| Day 1 | DEPART USA/CANADA
Board your overnight flight to Czech Republic. |
| Day 2 | ARRIVE IN PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Arrive in Prague and check-in to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to start exploring this beautiful city. |
| Day 3 | PRAGUE
Your morning sightseeing tour reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive cities. Your tour begins with a scenic drive. You will see the Dancing House and the Metronome overlooking the Vltava River before visiting the thousand-year-old Hradcany Castle. Afterwards, walk over Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square and the historic city center that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The balance of the day is free to mingle with the locals at Wenceslas Square or experience one of the city’s charming cafés or restaurants. This evening, an optional Folklore Dinner Show provides an opportunity to learn about Czech music, dance and traditions. (B) |
| Day 4 | PRAGUE
Spend a day at your leisure to stroll through a museum or gallery, wander along the banks of the Vltava River, relax at an outdoor restaurant or shop for local handicrafts and artwork. You may also join an optional tour, such as an excursion to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII concentration camp, now a memorial to those who perished. (B) |
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| Day 5 | PRAGUE - REGENSBURG - EMBARKATION - VILSHOFEN
This morning, depart Prague after breakfast, taking in the scenic beauty of the countryside of Franconia and Bohemia by motor coach. Stop in Regensburg for a guided walking tour of one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities; its Old Town a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch on your own, your transfer continues to the quaint 1200-year old Bavarian town of Vilshofen, on the confluence of the Vils and Danube rivers. You will board your luxurious ship here and meet your fellow passengers at an evening Welcome Aboard Wine Toast. The evening has a special treat in store: an “Oktoberfest” presented by the town of Vilshofen. Bavarian folk music, songs and dances set a lively scene as you gather at long tables to sample Vilshofen’s distinctive local beer and traditional pretzels. The Mayor and Beer Queen will be on hand to greet you and wish you a successful journey along the Danube. (B,D) |
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| Day 6 | VILSHOFEN - PASSAU
This morning, feel free to explore Vilshofen’s beautiful Old Town on your own, and take in the view of the imposing double-towers of the Benedictine Abbey Schweiklberg. During lunch you will cruise to Passau, known as “The Town of the Three Rivers,” where you will have your choice of two afternoon excursions. The first option is a walking tour through this 2,000-year-old fairy tale city, where you will see Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture, cobblestone streets, the city fortifications and St. Stephan’s Cathedral (home to the largest pipe organ in the world). As an alternative, experience the city on a guided bike tour (capacity controlled). Prior to dinner, there will be an onboard wine tasting. (B,L,D) |
| Day 7 | PASSAU - LINZ, AUSTRIA
This morning, enjoy a wine lecture and tasting as the ship cruises to Linz, the second largest city in Austria. Upon arrival, you will have your choice of an excursion to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov, a wonderfully preserved medieval town nestled in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border, and home to Bohemia’s second largest castle. After your tour, enjoy some free time on your own exploring the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As an alternative, take an excursion to Salzburg, where you will take a walking tour of the historic center, famous as the setting for the “Sound of Music” and as the birthplace of Mozart. The tour includes a visit to the Mirabell Gardens, Salzburg Cathedral, Mozart’s Square, and much more. Enjoy free time on your own, before returning to the ship with a scenic drive through the majestic countryside of Austria’s Lake District and Salzkammergut. Onboard this evening, enjoy a sumptuous Chaîne Des Rôtisseries Dinner paired with specially-selected wines. (B,L,D) |
| Day 8 | LINZ - MELK
Enjoy a morning wine tasting and lecture about the Wachau Valley, Austria’s most important wine region, as your ship cruises to Melk and its famous Benedictine Abbey. Located atop a granite cliff overlooking the Danube, the 900-year-old Abbey is one of the largest Baroque monasteries in Europe. You will tour the Abbey this afternoon, followed by a visit to a local vineyard for an introduction to the famous wines of the Wachau. This evening, specially-selected wines will accompany a delectable menu at the Captain’s Gala Dinner. (B,L,D) |
