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 TaxesDetailed Itinerary
DAY 1, DEPART USA
Board your overnight flight to Prague, Czech Republic.
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
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. 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. This afternoon, participate in an optional tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII concentration camp, now serving as a memorial to those who perished. (B)
DAY 5, PRAGUE - KARLOVY VARY - NUREMBERG, GERMANY
Depart from Prague after breakfast. Enjoy a short stop in Karlovy Vary, better known by its German name, Carlsbad, which is famous for its Bohemian Spas. After lunch, drive through the pastoral countryside to Nuremberg, the capital of Franconia. Tonight, gather onboard 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 elegantly 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's scenic cruising takes you through the final stretch of the Main-Danube Canal to 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 Praetoria - 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. The rest of the afternoon is free for exploring, or to join the optional excursion to beautiful Weltenburg Abbey in the Danube Gorge. In the evening enjoy a musical performance onboard. (B,L,D)
DAY 8, PASSAU - LINZ, AUSTRIA
After breakfast, arrive in picturesque Passau, where the Inn and Ilz Rivers join the Danube. Your city tour takes you on an exploration of this fairy tale city founded more than 2,000 years ago. Or, substitute the city tour with the optional excursion to Salzburg, birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the location of the Sound of Music. During your walking tour see Mozart's birthplace. For those staying onboard, 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. Your guided tour takes you to Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey. Return to the ship for lunch as you cruise the romantic Wachau Valley. Arrive in Vienna, the "City of Music" before dinner. Explore the magnificent Austrian capital on your own, or participate in the optional Mozart and Strauss concert. (B,L,D)
DAY 10, VIENNA
See the Imperial Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, Ringstrasse, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral on your guided tour. Then, enjoy a free afternoon to shop, explore or visit one of the cities many museums or palaces. Perhaps, join an optional tour to the Imperial Schonbrunn Palace. Enjoy dinner as you continue your journey pass Slovakia and cruise overnight to Budapest, Hungary's vibrant capital. (B,L,D)
DAY 11, BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
This morning's guided city tour includes Buda and Pest. From historic Buda Castle you will enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities 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. The remainder of day is at your leisure to explore the city on your own. Say farewell to your newfound friends at tonight's 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 onward flight. (B)
