zGreat Capitals & Vintages of the Danube L&C 2013

Arrive in Prague and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to start exploring this beautiful city.

Your morning’s sightseeing tour reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive cities, with its historic city center recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will see Wenceslas Square and the Metronome overlooking the Vltava River before arriving at the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle for a visit. Afterwards, walk over Charles Bridge to the Old Town Square and see the Church of Our Lady before Tyn and the famous Astronomical Clock. This evening, an optional Folklore Dinner Show provides an opportunity to learn about Czech music, dance and traditions. Meals B

Spend a day at your leisure or participate in an optional tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII concentration camp, now a memorial to those who perished. Meals B

This morning, depart Prague and stop in Regensburg for a guided walking tour of one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, its Old Town a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch on your own, continue to the charming 1200-year-old Bavarian town of Vilshofen, where you will embark your luxurious ship. This afternoon, you will celebrate a very special “Oktoberfest,” specially created for AMAWATERWAYS passengers by the town of Vilshofen. Bavarian folk music, song and dance set a lively scene as you gather at long tables to sample Vilshofen’s distinctive local beer and traditional pretzels. Meals B,D

This morning you are free to explore Vilshofen’s beautiful old town before you cruise to Passau, where this afternoon you will have your choice of two different excursions. The first option is to take a walking tour through this 2,000-year-old fairy tale city, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture. Walk the cobblestone streets of the Old Town where you will see the city fortifications and St. Stephan’s Cathedral, which is home to the largest cathedral organ in the world; after your city tour enjoy a wine tasting in town. As an alternative, experience this majestic city on a guided bike tour along the Inn River to Weinstein (capacity controlled). Meals B,L,D

This morning, enjoy a wine lecture as the ship cruises through the Strudengau region of the Danube to Linz, the third largest city in Austria. Your Linz walking tour guides you along the Landstrasse, to the city’s Main Square where you will see St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Marian Column, the Landes Theatre and St. Martin’s Church, the oldest church in Austria. Return to the ship for brunch. This afternoon you have the choice of three different excursions. The first option is a visit to the scenic “Salzkammergut” region, the Austrian Lake District, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the historic town of Gmunden, on the shore of Lake Traunsee. The second option is to join an excursion to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov. This is a wonderfully preserved medieval town, nestled in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border. The third choice is an excursion to Salzburg, where you will take a walking tour of the historic center, famous as the setting for the “Sound of Music” and as the birthplace of Mozart. Enjoy free time on your own, before returning to the ship. This evening, enjoy an Austrian dinner on board paired with specially-selected wines. Meals B,L,D

Enjoy a scenic morning cruise plus a wine lecture about the Wachau Valley, Austria’s most important wine region, as your ship cruises to Melk, home of the famous Benedictine Abbey. A guided tour will take you to Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest Baroque monasteries and after your tour enjoy a wine tasting. From here, continue cruising to Krems, through the beautiful Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of incomparable beauty, historic and agricultural significance. There is evidence of settlements in the valley that date back to prehistoric times; and viticulture along the Wachau’s green sloping hillsides has been established since the Middle Ages. This evening, join the Captain for a gala dinner. Meals B,L,D

Today you will have the choice of two excursions. The first is a motor coach ride to Dürnstein, where you will take a walking tour of the town’s medieval cobblestone streets, passing by 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. Marvel at the magnificent blue facade of the Baroque Stiftskirche high above town and the ancient terraced vineyards that surround Dürnstein. As an alternative, enjoy a guided bike tour from Dürnstein to Krems (capacity controlled). This afternoon you will cruise to the city of Krems. Krems offers a rich array of wine-related history, culture and tasting opportunities! The town’s thriving wine culture includes venerable old harvest estates, young wine-growers and co-operatives, a renowned wine school and famous Lower Austria Wine Fair. Tonight, after dinner on board, enjoy wine tasting at a local winery. Enjoy several different wines, presented along with bread, knowledgeable hosts, and plenty of laughter. Meals B,L,D

During your morning city tour of Vienna, you will see the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, and the historic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The afternoon is free to stroll through the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or take an optional tour to the Schönbrunn Palace. An early dinner will be served on board before this evening’s very unique Viennese options: You can either enjoy an evening Mozart or Strauss concert or you can join some of your fellow wine enthusiasts on an excursion to the old wine villages of Grinzing and Neustift on the outskirts of Vienna, also called “Heuriger”. These are charming wine taverns licensed to serve the year’s new wine from the own vineyard. Experience a cozy evening and the Austrian concept of Gemütlichkeit. Musicians will enliven the evening with traditional songs on guitar and accordion. The ship moors in Vienna overnight. Meals B,L,D

This morning, enjoy an onboard wine lecture as you cruise the scenic Danube Bend en route to Budapest. Your sightseeing tour takes you to historic Buda Castle from where you can enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the River. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman’s Bastion, the Royal Palace, St. Stephen’s Basilica, the famous Heroes’ Square and much more. After dinner, the ship will sail a special “Illuminations Cruise” past the illuminated river front of Budapest. Meals B,L,D

Your cruise comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. Meals B