Danube River

Upon arrival in Budapest, transfer to our hotel, located in the very center of the city and steps from the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Andrássy Avenue. The evening is free to relax and rest from traveling.

Embark on a full day exploration of the Hungarian capital. Begin with a guided walk along the traditional pedestrian streets of Pest, including stops in St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Great Market Hall, the city’s largest and oldest indoor market, and a historic tram ride to the iconic 19th-century Hungarian Parliament. This evening, travel to historic Buda for cocktails at Fisherman’s Bastion with its panoramic views, followed by our welcome dinner.

This morning, visit the ancient Jewish district where the Dohany Street Synagogue, Europe's largest, is located. Tour the Great Synagogue and its onsite Jewish Museum and Memorial Tree, a work of art resembling a weeping willow with the names of 400,000 Hungarian Jews taken by the Nazis. Then embark on a Hungarian food tour during a "progressive lunch," visiting three different restaurants. Late this afternoon, settle into the Emerald Star and enjoy dinner on board followed by a Hungarian folklore show.

Disembark the ship for a full-day adventure to the Danube Bend, a string of small riverside towns just north of Budapest in the Hungarian countryside. Begin with an exploration of Esztergom, the former capital of Hungary, and home to Hungary’s largest church. Continue to Visegrád, known for its medieval citadel offering a beautiful panorama of the Danube Bend. In the afternoon, spend time in the charming little artist village of Szentendre, with its colorful houses and narrow alleyways, art galleries, and handicraft shops. Return to the ship and depart for Bratislava.

As our riverboat cruises through Slovakia, stop at its capital, Bratislava, a city influenced by many cultures and religions. Take a guided walking tour of the city’s historic center, visiting St. Martin’s Cathedral, notable for its stark Gothic lines and coloring, and the classical Primatial Palace, whose holdings include a rare collection of English tapestries from the 17th century. Before returning to the ship, visit one of the city’s oldest bakeries to sample traditional Slovakian sweets.

Enjoy an introductory city tour, starting with Vienna’s magnificent Ringstrasse, followed by a walk through the historic city center to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, with its distinctive roof composed of more than a million colorful tiles. Next, visit the Belvedere Palace, home to one of Austria’s most valuable art collections, including The Kiss, Gustav Klimt’s famed work. Enjoy free time this afternoon. Following dinner, travel to Liechtenstein City Palace for a concert performed by members of the Vienna Philharmonic.

Stop today in Krems to visit the Göttweig Abbey, one of Austria's most important Benedictine abbeys. Back onboard the ship, enjoy the beautiful scenery as we cruise through the stunning Wachau Valley, known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and fortresses. Continue to Dürnstein for a walking tour and to Weissenkirchen for a wine tasting.

After a morning of sailing, arrive in Passau, which lies at the junction of the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz Rivers. Enjoy a walking tour of the city center and an organ demonstration at St. Stephan’s Cathedral, performed on the second-largest organ in the world. Also view the city’s large glockenspiel in the Old Town Hall, and if the timing is right, hear its melodious chime.

Disembark this morning in one of the region’s most important medieval cities, Regensburg. Walk the narrow, cobbled lanes and marvel at the tall façades that help to define the character of this Bavarian city. Stroll over the 12th-century Stone Bridge, step inside 13th-century St. Peter’s Cathedral, and enjoy a festive Bavarian lunch in the former Bishop’s Palace. This afternoon, enjoy time to explore Regensburg independently or take an e-bike tour to the Walhalla Monument, which towers high above the Danube. Celebrate the culmination of our journey tonight with a farewell dinner and traditional Bavarian band performance.

After breakfast, transfer to the Munich Airport for flights home.