The Romantic Danube and Prague

Arrive in Prague and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to start exploring this beautiful city.

Your morning sightseeing tour takes you to Prague’s historic city center, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a panoramic tour of the city before visiting the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle. Afterwards, walk over Charles Bridge to the Old Town Square. This evening, an optional “Folklore Dinner Show” provides an opportunity to learn about Czech music, dance and traditions. (B)

Spend the day at your leisure or take an optional excursion to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII concentration camp that is now a memorial to those who perished. Or choose an optional excursion to Lobkowicz Palace. (B)

Depart Prague this morning and stop in Regensburg for a guided walking tour of one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch on your own, continue on to the charming 1,200-year-old Bavarian town of Vilshofen and board your luxurious small ship. Later this afternoon, join your fellow passengers at a private “Oktoberfest” celebration in Vilshofen, with traditional beers and Bavarian folk music and dancing. Later, enjoy a festive Welcome Dinner aboard the ship. (B,D)

This morning you are free to explore Vilshofen’s beautiful old town before cruising to Passau. This afternoon you have a choice of two tours. The first option is a walking tour of this 2,000-year-old city, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture, cobblestoned streets, and St. Stephan’s Cathedral, home to one of the world’s largest pipe organs. Another option is a guided bike tour along the Inn River to Weinstein (capacity controlled). (B,L,D)

The ship arrives this morning in Linz, the second largest city in Austria. You will have a choice of three different excursions. The first option is a visit to the historic town of Gmunden in the scenic “Salzkammergut” region, the Austrian Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The second option is an excursion to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov, a wonderfully preserved medieval town nestled in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border. The third choice is an excursion to Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace, where you will take a walking tour of the historic center made famous by the “Sound of Music.” Enjoy free time on your own before returning to the ship. (B,L,D)

Cruise through the narrow Strudengau this morning en route to Melk. A guided tour will take you to Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest Baroque monasteries and the inspiration for the novel The Name of the Rose. From here, continue cruising the beautiful Wachau valley to Krems. You will have the choice of two excursions this afternoon. The first is a walking tour of Krems. As an alternative, enjoy a guided bike tour from Krems to Dürnstein and back (capacity controlled). After a delicious dinner on board tonight, enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery. (B,L,D)

During your morning city tour of Vienna, you will see the famous Opera House, the Ringstrasse, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The afternoon is free to stroll through the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or take an optional excursion to Schonbrunn Palace. This evening, you will have the opportunity to enjoy an optional Mozart and Strauss concert. The ship moors in Vienna overnight. (B,L,D)

Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Bratislava, where you will have a walking tour that includes the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and St. Martin’s Cathedral. As an alternative, take a “Communist” tour that includes such architectural landmarks as the Radio Building, Liberty Square and Soviet War Memorial. The remainder of the day is free to explore on your own. (B,L,D)

This morning, your sightseeing tour takes you to the historic Buda Castle, which offers a splendid view of the river and the twin cities of Buda and Pest. Your tour also features the Fisherman’s Bastion, Royal Palace, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and Heroes’ Square. After dinner, the ship will sail a special “Illuminations Cruise” past the illuminated river front of Budapest. (B,L,D)

Your cruise comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)