This 8-day itinerary takes you through four of Europe's most enchantingcountries-Austria, Germany, Hungary and Slovakia-along the storiedDanube River. Explore Budapest's imperial and Art Nouveau delights, andtake a comprehensive tour of beautiful Bratislava's baroque and Gothicbuildings and fountains. In Austria, discover why Vienna is "the waltzcapital," sail through the spectacular Wachau Valley, and explore thecobblestone streets and charming town squares of Durnstein. And inGermany, admire Passau's ancient fortress and Italianate architecture.Includes a tour of the 900-year-old baroque Benedictine abbey at Melkand a full-day excursion to the scenic city of Salzburg.

Day 1 Passau

Flyin to Munich; we will meet you at the airport and transfer you to yourship in Passau.* After boarding, use free time to explore-or join our"welcome walk" to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. (D)

Day 2 Passau

Todayyou may take an optional full-day excursion to two small Bohemian Czechcities: Budweis, with its impressive town square featuring Gothic,Renaissance and baroque buildings, and Cesky Krumlov, a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site. Founded by a Bohemian king in the 13th century, Budweiswas for a time the royal brewery for the Holy Roman Emperor, and beerremains a major industry there. Founded at about the same time asBudweis, Cesky Krumlov is known for its unusually large castle, and isan important cultural center, hosting various festivals throughout theyear. Rejoin your ship for dinner.

Or, join a morning walking tour of Passau's Italianate Old Town area, passing by the Veste Oberhaus,a 13th-century fortress that served as a bishop's stronghold forseveral centuries. Enjoy a concert on Europe's largest pipe organ in St.Stephan's Cathedral+, then relax on board before dinner. (B, L, D)

+Passau organ concert not available on Sundays or after November 1.

Day 3 Salzburg

Today's activity is 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 Townarea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take a walking tour featuringthe birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the Hohensalzburg Fortressjust above the city center. Take free time to explore Salzburg's narrowcobbled streets and colorful buildings and get lunch in one of thecharming cafes; return aboard for dinner and a late-evening departure.(B, D)

Day 4 Durnstein

Thismorning, visit the 900-year-old abbey at Melk, a Benedictine monasterythat was originally one of Leopold II's castles. See its spectacularwall and ceiling frescoes, note the library's comprehensive collectionof medieval manuscripts, and admire the graceful spiral staircase. Afterlunch aboard, we stop at the picturesque Wachau Valley town ofDurnstein, where you can explore on your own, sample some local vintagesfrom this famous wine-producing region, or join an optional walkingtour of the town's highlights. Dine 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 of thecity's baroque architecture, including the world-famous Opera House, St.Stephan's Cathedral and Hofburg Palace. Return to your ship for lunch.The rest of the day is yours to further explore-as always, your ProgramDirector can help you plan your free time. Or you may take an optionaltour to Schonbrunn Palace, the Versailles of Vienna, graced by a numberof formal gardens, classical statuary, the world's oldest zoo and the"Roman ruin" erected in 1778. After dinner, relax or enjoy an optionalclassical concert. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Bratislava

Arrivein Bratislava this morning and embark on a walking tour of Slovakia'scharming capital-the only national capital that borders two othercountries, Austria and Hungary-with a long and fascinating history. Seeattractions like the medieval Town Hall complex and fortifications atMichael's Tower, baroque Trinity Church and Gothic St. Martin'sCathedral, and pass by several Habsburg-era baroque palaces beforereturning to your ship for lunch and departure. Enjoy relaxing Danubecruising; sail into Budapest late this evening. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Budapest

Todaywe visit highlights of both the older "Buda" and more cosmopolitan"Pest" sides of the city, starting with Pest's National Opera House andhistoric Heroe' Square. In Buda, walk along Fishermen's Hill toFishermen's Bastion and Matthias Church. Enjoy lunch aboard with therest of the day to explore on your own-you may wish to visit the ArtDeco Gellert Spa or one of the many other lavish facilities in this"City of Healing Waters." Return to your ship for a traditionalHungarian farewell dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Budapest

Afterbreakfast, disembark and we will take you to the airport for yourreturn flight.* Or, extend your journey with 2 additional nights inBudapest, giving yourself more time to explore the Hungarian capital.(B)

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

*Airport meet & greet transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises.