Romantic Danube

Arrive in the enchanting city of Prague and check in to your comfortable hotel.

Immerse yourself in the magic of Prague as you explore its historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Embark on a captivating city tour or hike up to the majestic castle. Marvel at the ancient Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral, then meander over the romantic Charles Bridge toward the Old Town Square, where you can discover the iconic Astronomical Clock that tells stories of time and history.

Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic, with the first brewery known to have existed in 993. Pilsner Urquell was created in 1842, being the first pilsner ever made, whilst Budweiser came into being in Budweis. Beer is a core part of the country’s national identity, so much so the Czechs are the biggest consumers of beer in the world. The country is home to over 100 breweries with a combination of big names and micro establishments offering a huge range of styles, so join a Czech beer tasting and discover for yourself what makes Czech beer some of the best in the world.

*Czech beer tasting may take place on Day 2 or Day 3 of this itinerary

Depart from Prague via motorcoach and enjoy a stop in Regensburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you can discover on a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria. After touring Regensburg, continue your journey to Vilshofen, where you board your luxury cruise ship. Cap the day off with an exclusive festive Oktoberfest celebration.

Explore Vilshofen’s 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 to visit the “Veste Oberhaus,” Passau’s Castle Hill, or go on a River Inn bike tour.

The ship arrives in Linz, where you have several excursion options. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg, where you 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 the site of the wedding scene in The Sound of Music. You may also choose to join a full-day excursion to the charming Czech mountain town of Český Krumlov, where you can stroll its cobblestone streets, marvel at the city’s picturesque Baroque and Renaissance-style buildings, and tour Krumlov Castle, one of Europe’s largest castle complexes. Following these full-day excursions, you may also choose to take a brief walking tour in Linz. Alternatively, join a walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House, or bike along the city’s famed “Cultural Mile” and the Danube.

Head up to the Sun Deck for panoramic views as you unwind with a scenic cruise through the Strudengau and UNESCO-designated Wachau valleys. After reaching Weissenkirchen, be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of Dürnstein before visiting the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. Or hike the trail up to the ruins of Durnstein Fortress, where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive, and where you can find spectacular views of the valley, river, and village below. You can also choose to cycle through the Wachau Valley on a guided bike tour. For a more culinary-focused experience, sample special apricot treats and regional wine from a local boutique.

The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems, and your city tour showcases them. It also features the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace. Your tour concludes in the historic city center with a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Or, if you prefer a more active tour, take a guided bike ride through Vienna. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to explore this iconic city further.

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 you 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 city views.

Today, you can visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. Start on the Buda side, following your guide through the city’s Castle District, where you marvel at the fairytale turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion, gaze upon the breathtaking panorama below, and see Matthias Church, renowned for its striking tower and colorful mosaic roof. For a more active tour, hike to Budapest’s Castle Hill. In the afternoon, explore the treasures of Pest, admiring the colossal Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes Square, and the moving “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial.

Disembark the ship as you prepare for your flight home.

Note: The Great Market Hall is closed on Sundays.