Start your European adventure with two nights in Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, then sail along the Danube River, and end in Hungary’s vibrant capital of Budapest. As this is a cruise with a wine theme, a Master of Wine accompanies you and will share his expertise at lectures and wine tastings!In Prague, guided sightseeing shows you the city’s best-known treasures and an excursion takes you to Mĕlník to visit the wine cellars of the Lobkowicz family. Then drive to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. Lovers of architecture will delight in the treasures this town has to offer. Enjoy a tasting of local sausages before heading to Deggendorf, where your river cruise journey begins. Passau, the “City of Three Rivers” lies at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers. Walk the city with a Local Guide and admire the patrician houses and baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In Linz, Austria, walk around the Hauptplatz, Austria’s largest medieval square which forms the center of the city and prepare your taste buds for an exclusive onboard food and wine-pairing dinner hosted by your Master of Wine. Enjoy the magnificent views as you cruise through the picturesque wine region of Wachau Valley. Stop in Melk to visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey; and in Dürnstein, you may wish to join an interactive wine experience and tasting. Vienna, the “City of Music,” makes an immediate impression with its lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace and neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House. Enjoy a guided tour of this magical city and then take time to explore on your own. In Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital, a guided walk takes you through the delightful Old Town and a visit to gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral.Lastly, a local expert shows you the must-see sights of Budapest, then takes you to visit wine cellars right in the heart of the city! A perfect ending to this timeless European river cruise.
City Highlights
Day 1 Prague: welcome to PragueDay 2 Prague: guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit Hradčany Castle grounds, excursion to MelnikDay 3 Prague–Regensburg, Germany–Deggendorf (Embarkation): travel by motorcoach to Regensburg, guided sightseeing; special treat; transfer to Deggendorf; onboard welcome receptionDay 4 Passau: guided walk, onboard wine tasting and lecture by our Master of WineDay 5 Linz Austria: guided sightseeing, onboard Food and Wine pairing dinner Day 6 Melk–Dürnstein: guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk; cruise through the Wachau Valley; choice between guided walk in Dürnstein or an interactive wine experience. Day 7 Vienna: guided sightseeingDay 8 Bratislava: guided sightseeing, visit St. Martin’s CathedralDay 9 Budapest: guided sightseeing, see Fishermen’s Bastion and Heroes’ Square, visit a wine cellar and enjoy wine tastingDay 10 Budapest (Disembarkation): your vacation ends this morning
Notes
In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); the responsibility for obtaining a visa rests with the traveler.
PRODUCT_LINE: AVALON-WDB-T2-2018