Those longing for the romance of Old-World Europe will get to travel into the very heart of the continent, where empires were built, kings and queens were crowned and some of the world’s greatest music was composed and performed by the likes of Mozart and Beethoven. Grand European cities like Munich, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest forever remain timeless. Admire the beauty of Austria’s Lake District and the Czech Republic’s charming mountain town, Český Krumlov. From grand abbeys and fortresses perched high above the Danube to plentiful iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, be romanced by the Danube with all her regal and romantic splendor.
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Day 1 Vilshofen, Germany
Embarkation
Exclusive Oktoberfest
Embark your cruise in Vilshofen. This evening meet your fellow passengers on board. (D)
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Day 2 Vilshofen, Passau
Free Time
Passau
“City of Three Rivers” walking tour
OR Passau Castle hike
OR Danube Bike tour
Explore Vilshofen’s beautiful old town before cruising to Passau, known as the “City of Three Rivers." Join a walking tour or if you prefer to be more active, hike high into the hills for a visit to the “Veste Oberhaus,” Passau’s Castle Hill. (B,L,D)
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Day 3 Linz, Austia
“UNESCO City of Media Arts” walking tour
OR Full-day Salzburg excursion
“Cultural Mile” bike tour
Half-day Salzburg excursion
OR Český Krumlov
OR Austrian Lake District excursion
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Day 4 Weissenkirchen
Scenic cruising through Strudengau and UNESCO Wachau Valley
Dürnstein walking tour and Melk Benedictine Abbey
OR Dürnstein Fortress hike
OR Apricots and Sweets tasting
Evening wine tasting at local winery
Cruise through the Strudengau and Wachau valleys to Weissenkirchen, gateway to Dürnstein. Once here, you can choose to join a walking tour in Dürnstein along its cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, and then visit Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey. For the more active adventurer, you can opt to hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held, or take a bike ride along the Danube. As an alternative excursion, visit a local apricot grower, where you’ll enjoy the region’s finest apricot treats. Later in the evening, enjoy a special wine tasting of locally grown, world-renowned Riesling and Grüner Veltliner in Weissenkirchen. (B,L,D)
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Day 5 Vienna
“Imperial Vienna” tour
OR Vienna By Bike (City tour of Vienna on Bike)
Free time
The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems and your city tour showcases them, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace. Your tour concludes in the historic city center with a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. For a more active exploration of the area, take a guided bike ride that includes opportunities to see all the sites listed above as well as the majestic Ringstrasse, Vienna’s famed ring road, lined with grand buildings, monuments and parks. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore this iconic city. (B,L,D)
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Day 6 Bratislava, Slovakia
“Coronation City” walking tour
OR Tastes of Slovakia
OR Bratislava Castle hike
Host to the crowning ceremonies of 11 Hungarian kings and queens between 1536 and 1830, Bratislava certainly has earned the title “Coronation City of Kings,” as you’ll discover during your walking tour. Or join a special “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city. (B,L,D))
*Please Note: Wine Cruise itineraries are modified and will not visit Bratislava. Instead of visiting Bratislava, guests will enjoy visiting the charming winemaking town of Gobelsberg.
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Day 7 Budapest, Hungary
“Queen of the Danube” tour
OR Castle Hill hike
Illuminations Cruise
Your city tour begins at Budapest’s Great Market Hall, where you’ll discover plenty of delicious food and shopping. Afterwards, you’ll visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. You’ll see the 19th-century Chain Bridge, which connects the Buda district with Pest; and the UNESCOdesignated Castle Hill district, which contains some of Budapest’s most important medieval monuments and museums. As an alternative choice, you can hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city below. Spend your last evening on board cruising past the famed Parliament Building as the city turns on all her dazzling lights. (B,L,D)
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Day 8 Budapest
Disembarkation
Disembark the ship as you prepare for your flight home. (B)
