Celebrate a variety of Central European countries in just 8 days, and mingle with locals as they prepare for the holidays during this refreshing cruise along the storied Danube. Get a taste of Germany in beautiful Passau. Cruise through Austria, stopping in riverside towns along the way, and enjoy a full-day excursion to picture-perfect Salzburg. Experience the Old World capitals of Budapest, Hungary and Bratislava, Slovakia. In just over a week you will gain immense perspective on the highlights of this region.

Day 1 Vienna
Arrive in Vienna. We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship.* After boarding, take free time to explore the city on your own-or join our "welcome walk" to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. (D)

Day 2 Vienna
After breakfast, take a half-day tour of this "City of Waltzes." Ride past the elegant Opera House, Parliament Building, Hofburg Palace and the Ringstrasse. Then stop at St. Stephan's Cathedral and enjoy free time at the Stephansplatz. After lunch aboard, spend some time shopping along the Kartnerstrasse or strolling the world-famous Christmas market.+ Tonight, you may opt to see a concert of classical music by Mozart and Strauss. Depart late. (B, L, D)

+IMPORTANT NOTE: Christmas markets are seasonal and scheduled to be open from the last week of November through December 23. In lieu of Christmas market shopping, enjoy time at leisure for additional exploration.

Day 3 Budapest
Spend the morning cruising the scenic Danube, arriving in Budapest after lunch. Embark on a city tour in Hungary's vibrant capital, exploring both parts of the city, traditional "Buda" and modern "Pest." Begin on the Pest side where you see the National Opera House and Heroes' Square. Then, cross over to Buda to see Matthias Church, catch great panoramic views from Fishermen's Bastion, and explore further on your own-as always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. You might visit Gellert Spa or stroll through the city's Christmas market with its unique Hungarian flair. Later, enjoy a traditional Hungarian dinner and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Bratislava
Cruise through lunch to arrive in Bratislava for a walking tour through this elegant capital city. During your tour, encounter beautiful baroque architecture from the Habsburg Dynasty as well as Trinity Church. See Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral and medieval Michael's Tower. Free time allows you to further explore or visit the festive Christmas market. Dinner aboard coincides with your departure. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Durnstein & Melk
Arrive during breakfast in Durnstein, home to Kuenringer Castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1193. You are treated to a special organ concert followed by free time to sample some local vintages from this famous wine-producing region. Eat lunch as you cruise and arrive midafternoon in Melk. Travel by coach to the glorious golden abbey overlooking the town; tour inside and outside this 900-year-old Benedictine abbey, marveling at its lavish baroque interior. Dine aboard and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Linz & Salzburg
Today's activity is a full-day tour to Salzburg, a beautiful city famous as the location for the film, The Sound of Music. Ride through Austria's scenic countryside to the city whose Old Town area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; take a walking tour to see the home and birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the Hohensalzburg Fortress dominating the Old Town. Enjoy some free time to roam Salzburg's cobbled streets, and then return to your ship for dinner and a late departure. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Scenic Danube Cruising
Today, enjoy a full day of cruising along the scenic stretch of the Danube between Linz and Passau-pass by picturesque palaces and castle ruins and go through the famous Schlogener Schlinge. Or, take an optional full-day excursion to Cesky Krumlov, a small town in the southeastern Czech Republic and one of Europe's best-preserved cities. Take a guided walk through the historic Old Town, known for its fine architecture, and see Krumlov Castle, the Czech Republic's second-largest castle complex. After lunch in a local restaurant, you have free time to explore on your own-go shopping or sample some local beer. Journey back to your ship in Linz, where you depart in the late afternoon. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Passau
After breakfast, disembark and we will take you to the airport for your return flight.* (B)