River Cruise Itinerary
Spend 3 nights in fairytale Prague, followed by a fascinating 7-night cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest
Day 1 (Tue, May 22, 2018):
ARRIVE IN PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. Arrive in Prague and check-in to your hotel.Day 2 (Wed, May 23, 2018):
PRAGUE. Your morning tour reveals all the fairytale beauty of '''The City of a Hundred Spires,''' starting with the Prague Castle, the world'''s largest ancient castle. The castle grounds are dominated by the monumental St. Vitus Cathedral'''taking 600 years to complete. Guided around the castle grounds, you'''ll see numerous gardens, residences and even a vineyard. From the castle, walk along the 14th-century pedestrian-only Charles Bridge to the historic old city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Old Town Square dates back to the 12th century, and is silhouetted by the fabled T''n Cathedral with its iconic Gothic twin towers that can be seen from all over Prague. Dominating the square is the Gothic Old Town Hall, home to the world-famous medieval astronomical clock the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world.Day 3 (Thu, May 24, 2018):
PRAGUE. Spend a day at leisure. Wander through the city admiring its diversity of architectural styles: Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo and Art Nouveau. Meander through its colorful local markets or simply relax in a caf'' to enjoy the many famous Czech beers. (B)Day 4 (Fri, May 25, 2018):
PRAGUE ''' REGENSBURG, GERMANY ''' EMBARKATION ''' VILSHOFEN. Check out of your hotel and depart Prague, stopping in Regensburg for a guided walking tour of one of Germany'''s best preserved medieval cities. Continue on to Vilshofen to board your cruise ship. Later in the day, attend an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration with traditional beer and Bavarian folk music and dancing. (B,D)Day 5 (Sat, May 26, 2018):
VILSHOFEN ''' PASSAU. 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)Day 6 (Sun, May 27, 2018):
LINZ, AUSTRIA. The ship arrives in Linz where you'''ll have several choices of excursions. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg where you'''ll tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. En route to Salzburg, stop at Mondsee, home of the famed Basilica St. Michael and site of the wedding scene in '''The Sound of Music.''' Alternatively, you can join a morning walking tour through Linz's old city center and by the Mozart House; or go on a guided bike tour along the city'''s famed '''Culture Mile''' and the Danube. During the afternoon, you have three more options of excursions. Choose a half-day in Salzburg or take a scenic drive through the beautiful Austrian Lake District with a stop in St. Wolfgang. You can also choose to visit the charming mountain town, ''esk'' Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D)Day 7 (Mon, May 28, 2018):
WEISSENKIRCHEN. Cruise to Weissenkirchen, gateway to D''rnstein located in the heart of the Wachau Valley. Once here, you can choose to join a walking tour in D''rnstein along its cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, D''rnstein'''s famed church tower, and then visit Melk'''s magnificent Benedictine Abbey. For the more active adventurer, hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held. As an alternative excursion, visit a local apricot grower, where you'''ll enjoy the regions finest apricot treats. Later in the evening, enjoy a special wine tasting of locally grown, world-renowned Riesling and Gr''ner Veltliner in Weissenkirchen. (B,L,D)Day 8 (Tue, May 29, 2018):
VIENNA. The '''City of Waltzes''' offers a treasure trove of gems and you have three ways to discover them. Join a city tour showcasing its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House, St. Stephen's Cathedral and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs before concluding in Vienna'''s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a more active exploration of the area, take a guided bike ride along the Danube. During the afternoon, you can enjoy leisure time or pedal your way to Klosterneuburg Monastery on a guided cycling tour. (B,L,D)Day 9 (Wed, May 30, 2018):
BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA. 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 culinary host to sample traditional Slovakian specialties, as well as learn how to prepare stuffed potato ravioli with an opportunity to taste your own creation. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city. (B,L,D) *Please note: Due to local closures, we will not visit Bratislava during the cruises departing in late October through December. Instead of visiting Bratislava, guests will enjoy visiting a charming winemaking town.Day 10 (Thu, May 31, 2018):
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Experience Budapest in one of two ways: on a city tour or a hike. Your city tour begins with a visit to the vibrant Great Market Hall brimming with vendors selling everything from food to souvenirs. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the river. As an alternative choice, hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city below. Spend your last evening on board cruising around the famed Parliament Building as the city turns on all her dazzling lights. (B,L,D)Day 11 (Fri, Jun 01, 2018):
BUDAPEST ''' DISEMBARKATION. Disembark the ship as you prepare for your flight home. (B)