Oktoberfest & Danube Delights

Welcome to your centrally located hotel in Munich. The remainder of the day and evening are at leisure to begin exploring Munich.

After breakfast, an included panoramic tour showcases the former Olympic site, Nymphenburg Palace, Maximilianstrasse and the Parliament, the National Theater and Munich’s Residenz. During a walking tour, stroll the Marienplatz Square and see the famous Glockenspiel. After the tour, you will head to the Oktoberfest grounds where you will enter the tent to celebrate as a local and enjoy a typical Oktoberfest meal. (B)

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Munich & Entrance to the Oktoberfest grounds

After breakfast, it is time to leave Munich for your transfer to your Star-Ship in Regensburg. (B/D)

Explore the medieval centre of Regensburg with your insightful local guide. Stroll along the cobblestone streets, passing the patrician houses of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, and stop by to sample traditional Bavarian sausages, a delicious local specialty. Alternatively, join a guided bike tour to the Walhalla monument, which towers high above the banks of the Danube. From here, you can admire a panoramic view of the river and surrounding scenic landscape. (B/L/D)

• EmeraldPLUS Walking tour of Regensburg with Bavarian sausage tasting
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour to the Walhalla monument

Today, you’ll cruise into the heart of Passau, where three of Europe’s main rivers converge in the shadows of an impressive castle. On your guided tour of this illustrious German city, you’ll learn how it was rebuilt following fires in the 17th century. Italian architects left their mark with an array of Baroque architecture that still stands today, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Alternatively, if you’re feeling active, join a guided bike tour along the banks of the River Inn.

Enjoy exploring Passau at your own pace, before returning to your Star-Ship for lunch, followed by an afternoon of leisurely cruising the Danube River. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Passau
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour along the River Inn
• DiscoverMORE Bavarian Traditions (extra expense)

Today, you’ll sail through the wondrous, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley. You can choose to join a guided hike to the ruins of Dürnstein Castle, offering delightful panoramic views of the surrounding medieval villages. Alternatively, if you’re feeling more active, embark on a guided bike tour in Melk, cycling past terraced vineyards, castles and ruins along the way.

This afternoon, for your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy a guided tour of Göttweig Abbey, a true gem overlooking the Wachau Valley from a hill blanketed with vineyards and forests. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscape since 2001, Göttweig Abbey is one of Austria's most important Benedictine abbeys and attracts visitors from all over the world. Built in 1083, the abbey continues to serve as a spiritual centre in the heart of Lower Austria and is run by a community of about 45 monks. Visible even from a great distance, the abbey provides panoramic views, which you can soak up during your visit here. (B/L/D)

• EmeraldPLUS Guided tour of Göttweig Abbey with wine tasting
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour along the Danube River
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle

Sweeping boulevards and world-famous art exhibitions await in Vienna, a historic city which perfectly encapsulates the opulence of the Habsburg Monarchy and their ornate Baroque palaces. For art-lovers, there’s no other place like the Austrian capital, not only as the city brims with museums and artwork, but also because of the sheer diversity. Today’s art tour will include a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest art museum in the country and one of the most important museums worldwide.

Alternatively, if you’re feeling more active, embark on a guided cycling tour along the riverbanks to picturesque Danube Island. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Vienna art tour with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour to Danube Island
• DiscoverMORE Viennese evening concert (extra expense)

A charming scattering of Baroque palaces and Gothic architecture that recount tales of a turbulent communist past are yours to uncover, as you sail towards Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Enjoy a guided tour that uncovers the city’s fascinating history, taking in the neo-Renaissance splendour of the Slovak National Theatre and the Episcopal Summer Palace.

Alternatively, embark on a guided hike to Bratislava Castle and its lovely Baroque gardens, offering the perfect backdrop to the Shakespeare festival that takes place during the summer months.

This afternoon, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy one of our cruise highlights: coffee and cake at the home of a local Slovakian family. Later, relish a farewell dinner with your fellow guests on board your Star-Ship. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Walking tour of Bratislava
• EmeraldPLUS Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Bratislava Castle
• DiscoverMORE Skoda tour of Post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)
• DiscoverMORE Carpathian wine route (extra expense)

Welcome to Hungary and Budapest, the ‘Pearl of the Danube’ and generously steeped in history and culture, where ancient architecture exists alongside contemporary buildings. Today, enjoy a guided coach tour, covering some of the highlights of Budapest and learn more about its stunning landscape and architecture, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre. The history of the Hungarian capital displays a unique blend of cultures, cuisine and vibrant lifestyle and you’ll discover there is so much to take in as you pass through this vibrant city.

Alternatively, embark on a guided hike to Gellert Hill and admire the spectacular views across the Danube. Later, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy a traditional Hungarian folklore show on board your Star-Ship. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Guided coach tour of Budapest
• EmeraldPLUS Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
• EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Gellert Hill
• DiscoverMORE Jewish Heritage tour (extra expense)
• DiscoverMORE Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)

This morning after breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, leaving with wonderful memories of exquisite Viennese artworks, architectural masterpieces, Slovakian hospitality and the splendour of the Danube.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change. (B)