The Romantic Danube (Wine Themed)

Overview

Those longing for the romance of Old World Europe will get to travel into the very heart of the continent, where empires were built, kings and queens were crowned and some of the worlds greatest music was composed and performed by the likes of Mozart and Beethoven. Grand European cities like Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest forever remain timeless. Admire the beauty of Austrias Lake District and the Czech Republics charming mountain town, Cesk Krumlov. Visit one of Austrias greatest wineries, Schloss Gobelsburg, which has a documented viticulture history dating back to the 12th century, and while there taste some of the greatest examples of Riesling and Grner Veltliner wines in the world. From grand abbeys and fortresses perched high above the Danube to plentiful iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, be romanced by the Danube with all her regal and romantic splendor.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Vilshofen

Embark your cruise in Vilshofen and attend an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration with traditional beer and Bavarian folk music and dancing. (D)

Day 2 – Vilshofen & Passau

Explore Vilshofens 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, Passaus Castle Hill; or go on a guided bike tour to Wernstein. (B,L,D)

Day 3 – Linz

The ship arrives in Linz where youll have several choices of excursions. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg where youll 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. Alternatively, you can join a morning walking tour through Linzs old city center and by the Mozart House; or go on a guided bike tour along the citys famed Culture Mile and the Danube. You can also choose to visit the charming mountain town, esk Krumlov. (B,L,D)

Day 4 – Wachau Valley & Weissenkirchen

Cruise through the Strudengau and Wachau valleys to Weissenkirchen, gateway to Drnstein. Once here, you can choose to join a walking tour in Drnstein along its cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, Drnsteins famed church cloister tower, considered the most beautiful of its kind in all of Austria. For the more active adventurer, you can venture high above the town for a visit to the majestic ruins of Kuenringer Castle, or Drnstein (dry stone) castle from which Drnstein derives its name. After free time in Durnstein, you will leave for a special wine tasting in Weissenkirchen, nestled in the Wachau Valley. Wines from the Weissenkirchen region tend to have a pronounced freshness, spiciness, finesse and complexity. Locally grown Rieslings and Grner Veltliners are renowned around the world and you will get to sample a few. (B,L,D)

Day 5 – Weissenkirchen & Krems

Visit the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey (Stift Melk), one of Europes largest and most revered Baroque monasteries. Within these walls, you will find frescos painted by Johann Michael Rottmayr and Paul Troger, as well as a famed collection of musical manuscripts. After your tour, enjoy free time exploring the picturesque village of Melk, one of Europes great cultural heritage sites. Or for the more active cruise, take a guided bike tour through the picturesque Wachau Valley. Sail to Krems, where you will enjoy a special wine tasting at Schloss Gobelsburg, formerly a Cistercian monastery, one of the oldest wineries in Austria. Visit this beautiful castle and have the opportunity to tour their cellars, learning more about the traditional methods drawn from historical wine-making practices, as well as tasting some traditional Austrian wines. (B,L,D)

Day 6 – 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. Stephens 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 7 – Budapest

Esztergom is your gateway to Budapest. Your city tour begins at Budapests Great Market Hall, where youll discover plenty of delicious food and shopping. Afterwards, youll visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. Youll see the 19th-century Chain Bridge, which connects the Buda district with Pest; and the UNESCO-designated Castle Hill district, which contains some of Budapests most important medieval monuments and museums. (B,L,D)

Day 8 – Budapest

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