Day 1Nuremberg
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 2Nuremberg & 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 3Kelheim & 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 4Passau
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 5Melk & 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 6Vienna
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 summer residence of the Habsburgs. Dinner is served aboard. (B, L, D)
Day 7Budapest
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 8Budapest
After breakfast, disembark and we will take you to the airport for your return flight.* (B)