zKrakow to Prague along the Danube

Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to the Sheraton Krakow. Our deluxe hotel is a pleasant 10-minute walk to the historic landmarks of Old Town and Market Square. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers and join Sandor Nagy for a festive welcome dinner featuring fine regional cuisine.  Meals D

Revel in the city’s medieval splendor as you explore Wawel Castle and the splendid architectural landmarks of Old Town. Explore Kazimierz, once home to the city’s vibrant Jewish community. The innovative Schindler Factory Museum provides a powerful “you are there” experience of life in the city during the Nazi occupation. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Collegium Maius of Jagiellonian University, founded in the 14th century. Inside this finely preserved late Gothic landmark, you’ll tour a number of splendid assembly halls and chambers and see the famous Jagiellonian Globe; made in France around 1510, it is perhaps the oldest existing globe to show the Americas. Your visit is timed so you can witness the 3:00pm striking of the university’s courtyard clock, an ingenious musical clock that features a parade of wooden figures.  Meals B

This morning you can enjoy more of Krakow’s medieval splendor and captivating charm at your own pace, or you can join an included excursion to Auschwitz - which will be an emotionally powerful experience. In the afternoon, we’ll take everyone to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where, over the course of centuries, miners have carved elaborate chapels and depictions of saints. Of note, the 17th-century Chapel of St. Anthony features beautiful statues with facial expressions softened over time by moisture coming through the mine shaft. The impressive Chapel of the Saint Kinga is like an entire cathedral hewn out of the salt rock. Meals B

An unforgettable day unfolds as we take you across the High Tatras. Towering over Eastern Europe, the tallest range in the Carpathian Mountains offers spectacular vistas of jagged peaks, rolling pine forests, pristine mountain lakes and Alpine meadows. This scenic journey takes you across Slovakia to the Hungarian Plains. Upon arrival in Budapest, you’ll check in to the deluxe Corinthia Hotel, an architectural landmark which has welcomed guests to the heart of the Hungarian capital for more than a century. You evening is at leisure and  Sandor is on hand to provide recommendations and assistance for dining and cultural activities here in his hometown.  Meals B

After breakfast, Sandor will be waiting to show you the sites of the city he loves and knows so well. Your comprehensive tour begins in downtown Pest with the elegant grandeur of Heroes’ Square and the Opera House. Crossing the river into the hills of Pest, explore atop the Fishermen’s Bastion and enjoy fine views of the ornate Hungarian Parliament before visiting the historic Mathias Church, famed for its splendid Gothic flourishes. Join city residents in the Central Market, a paradise for the culinary aficionado, and then head to the pier for your mid-afternoon embarkation. Settle in to your spacious outside stateroom aboard the luxurious AmaDolce and get to know your elegant floating home for the next seven days. This evening, gather with Sandor and your fellow passengers for an elegant dinner accompanied by free-flowing regional wines.  This evening, the AmaDolce will set out on an Illuminations Cruise so you can enjoy the landmarks of Budapest by night.  Meals B+D

Enjoy a leisurely morning of scenic cruising. After lunch onboard, step ashore for a walking tour through the handsome historic district of Bratislava. Your sightseeing here in the Slovakian capital includes the Old Town Hall, the Rococo-style Mirbach Palace and St. Martin’s Cathedral - which served as the coronation church for Hungarian Kings from 1563 until 1830.  Meals B+L+D

This morning’s guided city tour takes you along the majestic Ringstrasse to admire Vienna’s most famous landmarks including the impressive Opera House and historic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In the afternoon, spend your free time strolling along the main shopping street, Kärntnerstrasse, or sampling some of Vienna’s world-famous pastries. Those who wish can join an optional tour to the Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens, the city’s most famous Baroque treasure. Tonight, explore the vibrant Austrian capital on your own or come along for an optional concert featuring the music of Mozart and Strauss. Meals B+L+D

Your Danube voyage continues this morning as you sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Dürnstein, known as one of the prettiest towns along the Danube. During your walking tour, you’ll marvel at the magnificent blue facade of the Baroque Stiftskirche and see the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionhearted, King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. Your guided stroll through medieval cobblestone streets reveals handsome 16th-century town houses and inviting wine taverns where you can sample the valley’s fine vintages. After lunch, enjoy your scenic cruise to Melk where you will tour the magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's largest Baroque monasteries. Another option is a guided bicycle tour from Dürnstein to Melk (capacity controlled).  Meals B+L+D

