Munich, Bavaria & the Classic Danube

Your European vacation begins in Munich, the capital of Bavaria. Located in southern Germany, the scenic region of Bavaria is surrounded by lush forests and the picturesque peaks of the Bavarian Alps. Tradition runs deep here, with well-preserved villages, medieval castles and beer-making heritage setting the stage for fascinating explorations.

As you arrive, make your own way to our centrally located hotel for check-in. Take some time to get settled in and acclimate to your new surroundings, perhaps strolling around the city to get your first look at the historic buildings.

Returning to the hotel early this evening, you can meet the Tour Manager and fellow travelers ahead of our first dinner together in the hotel's restaurant. Overnight Munich.

• Dinner

After breakfast this morning, we get to know Munich on a sightseeing tour. Meeting our guide at the Fish fountain, we wander the historic streets, admiring the city's charming main square, Marienplatz, home to the neo-Gothic Town Hall and the famous glockenspiel. We also see the Church of St. Peter, with its exterior boasting eight clocks.

Afterward, we stop for food and drink in typical Munich style by sampling local food and beers. Munich is renowned for its beer and, after learning about the history of brewing in Bavaria and the influence of the Reinheitsgebot purity law at the Oktoberfest Museum, we visit Munich's oldest beer house, the Höfbrauhaus, which opened in 1589.

The rest of the day is spent at leisure. You could stroll through the city's many green spaces. The 17th-century Hofgarten's Renaissance gardens stand behind Munich Residence, the former home of Bavarian dukes and kings, while the expansive English Garden is larger than New York's Central Park. Munich's culinary scene extends far beyond beer and includes many options for you to discover on your own this evening. Overnight Munich.

• Breakfast

One of Bavaria's finest castles awaits us after breakfast today as we visit the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle in the foothills of the Alps near the Austrian border. Commissioned by the reclusive King Ludwig II of Bavaria, the castle is an architectural masterpiece. It was the inspiration for the castle in Disney's Sleeping Beauty, showing testament to the king's romantic vision.

Entrance to the castle is included, and we can enjoy spectacular views overlooking the Schwangau Valley. Built in a striking Romanesque Revival style, it features soaring towers, turrets and battlements, all of which are set against a backdrop of rugged mountains and verdant forests. Its interior is just as impressive, with ornate carvings, lavish murals and an opulent throne room. Interestingly, the castle's construction was plagued by setbacks and financial difficulties and was never fully completed during King Ludwig's lifetime. While exploring this picture-perfect castle, you can soak in all its grandeur and see why it inspires millions of people.

We return to Munich later this afternoon and have dinner together at our hotel this evening. Overnight Munich.

• Breakfast, Dinner

The morning is yours to savor a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and wrap up your sightseeing in Munich. You might like to revisit the Marienplatz, head to Odeonsplatz to see its Roman architecture or look for souvenirs in the local stores. You could also spend a morning relaxing at our hotel before we walk to Munich's railway station to join the train to Passau, Germany - an attractive city located on the shores of the Danube.

A motorcoach awaits our arrival in Passau this afternoon and takes us to the banks of the river, where our luxurious ship awaits. Stepping aboard, we are greeted by the wonderful crew with a refreshing cocktail in the lounge and shown to our onboard accommodations.

Take some time to settle in and familiarize yourself with our magnificent ship, before we indulge in our first delicious five-course dinner on board this evening. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast this morning, we set out on a guided tour of Passau, a lesser-known gem of Bavaria. Dubbed the "Three Rivers City," it sits at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz Rivers. The delightful Old Town is filled with Baroque architecture, including St. Stephen's Cathedral, and lies in the shadow of the Veste Oberhaus, a 13th-century hilltop fortress.

Back on the ship in time for lunch, we begin our relaxing cruise along the Danube. Drifting through beautiful scenery into Austria, we get our first sight of rising hills covered with vineyards and orchards. The ever-changing landscapes create a picturesque backdrop, occasionally revealing charming villages, medieval castles and centuries-old monasteries that cling to the hilltops.

Our destination today is the Austrian city of Linz, where we arrive this evening and moor for the night. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Waking in Linz, there are two excursions to choose from after breakfast. The first is a day trip to Salzburg, a striking city overlooked by hilltop Hohensalzburg Fortress. En route, we stop in the Austrian Lake District for a photo opportunity before arriving in Salzburg. During a guided tour, we explore Getreidegasse, the street on which Mozart was born. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with stunning Baroque architecture, beautiful churches, quaint squares and charming alleyways that we can admire on our explorations.

