Start your voyage with historic Prague, also called "the City of a hundred Spires." Celebrate the beauty and history of the Danube, Europe's second largest river. Journey from Nuremberg on the Main-Danube Canal across the Continental Divide, and along the way, visit charming towns and marvel at beautiful vistas. Enter Austria and cruise through the lush Wachau wine region. Then, conclude your European river cruise vacation with two grand old capitals, magnificent Vienna and vibrant Budapest.
All local Taxes Detailed Itinerary
Day 1, DEPART USA.
Board your overnight flight to Prague.
Day 2, ARRIVE IN PRAGUE, 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.
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, St. Vitus, then walk over the Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square. This afternoon, why not join the optional tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII concentration camp, now a memorial to those who perished. The evening is free to mix with the locals at Wenceslas Square, shop for souvenirs or enjoy one of the many charming cafes or restaurants around Prague. (B)
Day 4, PRAGUE.
Today is a free day; 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 - Carlsbad (Karlovy Vary) - NUREMBERG, GERMANY.
This morning, depart Prague after breakfast and stop in Karlovy Vary, better known by its German name, Carlsbad, and most famous for its Bohemian spa. After lunch, drive through the pastoral countryside to Nuremberg, the capital of Franconia. Tonight, gather on board for a Gala Welcome Dinner. The ship will moor overnight in Nuremberg. (B,D)
Day 6, NUREMBERG - CROSSING THE CONTINENTAL DIVIDE - DIETFURT.
Enjoy a guided morning tour of this historic city with its fabulous Gothic churches and elegant impressive walls. See the storybook 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. At lunchtime, rejoin the ship further along the Main-Danube Canal and continue to the highest point of your cruise - 1,332 feet above sea level before descending through stair-step locks to the charming Bavarian town of Dietfurt. (B,L,D)
Day 7, REGENSBURG.
This morning takes you through the final stretch of the Main-Danube Canal. Arrive in magnificent 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 - gates to an ancient Roman fort which was built in 179 AD. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube. In the evening enjoy a music performance on board. (B,L,D)
Day 8, PASSAU - LINZ, AUSTRIA.
After breakfast, arrive in picturesque Passau, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. During your walking tour, gaze at this fairy-tale city founded more than 2,000 years ago. Or, take an optional full day tour to Salzburg, birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and location of the Sound of Music. See the main sights including a visit to Mozart's birth house. For those staying on board, enjoy a scenic cruise from Passau into Austria and on to Linz. After dinner, take a walk through this delightful town, Austria's third largest city and a major river port. (B,L,D)
Day 9, MELK - VIENNA.
Cruise through the narrow Strudengau and reach the Wachau Valley early this morning. A guided tour takes you to Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey. At lunchtime, continue through the romantic Wachau Valley. Late this afternoon, arrive in Vienna, the "City of Music." Tonight, explore the magnificent Austrian capital on your own, or come along for an optional Mozart and Strauss concert. (B,L,D)
Day 10, VIENNA.
During your guided tour of Vienna you will see the imperial Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, Ringstrasse, awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral and also visit the National Library. Then, enjoy a free afternoon to shop, explore or visit one of the cities many museums or palaces. Late afternoon, continue your journey past Slovakia and cruise overnight to Budapest, Hungary's vibrant capital. (B,L,D)
Day 11, BUDAPEST, HUNGARY.
This morning is free for shopping or sightseeing. In the afternoon, your guided city tour includes Buda and Pest. From historic Buda Castle 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 marvelous Royal Palace, St. Stephen's Basilica, and much more. Tonight, enjoy a Gala Farewell Dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 12, DEPART BUDAPEST.
Your fascinating cruise comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your homebound flight. Extra nights are available if you wish to extend your stay in Budapest. (B)