| Day 9 | MELK - DÜRNSTEIN - KREMS
Today you will cruise the renowned Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of incomparable beauty, historic and agricultural significance. You will arrive in Dürnstein in mid-morning and take a walking tour along cobblestone streets lined with quaint 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. One of Austria’s smallest towns, with only 1,000 inhabitants, Dürnstein is regarded as the most romantic place in the Wachau. Marvel at the magnificent blue facade of the Baroque Stiftskirche and the ancient terraced vineyards that surround the town. Looming overhead are the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. As an alternative, take a guided bike tour from Krems to Dürnstein and back (capacity controlled). The ship will cruise to Krems after lunch, arriving in the early afternoon. Krems offers a rich array of wine-related history, culture and tasting opportunities. Learn about the town’s thriving wine culture during an afternoon visit to a wine museum. After a light buffet dinner on board, head to a Wachau winery for drinks and hors d’oeuvres. (B,L,D) |
| Day 10 | VIENNA
Arrive this morning in vibrant Vienna. Your guided city tour includes the opulent Vienna Opera House, the Ringstrasse, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. An optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace is available in the afternoon or enjoy free time to stroll along the Kärtnerstrasse or sample Vienna's famous pastries in the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An early dinner will be served on board before this evening’s exciting options: an optional Mozart and Strauss concert or an excursion to a charming Viennese wine village to listen to folk music and sample newly pressed local wine. (B,L,D) |
| Day 11 | BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
This morning, enjoy an onboard wine lecture and tasting as you cruise the scenic Danube Bend en route to Budapest. After lunch, enjoy a wine tasting on board. Arriving mid-afternoon in Budapest, you will have a guided sightseeing tour that includes the historic Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion, the Royal Palace and St. Stephen's Basilica. This evening, enjoy a farewell wine dinner with Hungarian folk music. The ship will also sail a special “Illuminations Cruise” along Budapest’s river front. (B,L,D) |
| Day 12 | BUDAPEST – DISEMBARKATION
Your magnificent Wine Cruise comes to an end as you prepare for your homeward flight. (B) |
| Day 1 | DEPART USA/CANADA
Board your overnight flight to Budapest, Hungary. |
| Day 2 | ARRIVE IN BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - EMBARKATION
Arrive in Budapest and embark on your luxurious river cruise ship. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at a Welcome Aboard Wine Toast. (D) |
| Day 3 | BUDAPEST
Your morning sightseeing tour takes you to historic Buda Castle, which offers a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest on both sides of the river. Your tour also features the Fisherman's Bastion, the Royal Palace, St. Stephen's Basilica, Heroes’ Square and more. Departing Budapest in the afternoon, you will cruise through the Danube Bend and also enjoy an onboard lecture and sample various wines prior to dinner. (B,L,D) |
| Day 4 | VIENNA, AUSTRIA
This morning, enjoy an onboard wine lecture before arriving in Vienna. Your afternoon guided city tour will include the opulent Opera House, the Ringstrasse, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The rest of the afternoon is free to stroll along the Kärtnerstrasse or sample Vienna's famous pastries in the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An early dinner will be served on board before this evening’s exciting options: an optional Mozart and Strauss concert or an excursion to a rustic wine tavern to listen to folk music and sample newly pressed locally grown wine. (B,L,D) |
| Day 5 | KREMS
Depart Vienna this morning and enjoy a scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley en route to Krems, wine capital of this region. Arriving early afternoon, you will discover that Krems offers a rich array of wine-related history, culture and tasting opportunities. Learn more about the town’s thriving wine culture during a city tour and visit to a wine museum. After a light buffet dinner on board, head to a Wachau winery for drinks and hors d’oeuvres. The ship overnights in Krems. (B,L,D) |
| Day 6 | DÜRNSTEIN - MELK
