 per person are not included in the prices shown above.
• On Mondays, Mozarthaus will be substituted for the Library.
• The organ recital concert not available before May 2, after October 31, or on Sundays.
• Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more details.

* 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.