DAY 1, Saturday – Depart for Hungary
Depart for Hungary
DAY 2, Sunday – Cruise Embarkation in Budapest
Arrive in Budapest, Hungary and transfer to the port. Embarkation will begin at 2 PM. After arrival formalities, time to relax on board. Tonight, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy dinner as it sets the mood for your delightful river cruise
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Monday – Budapest City Tour
Your morning tour begins on the Pest side of the city; view the Parliament, City Park and Heroes Square. Admire the Buda side with beautiful views of the Royal Palace, Matthias Church and the graceful medieval architecture. Explore the city’s wonderful shops and cafes this afternoon on your own before you set sail for Bratislava
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4, Tuesday – Bratislava City Tour
This morning, enjoy the tranquil scenery as you sail along the scenic Danube. In the late afternoon, arrive in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, a mix of modern and Baroque architecture. This capital city is among the youngest in Europe, yet retains a rich history dating back more than 2000 years. Walk along the cobblestone lanes of the historic town center; view St. Martin’s Cathedral, coronation site of the kings of Hungary, the 13th century Old Town Hall and the Franciscan church. Time to explore this colorful city on your own before returning to the ship for dinner. This evening, the ship will set sail for Vienna
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5, Wednesday – Vienna City Tour
Your morning tour of romantic Vienna introduces you to this Imperial city with its legendary opulence and elegance. Drive along the famed Ringstrasse, Vienna’s main boulevard lined with magnificent Baroque palaces, parks and monuments. View the lavish Hofburg Palace, and the impressive Vienna Opera House. Continue to majestic St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Parliament building. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, or, join the optional tour to the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace, once summer residence of the Habsburgs. Visit the gorgeous Baroque apartments and stroll through the world-famous manicured gardens. Tonight, perhaps take the opportunity to attend an evening of Viennese culture in the “City of Music” at an optional concert performance of the classical masterpieces of Mozart and Strauss
Optional: Schonbrunn Palace Tour (PM)
Optional: Classical Viennese Concert (PM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6, Thursday – Melk Abbey
This morning, arrive in the village of Durnstein, one of the prettiest towns on the Danube. Free time to stroll this quintessential village in the heart of the Wachau wine district. Walk along medieval cobblestone streets revealing 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. Continue cruising late this morning and relax on board as the ship cruises through the scenic Wachau Valley, with lovely storybook views of vineyards, castles, hilltop ruins and monasteries. Later, disembark in Melk for a guided tour of the historic Benedictine Abbey, considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe. View the Abbot’s chambers, the Kaiser’s walk, and the lavish library. The ship will set sail as you dine on board this evening
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7, Friday – Full Day in Passau
Today presents a wonderful opportunity to join the optional full day tour to beautiful Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and setting for the Sound of Music. The walking tour will include some of Salzburg’s most historic sites including the Mirabell Palace, the Abbey, Salzburg Cathedral, and St. Peter’s Cemetery. After lunch at a local restaurant, there will be time to discover Salzburg on your own before returning to the ship. If you choose to remain on board, the day is free to explore the 2500-year-old Passau. Well known for its pastel patrician houses, cafes, cobblestone lanes and riverfront promenade, Passau is a town with a mix of Roman, Italian Baroque and Gothic architecture. In the early evening, all passengers will rejoin the ship and set sail for Regensburg
Optional: Full Day Tour of Salzburg
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, Saturday – Regensburg City Tour
Arrive in Regensburg this morning, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The guided walking tour highlights the city’s stunning architecture as you view the Old Town Hall, the Dom St. Peter, and the Porta Praetoria, gateway to an ancient Roman fort. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest stone bridges crossing the Danube. Return to the ship, or spend the afternoon at leisure discovering the delights of Regensburg on your own. The ship will remain docked in port this evening as you enjoy your final night on board
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9, Sunday – Pilsen
This morning, bid farewell to your Cruise Director and meet your local host as you disembark from the river cruise and drive to the “Golden City” of Prague. On your way, stop in the city of Pilsen for a city tour. Visit Republic Square, a large medieval square in the Czech Republic, and gaze upon the gothic style of St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral & Old Town Hall. View the onion domes of the Great Synagogue before free time to explore Pilsen on your own. Tonight, mix with the locals at Wenceslas Square, shop for local handicrafts, enjoy one of the many charming cafes or dine at a world-class restaurant
Overnight: Prague
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10, Monday – Prague City Tour
Discover Prague this morning with a city tour. Visit the 1000-year-old Hradcany Castle grounds, former residence of the Bohemian Kings and enjoy breathtaking views of the Charles Bridge and Lesser Town below. Walk though the elegant courtyards and see St. George Basilica and the St. Vitus Cathedral. Continue to the Jewish Quarter, and the Old Town Square to view the world-famous Astronomical Clock and the Town Hall. This afternoon, join the optional tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII concentration camp, now a memorial to those who perished
Optional: Terezin (PM)
Overnight: Prague
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11, Tuesday – Full Day in Prague
Today is free to further explore this beautiful city independently. Visit the museums, galleries or stroll along Parizska Street, the city’s famous shopping district, or perhaps join the optional tour of Malá Strana, also known as Lesser Town, one of Prague’s most historic districts. Explore this enchanting part of Prague, filled with important cultural landmarks such as the Charles Bridge with its 30 Baroque statues of various saints, and beautiful Kampa Island which is full of quaint restaurants and a lovely park. This evening, perhaps try traditional Czech cuisine at a popular restaurant. Remember to sample Prague’s national treasure – its world-renowned beer
Optional: Mala Strana Tour (AM)
Overnight: Prague
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12, Wednesday – Depart the Czech Republic
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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