Delights of the Danube Cruise

Your cruising expedition begins as you arrive in Budapest, an elegant city divided into two by the Danube River and sewn back together by the Chain Bridge. Given its topography and gorgeous, historic halves, it is no wonder Budapest has earned the nickname the Pearl of the Danube. Make your way to the riverfront, where our luxurious Amadeus river cruise ship awaits. You are welcomed aboard with a cocktail in the lounge and have a chance to settle into your cabin and familiarize yourself with the ship's accommodations. This evening, join your Tour Manager and fellow travelers for our first dinner, an indulgent experience with multiple courses.

After dinner, enjoy your first glimpses at the local offerings during a Hungarian folklore show on the ship and an evening cruise along the Budapest cityscape. Famous buildings like the Gothic Parliament, Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge illuminated with lights are featured during the cruise. It is an introduction you will remember. Overnight ship.

• Dinner

Relish the opportunity to see the sites of Budapest by daylight on today's guided tour. We begin after breakfast with a coach transfer into the city, beginning on the Pest side. St. Stephen's Basilica, a stunning Neoclassic church that holds claim as the largest in Hungary, and Heroes' Square are amongst the first highlights of our tour. Venture along a UNESCO World Heritage Site street, Andrássy Avenue, to see its impressive mansions and Neo-classic townhouses, then continue through the old Jewish Quarter, across the Elisabeth Bridge, and to the impressive 13th-century Buda Castle. Enjoy an hour here to explore the complex and its remarkable buildings. A fantastic view over the Danube River and Buda Castle from Gellért Hill concludes our tour. Return to the ship for lunch following the tour, then take the afternoon to relax onboard or continue sightseeing in Budapest at leisure.

The ship sets sail for Bratislava this evening via the incredibly scenic Danube Bend. Picturesque mountains, pretty riverside towns, ruined castles, and deep forests line this section of the river. We pass through here as the sun is setting, and the golden evening light makes the scenery evening more enchanting. Enjoy a multi-course dinner before turning in for the night. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your day relaxing aboard the ship as our route proceeds toward Bratislava. Enjoy breakfast in the restaurant, then soak in the changing scenery from the River Terrace or with a drink in hand in the Panorama Bar. There are shuffleboards and chess boards on which to play with fellow travelers and plenty of lounge chairs on the Sun Deck. We dock after lunch and set out on a guided tour of Bratislava, the Slovakian capital. Tucked amongst the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains and straddling the Danube River, this city features a world of contrasts between the Baroque Old Town and the new city. Our excursion presents popular sites in both, from Old Town Hall and Main Square in Old Town to the Slavin Monument. We have the opportunity to walk through the last remaining medieval gate, Michalska Gate, and visit places like the Cathedral of St. Martin. The Presidential Palace, Bratislava Castle, and the parliament buildings are other highlights of our tour. While moving between destinations, gaze upon beautiful examples of Gothic architecture, modern museums, and charming pedestrian plazas. There is much to uncover on the tour and after as you continue exploring independently. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a night of cruising along the Danube's blue waters, we dock in Vienna, Austria, this morning. Imperial heritage brims from the core of this remarkable locale. We join a guided tour of the city following breakfast and get a glimpse at the most significant points of interest. Our motorcoach travels along one of the most famous 3-mile roadways in the world, the Ringstrasse. This byway hosts several local highlights, including the Imperial Palace, Parliament, the Natural History Museum, and other magnificent sights. Following the tour, feel free to continue experiencing the city's allures at your pace - whether in one of the spectacular museums, while sitting at a traditional Viennese café, or wandering through the bustling city center.

This evening, we are joined by musicians from the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra for a private performance after dinner. Their musical talents carry through the night and make the evening one to remember. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The Wachau Valley is a haven of picturesque landscapes and rich history, all yours to behold today. We begin our morning by docking in the pretty village of Dürnstein, a famed wine-making destination also home to a beautiful medieval castle that once imprisoned Richard I of England. During your free time here, wander its fairytale streets at leisure, sip local wine, or visit attractions, such as Dürnstein Castle or the monastery, which are within walking distance from the docks. We rejoin the ship for a themed buffet lunch, then set out onto the Danube once more.

This afternoon's cruising takes us through the Wachau Valley, where rolling vineyards and ancient castles are perched upon hilltops. Our cruise director offers insightful commentary for this portion of the journey, offering tales and facts that enhance the experience. We stop in the Valley to visit Melk Abbey, a Benedictine Monastery built in the early 1700s and home to the Abbey Church, considered one of the most beautiful Baroque churches north of the Alps. Our guided tour includes access to the grounds and the amazing interiors. Outside, an expansive terrace offers superb views over the Wachau Valley and the Danube. Our cruise continues toward Linz this evening, with continually changing scenery setting a magical backdrop. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy breakfast as the ship approaches its next port of call, Linz. We disembark here, where you can choose from one of two excursions:

Your first option takes you into the countryside for a day spent amidst the spectacular scenery of the Austrian lakes. Make stops at UNESCO-listed Hallstatt, one of Austria's most photographed villages, thanks to its traditional pastel-colored houses, Hallstättersee Lake, and Mondsee. This pretty town sits aside a lake of the same name, and its most famous attraction is the 15th-century parish church, featured in the wedding scenes of "The Sound of Music."

Alternatively, travel by coach to Salzburg via Mondsee, one of Austria's most famous cities. Salzburg is known as the birthplace of Mozart, and a guided sightseeing tour reveals the city's internationally renowned Baroque architecture. You will soon discover why the city center is a well-deserved UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The Danube River under the morning's glow is truly an awe-inspiring sight. Relish in its beauty over breakfast and as the ship approaches Regensburg. Here, a walking tour provides a grand introduction to Old Town. There is no shortage of sights to behold, including the Stone Bridge, Old Town Hall, the Regensburg Cathedral, and the Portia Praetoria. There are remnants of the town's Roman occupation scattered throughout the city and beautiful architecture built across the ages. Find yourself surrounded by medieval masterpieces and buildings that hint at the city's history as a trade center. Patrician houses, with their tall towers, line the narrow winding streets and complete the pictorial atmosphere. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our final port of call comes into view while we enjoy breakfast wrapped in the ship's luxury. We dock in Passau and bid the crew farewell. A group transfer sees us to Munich's airport, and on arrival, your memorable journey along the Danube concludes. You are welcome to return home or continue on your next adventure as you please.

• Breakfast