During this 8-day journey, discover the grand cities and quaint villages along the celebrated Danube River. Explore both sides of Hungary’s capital—traditional “Buda” and more cosmopolitan “Pest”—and from Fishermen’s Bastion, see how the river divides this fascinating city. Experience Vienna’s imperial architecture and gracious culture, and tour riverside towns in Austria’s Wachau Valley. And in Germany, explore a baroque cathedral and stroll cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses. Savor the tastes of authentic dishes, learn about local legends, and see why Strauss immortalized this romantic river in his famous “Blue Danube” waltz.
Day 1 Nuremberg
Welcome to Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second largest city. We will meet you at the
airport and transfer you to your ship.* After boarding, you have free time to
explore the city on your own—or join our “welcome walk” to stretch your legs and
start getting oriented. (D)
Day 2 Nuremberg & Main-Danube Canal
After breakfast, your motorcoach tour of Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second largest
city, features the former Nazi parade grounds, the Main Railway Station and the
Palace of Justice, historic home of the Nuremberg Trials. You have a brief stop
at the Court House before returning to the Old Town area enclosed by ancient
city walls. You see Elizabeth and St. James Church, and your tour ends with a
walk from the castle grounds, passing the Albrecht Dürer House and Main Market
Square. Or, join an optional World War II history tour visiting the
Documentation Center Museum.
After lunch aboard, you sail through a number of locks that comprise the
Main-Danube Canal, an engineering marvel stretching 106 miles from Bamberg on
the Main River to Kelheim on the Danube. Begun as Charlemagne’s dream in 793, it
was completed in 1992 with 16 locks that raise the water level 1,332 feet. Today
it enables river travel from the North Sea to the Black Sea. Dinner is served
aboard and you cruise through the night. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Kelheim & Regensburg
This morning, meet your guide dockside for a walking tour through the scenic
town of Regensburg, considered one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities.
You see one of the largest groupings of 13th- and 14th-century church spires,
towers and patrician houses north of the Alps. You also encounter the
12th-century Old Stone Bridge, St. Peter’s Cathedral and a number of idyllic
courtyards. Take time to stroll the streets or shop before returning to your
ship—as always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. This
afternoon, enjoy scenic cruising along the Danube, or choose an optional
excursion to Kelheim at the southernmost point of the Main-Danube Canal. Travel
by road to Kelheim, then embark on a ferryboat ride to explore the Danube
Gorge’s dramatic scenery and its spectacular 400-foot chalk cliffs. You also
visit the renowned Weltenburg Abbey, which still echoes with age-old chants. It
is famous for its dark ale, brewed here by monks since 1050. Rejoin your ship
for dinner and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Passau
Arrive early morning in Passau, at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube
Rivers. Your guided walk along the town’s narrow streets takes you through the
Old Town and past traditional patrician houses. You see the Oberhaus Fortress
and visit the impressive baroque St. Stephan’s Cathedral with its ornate
interior. Inside, you are treated to a special concert played on the 17,000-pipe
organ, considered Europe’s largest church organ. Eat lunch aboard, but return to
the city for further exploration on your own before an early evening departure
and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Melk & Vienna
Join a guided tour through the ornate interior of this baroque gem of
architecture—the Benedictine abbey at Melk. See its wonderful frescoes and
medieval manuscripts inside the large library, and take time to see the garden
courtyard. Rejoin your ship for lunch and an afternoon cruise along the Danube.
Arrive after dinner in Vienna and enjoy an evening at leisure, or you may choose
to attend an optional evening concert in this “City of Waltzes.” (B, L, D)
Day 6 Vienna
After breakfast, begin your half-day city tour. See some of Vienna’s lovely
baroque architecture, then ride along the beautiful Ringstrasse, with sights
including the Opera House, Stadtpark and Hofburg Theater. You then visit St.
Stephan’s Cathedral. Return to your ship for lunch. The afternoon is yours to
further explore this city on your own. You may go shopping along the
Kärtnerstrasse or take an excursion to Schönbrunn Palace, home of Maria Theresa
and the Habsburgs’ summer residence. Dinner is served aboard. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Budapest
Arrive in Budapest, Hungary’s vibrant capital divided by the Danube River. Your
tour begins with a motorcoach ride through the Pest side of the city. Journey
along famous Andrássy Avenue and see numerous 19th- and 20th-century mansions
and the National Opera House. Other noted sites are the renowned Parliament
Building and Chain Bridge. Stop in Heroes’ Square to learn more about Hungarian
culture and history. Next, cross the Danube to the Buda side for a visit to the
Castle District. Walk up the hill to see Fishermen’s Bastion and Matthias Church
and catch brilliant views of the city below. Return to your ship for lunch and
the rest of the day is yours to explore both sides of the city, traditional
“Buda” and modern “Pest.” (B, L, D)
Day 8 Budapest
After breakfast, disembark and we will take you to the airport for your return
flight.* (B) Questions? call 1-800-342-0019
- 8-day cruise with river-view stateroom
- 7 guided tours
- All meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners, including Welcome Cocktail Reception and Dinner and Captain's Farewell Dinner
- Old World Highlights: Apple strudel workshop, tour of baroque Benedictine abbey at Melk
- Culture Curriculum: The European Union, Life and Works of Mozart
- All port and cruise fuel
Pricing Categories for Itinerary is as follows:
| Cabin 1 |
Category - A |
| Cabin 2 |
Category - B |
| Cabin 3 |
Category - C |
| Cabin 4 |
Category - E |
Other category options are available upon request.Questions? call 1-800-342-0019