This morning you will arrive in Dürnstein and take a walking tour along medieval cobblestone streets lined with 16th-century townhouses and wine taverns. One of Austria’s smallest towns, home to only 1,000 inhabitants, Regarded as the most romantic place in the Wachau, you’ll marvel at the magnificent blue façade of the Baroque Stiftskirche and the ancient vineyards that surround the town. Looming overhead are the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionhearted was imprisoned in 1192. As an alternative to a walking tour, take a guided bike tour from Dürnstein to Melk (capacity controlled). The ship arrives in Melk this afternoon, site of a spectacular 900-year-old Benedictine Abbey atop a granite cliff overlooking the Danube. You will tour the Abbey this afternoon, followed by a visit to a local vineyard for an introduction to the famous wines of the Wachau. This evening, savor a sumptuous Chaîne Des Rôstisseries Dinner with a selection of specially-paired wines. The ship moors overnight in Melk. (B,L,D) |
| Day 7 | LINZ
We arrive this morning in Linz, the second largest city in Austria. Upon arrival, you may take an excursion to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov, a wonderfully preserved medieval town nestled in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border. As an alternative, enjoy an excursion to Salzburg, where you will have a walking tour of the historic center, famous as the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for the “Sound of Music.” The tour includes a visit to the Mirabell Gardens, Salzburg Cathedral, Mozart’s Square, and much more. Enjoy free time on your own before rejoining the ship in Linz. This evening, the Gala Captain’s Dinner takes place on board. The ship moors overnight in Linz. (B,L,D) |
| Day 8 | LINZ - PASSAU, GERMANY - VILSHOFEN
This morning, enjoy a scenic cruise and an onboard wine lecture and tasting. Arrive after lunch in Passau, where you have a choice of two afternoon excursions. The first option is a walking tour through this fairytale city, where you will see Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture, ancient city fortifications and St. Stephan’s Cathedral (home to the largest pipe organ in the world). As an alternative, experience the city on a guided bike tour (capacity controlled). You will have free time this afternoon before departing for Vilshofen, a quaint 1200-year-old Bavarian town. This evening, enjoy a special “Oktoberfest” presented by the townspeople of Vilshofen, with Bavarian folk music, songs, dancing, local beer and traditional pretzels. The Mayor and Beer Queen will be on hand to lead the festivities as the cruise portion of your journey comes to an end. The ship moors overnight. (B,L,D) |
| Day 9 | VILSHOFEN – DISEMBARKATION – REGENSBURG – PRAGUE
This morning, passengers with a Prague extension will depart Vilshofen for the Czech Republic. Stop in Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, for a walking tour and some free time to explore Regensburg’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, your motor coach transfer to Prague offers a scenic journey through the countryside of Franconia and Bohemia before arriving at your hotel in the late afternoon. (B) |
| Day 10 | PRAGUE
Your morning sightseeing tour of Prague begins with a scenic drive past the Dancing House and the Metronome overlooking the Vltava River. Visit the 1,000 year-old Prague Castle, then walk over Charles Bridge to the Old Town Square and the historic city center (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The balance of the day is free to spend as you wish. This evening, an optional Folklore Dinner Show provides an opportunity to learn about Czech music, dance and traditions. (B) |
| Day 11 | PRAGUE
Today is a free day to visit a museum or a gallery, wander along the banks of the Vltava River, relax at an outdoor restaurant or shop for local handicrafts and artwork. You can also take an optional excursion to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII concentration camp, now a memorial to those who perished. (B) |
| Day 12 | DEPART PRAGUE
Bid farewell to Prague as you prepare for your homeward flight. (B) |
| Day 1 | VILSHOFEN - EMBARKATION
This evening meet your fellow passengers on board for the Welcome Aboard Wine Toast. The evening has a special treat in store: an “Oktoberfest” presented by the town of Vilshofen. Bavarian folk music, songs and dances set a lively scene as you gather at long tables to sample Vilshofen’s distinctive local beer and traditional pretzels. The Mayor and Beer Queen will be on hand to greet you and wish you a successful journey along the Danube. (D) |
| Day 2 | VILSHOFEN - PASSAU
