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 three night stay in fairytale Prague followed with 7-nights on the timeless Danube River from Passau to Budapest. Explore a 2,000 year old city and visit Europe's largest pipe organ, savor local wines throughout the Wachau Valley, and have your senses heightened with the timeless beauty and rich history of Vienna and Budapest.
All local Taxes Detailed Itinerary
Day 1, DEPART USA.
Board your overnight flight to Prague, Czech Republic.
Day 2, ARRIVE IN PRAUGE, CZECH REPUBLIC.
Arrive in Prague and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to start exploring this beautiful city.
Day 3, PRAGUE.
Your morning's sightseeing tour reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive cities. Visit the 1,000 year-old Hradcany Castle courtyard, St. Vitus and then walk over the Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square. This afternoon, participate in an optional tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII concentration camp, now a memorial to those who perished. The evening is free to mingle with the locals at Wenceslas Square, shop for souvenirs or enjoy one of the many charming cafes or restaurants in Prague. (B)
Day 4, PRAGUE.
Spend a day at your leisure to relax and stroll through a museum or gallery, wander along the banks of the Vlatava River, relax at an outdoor restaurant or shop for local handicrafts and art work. (B)
Day 5, PRAGUE - EMBARKATION - PASSAU, GERMANY.
After breakfast depart Prague for Passau where your luxurious ship awaits you where Inn and Ilz Rivers join the Danube. Relax onboard or explore Passau on your own. Tonight join fellow passengers for the Welcome Gala Dinner, The ship moors overnight in Passau. (B, D)
Day 6, PASSAU - ENGELHARTSZELL, AUSTRIA.
Enjoy your walking tour through this 2,000 year old fairytale city. Due to its unique position on the Danube, Passau has been given the nickname, "Venice on the Danube." Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy beautiful scenic cruising to Engelhartszell. Before dinner spend some leisure time exploring this small market town. Enjoy an evening in town at the local wine fest. Moor overnight in Engelhartszell. (B, L, D)
Day 7, ENGELHARTSZELL - LINZ - GREIN.
Linz is the second largest city in Austria, created as part of the Roman expansion to the North. Arrive in Linz after breakfast for your city tour. Enjoy the beautiful Baroque buildings and the environmental friendly culture. Return to the ship for lunch as you sail on to Grein for some wine tasting. Explore this charming city on your own and see the Stadttheater, one of Austria's oldest theatres. The ship moors overnight in Grein. (B, L, D)
Day 8, MELK - DURNSTEIN.
Cruise through the narrow Strudengau and reach the Wachau Valley this morning. A guided tour takes you to Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's largest baroque monasteries. From here, continue on a short cruise to Durnstein, for a walking tour through cobblestone streets that reveal quaint 16th-century town houses and taverns. Continue through the lovely Wachau Valley, dotted with castles, to the town of Weissenkirchen, for some wine tasting tonight. (B,L,D)
Day 9, DURNSTEIN - VIENNA.
During a guided sightseeing tour you will see the Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, the Ringstrasse, St. Stephen's Cathedral and visit the National Library. Enjoy a free afternoon to stroll along the main shopping street, Karntnerstrasse, or sample some of Vienna's famous pastries. Tonight, explore the vibrant Austrian capital on your own, or join an optional evening Mozart and Strauss concert. The ship moors overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 10, VIENNA - BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA.
Spend another morning in Vienna, perhaps join an optional tour to the Imperial Schonbrunn Palace, rejoining the ship in Bratislava in the afternoon; Or, enjoy a morning of scenic cruising to Bratislava followed by a walking tour of Bratislava, which reveals the city's major sights, including the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral. The rest of the afternoon is free to shop or explore on your own. Tonight there is an evening music performance onboard. (B,L,D)
Day 11, BUDAPEST, HUNGARY.
Your morning is free for last minute shopping. After lunch, your sightseeing tour takes you to historic Buda Castle from where you can enjoy 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 Royal Palace, St. Stephen's Basilica and much more. Tonight enjoy a Gala Farewell Dinner with Gypsy music. (B,L,D)
Day 12, BUDAPEST.
Your cruise comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
