Melodies Of The Danube Cruise Map

Travel on the beautiful Danube through four European countries, experiencing first-hand why its surroundings have long inspired musicians, poets and artists. Begin your cruise in magnificent Budapest, continuing on to historic Bratislava and legendary Vienna, the birthplace of the waltz. Cruise through the scenic wine-growing region of the Wachau Valley, visit a spectacular Benedictine Abbey; explore the Austrian Lake District and fairy-tale cities founded more than 2,000 years ago. Conclude your journey with three nights in magnificent Munich

Included Features

ITINERARY

DAY 1
Board your overnight flight to Budapest, Hungary.

DAY 2, ARRIVE IN BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - EMBARKATION
Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your luxurious river cruise ship. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at the Welcome Cocktail Reception followed by dinner. (D)

DAY 3, BUDAPEST
This morning, your sightseeing tour takes you to historic Buda Castle from where you can enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the River. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the Royal Palace and St. Stephen's Basilica. (B,L,D)

DAY 4, BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA – VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Wake up this morning in Bratislava, capital of the Slovak Republic. Choose from a “Communist Tour” or a walking tour of the city's major sights, including the Old Town Hall, the stunning Mirbach Palace and Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral. Later, there is time to explore on your own, before cruising this afternoon to Vienna. Perhaps, venture into the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight, explore the vibrant capital on your own or enjoy an optional evening Mozart and Strauss concert. (B,L,D)

DAY 5, VIENNA – HEURIGER
Your guided city tour is followed by free time in the city center, then a walking tour from St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Enjoy an optional excursion to the Schönbrunn Palace and the Carriage Museum. You will have free time to stroll along the main shopping street, Kärntnerstrasse, or sample some of Vienna's famous pastries. After dinner, enjoy a traditional Heuriger visit to a wine village near Vienna for some music and casual wine tasting. (B,L,D)

DAY 6, DÜRNSTEIN – MELK
This morning you arrive in Dürnstein, where you will marvel at the magnificent blue façade of the baroque Stiftskirche. Above town you'll spot the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. Your walking tour through medieval cobblestone streets reveals 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. Your tour will also include a wine tasting at a local vintner. After lunch, you will cruise the Wachau Valley to Melk, location of the famous Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's largest baroque monasteries, which you will tour this afternoon. You may also choose a guided bicycle ride from Durnstein to Melk (capacity controlled). The ship moors overnight at Melk. (B,L,D)

DAY 7, LINZ – GMUNDEN
This morning, the ship arrives in Linz, the second largest city in Austria. You will enjoy brunch on board, followed by a walking tour of this historic city. This afternoon we visit the scenic “Salzkammergut” region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Austrian Lake District and the town of Gmunden, on the beautiful “Traunsee” Lake Traun. Here there is time to enjoy a scenic cruise across the lake. For the more adventurous, you can take a cable car ride up Grünberg Mountain for spectacular views over the lake. Those passengers not wishing to visit the Lake District can join an excursion to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov. This is a wonderfully preserved medieval town, nestled in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border. Also available is an optional excursion to Salzburg, birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and setting for the “Sound of Music". (B,L,D)

DAY 8, LINZ – PASSAU, GERMANY – VILSHOFEN
Early this morning, cruise through Upper Austria to Passau in Germany, where, the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Your city tour takes you on an exploration of this fairy-tale city founded more than 2,000 years ago. This afternoon, the ship cruises to Vilshofen, a charming 1200-year-old Bavarian town, on the confluence of the river Vils and the Danube. This afternoon, enjoy “Oktoberfest” in Vilshofen. Relax at long tables and benches, enjoy traditional beers accompanied by Bavarian folk music, song and dance. (B,L,D)

DAY 9, VILSHOFEN – DISEMBARK – REGENSBURG – MUNICH, GERMANY
This morning disembark the ship, departing Vilshofen after breakfast and stop in Regensburg, for a guided tour of one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. After lunch on your own continue on to Munich, the capital of Bavaria. Located north of the Bavarian Alps on the river Issar, Munich is Germany’s third-largest city. With a history that dates back to the Middle Ages, Munich is an important industrial, educational and cultural center. It is also famous for its breweries, beer gardens and attractions such as Oktoberfest. (B)

DAY 10, MUNICH
This morning, enjoy a walking tour of Munich. Highlights include the historic city center and large open square, the Marienplatz. There you’ll see the Town Hall and iconic glockenspiel that chimes at designated hours accompanied by life-size figures re-enacting scenes from Munich’s history. Nearby is the late Gothic brick cathedral, the Frauenkirche, with its legendary “devils footprint” located just near the entrance. (B)

DAY 11, MUNICH
Today visit the hilltop Neuschwanstein Castle, inspiration for the “Sleeping Beauty” Castle. The Romaneque Revival palace was built in the 19th century by Ludwig II of Bavaria, intended as an homage to the grandiose operas of composer Richard Wagner. Your excursion will also include a visit to the Bavarian Alps. You will have free time for lunch in the town of Fussen, nestled on the Lech river at the foot of the Bavarian Alps. (B)

DAY 12, DEPART MUNICH
Bid farewell to Munich , your cruise has ended.