Upon arrival in Linz, Austria this morning, you’ll be able to choose how this memorable day will unfold for you. The first choice is an optional excursion to Salzburg, where you enjoy a walking tour of the historic center, famous as the setting for the “Sound of Music” and as the birthplace of Mozart. This tour also includes the Mirabelle Gardens, Salzburg Cathedral, Mozart’s Square, and much more. In the alternative, remain on the ship and cruise through scenic Upper Austria to Passau. Located where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube, this 2,000-year-old German city is noted for its Gothic and Baroque architecture. A walking tour of Passau will take you along the cobblestone streets of Old Town to see the city’s ancient fortifications and historic St. Stephan’s Cathedral. Meals B+L+D

After a leisurely morning of scenic cruising, the AmaDolce arrives in Regensburg, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities and recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. After lunch, you’ll step ashore for a guided walking tour of the city’s historic highlights including the Old Town Hall, a 3-section complex dating to the 13th century which now incorporates the Town Hall Tower, Gothic Imperial Chamber and the Baroque Town Hall. You’ll also visit the Porta Praetoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 A.D.  Meals B+L+D

Enjoy a leisurely morning of scenic cruising as your luxury ship crosses the Continental Divide via the Main-Danube Canal and continues through the beautiful Altmühl Valley. In the afternoon, you’ll have a choice of guided tours in Nuremberg, the capital of Franconia. You can explore the medieval history of Nuremberg and see the 900-year-old ramparts that surround this historic city and the imposing walls of the old Imperial Castle that surround Nuremberg’s historic city center. This tour also includes the former home of Albrecht Dürer. Or you can choose to join a fascinating tour centered on the modern role the city played in the 20th century; this tour includes the Zeppelin Field where Hitler held his Nazi rallies as well as the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. The AmaDolce will be docked overnight here in Nuremberg.  Meals B+L+D

After breakfast onboard, you’ll disembark in Nuremberg and travel to Plzen, the birthplace of Pilsner beer, where you’ll enjoy a tour of the local brewery with lunch. You’ll also take a pleasant stroll through Plzen’s handsome town square, laid out 700 years ago and still graced with the colorful Renaissance and Baroque-era buildings. At the Patton Memorial Museum, you’ll learn much about the final combat operations of World War II and the advancement of the US Army into the former Czechoslovakia.

Continue to Prague and check in to the outstanding Aria Hotel. With only 51 stylish guestrooms, each inspired by a European artist or composer, our luxury boutique hotel is surrounded by the ancient Burgher homes and atmospheric side streets of Malá Strana, the historic district clustered around the foothills below Prague Castle. The evening is at leisure so you can step out to enjoy the ambience and fine dining opportunities of this historic quarter. Of course, our local staff is on hand to assist with recommendations and reservations.  Meals B+L

Goethe declared Prague to be the jewel in the crown of the world and this morning’s expertly guided sightseeing tour reveals the city’s celebrated grandeur. You’ll ascend to the Castle District, home to the Strahov Library and its amazing collection of medieval manuscripts and prints. Strolling through the Castle’s inviting Southern Gardens, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of Prague’s Old Town as you learn more about the fascinating history and cultural traditions of Bohemia. You’ll continue through the historic and picturesque Lesser Town which clusters in the foothills below the Castle and then make your way across the oft-photographed Charles Bridge, constructed in the 14th-century and lined with 30 impressive statues that were carved between 1683 and 1928. Your guided sightseeing tour ends in Old Town Square surrounded by the glorious facades of Baroque and Renaissance buildings and dominated by the twin 16th-century spires that crown the Tyn Church. Your afternoon is free to enjoy more of Prague on your own. Sandor and our Prague-based service team are available to assist with dining recommendations and reservations for dance, music or theater.  Meals B

Today you’ll visit the most glorious castle in all of Bohemia! The day begins with a scenic drive into the countryside outside of Prague. Your destination is Melnik, a delightful town which sits at the confluence of the Elbe and Vltava Rivers. Dominating this picturesque spot is the historic Castle Melnik, still owned by the Lobkowicz family. Dating back to the Renaissance, this hilltop chateau was the home for 23 Czech queens and princesses, and is highly regarded today for its authentic period furnishings and outstanding collection of 17th-century European maps.

Enjoy a private tour of the chateau’s 14th-century wine cellars and a tasting of local vintages. Then sit down to lunch here in the castle; accompanied by fine local wine and beer, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal overlooking the Elbe and Vltava Rivers and surrounding vineyards. Return to Prague where the balance of your afternoon will be free to enjoy as you wish. This evening, join your fellow travelers and Sandor for a festive farewell dinner at Konirna. Under the direction of award-winning chef Martin Slezák, this welcoming restaurant on historic Maltézské Square is renowned for its fine presentation of traditional Czech cuisine.  Meals B+L+D

You’ll be escorted to the airport for your homeward journey.  Meals B