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 Passau
Fly into Munich. We meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship* docked in Passau, a quaint town located at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube Rivers. After boarding, use free time to explore-or join our "welcome walk" to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. (D)

Day 2 Scenic Danube Cruising
Today, enjoy a full day of cruising along the scenic stretch of the Danube between Passau and Linz-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. 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. Meet up with your ship in Linz, where you remain docked overnight. Walk through the Hauptplatz, a large square surrounded by beautiful baroque buildings-as always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. (B, L, D)

Day 3 Linz & Salzburg
Today's activity is a full-day tour to Salzburg, a beautiful small city famous as the location for the film, The Sound of Music. Ride through Austria's scenic countryside to the town, 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, then return to your ship for dinner and a late departure. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Melk & Durnstein
Arrive during breakfast then go by coach to the glorious golden abbey overlooking the town. Tour inside and outside this 900-year-old Benedictine monastery and marvel at its lavish baroque interior. Eat lunch while cruising and arrive this afternoon 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. Cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Vienna
Awake in Vienna; after breakfast see this "City of Waltzes" on a half-day tour that takes you 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 classical concert. 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 6 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 and catch great panoramic views from Fishermen's Bastion. Take some free time to further explore Budapest. You might visit Gellert Spa or stroll through the city's Christmas market with its unique Hungarian flair. Enjoy a traditional Hungarian dinner and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Bratislava
Cruise through lunch to arrive in Bratislava for a walking tour of 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 for further exploration, or visiting the festive Christmas market. Dinner aboard during departure. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Vienna
After breakfast, disembark and we take you to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your journey with 3 nights in another country-Prague, in the Czech Republic. You stay within walking distance of Old Town and have time to explore this "City of a Hundred Spires". (B)