The Romantic Danube

Overview

Those longing for the romance of Old World Europe will get to travel into the very heart of the continent, where empires were built, kings and queens were crowned and some of the worlds greatest music was composed and performed by the likes of Mozart and Beethoven. Grand European cities like Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest forever remain timeless. Admire the beauty of Austrias Lake District and the Czech Republics charming mountain town, esk Krumlov. From grand abbeys and fortresses perched high above the Danube to plentiful iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, be romanced by the Danube with all her regal and romantic splendor.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Vilshofen

Board the ship for your Romantic Danube cruise. (D)

Day 2 – Vilshofen & Passau

Explore Vilshofens beautiful old town before cruising 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 for a visit to the Veste Oberhaus, Passaus Castle Hill; or go on a Danube bike tour. (B,L,D)

Day 3 – Linz

The ship arrives in Linz where youll have several choices of excursions. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg where youll 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. Alternatively, you can join a morning walking tour through Linzs old city center and by the Mozart House; or go on a guided bike tour along the citys famed Culture Mile and the Danube. You can also choose to visit the charming mountain town, esk Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D)

Day 4 – Scenic Cruising & Weissenkirchen

Cruise through the Strudengau and Wachau valleys to Weissenkirchen, gateway to Drnstein. Once here, you can choose to join a walking tour in Drnstein along its cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, and then visit Melks magnificent Benedictine Abbey. For the more active adventurer, you can opt to hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held, or take a bike ride along the Danube through the Wachau Valley. As an alternative excursion, visit a local apricot grower, where youll enjoy the regions finest apricot treats. Later in the evening, enjoy a special wine tasting of locally grown, world-renowned Riesling and Grner Veltliner in Weissenkirchen. (B,L,D

Day 5 – Vienna

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. Stephens Cathedral. Or if you prefer a more active tour, take a guided bike ride through Vienna. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore this iconic city. (B,L,D)

Day 6 – Bratislava

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 youll 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 views of the city. (B,L,D)

Day 7 – Budapest

Your city tour begins at Budapests Great Market Hall, where youll discover plenty of delicious food and shopping. Afterwards, youll visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. Youll see the 19th-century Chain Bridge, which connects the Buda district with Pest; and the UNESCO-designated Castle Hill district, which contains some of Budapests most important medieval monuments and museums. As an alternative choice, you can hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city below. (B,L,D)

Day 8 – Vienna

Disembark the ship as you prepare for your flight home. (B) Note: The Great Market Hall is closed on Sundays.