Alternatively, join an excursion to Český Krumlov, a small Czech town that looks like something straight out of a fairytale. On a tour, we explore the palatial castle, perched high above a bend on the Vltava River, and soak up the views from the Cloak Bridge. A guided walk around the UNESCO-listed Old Town, followed by time at leisure, reveals picture-perfect squares and idyllic cobbled streets, many hiding a surprising history.

We return to our ship for dinner and set sail for an overnight cruise further into Austria. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Docking in Emmersdorf this morning, we set out for a visit to Melk Abbey after breakfast. This 11th-century Benedictine abbey stands atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. On our guided tour, we see the abbey's church, one of the most beautiful Baroque churches north of the Alps.

Back on the ship, we enjoy lunch as we sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley - truly a highlight of the Danube. This scenic area of green valleys and vineyards is dotted with attractive riverside towns and commanding fortresses. It is also one of Austria's most famous wine-making regions, specializing in Grüner Veltliner.

Arriving in the riverside village of Dürnstein, we have free time to sample the local produce or wander the charming streets, admiring its powder blue Baroque church tower. Dürnstein is also home to the hilltop castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned during the 12th century, and we get a great view of it from the riverside. After dinner, we continue sailing toward Vienna. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The noble city of Vienna beckons today as we embark on a guided tour to uncover Austria's imperial heritage. With our expert guide, we make our way to the illustrious Ringstrasse. Here, we see many of Vienna's most ornate buildings, including the world-renowned Opera House and the imposing Parliament.

After the tour, you have some time to explore the city at leisure. It is a delight to stroll amongst its scenic streets, marveling at the striking St. Stephen's Cathedral or entering one of the countless museums and galleries that bring the city's history to life. You may choose to visit Schönbrunn Palace, once the summer residence of the ruling Habsburg family, or have a seat at a grand coffeehouse to indulge in a slice of Sachertorte, a famous and delicious Viennese cake.

Tonight, a real treat awaits us in the lounge, as we are joined by four previous members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra who whisk us away with their performances of well-known classical pieces. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a relaxed overnight sailing, we make our way to Slovakia's capital and are welcomed by views of Bratislava Castle's gleaming white walls. Arriving this morning, we set out on a guided tour of the Baroque old town and castle district.

Despite being a national capital, Bratislava is nicknamed the "Little Big City" due to its compact size. Wandering the idyllic streets, where each corner reveals delightful new views, we admire attractive squares, grand palaces and historic churches. Keep an eye out for some of Bratislava's quirky statues, including a sculpture commemorating Schöne Náci, an eccentric local character, and Čumil, a subterranean worker peeking out of a manhole. From the hilltop castle, soak up views across the terracotta roofs of the Old Town and the SNP Bridge - also known as the UFO bridge because of its futuristic design.

Later this afternoon, we continue downstream to Esztergom, the former capital of Hungary until the mid-13th century, where we berth for the night. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

As we sail onward this morning, we navigate the scenic Danube Bend, passing the village of Visegrad and its striking hilltop castle.

Arriving in Budapest, we get an overview of the "Pearl of the Danube" during a visit to Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion on the Buda side of the city, enjoying incredible views. After lunch onboard, we continue our explorations in Pest, admiring impressive landmarks, including the State Opera House and St. Stephen's Basilica. A performance by a traditional Hungarian folklore troupe accompanies dinner onboard this evening.

Afterward, we embark on a nighttime cruise along the Danube, taking in the illuminated sights of Budapest. From the piercing spires of the neo-Gothic Parliament building to Buda's Baroque castle, the state buildings lining both banks are lit up, as well as the Chain Bridge. Whether you choose to relax in the lounge or take in the panoramic views from the sun deck, this is the best way to see this beautiful city as the lights cast a magical glow across the Danube - the perfect ending to our cruise. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From Munich to Budapest, this memorable vacation has unveiled enchanting cities and diverse culture that flows along the Danube between Germany and Hungary. Having tasted authentic Bavarian beer and visited Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich, your five-star river cruise showcased the natural beauty of Austria in the Wachau Valley, while imperial grandeur was uncovered in Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest.

After breakfast, it is time to disembark for the final time and say goodbye to the wonderful crew. You are free to make your way to Budapest's airport or train station at leisure to begin your journey home.

• Breakfast