DAY 1, Tuesday
- Depart for Hungary
Depart for Hungary
DAY 2, Wednesday
- Cruise Embarkation in Budapest
Arrive in Budapest, Hungary and transfer to the port. Embarkation will begin at 2 pm. After arrival formalities, time to relax on board. Tonight, a gala Welcome Dinner sets the mood for your delightful river cruise
Overnight:
River Cruise
Meals:
Dinner
DAY 3, Thursday
- Bratislava City Tour
This morning, enjoy the tranquil scenery as the boat sails along the scenic Danube. In the late afternoon, arrive in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, a mix of modern and Baroque architecture. This capital city is among the youngest in Europe, yet retains a rich history dating back more than 2000 years. Walk along the cobblestone lanes of the historic town center; view St. Martin's Cathedral, coronation site of the Kings of Hungary, the 13th century Old Town Hall and the Franciscan church. Time to explore this colorful city on your own before returning to the ship for dinner. This evening, the ship will set sail to Vienna
Overnight:
River Cruise
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4, Friday
- Vienna City Tour
Your morning tour of romantic Vienna introduces you to this Imperial city with its legendary opulence and elegance. Drive along the famed Ringstrasse, Vienna's main boulevard lined with magnificent Baroque palaces, parks and monuments. View the lavish Hofburg Palace, and the impressive Vienna Opera House. Continue to majestic St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Parliament building. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, or, join the
optional
tour to the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace, once summer residence of the Hapsburgs. Visit the gorgeous baroque apartments and stroll through the world-famous manicured gardens. Tonight, perhaps take the opportunity to attend an evening of Viennese culture in the "City of Music" at an
optional
concert performance of the classical masterpieces of Mozart and Strauss, two of Vienna's most famous citizens
Optional:
Schonbrunn Palace Tour (PM)
Optional:
Classical Viennese Concert (PM)
Overnight:
River Cruise
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5, Saturday
- Melk Abbey
This morning, arrive in the village of Durnstein, one of the prettiest towns on the Danube. Free time to stroll this quintessential village in the heart of the Wachau wine district. Walk along medieval cobblestone streets revealing 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. Continue cruising late this morning and relax on board as the boat cruises through the scenic Wachau Valley, with lovely storybook views of vineyards, castles, hilltop ruins and monasteries. Later, disembark in Melk for a guided tour of the historic Benedictine Abbey, considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe. View the Abbot's chambers, the Kaiser's walk, and the lavish library. The ship will set sail as you dine on board this evening
Overnight:
River Cruise
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6, Sunday
- Full Day in Linz
Early this morning cruise into Linz. Founded by the Romans, Linz has cultivated a strong artistic tradition, especially in the field of music. Today is free to explore the city independently, taking in such sites as St. Mary's Cathedral and Linz Castle, or just relaxing at a café sampling the famous Linzer torte which was named after this quaint city. Alternatively, join the
optional
full day excursion to Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic. Travel through the picturesque landscape of Southern Bohemia to Cesky Krumlov, a fairy-tale town with its maze of narrow cobbled streets. Declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site in 1992, Cesky Krumlov has earned an international reputation for its State Castle and Chateau, one of the largest in Central Europe, superbly furnished with priceless art, tapestries and richly decorated weapons. The guided walk through town is highlighted by Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance houses once mansions of noblemen families
Optional:
Full Day Tour of Cesky Krumlov
Overnight:
River Cruise
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7, Monday
- Full Day in Passau
Today presents a wonderful opportunity to join the
optional
full day tour to beautiful Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and setting for the Sound of Music. The walking tour will include some of Salzburg's most historic sites including the Mirabell Palace, the Abbey, Salzburg Cathedral, and St. Peter's Cemetery. After lunch at a local restaurant, there will be time to discover Salzburg on your own before returning to the ship. If you choose to remain on board, the day is free to explore the 2500-year-old Passau. Well known for its pastel patrician houses, cafes, cobblestone lanes and riverfront promenade, Passau is a town with a mix of Roman, Italian Baroque and Gothic architecture. In the early evening, all passengers will rejoin the ship and set sail for Regensburg
Optional:
Full Day Tour of Salzburg
Overnight:
River Cruise
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, Tuesday
- Regensburg City Tour
Arrive in Regensburg this morning, one of Germany's largest and best preserved medieval cities designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The guided walking tour highlights the city's stunning architecture as you view the Old Town Hall, the Dom St. Peter, and the Porta Praetoria, gateway to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest stone bridges crossing the Danube. Return to the boat or spend the afternoon at leisure discovering the delights of Regensburg on your own. The ship will remain docked in port this evening as you enjoy your final night on board
Overnight:
River Cruise
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9, Wednesday
- Disembarkation, Travel to Oberammergau
This morning, disembark from the ship and drive towards the Bavarian hamlet of Oberammergau. Benefit from a guided tour along the way, where you will learn about the history of the region
Overnight:
Oberammergau region
Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10, Thursday
- World-Renowned Passion Play
Morning is at leisure. This afternoon, attend a moving performance of the world-famous Passion Play that dates back to 1634. This epic play is held every 10 years and performed by the inhabitants of Oberammergau. During the break, join your travel companions for dinner before witnessing the stirring second half of the Passion Play performance. Afterwards, return to your hotel
Overnight:
Oberammergau region
Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11, Friday
- Depart Germany
This morning transfer to the airport in Munich for your departure flight
Meals:
Breakfast
