AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

AWARD-WINNING DINING

A WORLD OF EXPLORATION

Land Program

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 : Prague
Arrive in Prague and check-in to your hotel.

Day 2 : Prague
Experience the wonders of Prague and its historic city center that is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site on your city tour or you can hike to the grand castle. See Rudolfinum and the Hundertwasser Dancing House. Visit the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle and St. Vitus before walking over the romantic Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square, where you will find the capital s famous Astronomical Clock. (B)

Day 3 : Prague
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 the city of 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 more than 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 the Czech s beer some of the very best in the world. (B)

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

Day 4 : Prague
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 ll 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 on to Vilshofen, where you will board your luxury cruise ship. Cap the day off with an exclusive festive Oktoberfest celebration. (B,D)

Day 5 : Vilshofen
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 for a visit to the Veste Oberhaus, Passau s Castle Hill; or go on a River Inn bike tour. (B,L,D)

Day 6 : Linz
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 famed Basilica St. Michael and 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 Cesk 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 7 : Scenic Cruising
Cruise through the Strudengau and Wachau valleys to Weissenkirchen, gateway to Durnstein. Once here, you can choose to join a walking tour in Durnstein along its cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, and then visit Melk s magnificent Benedictine Abbey. For the more active adventurer, you can opt to hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held, or take a bike ride along the Danube through the Wachau Valley. As an alternative excursion, visit a local apricot grower, where you ll enjoy the region s finest apricot treats. Later in the evening, enjoy a special wine tasting of locally grown, world-renowned Riesling and Gr ner Veltliner in Weissenkirchen. (B,L,D)

Day 8 : Vienna
The City of Waltzes offers a treasure trove of gems and your city tour showcases them, including 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 further explore this iconic city. (B,L,D)

Day 9 : Bratislava
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 10 : Budapest
Your city tour begins at Budapest s Great Market Hall, where you ll discover plenty of delicious food and shopping. Afterwards, you ll visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. You ll see the 19th-century Chain Bridge, which connects the Buda district with Pest; and the UNESCO-designated Castle Hill district, which contains some of Budapest s most important medieval monuments and museums. As an alternative choice, you can hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city below. (B,L,D)

Day 11 : Budapest
Disembark the ship as you prepare for your flight home. (B) Note: The Great Market Hall is closed on Sundays.