This morning, feel free to explore Vilshofen’s beautiful Old Town on your own, and take in the view of the imposing double-towers of the Benedictine Abbey Schweiklberg. During lunch you will cruise to Passau, known as “The Town of the Three Rivers,” where you will have your choice of two afternoon excursions. The first option is a walking tour through this 2,000-year-old fairy tale city, where you will see Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture, cobblestone streets, the city fortifications and St. Stephan’s Cathedral (home to the largest pipe organ in the world). As an alternative, experience the city on a guided bike tour (capacity controlled). Prior to dinner, there will be an onboard wine tasting. (B,L,D) |
| Day 3 | PASSAU - LINZ, AUSTRIA
This morning, enjoy a wine lecture and tasting as the ship cruises to Linz, the second largest city in Austria. Upon arrival, you will have your choice of an excursion to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov, a wonderfully preserved medieval town nestled in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border, and home to Bohemia’s second largest castle. After your tour, enjoy some free time on your own exploring the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As an alternative, take an excursion to Salzburg, where you will take a walking tour of the historic center, famous as the setting for the “Sound of Music” and as the birthplace of Mozart. The tour includes a visit to the Mirabell Gardens, Salzburg Cathedral, Mozart’s Square, and much more. Enjoy free time on your own, before returning to the ship with a scenic drive through the majestic countryside of Austria’s Lake District and Salzkammergut. Onboard this evening, enjoy a sumptuous Chaîne Des Rôtisseries Dinner paired with specially-selected wines. (B,L,D) |
| Day 4 | LINZ - MELK
Enjoy a morning wine tasting and lecture about the Wachau Valley, Austria’s most important wine region, as your ship cruises to Melk and its famous Benedictine Abbey. Located atop a granite cliff overlooking the Danube, the 900-year-old Abbey is one of the largest Baroque monasteries in Europe. You will tour the Abbey this afternoon, followed by a visit to a local vineyard for an introduction to the famous wines of the Wachau. This evening, specially-selected wines will accompany a delectable menu at the Captain’s Gala Dinner. (B,L,D) |
| Day 5 | MELK - DÜRNSTEIN - KREMS
Today you will cruise the renowned Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of incomparable beauty, historic and agricultural significance. You will arrive in Dürnstein in mid-morning and take a walking tour along cobblestone streets lined with quaint 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. One of Austria’s smallest towns, with only 1,000 inhabitants, Dürnstein is regarded as the most romantic place in the Wachau. Marvel at the magnificent blue facade of the Baroque Stiftskirche and the ancient terraced vineyards that surround the town. Looming overhead are the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. As an alternative, take a guided bike tour from Krems to Dürnstein and back (capacity controlled). The ship will cruise to Krems after lunch, arriving in the early afternoon. Krems offers a rich array of wine-related history, culture and tasting opportunities. Learn about the town’s thriving wine culture during an afternoon visit to a wine museum. After a light buffet dinner on board, head to a Wachau winery for drinks and hors d’oeuvres. (B,L,D) |
| Day 6 | VIENNA
Arrive this morning in vibrant Vienna. Your guided city tour includes the opulent Vienna Opera House, the Ringstrasse, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. An optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace is available in the afternoon or enjoy free time to stroll along the Kärtnerstrasse or sample Vienna's famous pastries in the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An early dinner will be served on board before this evening’s exciting options: an optional Mozart and Strauss concert or an excursion to a charming Viennese wine village to listen to folk music and sample newly pressed local wine. (B,L,D) |
| Day 7 | BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
This morning, enjoy an onboard wine lecture and tasting as you cruise the scenic Danube Bend en route to Budapest. After lunch, enjoy a wine tasting on board. Arriving mid-afternoon in Budapest, you will have a guided sightseeing tour that includes the historic Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion, the Royal Palace and St. Stephen's Basilica. This evening, enjoy a farewell wine dinner with Hungarian folk music. The ship will also sail a special “Illuminations Cruise” along Budapest’s river front. (B,L,D) |
| Day 8 | BUDAPEST – DISEMBARKATION
Your magnificent Wine Cruise comes to an end as you prepare for your homeward flight. (B) |
