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Day 1, Arrive Paris, Wednesday (D)
Upon arrival to the beautiful city of Paris, also known as the “City of Light”, transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or begin exploring on own.
Tonight, meet your fellow travelers and your Tour Director for a Welcome Dinner.

Day 2, Paris, Thursday (B)
On a morning sightseeing tour of Paris view all major city’s landmarks: Arc de Triomphe, Trocadero, Eiffel Tower, Invalides, Champs Elysees, Place de la Concorde, Latin Quarter, Pantheon, and the Paris Opera.
The afternoon is at leisure to discover more of Paris at your own pace or perhaps join an optional excursion to Versailles.

Day 3, Paris to Epernay and Nancy, Friday (B)
Today we drive to the Champagne region and first stop in Reims. City tour includes visit of the famous Cathedral where 25 Kings of France have been crowned; views of St. Remy’s Basilica; the Royal Square, and the March Gate. Continue on the Champagne route via Hautvilileers, and the Abbey where Dom Perignon first created champagne, to Epernay and its prestigious Champagne Avenue where all the big names of Champagne have a boutique. Visit a champagne cellar for tasting, before we proceed to Nancy for overnight.

Day 4, Nancy to Strasbourg and Karlsruhe, Saturday (B, D)
This morning we first visit Strasbourg the capital of Alsace region and the seat of several European institutions. Visit the “Petit France” with its halftimbered houses, medieval bridges and canals; the historic center named “La Grande Ile”, classified World Heritage site by Unesco; as well as the Gothic Cathedral, where you will be able to see change of time on the historical Astronomic clock. In the afternoon we cross the border to Germany. City tour of Karlsruhe, featuring city garden, Ettlinger Tor, Baden State Theatre, Marktplatz and the Palace.
Tonight, enjoy dinner at local restaurant. Overnight.

Day 5, Karlsruhe to Rothenburg and Regensburg, Sunday (B, D)
After breakfast, we continue our journey to charming city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. With its spending location and charming medieval atmosphere, hardly any other town is able to captivate its visitors in quite the same way as Rothenburg. A walk through town is an unforgettable encounter with bygone centuries. Some time at leisure, before we proceed to Regensburg to board the ship for a week of sailing. Embarkation begins at 3 pm. After arrival formalities, time to relax on board. Tonight, a gala Welcome Dinner sets the mood for your delightful river cruise.

Day 6, Regensburg city tour, Monday (B, L, D)
This morning, explore Regensburg, one of Germany’s largest and best preserved medieval cities, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The guided walking tour highlights the city’s stunning architecture as we view the Old Town Hall, Dom St. Peter and the Porta Pretoria, gateway to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest stone bridges crossing the Danube. Return to the boat for lunch or spend the afternoon at leisure discovering the delights of Regensburg on your own.
At 3:00 pm, the ship will set sail for Passau.

Day 7, Morning in Passau, Tuesday (B, L, D)
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 independently 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 Mirabella 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 on the boat, continue sailing during lunch and relax on board this afternoon. Early evening, all passengers will rejoin the ship and continue sailing for Melk.

Day 8, Melk Abbey, Wednesday (B, L, D)
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 on the way to Vienna, the Imperial city legendary for its opulence and elegance. Tonight, perhaps take the opportunity to attend an evening of Viennese culture in the “City of Music” at an optional concert performance of the classical masterpieces of Mozart and Strauss, two of Vienna’s most famous citizens.

Day 9, Vienna city tour, Thursday (B, L, D)
This sparkling city on the Danube has captivated travelers for years with its elegant shops, world-class museums, and beautiful gardens. Drive along the famed Ringstrasse, Vienna’s main boulevard lined with with magnificent Baroque palaces, parks and monuments. View the lavish Hofburg Palace, and the impressive Vienna Opera House. Continue to majestic St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Parliament building. Enjoy the afternoon at a café sampling the famous Viennese Sacher Torte, or, join the optional afternoon tour to the Imperial Schonbrunn Palace, once summer residence of the Hapsburgs. Visit the opulent baroque apartments and stroll through the world-famous manicured gardens. Set sail for Budapest this evening.

Day 10, Bratislava city tour, Friday (B, L, D)
This morning, enjoy the tranquil scenery as the boat sails along the scenic Danube. At noon, 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 we sail for stunning Budapest.

Day 11, Budapest city tour, Saturday (B, L, D)
Your morning tour begins on the Pest side of the river; view the Parliament, City Park and Heroes Square. Cross to Buda to see the Royal Palace, Matthias Church and the graceful medieval architecture along the cobbled streets. Explore the city’s wonderful shops and cafes this afternoon on your own. Tonight, enjoy a lavish Captain’s Dinner on board.

Day 12, Depart Budapest Hungary, Sunday (B)
This morning, disembark and transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Disembarkation will end at 9:30 am. (B)