AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

AWARD-WINNING DINING

A WORLD OF EXPLORATION

Land Program

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 : ARRIVE IN BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Arrive in Budapest and check into your hotel.

Day 2 : BUDAPEST
Budapest is one of Europe's most regal and storied cities-and many of its most iconic sights can be seen right off the banks of the Danube. Often described as the 'Queen of the Danube,'Budapest is well-known for Fisherman's Bastion, Buda Hill and its magnificent Hungarian Parliament building. However, this sprawling city is full of rich history and culture and offers many 'hidden'treasures as you venture further past its river banks. During this excursion, your guide will take you deeper into the city to discover fascinating sites lesser-known to the average traveler. (B)

Day 3 : BUDAPEST - EMBARKATION
Check out of your hotel to board your ship in Budapest. (B,D)

Day 4 : BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Buda Castle quarter in Castle Hill and Heroes' Square, Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. Your city tour begins with a visit to the vibrant Great Market Hall. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. Afterwards, you'll visit one of the city's festive Christmas Markets. As an alternative, you can hike to Castle Hill, walking along Fishermen's Bastion and take in all the iconic sites of Budapest with an active exploration. Then, cruise through the scenic Danube Bend where you'll see the Borzsony and Visegrad hills and some of Hungary's oldest settlements, including Esztergom, Visegrad and Szentendre. Nature, culture and history intertwine into a picturesque sight as the Danube River turns into a sharp bend. (B,L,D)

Day 5 : BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA - VIENNA, AUSTRIA
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. You'll also have an opportunity to visit Bratislava's charming Christmas Market. 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 6 : VIENNA, AUSTRIA
The 'City of Waltzes'offers a treasure trove of gems just waiting to be discovered. Join a tour showcasing its regal splendors, such as the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs, before concluding in Vienna's historic city center. Following your city tour, you'll visit the beautifully decorated Maria Theresaplatz Christmas market. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike ride along the Danube. During the afternoon, visit the market at Schonbrunn Palace with a giant sparkling Christmas tree. (B,L,D)

Day 7 : DERNSTEIN - SPITZ, AUSTRIA
Enjoy your morning in the lovely Baroque village of Durnstein. Stroll along Durnstein's cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, with its famed church tower on a walking tour. For a more culinary-focused experience in Durnstein, enjoy an apricot liqueur and brandy tasting and special apricot treats from a local boutique. Those who wish a more active adventure of the area can hike to historic Durnstein Fortress or cycle through Durnstein. During the afternoon, explore Spitz, where you can visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey situated high atop the granite cliffs of the Danube; or get active with either a Spitz bike tour or hiking adventure. During the evening, be treated to an exclusive wine tasting experience where you'll enjoy some of the regions famous wines, including Gruner Veltliner and Riesling. (B,L,D)

Day 8 : LINZ, AUSTRIA
Linz is known for being the city of Christmas creches and its ever-popular Linzer torte. While here, you have a choice of excursions. The first is a full-day visit to Salzburg where you'll enjoy a walking tour of the UNESCO-designated Old Town, its magnificent cathedral and its Christmas Markets. You may also choose to join a full-day excursion to the charming Czech mountain town of Cesky 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. (B,L,D)

Day 9 : PASSAU - VILSHOFEN
During the season of Advent, beautiful Passau dresses in her Bavarian holiday splendor, which you will discover on your walking tour through the city and at its Christmas Market at St. Stephen's Square-also home to its magnificent cathedral. Go in search of unique crafts, including Bavarian-style houses and glass ornaments. If you prefer a more active adventure, join a guided bike ride along the picturesque River Inn. Later, sail to Vilshofen, where you'll be treated to an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration. (B,L,D)

Day 10 : VILSHOFEN - DISEMBARKATION - REGENSBURG - PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Depart the ship and drive to Regensburg, one of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities, which you'll discover on a guided walking tour. After touring Regensburg, continue on to Prague. (B)

Day 11 : PRAGUE
Discover Prague on a city tour or a castle hike. Both will reveal why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive cities, with a historic city center that's recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B)

Day 12 : PRAGUE
Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic, so join a tasting and discover some of the very best beer in the world. (B)

Day 13 : DEPART PRAGUE
Bid farewell to Prague and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)