The Legendary Danube

Overview

Delve into Europes history starting in the perfectly preserved medieval city of Nuremberg and concluding in Budapest. In between, cruise through the man-made marvel, the Main-Danube Canal, across the Continental Divide and through the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley. Explore medieval Regensburg and visit Vienna where imperial dynasties built a harmonious blend of architectural wonders. Throughout your journey, get a feel for the land by biking and hiking, and sampling delicate wines and hearty beers.

Itinerary:

Day 1 – Nuremburg

Board your ship for your Legendary Danube cruise. (D)

Day 2 – Nuremburg

You have three choices of excursions while in Nuremberg. Enjoy a guided tour through Nurembergs beautiful medieval city, showcasing the Imperial Castle, famous town wall and the legendary fountain of the Market Square. Or turn back the pages of a darker history with a guided tour of the citys most important WWII sites, including the enormous Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds. Youll also visit the Nuremberg Trials Memoriam, and Courtroom 600, if the courtroom is not in session. Alternatively, savor traditional Franconian specialties by sampling famously delicious Nuremburger Bratwurst, Rot bier (red beer) and lebkuchen (gingerbread). En route to Regensburg, youll cruise through the man-made marvel, the Main-Danube Canal. (B,L,D)

Day 3 – Regensburg

Explore one of Germanys best preserved medieval cities, Regensburg, on a guided walking tour showcasing the citys architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria. Alternatively, sample some Bavarian specialtiesbeer, sausage and pretzels, and for those who wish to be more active, join a bike tour to Walhalla where you will see the neoclassical white marble temple inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. (B,L,D)

Day 4 – Passau & Linz

Enjoy a walking tour along Passaus cobblestone streets admiring the Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephens Cathedral. For guests looking for a more active morning, you can choose between a guided bike tour along the Danube River, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress for panoramic views overlooking three rivers. Later in the day, set sail for Linz. (B,L,D)

Day 5 – Melk, Scenic Cruising & Vienna

Cruise to Melk, known for its magnificent Benedictine Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europes largest and most revered monasteries. Alternatively, you can join a guided bike tour that takes you through the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley; or go on a walking tour along Drnsteins cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, with its famed church tower. Later in the day, set sail through the vineyard-rich Wachau Valley. (B,L,D)

Day 6 – Vienna

The City of Waltzes offers a treasure trove of gems and on your city tour, youll see many of them, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude your tour in Viennas historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and then afterwards, visit the grand St. Stephens Cathedral. For a more active exploration of the area, discover Vienna on a guided bike tour. During the afternoon, spend leisure time exploring this iconic city even more. (B,L,D)

Day 7 – Budapest

You cannot help but fall in love with Budapest, known as the Queen of the Danube. Your city tour begins with a visit to the vibrant Great Market Hall brimming with vendors selling everything from food to souvenirs. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. As an alternative choice, hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city below. (B,L,D)

Day 8 – Budapest

Bid farewell to Budapest as you prepare for your flight home