Day 1Vienna
Arrive in Vienna. We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship.* After boarding, take free time to explore the city on your own. (D)
Day 2Vienna
After breakfast, take a half-day tour of the “City of Waltzes.” Your motorcoach takes you past the elegant Opera House, Parliament Building, Hofburg Palace and the Ringstrasse. Then stop at St. Stephan’s Cathedral and enjoy free time at the Stephansplatz. After lunch aboard, you can spend free time strolling along the Kärtnerstrasse or shopping the world-famous Christmas market.† Tonight, you may opt to see a concert of classical music by Mozart and Strauss. Depart late. (B, L, D)
†IMPORTANT NOTE: Christmas markets are seasonal and scheduled to be open from the last week of November through December 23. In lieu of Christmas market shopping, enjoy time at leisure for additional exploration.
Day 3Budapest
Spend the morning cruising the scenic Danube, arriving in Budapest after lunch. Embark on a city tour in Hungary’s vibrant capital, exploring both parts of the city, traditional “Buda” and modern “Pest.” Begin on the Pest side where you see the National Opera House and Heroes’ Square. Then, cross over to Buda to see Matthias Church and catch great panoramic views from Fishermen’s Bastion.
You have some free time to further explore Budapest. You might visit Gellért Spa or stroll through the city’s Christmas market with its unique Hungarian flair. Enjoy a traditional Hungarian dinner and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)
Day 4Bratislava
Cruise through lunch to arrive in Bratislava for a walking tour through this elegant capital city. During your tour, you encounter beautiful baroque architecture from the Habsburg Dynasty as well as Trinity Church. See Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral and medieval Michael’s Tower. Free time allows you to further explore or visit the festive Christmas market. Dinner aboard coincides with your departure. (B, L, D)
Day 5Dürnstein & Melk
Arrive during breakfast in Dürnstein, home to Kuenringer Castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1193. You are treated to a special organ concert followed by free time to sample some local vintages from this famous wine-producing region.
Eat lunch as you cruise and arrive midafternoon in Melk. Ascend by coach to the glorious golden abbey overlooking the town. Tour inside and outside this 900-year-old Benedictine abbey and marvel at its lavish baroque interior. Dine aboard and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)
Day 6Linz
Arrive after lunch and take a walking tour to the Hauptplatz, a large square surrounded by graceful baroque buildings. Continue your walk through the old market, followed by a tour inside the stunning cathedral with its ornate Gothic tower. Take free time to explore more of the town or venture to its bustling Christmas market.
Or instead of visiting Linz, you can choose to take an optional full-day tour to Salzburg, a jewel-like Alpine town famous as the setting for the film, The Sound of Music. Take a journey through Austria’s scenic countryside and then a walking tour to the home and birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Enjoy free time to roam Salzburg’s cobbled streets. Return to your ship for dinner; depart late tonight. (B, L, D)
Day 7Ceský Krumlov
Today’s full-day excursion takes you to Ceský Krumlov, a small town in the southeastern Czech Republic and one of Europe’s best-preserved cities. Take a guided walk through the historic Old Town, known for its fine architecture. You also see Krumlov Castle, the Czech Republic’s second-largest castle complex. After lunch in a local restaurant, you have free time to explore on your own—go shopping or sample some local beer. Journey back to your ship in Linz, where you depart in the late afternoon. (B, L, D)
Day 8Passau
After breakfast, disembark and we will take you to the airport for your return flight.* (B)