zThe Legendary Danube - Cruise Only

Your elegant ship awaits you here in Nuremberg, the capital of Franconia... Step aboard and settle in to your beautifully-appointed outside stateroom. Later this evening, gather with your fellow passengers for a memorable Welcome Dinner. Your ship will moor overnight here in Nuremberg. Meals D

Tailor your exploration of Nuremberg to your own personal interests with the included excursion of your choice. Discover the medieval history of Nuremberg and see the storybook 900-year-old ramparts that surround this historic city and the Imperial Castle. Or you can join the “modern tour” and learn about the city’s role in the 20th-century; see the Zeppelin field and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. At lunchtime, return to the ship and cruise the Main Danube Canal to the highest point of your cruise - 1,332 feet above sea level, where you cross Europe's Continental Divide, then start descending through stair-step locks. Meals B,L,D

This morning’s scenic cruising takes you through the final stretch of the Main-Danube Canal to arrive in magnificent Regensburg, one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. A guided tour will show you the city's architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria - gates to an ancient Roman fort which was built in 179 AD. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube. Or, in the alternative, take a tour of the Audi Car Museum or Factory Floor (subject to availability). In the afternoon, you are free to join the optional excursion to beautiful Weltenburg Abbey in the Danube Gorge (seasonal). Meals B,L,D

After breakfast, arrive in picturesque Passau, Germany where the Inn and Ilz Rivers join the Danube. Your city tour takes you on an exploration of this fairy tale locale founded more than 2,000 years ago. Walk the cobblestone streets of Old Town where you’ll see the ancient fortifications and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, home to the largest cathedral organ in the world. Or, substitute the Passau city tour with an optional excursion to Salzburg, birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the setting for “The Sound of Music.” For those staying on board, enjoy a scenic cruise from Passau into Austria and on to Linz. After dinner, take a walk through this delightful town, Austria's third largest city and a major river port. Meals B,L,D

Cruise through the narrow Strudengau and reach the Wachau Valley early this morning. Your guided tour takes you to Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of the largest in Europe. Return to the ship for lunch as you cruise the romantic Wachau Valley. Arrive in Vienna, the "City of Music" before dinner. Explore the magnificent Austrian capital on your own and visit the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or enjoy an optional evening Mozart and Strauss concert. Meals B,L,D

Savor the Baroque elegance of romantic Vienna on a guided city tour which includes the world famous Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, the awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral and more. The tour is followed by free time in the city center to shop for souvenirs or sample some of Vienna’s famous pastries. In the alternative, join an optional tour to the Imperial Schönbrunn Palace, a glorious example of Baroque architecture. Enjoy dinner as you continue your journey and cruise overnight to Budapest, Hungary's vibrant capital. Meals B,L,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 River. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace, St. Stephen's Basilica, the grand Heroes’ Square and more. Tonight enjoy a Gala Farewell Dinner. Afterwards, the ship will sail a special “Illuminations Cruise” past the illuminated river front of Budapest. Meals B,L,D

Your journey comes to an end this morning when you disembark after breakfast. Meals B