Blue Danube Discovery

13 day program (2 nights in Budapest + 7 night cruise + 3 nights in Prague)

Guaranteed Departures

Discover a wealth of art, history and cultural treasures as you cruise to some of Europe’s most famous destinations. From Budapest, a haven for musicians, writers and artists, cruise to Vienna, Bratislava, Passau and Regensburg. Along the way, visit magnificent cathedrals and baroque abbeys. Explore the charming Wachau Valley and traverse Europe’s Continental Divide, made possible through the engineering marvel of the Main-Danube Canal. Take an optional excursion to Salzburg and celebrate the heritage of Mozart, one of the world’s greatest composers.

Included in your program:

° 2 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Budapest at the Sofitel Chain Bridge (or similar) with daily Buffet Breakfast

° Transfer from the hotel to the ship in Budapest

° 7 Nights Deluxe Cruise Accommodation in an Outside Stateroom

° Daily Sightseeing Program as outlined in the Itinerary

° Infotainment System in all Staterooms with Free Internet, Hit Movies, Music Library and English Language TV Stations

° Terry Bathrobes and White-on-white plush Bedding in all Staterooms

° Superb Dining with all Meals included during your Cruise

° Free-flowing Red & White Wines from Europe's great Wine Regions, beer and soft drinks with every Dinner on board the Ship

° Bottled Water in every stateroom replenished daily

° Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner

° 3 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Prague at the InterContinental or Hilton Old Town (or similar) with daily Buffet Breakfast

° Special Highlights including Folklore Dances, Lectures, Theme Dinners, onboard Music Performances and afternoon & evening

   Piano Music

° Use of Bicycles to explore on your own

° Services of Professional Cruise Manager

° All English Language on board in a non-smoking Environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)

° All local Taxes

Day 1 - Arrive in Budapest, Hungary
Arrive in Budapest. The remainder of the day is free to relax or begin exploring this beautiful city.

Day 2 - Budapest
This morning, your sightseeing tour takes you to historic Buda Castle from where you can enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the River. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace, St. Stephen's Basilica and Great Market Hall. (B)

Day 3 - Budapest - Embarkation
Enjoy a free morning in Budapest or join us on an optional Puszta excursion, where you will experience the revival of a 100-year-old tradition of Hungarian horsemanship. In the afternoon, transfer to your luxurious river cruise ship docked in the center of the city. Tonight, gather on board for a Welcome Cocktail and Dinner as your ship cruises overnight to Bratislava. (B,D)

Day 4 - Bratislava, Slovakia
Today, choose either a “Communist Tour” or a guided walking tour of Bratislava’s major sights, including the Old Town Hall, the stunning Mirbach Palace and the Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral. The remainder of the afternoon is free to shop or explore on your own. Perhaps, visit the 13th-century Bratislava Castle where you'll enjoy breathtaking views overlooking three countries - Slovakia, Austria and Hungary. An eventful day is followed by an evening filled with an enchanting music performance on board. Just before midnight the ship departs for Vienna. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - Vienna, Austria
Enjoy a guided city tour followed by free time in the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then a walking tour from St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In the afternoon, spend your free time strolling along the main shopping street, Karntnerstrasse, or sampling some of Vienna’s famous pastries. In the alternative, join an optional tour to the Imperial Schönbrunn Palace, which includes entrance to the Carriage Museum. Tonight, explore the vibrant Austrian capital on your own, or come along for an optional Mozart and Strauss concert. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - Durnstein - Melk

Early this morning reach the Wachau Valley for your walking tour of Dürnstein, known as one of the prettiest towns along the Danube. Marvel at the magnificent blue facade of the Baroque Stiftskirche and see the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. Your walking tour through medieval cobblestone streets reveals 16th-century town houses and wine taverns and includes a wine tasting at a local vintner. After lunch, enjoy your scenic cruise to Melk. Here, you will tour the magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's largest Baroque monasteries. Another option is a guided bicycle tour from Durnstein to Melk (capacity controlled). (B,L,D)

Day 7 - Linz - Passau, Germany
After breakfast, take an optional full-day excursion to fascinating Salzburg, setting for the “Sound of Music,” or cruise through Upper Austria to Passau in Germany. Located where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube, a walking tour will lead you through this fairy-tale city founded more than 2,000 years ago. (B,L,D)

Day 8 - Regensburg
After lunch, arrive in Regensburg, one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. A guided tour will show you the city's architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall, and the Porta Praetoria - a gateway to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube. Tonight, folklore entertainers will come on board for your delight. (B,L,D)

Day 9 - Nuremberg
Enjoy a morning of scenic cruising through the Main-Danube Canal and relax during a leisurely cruise through the beautiful Altmühl Valley. In the afternoon, you decide as you enjoy a guided tour of Nuremberg, capital of Franconia. Either choose the medieval history of Nuremberg and see the storybook 900-year-old ramparts that surround this historic city and the Imperial Castle, or join the tour centered on the modern role the city played in the 20th-century and see the Zeppelin field and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. Moor overnight in Nuremberg. (B,L,D)

Day 10 - Nuremberg - Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic - Prague
This morning, depart Nuremberg after breakfast and drive through the pastoral countryside to Karlovy Vary, better known by its German name, Carlsbad, and most famous for its Bohemian spa. After lunch, continue to Prague and check into the hotel. (B)

Day 11 - Prague

This morning's sightseeing reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive cities. Visit the 1,000 year-old Hradcany Castle courtyard and St. Vitus, and then walk over the Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square. The evening is free to mix with the locals at Wenceslas Square, shop for souvenirs or enjoy one of the charming cafés or restaurants. (B)

Day 12 - Prague
Today is a free day to relax or visit a museum or a gallery, wander along the banks of the Vlatava River, dine at an outdoor restaurant or shop for local handicrafts and art work. An optional tour visits Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII concentration camp, now a memorial to those who perished. (B)

Day 13 - Depart Prague
End of services after breakfast. (B)

Note: Guided bicycle tours are capacity controlled.