Day 1
Thursday
August 25th

DEPART THE UNITED STATES

Depart your hometown and take an overnight flight across the Atlantic

Day 2
Friday
August 26th

ARRIVE IN MUNICH

Arrive in Munich today where you will be met by our local representatives. Enjoy a tour of historic Munich, including a stop at the Rathaus (Town Hall) to watch the Glockenspiel. This historic clock from 1908 chimes its 43 bells and enchants viewers with its 32 life-size moving figures three times per day. You will also see the Opera House and the Hofbrauhaus. Enjoy some time to shop before transferring to your hotel.

Day 3
Saturday
August 27th

INNSBRUCK

The capital of Austria’s Tyrol region, Innsbruck is famous as the site of two winter Olympics. Follow your guide on your half-day morning tour through the quaint medieval streets of Old Town and see the sparkling Golden Roof. The glittering sloping roof has been an opulent landmark since the 15th century. You’ll view Maria Theresa’s Imperial Palace, the Triumphal Arch and visit the Hofkirche. Plus, you will have time to explore the medieval city on your own. This afternoon you may opt to take an optional tour to the Stubai Glacier.

Day 4
Sunday
August 28th

ABBEY OF ETTAL & OBERAMMERGAU

This morning you will visit the spectacular Ettal Abbey, a Benedictine order populated by 50 monks, which contains a brewery, distillery, bookstore, publishing house, cheese factory and other ventures. You will see jewel-encrusted crosses containing religious relics, frescoes, richly embroidered vestments, as well as the abbey’s priceless collection of medieval manuscripts. Journey to Oberammergau this afternoon. After the Black Plague, that was rampant in Europe, left their small village, the grateful people of Oberammergau promised God that they would show their gratitude by putting on a Passion Play. Over 380 years later you will get to enjoy this one-of-a-kind, six-hour musical and dramatic performance. You will have reserved seats, a guided tour of the town and motor coach transfers to and from the play’s theater. Dinner in Oberammergau is included. 

Day 5
Monday
August 29th

NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE

Enjoy a visit to the fairy tale castle of Neuschwanstein that inspired Walt Disney. Then make your way up the steep ramp-way to the drawbridge and enter the beautiful castle. After touring today, transfer to the port of Vilshofen to embark your river cruise ship. Tonight, meet your fellow passengers at the Welcome Dinner on board.

Note: The Neuschwanstein tour, while popular with visitors, requires you to be in good physical condition as there are many steep stairs and inclines.

Day 6
Tuesday
August 30th

VILSOHFEN & PASSAU

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. 

Day 7
Wednesday
August 31st

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. 

Alternatively, you can join a morning walking tour through Linz’s old city center and by the Mozart House; or go on a guided bike tour along the city’s famed “Culture Mile” and the Danube. You can also choose to visit the charming mountain town, Český Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border.

Day 8
Thursday
September 1st

WACHAU VALLEY
Cruise through the Strudengau and Wachau valleys to Weissenkirchen, gateway to Dürnstein. Once here, you can choose to join a walking tour in Dürnstein 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 you may take a bike ride along the Danube through the Wachau Valley. As an alternative excursion, visit a local apricot grower, where you will enjoy the region’s finest apricot treats. Later in the evening, enjoy a special wine tasting of locally grown, world-renowned Riesling and Grüner Veltliner in Weissenkirchen.

Day 9
Friday
September 2nd

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. 

Day 10
Saturday
September 3rd

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 will 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.

Day 11
Sunday
September 4th

BUDAPEST

During your city tour 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.

Day 11
Sunday
September 4th

FLY HOME

Disembark the ship as you prepare for your flight home or enjoy an additional two days in Budapest on the optional post tour.