See the very best of Europe's highlights and experience centuries of art, history and culture. From Budapest, a famous haven for musicians, writersand 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 engineeringmasterpiece of the Main-Danube Canal. Treat yourself to fine cuisine and thegreat 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 TaxesDetailed Itinerary
DAY 1, DEPART USA
Board your overnight flight to Hungary.
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
Your morning city tour includes the 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 or the famous health and thermal spas with a Turkish bath. (B)
DAY 4, BUDAPEST - EMBARK SHIP
Enjoy a free morning in Budapest or join us on an optional Puszta excursion, where you will experience the revival of a 100-year-old tradition of Hungarian horsemanship. In the afternoon, transfer to your luxurious river cruise ship docked in the center of the city. Tonight, gather onboard for a Gala Welcome Dinner, as your ship cruises overnight to Bratislava. (B,D)
DAY 5, BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
A guided afternoon 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 remainder of 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 onboard. Just before midnight the ship departs for Vienna. (B,L,D)
DAY 6, VIENNA, AUSTRIA
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 and awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral. The afternoon is free to stroll along Karntnerstrasse , sample Vienna's famous pastries or perhaps, join an optional tour to the Imperial Schonbrunn Palace. 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 for your walking tour of Durnstein, known as one of the prettiest towns along the Danube. Marvel at the magnificent blue facade of the Baroque Stiftskirche and see 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. Enjoy your lunch as you cruise to Melk. Your 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 years ago. (B,L,D)
DAY 9, REGENSBURG
After lunch, arrive 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 Praetoria - 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 onboard for your delight. (B,L,D)
DAY 10, NUREMBERG
Enjoy a morning of scenic cruising through the Main-Danube Canal and relax during a leisurely cruise through the beautiful Altmuhl Valley. In the afternoon, you decide as you enjoy a guided tour of Nuremberg, capital of Franconia. Either choose the medieval history of Nuremberg and see the storybook 900-year-old ramparts that surround this historic city and the Imperial Castle, or join the tour centered on the modern role the city played in the 20th-century and see the Zeppelin field 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, and 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 onward flight. (B)
