DAY 1, ARRIVE IN BUDAPEST,
HUNGARY
Arrive in Budapest .Optional transfer. The remainder of the day is free to
relax or begin exploring this beautiful city.
DAY 2, BUDAPEST
The morning city tour includes historic Buda Castle, where you have a
splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks
of the river. Your tour also features 500-year-old Matthias Church, St.
Stephen's Basilica, distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the marvelous Royal
Palace and much more. The balance of the day is at your leisure. Perhaps,
explore the main square or their famous health and thermal spas of a
Turkish bath. (B)
DAY 3, BUDAPEST - EMBARK
SHIP
Enjoy a free morning in Budapest or join us on an optional Puszta
excursion, where you will experience the revival of a 100-year-old
tradition of Hungarian horsemanship. In the afternoon, transfer to your
luxurious river cruise ship docked in the center of the city. Tonight,
gather onboard for a Gala Welcome Dinner, as your ship cruises overnight
to Bratislava. (B,D)
DAY 4, BRATISLAVA,
SLOVAKIA
A guided morning tour of Bratislava reveals the city's major sights,
including the Old Town Hall, the stunning Mirbach Palace and the Gothic
St. Martin's Cathedral. The afternoon is free to shop or explore on your
own. Perhaps, visit the 13th-century Bratislava Castle where you'll enjoy
breathtaking views overlooking three countries - Slovakia, Austria and
Hungary. An eventful day is followed by an evening filled with an
enchanting music performance onboard. After midnight, the ship departs for
Vienna. (B,L,D)
DAY 5, VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Savour the Baroque romance of Vienna. On your guided sightseeing tour, you
will see the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the
majestic Ringstrasse, awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral and visit the
National Library. The afternoon is free to stroll along Kärntnerstrasse
or sample Vienna's famous pastries. Tonight, explore the vibrant Austrian
capital on your own, or come along for an optional Mozart and Strauss
concert. (B,L,D)
DAY 6, DÜRNSTEIN - MELK
Early this morning reach the Wachau Valley for your walking tour of Dürnstein,
known as one of the prettiest towns on the Danube. Marvel at the
magnificent blue façade of the Baroque Stiftskirche and see the ruins of
the castle where Richard the Lionheart, King of England, was imprisoned in
1192. Your walking tour through medieval cobblestone streets reveals
16th-century town houses and wine taverns. Enjoy your lunch cruising to
Melk for your guided tour of the town's magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one
of Europe's largest Baroque monasteries. An evening wine tasting
highlights your visit to the Wachau Valley. (B,L,D)
DAY 7, LINZ - PASSAU,
GERMANY
After breakfast, take an optional full-day excursion to fascinating
Salzburg and the Sound of Music sights, or cruise through Upper Austria to
Passau in Germany, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. During
your walking tour, gaze at this fairytale city founded more than 2,000
years ago. (B,L,D)
DAY 8, REGENSBURG
After lunch, arrive in Regensburg, one of Germany's best preserved
medieval cities. A guided tour will show you the city's architectural
highlights, including the Old Town Hall, and the Porta Pretoria - a
gateway to a Roman fort built in 179 AD. Marvel at beautiful churches and
one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube. Tonight, folklore
entertainers will come onboard for your delight. (B,L,D)
DAY 9, NUREMBERG
Enjoy a morning of scenic cruising through the Main-Danube Canal and relax
during a leisurely cruise through the beautiful Altmühl Valley. In the
afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of Nuremberg, capital of Franconia. Or,
choose the Medieval history of Nuremberg and see the storybook
900-year-old ramparts that surround this historic city and the Imperial
Castle, or join the tour centered on the modern role the city played in
the 20th-century and see the Zeppelin field and the Justice Palace where
the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. Moor overnight in Nuremberg. (B,L,D)
DAY 10, NUREMBERG -
CARLSBAD (KARLOVY VARY), CZECH REPUBLIC - PRAGUE
This morning, depart Nuremberg after breakfast and drive through the
pastoral countryside to Karlovy Vary, better known by its German name,
Carlsbad, and most famous for its Bohemian spa. After lunch, continue to
Prague and check into the hotel. (B)
DAY 11, PRAGUE
This morning's sightseeing reveals why Prague is considered one of
Europe's most attractive cities. Visit the 1,000-year-old Hradcany Castle
courtyard and St. Vitus, and then walk over the Charles Bridge to the Old
Market Square. The evening is free to mix with the locals at Wenceslas
Square, shop for souvenirs or enjoy one of the charming cafés or
restaurants. (B)
DAY 12, PRAGUE
Today is a free day to relax or visit a museum or a gallery, wander along
the banks of the Vlatava River, dine at an outdoor restaurant or shop for
local handicrafts and art work. Why not join the optional tour to Terezin,
the infamous Nazi WWII concentration camp, now a memorial to those who
perished. (B)
DAY 13, DEPART PRAGUE
Bid farewell to Prague and optional transfer to the airport for your
onward flight. (B)
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