Danube Kingdoms: Bavaria, Austria & Hungary

Tour begins 5:30 PM. Transfers are included from Munich International Airport or the train station to Hotel Bayerischer Hof. Join your Tauck Director for a brief orientation walk this afternoon followed by a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel. Stay Two Nights: Hotel Bayerischer Hof (B)

You have a choice of excursions. Take a guided tour of city sights that tell the story of the royal Wittelsbach family, who ruled Bavaria from 1180 to 1918; included is a visit to the Munich Residenz, reminiscent of Versailles; once the royal residence and seat of power, it is now a museum of opulently decorated rooms. Alternatively, explore contemporary history with a visit to the BMW modern, state of the art museum and a look at World War II sites in and around the city.

The afternoon is spent as you please, or join us for a poignant visit to Dachau. Your evening is free in this cosmopolitan city boasting celebrated cuisine. (B)

Depart by coach to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a popular ski area in the Wetterstein mountains, on the border between Germany and Austria. A cogwheel train takes you up 9,700 feet to the summit of Zugspitze, the top of Germany, for lunch and spectacular vistas that include glaciers, 400 mountain peaks, and views of four countries (Germany, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland, depending on the weather; incidentally, there's a weather station here too, and a climate research center).

Return to Partenkirchen, a picturesque Bavarian town set in a striking landscape of forests and alpine mountains, and dine tonight at the hotel. Stay Two Nights: Riessersee Hotel (B/L/D)

Visit the town of Oberammergau, home to the once-in-a- decade Passion Play, for a walking tour of its colorful medieval streets and a tour of the theatre. Or, drive to lakeside Füssen for a walking tour of its romantic Old Town, and a visit to Hohenschwangau Castle, childhood home of King Ludwig II, overlooking Lake Alpsee. Return to lovely Partenkirchen, where the rest of the day is free. (B)

Depart for Weltenberg and its monastery, which nestles on a peninsula in the Danube Gorge where the Danube River makes a dramatic u-turn. For its setting and elegant Baroque design, the Benedictine monastery is considered one of the most beautiful in Germany, and its monastic brewery, founded in 1050, is thought to be the oldest in the world.

In warm seasons, the courtyard becomes a beer garden that serves its award-winning brew, Weltenburger Kloster, with traditional Bavarian fare; enjoy lunch here, followed by a boat ride to Kelheim prior to boarding your riverboat. Stay Seven Nights: Tauck River Ship (B/L/D)

Three rivers run through medieval Passau –the Danube, the Ilz, and the Inn – a convergence of waterways that adds drama and charm to the enchanting cityscape. Passau is famous for swords and glassmaking, and the largest bishopric in Germany; a hilltop castle, formerly the Prince-Bishop's Residence, presides over the Old Town of medieval and Baroque treasures and cobbled streets. Explore the city on a walking tour with local guides; or take a guided bicycle tour along the Inn River.

Return to the riverboat for lunch, and enjoy onboard entertainment this evening as you sail the Danube to Linz, Austria. (B/L/D)

Salzkammergut was made for Cinemascope and Technicolor; scenes from The Sound of Music were shot there. Its landscape of dramatic alpine peaks, deep valleys, blue lakes, and picture perfect Austrian villages was the favorite summer retreat of Emperor Franz Josef I who called it "heaven on earth."

Drive from Linz to Salzkammergut to visit the lakeside town of St. Wolfgang, named for the patron saint of carpenters and woodcarvers, and drop in at The Pilgrimage Church to see the Winged Altar, a Renaissance triptych of astonishing woodcarvings that tell stories of the Coronation of the Virgin, and the life of St. Wolfgang.

Alternatively, take a day-trip to the Czech Republic to visit Cesky Krumlov, a riverside gem which UNESCO calls "an outstanding example of a small European medieval town," whose architectural heritage has remained intact for centuries. Explore Cesky Krumlov's wonderfully preserved Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque streets and alleys on a guided walking tour, visit the Baroque Theatre, or climb the castle tower for sweeping views. If you wish, you can remain in stay in Linz and explore the city at leisure. Dinner tonight is aboard your riverboat. (B/L/D)

Melk Abbey stands in splendor on a promontory above the Danube. Established in 1089, the Benedictine monastery achieved its glory in the 1700s; the monastery of 500 rooms, not to mention the views from the balcony and the terrace, will leave you awestruck on your visit. Spend the afternoon aboard the riverboat winding through the Wachau Valley, the heart of Austrian wine country; the river landscape is a parade of monasteries, castles, and medieval villages tucked among lush mountains, vineyards and orchards; if you wish, take a bicycle tour along the river.

Arrive in Dürnstein, and explore the charming medieval town on a guided walking tour; visit the Augustinian monastery; or climb the steps to the clifftop ruins of Kuenringerburg Castle. (B/L/D)

Wake up in Vienna, and begin the day with a choice of excursions. Take a guided walking tour along the Ringstrasse and its parade of Habsburg palaces, monuments, and museums; set out on a tour exploring the life and legend of Empress Elizabeth, known as Sisi, the tragic and eccentric, wife of Franz Josef I; or visit World War II landmarks around the city. Spend the afternoon at leisure, then join us this evening at Palais Pallavicini for a gala event with dinner, wine, music, and pageantry, exclusively for Tauck guests. (B/L/D)

Arrive in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, for a choice of either a city walking tour or a visit to the ruins of Devin Castle, with unforgettable views high above the Danube and Morava rivers and WWII sites. Bratislava is famous for its eclectic cityscape of medieval cobbled streets; along the streets of Old Town you will also meet quirky life-size bronze statues that allude to local history and personalities.

This evening, dine at leisure aboard ship as you sail to Budapest, accompanied by Slovak music and entertainment. (B/L/D)

The Danube runs through the center of Budapest, dividing Buda and Pest; the districts were independent cities before being joined in 1873, and each still retains a distinct vibe and identity. Rising on hills above the river, Buda is the older and more tranquil of the two, with its medieval castle, old town, churches, and monumental landmarks like Fisherman's Bastion; Pest is the busy metropolitan side, occupied by the glorious Neo-Gothic Parliament building, palaces, museums, shops, and cafes.

Spend the morning on a tour accompanied by a local guide, then explore as you please for the remainder of the day. Join us this evening for a farewell reception and dinner aboard the riverboat. (B/L/D)

Tour ends: Budapest. Disembark by 9:00 AM. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the riverboat to Budapest Ferenc Liszt Airport or the Keleti train station; allow three hours for check-in at the airport. (B)