DAY 3, Thursday - Basel Walking Tour
This morning, take a walking tour of Basel. Begin at the Munster Cathedral, and pass by the Basel Historical Museum, housed in a series of historic buildings. Next, view the City Hall, and stroll along the Munster Pfalz, a scenic lookout, offering panoramic views of the Rhine River. Conclude the tour at the Tinguely Fountain, a whimsical masterpiece created by Swiss artist Jean Tinguely, and witness the fountain's captivating spectacle. Spend the balance of the day at leisure. This evening, join your Tour Manager for an orientation walk around the hotel
Overnight: Basel
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3, Thursday - Basel Walking Tour
Depart Basel, and travel to the city of Lucerne, situated on the shores of Lake Lucerne, and surrounded by the majestic Swiss Alps. Arrive, and begin an orientation tour through Lucerne starting at the Lion Monument. View the 14th century medieval Chapel Bridge forming the centerpiece of Lucerne's townscape, and the covered Spreuer Bridge with its macabre paintings of skeletons, and reapers, depicting the "Dance of Death." Remainder of the day is at leisure. Perhaps join the optional tour to Mount Pilatus. Board a cogwheel railway* which takes you to the summit of Mount Pilatus at nearly 7,000 feet. Later, descend by aerial cableway. Drive back to Basel, and arrive at the hotel late afternoon
*From November to May and in the event of adverse weather, the cogwheel will be replaced by the aerial cable car.
Optional: Mount Pilatus Tour
Overnight: Basel
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Friday - Explore Lucerne, or Optional Mount Pilatus Tour
Spend the day at leisure to explore Basel at your own pace, or participate in the optional Colmar Tour with Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg. Travel through the Alsatian countryside to Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg, perched atop a rocky outcrop. Tour the castle, and learn about its storied past. Afterward, head to Ribeauville, located on the Wine Route. Free time to discover this delightful town, and for lunch on your own. In the afternoon explore Colmar, nestled in the heart of the Alsace region. Begin the walking tour in the heart of Colmar's Old Town. Stroll along the cobblestone streets, and marvel at the colorful half-timbered houses, and flower-adorned canals. Visit the Unterlinden Museum, showcasing a renowned collection of medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque artworks, including the masterpiece Isenheim Altarpiece by Matthias Grünewald
Optional: Colmar Tour with Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg
Overnight: Basel
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Saturday - Full Day in Basel, or Optional Colmar Tour with Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg
Depart Basel and head to the airport for your flight to Munich. On arrival, transfer to the port in Regensburg. Embarkation begins at 2 PM. After arrival formalities, time to relax on board. Tonight, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy dinner as it sets the mood for your delightful river cruise
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6, Sunday - Flight to Munich, Cruise Embarkation in Regensburg
This morning, explore Regensburg, one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The guided walking tour highlights the city's stunning architecture as you view the Old Town Hall, Dom St. Peter and the Porta Praetoria, gateway to an ancient Roman fort. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest stone bridges crossing the Danube. Return to the ship for lunch or spend the afternoon at leisure discovering the delights of Regensburg on your own. In the afternoon, the ship will set sail for Passau
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7, Monday - Regensburg City Tour
Dock this morning in 2500-year-old Passau, known for its pastel patrician houses, cafes, cobblestone lanes, and riverfront promenade. Passau is a Bavarian town with a mix of Roman, Italian Baroque, and Gothic architecture. Explore Passau on an orientation walk in the morning or join the optional full day tour to picturesque Salzburg*, birthplace of Mozart and setting for The Sound of Music. The walking tour will include some of Salzburg's most historic sites including the Mirabell Palace, the Abbey, Salzburg Cathedral, and St. Peter's Cemetery. After lunch at a local restaurant, there will be time to discover Salzburg on your own before returning to the ship. If you choose to remain onboard the ship, continue sailing during lunch and relax this afternoon. In early evening, all passengers will rejoin the ship and continue sailing for Melk
*Passengers who choose this optional, will not be able to participate in the orientation walk of Passau.
Optional: Tour of Salzburg
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, Tuesday - Morning in Passau
Disembark in Melk this morning for a guided tour of the historic Benedictine Abbey, considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe. View the Abbot's chambers, the Kaiser's walk and the lavish library. Then, return to the ship and continue cruising through the scenic Wachau Valley. This afternoon, arrive in the village of Durnstein, one of the prettiest towns on the Danube. Free time to stroll this quintessential village in the heart of the Wachau wine district. Walk along medieval cobblestone streets revealing 16th century town houses and wine taverns
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9, Wednesday - Melk Abbey
Your morning tour of romantic Vienna introduces you to this imperial city with its legendary opulence and elegance. Drive along the famed Ringstrasse, Vienna's main boulevard lined with magnificent palaces, parks and monuments, as well as the Opera House and the Austrian Parliament. Walk through the lavish Hofburg Palace on the way to St. Stephen's Cathedral. Spend the afternoon at leisure, or, join the optional tour to the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace, once summer residence of the Habsburgs. Visit the gorgeous Baroque apartments and stroll through the world-famous manicured gardens. Tonight, perhaps take the opportunity to attend an evening of Viennese culture in the "City of Music" at an optional recital performance of the classical masterpieces of Mozart and Strauss
Optional: Schonbrunn Palace Tour (PM)
Optional: Classical Viennese Recital (PM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10, Thursday - Vienna City Tour
This morning, enjoy the tranquil scenery as you sail along the scenic Danube. Arrive in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, a mix of modern and Baroque architecture. This capital city is among the youngest in Europe, yet retains a rich history dating back more than 2000 years. Walk along the cobblestone lanes of the historic town center, view St. Martin's Cathedral, coronation site of the kings of Hungary, the 13th century Old Town Hall and the Franciscan Church. Time to explore this colorful city on your own before returning to the ship for dinner as you sail for stunning Budapest
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11, Friday - Bratislava City Tour
Your morning tour begins on the Pest side of the city; view the Parliament, City Park and Heroes Square. Admire the Buda side with beautiful views of the Royal Palace, Matthias Church and the graceful medieval architecture. Explore the city's wonderful shops and cafes this afternoon on your own. Tonight, enjoy your final dinner on board
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12, Saturday - Budapest City Tour
This morning, disembark and transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Disembarkation will end at 9:30 AM
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 13, Sunday - Depart Hungary
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