The Legendary Danube

Arrive Nuremberg, the capital of Franconia, and embark on your luxury river vessel. Tonight, gather on board for a Gala Welcome Dinner. The ship will moor overnight in Nuremberg.

Today, take the “Medieval Nuremberg” tour and see the 900-year-old ramparts, towers and old city walls that surround this historic city and the Imperial Castle. Another option is the “World War II” tour, which focuses on Nuremberg during the time of the Third Reich. Designated the City of the Reichsparteitage (Nazi Party Rallies), you will visit the Zeppelin Field where Hitler once held his Nazi rallies, the Coliseum, and the Justice Palace courtroom where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946 (when available). Later, you may attend an onboard presentation about the construction of the Mani-Danube Canal as the ship cruises to Regensburg.

This morning’s scenic cruising takes you through the final stretch of the Main-Danube Canal and arrives in Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. A guided walking tour will show you the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Alternatively, visit the Audi Factory in Ingolstadt, where a member of the Audi team will take you on a guided tour of the Audi Car Museum or the production line (subject to availability). In the afternoon, you are free to join the optional excursion to beautiful Weltenburg Abbey and see the scenic Danube Gorge (seasonal), or take a guided bike tour to Walhalla Temple, which honors distinguished Germans throughout history.

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.

Reach the Wachau Valley early this morning and arrive in Melk. Your guided tour takes you to Melk’s magnificent 900-year-old Benedictine Abbey, the inspiration for the novel The Name of the Rose. Return to the ship for lunch before the ship continues cruising through the romantic Wachau Valley. Arrive in Vienna after dinner and explore the magnificent Austrian capital on your own, or enjoy an optional evening Mozart and Strauss concert.

Savor Vienna’s Baroque elegance on a guided city tour that includes the world famous Opera House, the Ringstrasse, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and more. The tour is followed by free time in the city center to shop for souvenirs or sample some of Vienna’s famous pastries. Alternatively, join an optional tour to the Imperial Schonbrunn Palace, which is a fine example of Baroque architecture. Tonight, the ship continues down the Danube en route to Hungary.

This morning, a sightseeing tour takes you to historic Buda Castle, where you can enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest. Your tour also features the Fisherman’s Bastion, the Royal Palace, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Heroes’ Square and more. After dinner, the ship will sail a special “Illuminations Cruise” past the city’s riverfront.

Bid farewell to Budapest as you prepare for your homeward flight.