Day 1Passau
Fly in to Munich; we will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship in Passau.* After boarding, you have some free time to relax or do a bit of exploring on your own. Enjoy dinner on board as we set sail. (D)
Day 2Melk
This morning, visit the 900-year-old abbey at Melk, a Benedictine monastery that was originally one of Leopold II’s castles. See its spectacular wall and ceiling frescoes, note the library’s comprehensive collection of medieval manuscripts, and admire the graceful spiral staircase. Spend some time on the terrace enjoying Danube River views before returning aboard for lunch, dinner and scenic cruising. (B, L, D)
Day 3Esztergom & Visegrád
Awaken in Hungary and begin the day with a tour of the basilica at Esztergom. The beautiful city of Esztergom, one of the oldest towns in Hungary, was once the capital and its architecture reflects its long history. Tour the basilica, the largest Cathedral in Hungary, with its commanding view of the river; see the monumental altarpiece depicting the Assumption and the exquisite 16th-century red marble Bakócz Chapel. Then, take an excursion to Visegrád. With a population of less than 2,000, Visegrád was used as a royal retreat, and it has no fewer than three castles. Enjoy the view of the Danube Bend from the hexagonal Solomon Tower at the Lower Castle before returning to your ship for lunch. Sail to Budapest, arriving in time for a guided walk through the city’s “Pest” side and a traditional Hungarian dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 4Budapest
Today we have a panoramic tour of Budapest’s historic sights and graceful architecture. Enjoy lunch aboard with the rest of the day to explore on your own, or you may choose an optional excursion to the Royal Palace of Gödöllo, summer residence of Emperor Franz Josef and his family, and a demonstration of Hungarian horsemanship at a nearby horse farm. Return to your ship for dinner and evening departure. (B, L, D)
Day 5Bratislava
After a morning of scenic Danube cruising, arrive in Bratislava at lunchtime. Embark on a walking tour of Slovakia’s charming capital—the only national capital that borders two other countries, Austria and Hungary—with a long and fascinating history. Walk through the Old Town past the medieval Town Hall complex, fortifications at Michael’s Tower, baroque Trinity Church and Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral (where Franz Liszt conducted his Coronation Mass), and visit the grand 18th-century classical-style Primatial Palace. Dine aboard and enjoy an evening stroll before a late-evening departure. (B, L, D)
Day 6Vienna
Today we tour the Austrian capital of Vienna. Ride along the Ringstrasse, and see some of the city’s baroque architecture, including the world-famous Opera House and St. Stephan’s Cathedral, and visit the National Library inside Hofburg Palace. Return to your ship for lunch. The rest of the day is yours to further explore—as always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Or you may take an optional tour to Schönbrunn Palace, the Versailles of Vienna, or an optional tour to the lovely baroque Belvedere Palaces with their extraordinary gardens, immortalized in paintings by Canaletto. After dinner, take a stroll or enjoy an optional classical concert—we remain docked until midnight. (B, L, D)
Day 7Dürnstein & Wachau Valley
Arrive in the picturesque Wachau Valley town of Dürnstein at breakfast time. Enjoy a walking tour of the town’s highlights and stop in at a baroque church for a brief organ concert. Then, learn all about crafting fine Austrian wines at a centuries-old wine cellar with a museum and tasting rooms before returning aboard for lunch as we sail back toward Passau. (B, L, D)
Day 8Passau
Arrive in Passau as you enjoy a final onboard breakfast. We take you from your ship to the Munich airport for your return flight.* (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. Please note, Viking can only offer air to guests traveling from the U.S. or Canada.