AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

AWARD-WINNING DINING

A WORLD OF EXPLORATION

Land Package

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 : ARRIVE IN MUNICH, GERMANY
Arrive in Munich and check into your hotel.

Day 2 : MUNICH
This morning you will tour Munich, the capital of Bavaria and one of Germany's largest cities, as well as the undisputed beer capital of the world. Enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town through the city ending at the famous Glockenspiel, with its 43 bells and 32 life-size figures that portray historic scenes, such as a wedding celebration. You will also see Frauenkirche, the 'Cathedral of Our Dear Lady.' Later in the day, do like the Bavarians do, and go to a Bavarian Beer Hall for the famous beer and pretzels. This is the cradle of Bavarian tavern culture, and the origin of tradition, 'gemutlichkeit' and hospitality. (B)

Day 3 : MUNICH - EMBARKATION - VILSHOFEN
Check out of your hotel and transfer to Vilshofen where you will board your luxury ship. Later in the day, attend an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration with traditional beer and Bavarian folk music and dancing. (B,D)

Day 4 : Vilshofen - Passau, Germany
Enjoy a free morning to walk around the quaint village of Vilshofen. Later, cruise to Passau, where you have the option of exploring it one of three ways. Take a walking tour and marvel at Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Or choose between a guided bike tour along the Inn River or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress. (B,L,D)

Day 5 : LINZ, AUSTRIA
The ship arrives in Linz where you'll have several choices of excursions. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg where you'll tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. En route to Salzburg, stop at Mondsee, home of the Basilica St. Michael. Or join a morning walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House; or go on a bike tour of the city's famed 'Cultural Mile' and the Danube. Alternatively, you can visit the charming mountain town of Cesky Krumlov, a guest favorite located just over the Czech-Austrian border, on a full-day excursion. (B,L,D)

Day 6 : WEISSENKIRCHEN, AUSTRIA
Head up to the Sun Deck for panoramic views as you unwind with a scenic cruise through the Strudengau and UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley. After reaching Weissenkirchen, you'll be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of Durnstein 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'll 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 from a local boutique. In the evening, enjoy a wine tasting hosted by a local vintner. (B,L,D)

Day 7 : VIENNA, AUSTRIA
The 'City of Waltzes' is a treasure trove and your city tour showcases its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude your tour in the UNESCO-designated historic city center and visit St. Stephen's Cathedral. For a more active exploration, take a guided bike ride through Vienna. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring this iconic city even more. (B,L,D)

Day 8 : BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
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'll 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 9 : BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Today you have the opportunity to 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 will 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. (B,L,D)

Day 10 : BUDAPEST
Visit the 19th-century Godollo Palace with its royal stables and Baroque theater, followed by lunch at Godollo Restaurant. Afterward, head for Puszta, the vast flat Great Hungarian Plain where you will tour a genuine Hungarian csarda (farm) run by the carriage-driving world champion brothers Lazar. Following the tour, witness a unique, unforgettable performance of Hungarian horsemanship, a tradition that goes back to the hordes of Magyar tribes conquering Hungary in the 9th century. (B,L,D)

Day 11 : MOHACS - PECS
Welcome to Pecs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter's Basilica, the city's main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Szechenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pecs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. Or choose a guided bike tour through Mohacs. For wine connoisseurs, you'll want to go instead to the Szekszard wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. (B,L,D)

Day 12 : VUKOVAR, CROATIA
Enjoy your morning in Vukovar on a guided city tour where you may visit sites such as Eltz Manor House and Vukovar's famous water tower. Alternatively, you may see Osijek on a guided tour. For those looking for a more active experience, you may explore Vukovar on an active bike tour. In the afternoon, enjoy a Croatian wine tasting and tour in the Old Cellars, famous for their Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. You can also choose to explore the Vucedol Museum, home to fascinating exhibits on prehistoric culture and one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe. (B,L,D)

Day 13 : BELGRADE, SERBIA
Explore Serbia's capital, Belgrade, on a city tour that includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. Or hike to the well-preserved Belgrade Fortress with its conical towers. In the afternoon, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling a few types of Serbian brandy paired with delicious local appetizers, including Slivovitz, which was added in 2022 to UNESCO's list of 'Intangible Cultural Heritage.' Or explore Novi Sad, a city rich in tradition and culture, on an afternoon walking tour. Begin your tour at the Dunavski (Danube) Park; stroll through Stari Grad, the old town center; and explore Liberty Square, which is dominated by the Old Town Hall. (B,L,D)

Day 14 : SCENIC CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES
The Iron Gates are some of Europe's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains. In the afternoon, visit Golubac Fortress - one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe and enjoy a tasting of locally sourced delicacies. (B,L,D)

Day 15 : VIDIN, BULGARIA
Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria's oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria. Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. You also have the choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle. (B,L,D)

Day 16 : ROUSSE - GIURGIU, ROMANIA
Visit Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. You can opt instead to go to Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterwards visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. Alternatively, you may opt to travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the 'Little Paris of the East.' Enjoy a panoramic tour of the historic city center and its elegant architecture. (B,L,D)

Day 17 : GIURGIU - DISEMBARKATION - BRASOV
Disembark the ship in Giurgiu and continue to the legendary region of Transylvania, a place deeply rooted in myth and history. Arrive in the quaint mountain town of Bran where you will have lunch and visit the famous Bran castle, otherwise known as Dracula's Castle. After your tour of Bran Castle, you will continue to Brasov. Considered the heart of Romania and surrounded by the beautiful Southern Carpathians, Brasov is one of the most visited cities in Romania. (B)

Day 18 : BRASOV - SIGHISOARA
Enjoy a walking tour around Brasov. Afterward, Dracula lovers will be in for another treat with an excursion to Sighisoara, birthplace to Transylvania's most notorious ruler, Vlad Tepes, also known as Vlad the Impaler or Dracula. It's hard to believe that this perfectly preserved UNESCO-designated town filled with resplendent pastel-colored buildings, stone lanes, medieval towers and pedestrian-friendly Old Town was Vlad's place of birth. His home is still here, marked with a placard; however, today it houses a kitschy restaurant called 'Casa Dracula.' Considered the heart of Romania and surrounded by the beautiful Southern Carpathians, Brasov is one of the most visited cities in Romania. After returning from your excursion to Sighisoara you will enjoy a walk through history as you take a tour of Brasov's Old town before ending at your hotel. (B)

Day 19 : BRASOV - BUCHAREST
En route to Bucharest, you'll visit the quaint mountain town of Sinaia. While in Sinaia you will visit Peles Castle. Peles Castle is considered by many to be one of the most stunning castles in Europe and a masterpiece of German new-Renaissance with 160 rooms filled with priceless European art. After your tour of Peles Castle you will depart for Romania's capital city of Bucharest. (B)

Day 20 : BUCHAREST
Bucharest, Romania's capital, has earned its nickname, the 'Little Paris of the East,' with its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe. This morning, enjoy a visit to the city's most impressive sites-including the historic city center and the Palace of the Parliament, second only to the Pentagon as the largest administrative building in the world. Alternatively, you can set out on a walking tour through the historic old town of Bucharest. You will observe the many changes this capital city has experienced through a mixture of architectural styles and cultural influences. Bucharest's eclectic architecture is a mix of historical, neo-classical, communist-era and modern buildings. Your guided tour will take you through the old town and show you the most popular places in Bucharest while hearing stories of its history and getting local insights for shopping and dining opportunities. The afternoon is free for you to explore the city on your own. (B)

Day 21 : DEPART BUCHAREST
Bid farewell to Bucharest as you prepare for your flight home. (B)