zMelodies of the Danube - Cruise Only

Your luxury Danube river cruising vacation begins as you step aboard our elegant ship and settle in to your spacious outside stateroom. This evening, get to know your fellow travelers at the Welcome Cocktail Reception and Dinner. Meals D

This morning, 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 Danube. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the Royal Palace, historic St. Stephen's Basilica, the impressive Heroes’ Square and more. Your afternoon is at leisure to explore, shop and relax as you wish. Meals B,L,D

Awake this morning here in Bratislava, the handsome and vibrant capital of Slovakia. Step ashore and enjoy the included sightseeing tour of your choice. You can join a guided walking tour of the city’s major sights, including Old Town Hall, the stunning Mirbach Palace and historic St. Martin’s Cathedral. In the alternative, our Communist-Era Tour showcases architectural landmarks such as the Radio Building, Liberty Square and the Soviet War Memorial. You’ll have some free time to explore on your own before your ship sets sail for Vienna. After dinner, you can join an optional concert excursion featuring the music of Mozart and Strauss. It’s a delightful opportunity to enjoy outstanding music in one of Vienna’s famed concert venues. Meals B,L,D

Savor the Baroque elegance of romantic Vienna during this morning’s city tour, which will include the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse and historic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. After dinner, experience a traditional “Viennese Wine and Music” evening in a wine village near Vienna. Enjoy the year’s newest vintages, surrounded by music and hospitality. Meals B,L,D

Step ashore in Dürnstein this morning for a walking tour along the town’s medieval cobblestone streets. Marvel at its splendidly preserved 16th-century town houses and inviting wine taverns, and admire the magnificent Baroque façade of the Stiftskirche. Your tour will also include a wine tasting at a local vintner, where you will enjoy several different wines, presented along with savory fresh-baked bread, knowledgeable hosts, and plenty of laughter. As an alternative, you might choose to explore the majestic Wachau Valley on a guided bike tour from Dürnstein to Melk (capacity controlled). The ship arrives in Melk this afternoon, where you will tour the spectacular Melk Abbey, one of Europe’s largest Baroque monasteries. The ship moors overnight in Melk. Meals B,L,D

This morning the ship arrives in Linz, the second largest city in Austria. Your 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. Following lunch onboard, you’ll be able to choose your afternoon excursion from among three delightful offerings: The first option is a visit to the scenic “Salzkammergut” region, the Austrian Lake District, including the historic town of Gmunden, set on the shores of beautiful Lake Traunsee. The second option is an excursion to Cesky Krumlov, a wonderfully preserved medieval town, nestled in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border. The third choice is an excursion to Salzburg, famous as the birthplace of Amadeus Mozart and the setting for the classic film, The Sound of Music. Meals B,L,D

Early this morning, cruise through Upper Austria and into Germany to the town of Passau, situated where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Your guided walking tour takes you on an exploration of this fairytale city founded more than 2,000 years ago. Highlights here in Passau include the city’s ancient defensive walls and historic St. Stephan’s Cathedral, home to the largest cathedral organ in the world. As an alternative, explore the city on a guided bike tour (capacity controlled). This afternoon, the ship cruises to Vilshofen, a charming 1,200-year-old Bavarian town. Go ashore here to enjoy “Oktoberfest in Vilshofen.” Relax at traditional communal-style tables and enjoy convivial camaraderie, local food and fine regional beer accompanied by Bavarian folk music, song and dance. Meals B,L,D

Your cruise vacation comes to an end this morning when you disembark here in Vilshofen following breakfast. Meals B