Itinerary
- Day 1
Embarkation
You'll board your river cruise ship and get settled into your cabin for the journey ahead. Later in the evening, there's an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration on board with traditional beer, Bavarian folk music, and dancing to kick things off properly.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Oktoberfest celebration with traditional beer and Bavarian folk music and dancing
- Day 2
Passau
The ship cruises to Passau, known as the 'City of Three Rivers' for its location where three waterways meet. You have options here: take a leisurely walking tour through the old town, go for a more active hike up to Veste Oberhaus castle hill, or join a guided bike tour out to Wernstein.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise to Passau
- Walking tour of Passau
Optional Activities
- Hike to Veste Oberhaus (Passau's Castle Hill)
- Guided bike tour to Wernstein
Landmarks/POIs Veste Oberhaus - Day 3
Linz
When you arrive in Linz, you'll find several excursion choices waiting. Head to Salzburg for a full day exploring the historic center and Mirabell Gardens, or stay closer and do a walking tour of Linz's old city center. There's also a bike route along the 'Culture Mile' if you prefer cycling, or you can visit the charming mountain town of Český Krumlov.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise to Linz
Optional Activities
- Full-day excursion to Salzburg with historic center tour, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and Old Market
- Walking tour through Linz's old city center and Mozart House
- Guided bike tour along Linz's 'Culture Mile' and the Danube
- Visit to Český Krumlov mountain town
Landmarks/POIs Mirabell Gardens Residenz Square Mozart House Český Krumlov - Day 4
Dürnstein
Your ship sails through the scenic Strudengau and Wachau valleys to reach Weissenkirchen and Dürnstein. You can wander the cobblestone streets and see the Baroque church, or hike up to the dramatic castle ruins overlooking the area. Later, there's a special wine tasting in Weissenkirchen featuring local Rieslings and Grüner Veltliners.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise through Strudengau and Wachau valleys
- Walking tour in Dürnstein along cobblestone streets to Baroque Stiftskirche
- Wine tasting in Weissenkirchen
Optional Activities
- Hike to Kuenringer Castle (Dürnstein ruins)
Landmarks/POIs Dürnstein Baroque Stiftskirche Kuenringer Castle - Day 5
Melk and Krems
This morning you'll visit Melk Abbey, a UNESCO-designated site and one of Europe's largest Baroque monasteries with remarkable frescoes and musical manuscripts on display. Afterward, explore the village of Melk itself or join a guided bike tour through the Wachau Valley. By evening, the ship sails to Krems where you'll have a special wine tasting at Schloss Gobelsburg castle, a historic Austrian winery with cellar tours included.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey (Stift Melk) with tour
- Free time in Melk village
- Sail to Krems
- Wine tasting at Schloss Gobelsburg with cellar tour
Optional Activities
- Guided bike tour through Wachau Valley
Landmarks/POIs Melk Abbey (Stift Melk) Schloss Gobelsburg - Day 6
Vienna
You'll spend the day in Vienna, the 'City of Waltzes.' Take a city tour to see the majestic Opera House, the former Imperial Palace, and St. Stephen's Cathedral in the historic center, or go for a guided bike ride through the city instead. In the evening, head to a traditional Austrian Heuriger wine tavern for wine and live music.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Wine and live music at traditional Austrian Heuriger)
Included Activities
- City tour of Vienna including Opera House, Imperial Palace, and St. Stephen's Cathedral
- Evening wine and live music at traditional Austrian Heuriger
Optional Activities
- Guided bike ride through Vienna
Landmarks/POIs Vienna Opera House Imperial Palace St. Stephen's Cathedral - Day 7
Budapest
In Budapest, your guide will take you through the Buda side of the Danube River and the Castle District. You'll see the fairytale turrets of Fisherman's Bastion with its panoramic views, and visit Matthias Church featuring its striking tower and colorful mosaic roof. If you prefer something more active, there's an option to hike up to Budapest's Castle Hill instead.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Buda Castle District with guide
- Fisherman's Bastion tour
- Matthias Church visit
Optional Activities
- Hike to Budapest's Castle Hill
Landmarks/POIs Fisherman's Bastion Matthias Church Buda Castle District - Day 8
Disembarkation
You'll disembark from the ship and prepare for your flight home, bringing your river cruise experience to a close.
- Meals
- Breakfast
