Tuesday, August 5 - VILSHOFEN, BAVARIA (Embarkation)
Exclusive Oktoberfest Celebration
Board the ship for your Romantic Danube cruise. Later in the day, attend an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration with traditional beer, Bavarian folk music, and dancing.
(Dinner Included)
Wednesday, August 6 - PASSAU, GERMANY
"City of Three Rivers" Walking Tour
OR Passau Castle Hike
OR River Inn Bike Tour
Cruise 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 to visit the "Veste Oberhaus," Passau's Castle Hill; or go on a River Inn bike Tour.
(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included)
Thursday, August 7 - LINZ, AUSTRIA
Full-day Salzburg excursion*
OR Full-day Český Krumlov excursion with Linz Tour*
OR "UNESCO City of Media Arts" Walking Tour
OR "Cultural Mile" Bike Tour
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. You may also choose to join a full-day excursion to the charming Czech mountain town of Český Krumlov, where you can stroll its cobblestone streets; marvel at the city's picturesque Baroque and Renaissance-style buildings; and tour Krumlov Castle, one of Europe's largest castle complexes. Following these full-day excursions, you may also take a walking tour in Linz. Alternatively, join a walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House, or bike along the city's famed "Cultural Mile" and the Danube.
*Not combinable with other tours on this day.
(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included)
Friday, August 8 - SCENIC CRUISING
Scenic cruising through Strudengau and the UNESCO Wachau Valley
WEISSENKIRCHEN
Dürnstein Walking Tour and Melk Abbey Visit
OR Dürnstein Apricots, Sweets and Wine Tasting
OR Dürnstein Fortress Hike
OR Wachau Valley Bike Tour
Head up to the Sun Deck for panoramic views as you unwind with a scenic cruise through the Strudengau and UNESCO-designated Wachau valleys. After reaching Weissenkirchen, you'll be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of Dürnstein before visiting the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. Or hike the trail up to the ruins of Dürnstein Fortress, where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive, and where you'll find spectacular views of the valley, river, and village below. You can also cycle through the Wachau Valley on a guided bike tour. For a more culinary-focused experience, sample special apricot treats and regional wine from a local boutique.
(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included)
Saturday, August 9 - VIENNA, AUSTRIA
"Imperial Vienna" Tour
OR Vienna Bike Tour
Free Time
The "City of Waltzes" offers a treasure trove of gems, and your city tour showcases them, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace. Your tour concludes in the historic city center with a visit to St. Stephen's Cathedral. Or if you prefer a more active tour, take a guided bike ride through Vienna. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to explore this iconic city.
(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included)
Sunday, August 10 - BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
"Coronation City" Walking Tour
OR Tastes of Slovakia
OR Bratislava Castle Hike
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 special "Tastes of Slovakia" tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent city views.
(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included)
Monday, August 11 - BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Buda City Tour
OR Castle Hill Hike
Pest City Tour
Today, you will see both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. Start on the Buda side, following your guide through the city's Castle District where you will marvel at the fairytale turrets of Fisherman's Bastion, gaze upon the breathtaking panorama below, and see Matthias Church, renowned for its striking tower and colorful mosaic roof. For a more active tour, hike to Budapest's Castle Hill. In the afternoon, explore the treasures of Pest, admiring the colossal Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes' Square, and the moving "Shoes on the Danube Bank" memorial.
(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included)
Tuesday, August 12 - BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
DISEMBARKATION
Disembark the ship as you prepare for your flight home.