| Day 1 | ARRIVE IN BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - EMBARKATION
Arrive in Budapest and embark on your luxurious river cruise ship. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at a Welcome Aboard Wine Toast. (D) |
| Day 2 | BUDAPEST
Your morning sightseeing tour takes you to historic Buda Castle, which offers a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest on both sides of the river. Your tour also features the Fisherman's Bastion, the Royal Palace, St. Stephen's Basilica, Heroes’ Square and more. Departing Budapest in the afternoon, you will cruise through the Danube Bend and also enjoy an onboard lecture and sample various wines prior to dinner. (B,L,D) |
| Day 3 | VIENNA, AUSTRIA
This morning, enjoy an onboard wine lecture before arriving in Vienna. Your afternoon guided city tour will include the opulent Opera House, the Ringstrasse, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The rest of the afternoon is free to stroll along the Kärtnerstrasse or sample Vienna's famous pastries in the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An early dinner will be served on board before this evening’s exciting options: an optional Mozart and Strauss concert or an excursion to a rustic wine tavern to listen to folk music and sample newly pressed locally grown wine. (B,L,D) |
| Day 4 | KREMS
Depart Vienna this morning and enjoy a scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley en route to Krems, wine capital of this region. Arriving early afternoon, you will discover that Krems offers a rich array of wine-related history, culture and tasting opportunities. Learn more about the town’s thriving wine culture during a city tour and visit to a wine museum. After a light buffet dinner on board, head to a Wachau winery for drinks and hors d’oeuvres. The ship overnights in Krems. (B,L,D) |
| Day 5 | DÜRNSTEIN - MELK
This morning you will arrive in Dürnstein and take a walking tour along medieval cobblestone streets lined with 16th-century townhouses and wine taverns. One of Austria’s smallest towns, home to only 1,000 inhabitants, Regarded as the most romantic place in the Wachau, you’ll marvel at the magnificent blue façade of the Baroque Stiftskirche and the ancient vineyards that surround the town. Looming overhead are the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionhearted was imprisoned in 1192. As an alternative to a walking tour, take a guided bike tour from Dürnstein to Melk (capacity controlled). The ship arrives in Melk this afternoon, site of a spectacular 900-year-old Benedictine Abbey atop a granite cliff overlooking the Danube. You will tour the Abbey this afternoon, followed by a visit to a local vineyard for an introduction to the famous wines of the Wachau. This evening, savor a sumptuous Chaîne Des Rôstisseries Dinner with a selection of specially-paired wines. The ship moors overnight in Melk. (B,L,D) |
| Day 6 | LINZ
We arrive this morning in Linz, the second largest city in Austria. Upon arrival, you may take an excursion to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov, a wonderfully preserved medieval town nestled in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border. As an alternative, enjoy an excursion to Salzburg, where you will have a walking tour of the historic center, famous as the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for the “Sound of Music.” The tour includes a visit to the Mirabell Gardens, Salzburg Cathedral, Mozart’s Square, and much more. Enjoy free time on your own before rejoining the ship in Linz. This evening, the Gala Captain’s Dinner takes place on board. The ship moors overnight in Linz. (B,L,D) |
| Day 7 | LINZ - PASSAU, GERMANY - VILSHOFEN
This morning, enjoy a scenic cruise and an onboard wine lecture and tasting. Arrive after lunch in Passau, where you have a choice of two afternoon excursions. The first option is a walking tour through this fairytale city, where you will see Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture, ancient city fortifications and St. Stephan’s Cathedral (home to the largest pipe organ in the world). As an alternative, experience the city on a guided bike tour (capacity controlled). You will have free time this afternoon before departing for Vilshofen, a quaint 1200-year-old Bavarian town. This evening, enjoy a special “Oktoberfest” presented by the townspeople of Vilshofen, with Bavarian folk music, songs, dancing, local beer and traditional pretzels. The Mayor and Beer Queen will be on hand to lead the festivities as the cruise portion of your journey comes to an end. The ship moors overnight. (B,L,D) |
| Day 8 | VILSHOFEN - DISEMBARKATION
This morning, disembark your ship in Vilshofen. |
