See the very best of Europe's highlights and experience centuries of art, history and culture. From Budapest, a famous haven for musicians, writers and artists, cruise through the stunning cultural cities of Vienna, Bratislava, Passau and Regensburg. Along the way, visit magnificent cathedrals and baroque abbeys. Explore the charming Wachau Valley and traverse by cruise ship Europe's Continental Divide - made possible through the engineering masterpiece of the Main-Danube Canal. Treat yourself to fine cuisine and the great wines of the region. Take an optional excursion to Salzburg and celebrate the heritage of Mozart, one of the world's greatest composers.
All local Taxes Detailed Itinerary
Day 1, DEPART USA.
Board your overnight flight to Budapest.
Day 2, ARRIVE IN BUDAPEST, HUNGARY.
Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax or begin exploring this beautiful city.
Day 3, BUDAPEST.
Morning sightseeing includes historic Buda Castle, where you have a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the river. Your tour also features 500-year-old Matthias Church, St. Stephen's Basilica, distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace and much more. The balance of the day is at your leisure. Perhaps explore the main square, ancient Buda, or stroll through the Statue Park. (B)
Day 4, BUDAPEST - EMBARK SHIP.
Enjoy a free morning in Budapest or join us on an optional Puszta excursion. This afternoon, transfer to your luxurious river cruise ship docked in the center of the city. Tonight, gather on board for a Gala Welcome Dinner, as your ship cruises overnight to Bratislava. (B,D)
Day 5, BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA - VIENNA, AUSTRIA.
A guided morning tour of Bratislava reveals the city's major sights, including the Old Town Hall, the stunning Mirbach Palace and the Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral. The afternoon is free to shop or explore on your own. Perhaps, visit the 13th century Bratislava Castle where you'll enjoy breathtaking views overlooking three countries - Slovakia, Austria and Hungary. An eventful day is followed by an evening filled with an enchanting music performance on board. After midnight the ship departs for Vienna. (B,L,D)
Day 6, VIENNA.
A wonderful day to savor the baroque romance of Vienna. On your guided sightseeing tour, you will see the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral and also visit the National Library. The afternoon is free to stroll along Karntnerstrasse or sample Vienna's famous pastries. Tonight, explore the vibrant Austrian capital on your own, or come along for an optional Mozart and Strauss concert (B,L,D)
Day 7, DURNSTEIN - MELK.
Early this morning reach the Wachau Valley. Stop in Durnstein and marvel at the magnificent blue facade of the baroque Stiftskirche. Above town you will 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. At lunchtime, continue on a short cruise to Melk. A guided tour takes you to the town's magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's largest baroque monasteries. An evening wine tasting highlights your visit to the Wachau Valley. (B,L,D).
Day 8, LINZ - PASSAU, GERMANY.
After breakfast, take an optional full-day excursion to fascinating Salzburg and the Sound of Music sights, or cruise through Upper Austria to Passau in Germany. In Passau the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. During your walking tour, gaze at this fairy-tale city founded more than 2,000 ago. (B,L,D)
Day 9, REGENSBURG.
Afternoon arrival in Regensburg, one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. A guided tour will show you the city's architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall, and the Porta Pretoria - a gateway to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube. Tonight, folklore entertainers will come on board for your delight. (B,L,D)
Day 10, NUREMBERG.
This morning enter the Main-Danube Canal and relax during a leisurely cruise through the beautiful Altmuhl Valley. The Main-Danube Canal straddles the Franconian Alps via 16 locks, truly a fascinating feat of modern engineering. In the afternoon enjoy a guided tour of Nuremberg, capital of Franconia. See the storybook 900-year old ramparts that surround this historic city, the Imperial Castle and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. Moor overnight in Nuremberg. (B,L,D)
Day 11, NUREMBERG - Karlovy Vary, CZECH REPUBLIC - PRAGUE.
This morning, depart Nuremberg after breakfast and drive through the pastoral countryside to Karlovy Vary, better known by its German name, Carlsbad, and most famous for its Bohemian spa. After lunch, continue to Prague and check into the hotel. (B)
Day 12, 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, 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 cafes or restaurants. (B)
Day 13, 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 14, DEPART PRAGUE.
Bid farewell to Prague and transfer to the airport for your return flight home. Extra nights are available if you wish to extend your stay in Europe. (B)
