Day : 1
Passau, Germany (Embarkation)
Number of Days : 1
This afternoon board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception this evening. (D)
Day : 2
Passau–Linz, Austria
Number of Days : 1
Passau is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautiful patrician houses. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian baroque architecture, houses one of the world’s largest church organs with 17,774 pipes. Join your Local Guide for a WALKING TOUR through this charming town, and find out much more about the “City of Three Rivers.” (B,L,D)
Day : 3
Linz
Number of Days : 1
Linz is Austria’s third-largest city and an important river port where culture plays a significant role in everyday life. A guided tour of the city shows you the 13th-century Hauptplatz, Austria’s largest medieval square, and the Trinity Column, built in 1723 as thanks for the city escaping the ravages of the plague, war, and fire. Perhaps wander around the old castle grounds and take in the beautiful views of the river, or visit the neo-gothic New Cathedral, Austria’s largest church, with capacity for 20,000 visitors. This afternoon relax on board enjoying the views of the peaceful riverscapes from the comfort of the Sky Deck or join an optional excursion. (B,L,D)
Day : 4
Melk–Dürnstein
Number of Days : 1
A day of charming towns and magical scenery awaits you today! In Melk, you may choose between a GUIDED VISIT of the magnificent 11th-century BENEDICTINE ABBEY, one of Europe’s largest monasteries, or renaissance SCHALLABURG CASTLE. Melk’s abbey towers over the town and its church houses stunning frescoed ceilings and an ornate library with a large collection of medieval manuscripts. Schallaburg Castle was built as a defensive stronghold 900 years ago, but was later redesigned as a magnificent princely home. Next, head into the heart of the Wachau wine region to Dürnstein known for its magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade, - and join a Certified Local Guide for a guided walk. (B,L,D)
Day : 5
Vienna
Number of Days : 1
Wake up this morning in Vienna, known as the “City of Music” and the place that inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria’s magical capital on the blue Danube is a showcase of gilded architecture. This is home to the lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace complex with its Vienna Boy’s Choir and dazzling Lipizzaner stallions; the neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House; and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral—plus, countless other sights you’ll see on your GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR. Stroll through the pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse, and be sure to take a break and enjoy a piece of decadent Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. (B,L,D)
Day : 6
Vienna (Disembarkation)
Number of Days : 1
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
