The Legendary Danube

11 day program (3 nights in Prague + 7 night cruise)

Guaranteed Departures

Start your voyage with historic Prague, “the city of a hundred spires.” Celebrate the beauty and history of the Danube, Europe’s second largest river, as you cruise from Nuremberg through the Main-Danube Canal across the Continental Divide. Continue to centuries-old towns and marvel at the beautiful river side vistas unfolding around you. Enter Austria and cruise through the lush Wachau wine region. Then, conclude your European river cruise vacation with two grand capitals, magnificent Vienna and exotic Budapest.

Included in your program:

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

° Transfer from the Hotel in Prague to the Ship in Nuremberg

° 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

° 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 Prague, Czech Republic
Arrive in Prague. The balance of the day is free to start exploring this beautiful city.

Day 2 - Prague
Your morning's sightseeing tour reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive cities. Visit the 1,000-year-old Hradcany Castle courtyard, St. Vitus and then walk over the Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square. The evening is free to mingle with the locals at Wenceslas Square, shop for souvenirs or enjoy one of the many charming cafés or restaurants in Prague. (B)

Day 3 - Prague

Spend a day at your leisure to relax and stroll through a museum or gallery, wander along the banks of the Vlatava River, relax at an outdoor restaurant or shop for local handicrafts and art work. This afternoon, participate in an optional tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII concentration camp, now serving as a memorial to those who perished. (B)

Day 4 - Prague - Karlovy Vary - Embarkation - Nuremberg, Germany
Depart from Prague after breakfast. Enjoy a short stop in Karlovy Vary, better known by its German name, Carlsbad, which is famous for its Bohemian Spas. After lunch, drive through the pastoral countryside to Nuremberg, the capital of Franconia. Tonight, meet your fellow passengers at the Gala Welcome Dinner. The ship will moor overnight in Nuremberg. (B,D)

Day 5 - Nuremberg - Crossing the Continental Divide

Today, decide to either tour the medieval history of Nuremberg to see the storybook 900-year-old ramparts that surround this historic city and the Imperial Castle, or join the “modern tour” of the city’s role in the 20th-century, see the Zeppelin field and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. At lunchtime, return to the ship and cruise the Main Danube Canal to the highest point of your cruise - 1,332 feet above sea level, where you cross Europe's Continental Divide, then start descending through stair-step locks. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - Regensburg
This morning’s scenic cruising takes you through the final stretch of the Main-Danube Canal to arrive in magnificent 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 - gates to an ancient Roman fort which was built in 179 AD. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube. Or, in the alternative, take a tour of the Audi Car Factory. In the afternoon, you are free to join the optional excursion to beautiful Weltenburg Abbey in the Danube Gorge (seasonal). In the evening enjoy a musical performance on board. (B,L,D)

Day 7 - Passau - Linz, Austria
After breakfast, arrive in picturesque Passau, where the Inn and Ilz Rivers join the Danube. Your city tour takes you on an exploration of this fairy tale locale founded more than 2,000 years ago. Or, substitute the city tour with the optional excursion to Salzburg, birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the setting for the “Sound of Music.” During your walking tour see Mozart’s birthplace. For those staying on board, enjoy a scenic cruise from Passau into Austria and on to Linz. After dinner, take a walk through this delightful town, Austria's third largest city and a major river port. (B,L,D)

Day 8 - Melk - Vienna

Cruise through the narrow Strudengau and reach the Wachau Valley early this morning. Your guided tour takes you to Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey. Return to the ship for lunch as you cruise the romantic Wachau Valley. Arrive in Vienna, the "City of Music" before dinner. Explore the magnificent Austrian capital on your own and visit the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or enjoy the optional evening Mozart and Strauss concert. (B,L,D)

Day 9 - Vienna
Enjoy a guided city tour followed by free time in the city center, then a walking tour from St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In the afternoon, enjoy 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. Enjoy dinner as you continue your journey pass Slovakia and cruise overnight to Budapest, Hungary's vibrant capital. (B,L,D)

Day 10 - Budapest, Hungary
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. Tonight enjoy a Gala Farewell Dinner. Afterwards, the ship will sail a special “Illuminations Cruise” past the illuminated river front of Budapest. (B,L,D)

Day 11 - Budapest
Your fascinating cruise comes to an end today. (B)