VIKING – Danube Waltz – Passau to Budapest 8 days

DAY 1 Passau

Arrive in Munich and transfer to your ship in Passau.  After boarding, enjoy some free time to explore—or join our “welcome walk” to stretch your legs and start to get oriented. (D)

DAY 2 Passau

Today, embark on a walking tour of this elegant town, called the Dreiflüssestadt (City on Three Rivers), which is situated at the confluence of the Danube, Ilz and Inn Rivers. See the impressive Veste Oberhaus, a 13th-century fortress that served as a bishop’s stronghold for several centuries. This afternoon,  explore Passau in your free time and see the sights and experience the local culture, or simply relax on board before dinner. (B, L, D)

DAY 3 Linz & Salzburg

Today, experience an excursion to the legendary Austrian city of Salzburg, known as the location for the film, The Sound of Music. Ride through the scenic Austrian countryside to Salzburg’s Old Town area, which is an  UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take a walking tour featuring the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the Hohensalzburg Fortress just above the city center. Later, feel free to explore Salzburg’s narrow cobbled streets and colorful buildings and get lunch in one of the charming cafés; return aboard for dinner and a late-evening departure. (B, D)

DAY 4 Melk & Krems

This morning, visit and admire the 900-year-old abbey at Melk, a Benedictine monastery that was originally one of Leopold II’s castles. See its spectacular wall, ceiling frescoes, graceful spiral staircase and the library’s comprehensive collection of medieval manuscripts.  After lunch aboard, we stop at the picturesque Wachau Valley town of Krems, where you can explore on your own, sample some local vintages from this famous wine-producing region, or take an optional stroll with your Program Director to see the town’s highlights. Dinner is served aboard as you depart. (B, L, D)

DAY 5 Vienna

Today we tour the Austrian capital of Vienna. Ride along the Ringstrasse, which replaced the city walls in the mid-19th century. See some samples of the city’s baroque architecture, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral,  Hofburg Palace and the world-famous Opera House. Lunch id aboard your ship.  The rest of the day is yours free to further explore whilst  your Program Director is always there to help you plan your free time. You may want to take an optional tour to Schönbrunn Palace, the Versailles of Vienna, graced by a number of formal gardens, classical statuary, the world’s oldest zoo and the “Roman ruin” erected in 1778. After dinner, relax or enjoy an optional classical concert. (B, L, D)

DAY 6 Bratislava

This morning, arrive in Bratislava and embark on a walking tour of Slovakia’s charming capital—the only national capital that borders two other countries, Austria and Hungary. See attractions like the baroque Jesuit Church and Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral, the medieval Town Hall complex and fortifications at Michael’s Tower. Pass by several Habsburg-era baroque palaces before returning to your ship for lunch and departure. Relax while cruising along the Danube and sail into Budapest late this evening. (B, L, D)

DAY 7 Budapest

Today we visit highlights of both the older “Buda” and more cosmopolitan “Pest” sides of the city, starting with Pest’s National Opera House and historic Heroes’ Square. In Buda, enjoy a walk along Fishermen’s Hill to Fishermen’s Bastion and Matthias Church. Lunch aboard your ship and enjoy the rest of the day to explore on your own. You may wish to visit the Art Deco Gellért Spa or one of the many other lavish facilities in this “City of Healing Waters.” Return to your ship and experience a traditional Hungarian farewell dinner. (B, L, D)

DAY 8 Budapest

After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight home. You may also want to extend your journey with 2 additional nights in Budapest, giving yourself more time to explore the Hungarian capital. (B)

The following meals are included:
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner