What You May Experience:

Begin in Budapest, where you are able to explore the Castle District and cross the famous Chain Bridge. Explore Göttweig Abbey, one of Austria’s most revered monastic centers, and make dumplings with Wachau Valley apricots; visit historic Salzburg; spend two days in Vienna and celebrate the city’s musical heritage at a concert featuring works by Mozart and Strauss. With medieval towns, grand cities and stunning scenery, this 8-day journey on the “Blue Danube” is one you are sure to love.

Itinerary: Romantic Danube, 7 nights; Budapest to Regensburg, 5 guided tours 

Day 1: Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is aptly called "Paris of the East" for its beautiful evening illumination and reflected lights in the Danube's waters. After boarding, relax and enjoy your afternoon aboard the ship and feast on traditional Hungarian food for dinner. (D)

Day 2: Budapest, Hungary

Enjoy riverside beauty, a vibrant cultural scene and elegant Art Nouveau architecture converge in Budapest. (B,L,D)

Featuring highlights include:

• Andrássy Avenue 
• National Opera House
• Heroes' Square 
• Buda's Castle District 
• Hungarian Parliament Building
• Visegrád

Included shore excursion — panoramic tour of Budapest 

Day 3: Vienna, Austria

Strauss and Mozart composed many fine pieces in Vienna, Europe's center of classical music. Ride along the Ringstrasse and stand in awe of sights such as St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Hofburg Palace. (B,L,D)

Shore excursions:

• Panoramic tour of Vienna, included
• Jewels of Vienna's Ring
• Schönbrunn Palace, privileged access 
• Vienna Boys' Choir, privileged access
• Behind the scenes at the Vienna Boys' Choir, privileged access
• Heurigen dinner
  
  

Day 4: Vienna, Austria

The capital city of Austria, Vienna is filled with green parks, upscale stores, theaters and gracious boulevards. (D)

Shore excursions: 

• Historic farmers market visit with local chef
• Behind the scenes at Lipizzaner Stallions
• Mozart and Strauss concert
• Picturesque Bratislava 
  
  

Day 5: Krems, Austria

One of the crown jewels of the Wachau Valley is the splendid Benedictine Abbey of Göttweig, a working monastery for more than 900 years. (B,L,D)

Shore excursions:

• Göttweig Abbey, privileged access
• Wachau Valley by bicycle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  
  

Day 6: Passau, Germany

Set at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube rivers, enchanting Passau is home to elegant colored buildings and graceful arcades. Visit Salzburg's old town, enjoy lunch at Austria's oldest restaurant and be sure to capture settings from The Sound of Music film. c

Shore excursions: 

• Passau Walking Tour, included
• Salzburg highlights
• Bavarian beerfest
• Hike the Passau Hills
• Neuschwanstein Castle, by plane
• Flightseeing over Passau
• Bavaria by electric bike
  
  

Day 7: Regensburg, Germany 

Explore the scenic town of Regensburg, considered one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities. (B,L,D)

Shore excursions: 

• Regensburg Walking Tour, included
• Weltenburg Abbey and the Danube Narrows
• Munich highlights 
• Microbreweries of Bavaria
• Historic Nuremberg
  
  

Day 8: Regensburg, Germany

Having escaped major damage during World War II, the picturesque town of Regensburg is one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities and the oldest city along the Danube. (B)

Disembark for your flight or choose a post cruise extension to Nuremberg or Prague, Czech Republic.