Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Munich, Germany, capital of Bavaria. Welcome to Germany! Upon arrival in Munich you will be met at the airport by a representative of Mayflower Cruises and Tours and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day and evening are at leisure to begin exploring and attend the Oktoberfest activities. After breakfast, an included panoramic tour showcases the former Olympic site, Nymphenburg Palace, Maximillianstrasse and the Parliament, the National Theater and Munich’s Residenz.

During a walking tour, stroll through Marienplatz Square and see the famous Glockenspiel. After the tour, the remainder of your time in Munich is at leisure. Meal: B Depart Munich and journey by motorcoach to Passau where your friendly Captain and crew welcome you onboard your luxurious Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore the ship and become acquainted with the onboard amenities. This evening join your fellow guests for dinner onboard. Meals: B, D Narrow cobblestone streets welcome you to Passau, a town nestled on the confluence of three of Europe’s main waterways. This important historic trading center borders Austria and Croatia, and a distinctive blend of cultures can be found here. Your local guide will take you on a walking tour of the town, touching on its distinctive historic buildings.

See the Baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral with its ornate columns and arches and the Altes Rathaus, or Town Hall, a collection of eight historic patrician houses built between the 14th and 15th centuries. Alternatively, if you are feeling more active, participate in a guided hike to Veste Oberhaus. Meals: B, L, D Today’s adventure takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Ceský Krumlov. With its 13th-century castle, meandering river, and a maze of quaint alleyways, this town has one of the best- preserved centers in Europe.

Join your local guide to traverse a labyrinth of winding cobblestone lanes as you experience the charming atmosphere of Ceský Krumlov’s medieval buildings and iconic castle complex. During the excursion, visit the 15th-century St. VItus’ Church, a highlight of the town. Meals: B, D Relax as you cruise down the Danube River early this morning, passing delightful apricot orchards and beautiful terraced vineyards that produce some of the world’s best wine, before arriving in Melk. Enjoy an included tour of Melk Abbey, originally a lavish castle that was gifted to Benedictine monks during the 11th century.

This opulent Baroque building features ornate gold leaf walls, seemingly endless spiral staircases and is home to some of the most important collections of medieval manuscripts in the world. After the tour, sail through the idyllic Wachau Valley, passing medieval villages, vineyards and areas of natural beauty. Upon arrival in Dürnstein, you can choose time at leisure to wander through this enchanting village, or hike to the ruins of Dürnstein Castle where Richard the Lionheart was held prisoner. Alternatively, for a different perspective, stay in Melk and join a guided bike ride from Melk to Dürnstein. Meals: B, L, D Welcome to Vienna, Austria’s capital and the capital of classical music. The city perfectly encapsulates the opulence of the Habsburg Monarchy and their ornate Baroque palaces. On the included city tour, see monuments and grand buildings as the coach drives along the famous Ringstrasse. During the walking tour, stroll with your guide through the city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Marvel at the classic architectural styles of the buildings, see St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Palace, right in the middle of the city center. If you are feeling more active, opt to explore on two wheels, cycling along the river to experience the city by bike. Meals: B, L, D Today you sail into the capital of Slovakia. This graceful nation became an independent country in 1993, and since then, Bratislava has flourished as a new capital and made a name for itself as a cultural center. The romantic cobblestone lanes that weave through the city are explored with your local guide as you enjoy a walking tour of the ancient town center. See the Slovak National Theatre and a range of Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings.

Alternatively, embark on a guided hike to Bratislava Castle, a landmark steeped in legends that looks as though it came from the pages of a fairytale book. Meals: B, L, D Welcome to the “Pearl of the Danube”. Explore Budapest’s cobbled medieval quarter as you embark on a coach tour through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city center. Your guide will highlight a number of architectural wonders from across the ages, enabling you to follow a journey from Budapest’s Roman beginnings to the addition of ornate Romanesque and Baroque architecture in the centuries that followed.

If you are feeling more active, you may instead choose to hike to Buda Hill. The surrounding area has been rebuilt several times, most recently following the air raids of WWII. Some 18th-century Baroque houses still stand, best explored by foot along the medieval paths and alleyways in the area around Buda Castle. This evening, join your fellow guests for a folklore performance onboard and a traditional Hungarian dinner. Relax on the Sun Deck and enjoy the fabulous view of the city, aglow in nighttime splendor. Meals: B, L, D Bid a fond farewell to Europe and return home with wonderful memories of life enriching experiences from your cruise along the Danube River. Meal: B