Danube in Depth with Prague

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Prague, Czech Republic.

Welcome to Prague, one of Europe’s best-preserved and most beautiful cities, with a rich and fascinating history stretching back more than 1,000 years. The Vltava River, the longest in the Czech Republic, runs through the center of Prague with the historic Old Town on one bank and New Town on the other.

You’ll take a guided tour this morning, led by an expert local guide who will reveal the city’s secrets in all their Gothic glory. The red-roofed Old Town is a charming maze of cobblestone laneways, medieval buildings, bustling squares and elaborate statues. It’s compact and almost completely flat, making it perfect for exploring on foot. Don’t miss the Old Town Hall where you can hear the 14th-century Astronomical Clock chime, accompanied by a procession of the 12 Apostles. The rest of the day is at leisure. Meal: B

You have the morning at leisure to explore this fascinating city. Take a stroll along the Charles Bridge without the crowds or visit one of the many cafes around the picturesque Old Town. This afternoon, you’ll have three Freechoice excursions to choose from. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore and enjoy your final night in Prague. Freechoice: Communist Walk of Prague, OR Prague Castle Tour, OR Terezin Memorial. Meal: B

Journey by coach to the fascinating Bavarian city of Nuremberg, which dates back to the 11th century. Your cruise begins here and you’ll get to toast the occasion at this evening’s welcome reception. Meals: B, D

Behind its enchanting façade, Nuremberg also has a turbulent history. Your Scenic Space-Ship will set sail this afternoon towards the city of Regensburg. Relax in your suite, many of which have a window that converts into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you uninterrupted views to watch a rolling tapestry of river life as you cruise the waterway. Learn about the true engineering wonders of water locks and the skills of our Captain taking you through them. Freechoice: Walking tour of the Old Town, OR The Trials and Tribulations of WWII, OR Rock-cut cellars and beer tasting. Meals: B, L, D

This morning will be spent on board your 5-star Scenic Space-Ship. Wake up to a pre-ordered coffee delivered by your personal butler and enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Crystal Dining. Boasting a staggering 2000-year history, Regensburg has one of Germany’s best preserved medieval town centers, with more than 900 of its Romanesque and Gothic buildings UNESCO World Heritage listed. Freechoice: Walking tour of Regensberg, OR Traditional Sausage-Making Workshop, OR Bavarian beer tasting. Meals: B, L, D

Set on the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, Passau has been an important trading city since medieval times, particularly for salt, commonly known as ‘white gold’. Each river is distinct in color and some days you can clearly see the green, blue and black hues where the waters meet. At the center of the Baroque city, the 13th century Italianate Old Town is packed with tight laneways tunnels and archways, including an ‘Artist’s mile’ where old buildings are occupied by artist studios, workshops and galleries. Your Scenic Space-Ship departs late this evening, an excellent opportunity to explore the city at your own pace this afternoon and see it by night. Freechoice: Highlights of Passau walking tour, OR Paddling on the River Inn, OR Cross border cycling, OR Passau Photography safari. Meals: B, L, D

Wake up in Austria this morning, where your Space-Ship will dock in the heart of Linz. This city is known for its vibrant music and arts scene and beautiful blend of traditional and contemporary architecture and lifestyle. The city’s quaint old town and Main Square are resplendent in Baroque architecture, while its harbor doubles as an outdoor street art gallery. This afternoon and evening are at leisure. If you’re feeling adventurous, strap on your walking shoes to hike to Postlingberg Church, perched high above the city. Freechoice: Explore Linz by foot, OR, Full day excursion to Cesky Krumlov, OR, Mauthausen WWII Concentration Camp, OR Linzer Torte Baking Class. Meals: B, L, D

Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock this morning in the small and picturesque town of Durnstein, located in Austria’s scenic Wachau Valley. Surrounded by vineyards, the town has historical buildings that date back to the 12th century, including the hilltop ruins of Dürnstein Castle where Richard the Lionheart was famously imprisoned between 1192 and 1193. Enjoy some free time to explore the charming town at your leisure before we set sail to Krems. Freechoice: Göttweig Abbey, OR Wachau Valley wine tasting, OR E-biking from Dürnstein to Krems. Meals: B, L, D

We arrive early in Vienna this morning, Austria’s imperial capital, where you will embark on an excursion of your choice. Also known as the City of Music, Vienna fostered the musical geniuses Mozart and Beethoven, among others. This afternoon is free to wander around Vienna, so perhaps join one of the provided shuttles to the city center or simply relax on board your Scenic Space-Ship. This evening, join an unforgettable Scenic Enrich experience. Freechoice: Schönbrunn Palace & Panoramic Vienna, OR Viennese Wine Stories, OR Cycle to Klosterneuburg Monastery, OR Belvedere Museum, OR Central Vienna. Meals: B, L, D

Scenic Enrich: Classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein

As we progress down the beautiful Danube, spend the morning on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship as we cruise towards the Slovakian capital, Bratislava. Sit on the Sun Deck with a coffee in hand and enjoy the scenery of riverside villages or take the opportunity to visit the wellness center for a soothing massage. Slovakia’s capital since independence in 1993, Bratislava is a modern multicultural metropolis with an intriguing history. Its Old Town is glorious in medieval and Gothic architecture and its well-preserved hilltop castle, which has history dating back to the 9th century, still dominates the town. These charming historic sites contrast with its brutalist socialist architecture, which is evident around the city. Freechoice: Walking tour of Bratislava, OR Coffee & Cake at Kormuth Bakeri, OR Ancestry of the Kitchen. Meals: B, L, D

This morning, we arrive in Budapest, one of Europe’s most diverse and vibrant cities. After your freechoice excursion, the afternoon is at leisure. Pack your swimsuit and make your way to one of Budapest’s thermal baths for a relaxing soak in the therapeutic waters. Or perhaps set out to explore the Central Market Hall – the largest market in the city, built in neo-gothic style for a combination of shopping and sightseeing. Freechoice: Budapest in Depth, OR Beethoven’s favorite getaway, OR Ancestry of the Kitchen. Meals: B, L, D

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Budapest Airport for your onward or homebound flight, taking a lifetime of wonderful memories with you. Meal: B