EUROPE - River Cruise - Melodies of the Danube

Enjoy the vistas that the Danube has to offer while travelling in luxury. Be sure to talk to Pearl about extending your adventure either before this departure on the back-to-back sailing Gems of Southeast Europe or with a 3 night land stay with a trip to Czech Republic (this is another country...!).

This afternoon join your crew and your Travel Agent sailor Pearl. Explore the ship and its amenities that are yours to enjoy for the next 7 days! Tonight you will be the guest at a Sip & Sail and have an exclusive La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs dining experience arranged for you. This famed Chef’s Table specialty, the only venue of its kind on the rivers, features a multi-course tasting menu, sure to be a highlight of your week on the Danube.

Budapest sits on both sides of the Danube (Buda and Pest) with two different cultures. One day pre-cruise in Budapest isn't enough, so today you have time to explore. Your shore excursions include the opportunity to take a city tour visiting the Great Market Hall, built in 1897, and both sides of the river. You will visit Castle Hill and have sweeping views of the city from this hilltop district of Budapest. For those feeling a little more active, you take a guided hike up to and around the cobblestone streets of Castle Hill.

Today is your day in Slovakia. With a historical past of crowning Hungarian kings and queens while Hungary's Szekesfehérvár was under Ottoman Turk control, this city has much to be explored. The Danube acted as a protected during many era's and now acts as the geographic boundary between Slovakia and Hungary as well as Slovakia and Austria. Explore the history of this city on foot in a guided city tour or perhaps you would like to explore its gastronomy offerings. Both options are available as shore excursions. The active traveller may enjoy a hike to the Bratislava Castle to see views of not only Bratislava, but Austria and on a clear day, back down to Hungary.

As you enter another country you arrive into the grand and musical capital city of Vienna. The city will mesmerize you with a vast selection of museums and galleries that share works of beauty and its baroque architecture. Many composers have called Vienna home and their stories are shared throughout the city. Your shore excursions in Vienna include a guided city tour either on foot or by bike. You also have some free time here to experience that part of Vienna's talents inspire you the most.

The small village of Weissenkirchen is where we anchor for your exploration of the nearby charming villages of Durnstein and Melk. It also acts as your gateway to the beautiful Wachau Valley. Here you must decide if you will visit the little villages of Durnstein and Melk (either on foot, hiking or biking...like we said exploration for everyone at every activity level!) or travel a little further afield to taste the wines produced in the Wachau Valley. The famous wine varietals of Reisling and Gruner Veltliner are produced here with the later being your sailing hosts, Pearl's, favourite!

Later this afternoon we will board the ship for some afternoon cruising and continue our day to Grein. Here we will have an exclusive castle visit with private dinner reception.

The village of Linz sits on the Danube and is your river access point to the grand city of Salzburg. Gaining notoriety from the movie The Sound of Music, Salzburg has beautiful views of the Austrian Alps, plenty of history and classical music that will impress any enthusiast. It also is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site as a result of its baroque influenced narrow streets and broad squares. While visiting take a city tour either on foot or by bike. There is also the opportunity to cross the border into the Czech Republic and visit the South Bohemian Region and village of Český Krumlov.

You have arrived to Germany, but your cruise has not finished! You have a day of sightseeing to experience. This town is known as 'The City of Three Rivers' as the confluence of Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers lies here in lower Bavaria. On your city tour today you will see the Italian baroque inspired skyline and visit the impressive St. Steven's Cathedral with the largest known catholic organ.

This afternoon we will slowly cruise to Vilshofen while enjoying the surrounding landscape and vistas provided only from the unique vantage point the Danube offers. Of course this is paired well with included wines selected for the meal you are being served by your friendly crew members.

Enjoy your final breakfast onboard with your new friends. After your hearty breakfast you will disembark to continue your european journey! you may be staying a few nights here in Vilshofen or continuing on to Prague...talk to Pearl about the post-cruise experience that will enhance your visit to Europe.