Romantic Danube (Festive Delights)

Embark your cruise in Vilshofen. This evening meet your fellow passengers on board. (D)

Excursions:

• Exclusive Oktoberfest

Explore Vilshofen's beautiful old town before cruising to Passau, known as the “City of Three Rivers.” Join a walking tour or if you prefer to be more active, hike high into the hills for a visit to the “Veste Oberhaus,” Passau's Castle Hill. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Free Time
• “City of Three Rivers” walking tour OR Passau Castle hike OR Danube Bike tour

The ship arrives in Linz where you'll have several choices of excursions. For those who love The Sound of Music, enjoy a full-day excursion to Salzburg and tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. You may also choose to join a full-day excursion to the charming Czech mountain town of Český Krumlov, where you can stroll its cobblestone streets; marvel at the city's picturesque Baroque and Renaissance-style buildings; and tour Krumlov Castle, one of Europe's largest castle complexes.

Following these full-day excursions, you may also choose to take a brief walking tour in Linz. Alternatively, join a walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House; or bike along the city's famed “Cultural Mile” and the Danube. In the afternoon, embark on a journey into the fascinating world of whiskey distillation on an exciting guided tour. (B/L/D)

*Not combinable with other tours on this day.

Excursions:

• Full-day Salzburg excursion* OR Full-day Český Krumlov excursion with Linz tour* OR “UNESCO City of Media Arts” walking tour
• Distillery tour

Head up to the Sun Deck for panoramic views as you unwind with a scenic cruise through the Strudengau and UNESCO-designated Wachau valleys. After reaching Weissenkirchen, you'll be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of Dürnstein before visiting the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. Or hike the trail up to the ruins of Durnstein Fortress, where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive, and where you'll find spectacular views of the valley, river and village below.

You can also choose to cycle through the Wachau Valley on a guided bike tour. For a more culinary-focused experience, sample special apricot treats and regional wine from a local boutique. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Scenic cruising through Strudengau and UNESCO Wachau Valley
• Dürnstein walking tour and Melk Benedictine Abbey OR Dürnstein Fortress hike OR Apricots, Sweets and Wine tasting OR Wachau Valley bike tour

The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems and your city tour showcases them, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace. Your tour concludes in the historic city center with a visit to St. Stephen's Cathedral. Or if you prefer a more active tour, take a guided bike ride through Vienna. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore this iconic city. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• “Imperial Vienna” tour OR Vienna bike tour
• Free time

While the shop docks in Vienna, venture to Bratislava for your excursions. Host to the crowning ceremonies of 11 Hungarian kings and queens between 1536 and 1830, Bratislava certainly has earned the title “Coronation City of Kings,” as you'll discover during your walking tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city. Alternatively, if the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Markets are open during your departure, you may wander the stalls and enjoy seasonal delights. (B/L/D)

**When open; check tourist office for more information.

Excursions:

• Bratislava “Coronation City” walking tour OR Bratislava Castle hike OR Schönbrunn Christmas Markets**

Today you have the opportunity to visit the Buda (hilly) side of the Danube River. Follow your guide through the city's Castle District where you will marvel at the fairytale turrets of Fisherman's Bastion, gaze upon the breathtaking panorama below and see Matthias Church, renowned for its striking tower and colorful mosaic roof. For a more active tour, hike to Budapest's Castle Hill. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Buda city tour OR Castle Hill hike
• Pest city tour

Disembark the ship as you prepare for your flight home. (B)