DAY 1: Budapest (embark)
Arrive at Budapest Ferihegy International Airport where you will be transferred to the ship. (D)
DAY 2: Budapest
Featured Excursion: Budapest city tour
Budapest is an enchanting city with a vibrant mix of East and West, and Medieval and modern. Made up of two parts—Buda, the hills, and Pest, the flat lands—and divided by the Danube, it is an architectural dream. Your city tour features the famous Chain Bridge, the UNESCO listed Castle Hill district, and the 19th-century Fisherman’s Bastion, built in honor of the fishermen who defended Buda from the Turks during the Middle Ages. While here, gaze at the glorious panoramic view of the city and the Danube below. (BB, L, Captain’s Welcome Gala)
DAY 3: Cruising the Danube, Vienna
Enjoy a day of leisure onboard your floating hotel as your ship winds its way up the enchanting Danube and meanders through a series of locks, through Slovakia, and under bridges en route to the imperial city of Vienna, where you will arrive in the early evening. (BB, L, D)
DAY 4: Vienna
Featured Excursion: Vienna city tour and National Library visit
Vienna is a treasure trove of secular and sacred gems, such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the stately Ringstrasse—the broad thoroughfare surrounded by the many imperial buildings and monuments that give Vienna its wedding cake appearance. Leaving the motorcoach, you will start a walking tour through the Hofburg grounds that will culminate at the magnificent Baroque State Hall of the Austrian National Library, said to be the most beautiful library room in the world. (BB, L, D)
DAY 5: Dürnstein, cruising the scenic Wachau Valley, Melk
Featured Excursion: Domäne Wachau wine tasting and Melk Abbey tour
Awaken in the tiny Baroque village of Du¨rnstein and visit Domäne Wachau for a tasting of the famous Wachau Valley Rieslings. This quality-oriented cooperative is deeply rooted in the Wachau region and its members cultivate about 30% of the entire Wachau vineyard area. Enjoy a leisurely exploration of this charming village on foot or take one of the complimentary bicycles out for a spin before departing for Melk.
Cruise the vineyard-rich, UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley—one of the most beautiful river valleys in Europe, where some of Austrian’s finest white wines are produced. When you arrive in Melk, you will be able to see the 900-year-old abbey situated high atop the granite cliffs of the Danube. You will then enjoy a guided tour of this Benedictine abbey, a masterpiece of Baroque art and architecture. (BB, L, D)
DAY 6: Linz (Salzburg)
Featured Excursion: Full day in Salzburg
Today’s adventure takes you to Salzburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved Medieval town core and musical heritage. During your guided walking tour, marvel at the city’s 15th-century cathedral; stroll its famous, busy shopping street, Getreidegasse, where you can also pass by the home where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born and spent his childhood; and admire the Mirabellgarten, featured in the beloved film The Sound of Music. (BB, D)
DAY 7: Passau
Featured Excursion: Passau walking tour and St. Stephan’s organ concert
Passau’s wealth through trade is reflected in its Medieval merchants’ houses. The city’s Italian Baroque buildings, erected after the big fire of 1662, match the historic town center with its winding little streets and narrow alleyways. These streets will lead us to St. Stephan’s Cathedral for an organ concert on Europe’s largest pipe organ. (BB, L, Captain’s Farewell Dinner)
DAY 8: Passau (disembark), transfer to Munich airport
Disembark the ship in Passau and transfer to the Munich airport for your flight home, or extend your stay in the golden city of Prague. (CB or BB)
The Danube, through its rich history, has remained timeless and truly enchanting. German poet Friedrich Hölderlin called the Danube “a refreshing, melodious river, sometimes foaming with high spirits, at other times dreaming serenely.” For many centuries this river has been a reflection of Europe’s history and destiny—an economic lifeline, a great highway to conquest, and a source of inspiration for poets and musicians. Now it is your turn to be inspired.
*
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