Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Budapest, Hungary. Upon arrival in Budapest, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the ship. Relax as you become acquainted with the amenities of your home for the next seven nights. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner onboard, complete with views of the city glittering under the night sky. Meal: D Freechoice: Discover the two distinct sides of this Hungarian capital—the cobbled hills of Buda and the grand boulevards of Pest, linked by eight stately bridges that span the Danube. Climb historic Castle Hill to see the Royal Palace and see Matthias Church, the stunning setting for the coronations and weddings of the Habsburg royalty. Alternatively, explore Budapest through the lens of its Jewish history; hike the Buda Hills that rise beyond the city center. OR venture to the charming riverfront town of Szentendre, home to a thriving artist colony. Meals: B, L, D Cruise the Danube toward Vienna, tracing the border of Hungary and Slovakia before crossing into Austria. Relax in the lounge as views of colorful waterfront towns and hilltop fortifications pass you by. This evening the ship arrives in Vienna. Enrich: enjoy a private concert in the gilded halls of the Palais Liechtenstein, featuring the music of celebrated Austrian composers Strauss and Mozart. Meals: B, L, D Freechoice: Choose from among several excursions today. Stay in Vienna to visit Schönbrunn Palace, the baroque summer residence of the imperial family. OR opt to peruse the galleries of the Belvedere Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings, including “The Kiss.” Alternatively, visit Bratislava for a guided tour through the cobbled streets of the old town. Venture into St. Martin’s Cathedral, a massive Gothic structure built in the 13th century on the site of a Romanesque church, and see the simple Church of the Poor Clares. Meals: B, L, D Glide into Austria’s lush Wachau Valley with a morning arrival in Dürnstein. Enjoy free time to explore this charming village on your own, or a Freechoice activity of hiking to the hilltop ruins of a medieval castle before the ship continues to Melk. As another Freechoice activity, you may choose to cycle along the Danube from Dürnstein to Melk. Upon arrival in Melk, there is a choice of two Freechoice activities: join a tour of its Benedictine Abbey, one of the world’s most magnificent baroque buildings OR visit a local winery for a guided tour of the cellars and vines, followed by a tasting of the region’s celebrated Gürner Veltliners and Rieslings. Sundowners: this evening, sip sundowners in a beautiful location in the Wachau Valley. Meals: B, L, D Freechoice: Today, choose between excursions to two World Heritage sites. Explore Salzburg, strolling the storybook streets of the Old Town and visiting the Schloss Mirabell and its stunning manicured gardens. OR head to the Czech town of Ceský Krumlov— a labyrinth of cobblestoned streets with medieval, baroque, and Renaissance houses, lively cafés, and hidden squares. Alternatively, venture to the historic salt mines outside of Salzburg and learn about the life and work of the miners. Meals: B, L, D Freechoice: Set at the confluence of the Danube, Naab, and Regen Rivers, Regensburg once served as a free imperial city of the Holy Roman Empire. On a guided visit, see the town’s splendid Gothic cathedral, 12th-century stone bridge, and the Porta Praetoria- the ancient Roman city gate. Alternatively, tour the historic Kuchlbauer Brewery and its whimsical tower—a tribute to modern art. OR take a local ferry across the Danube Gorge to Weltenburg Abbey, home to the world’s oldest monastic brewery. Explore the abbey, then head to the courtyard and sip on a pint of their popular Weltenburger Kloster Barock Dunkel. Meals: B, L, D Explore this fascinating and ancient Bavarian city, dating back to the 11th century, on an orientation tour with your local expert guide. Learn about the infamous history Nuremberg is renowned for, and discover some of the important sights that shaped modern history, before journeying by coach to Prague, one of the truly magical cities of Europe. Complete your journey with a three night stay at one of our luxurious city center hotels. Meal: B This morning, join your local guide on a fascinating walk through the city and view the famous Astronomical Clock in the heart of Old Town Square. Afterwards you might wish to venture across the world-famous Charles Bridge. This incredibly beautiful structure was commissioned in 1357 by Charles IV after the Judith Bridge was destroyed by floods. Meal: B Discover this magnificent city at your leisure. Situated on the bank of the River Vltava in central Bohemia, the beautiful city of Prague is rich in history and home to some of the world’s most striking architectural wonders. There’s no need to fret or plan ahead – your Tour Director is on hand to take care of everything. Meal: B Bid a fond farewell to Europe as you transfer to the airport and return home with wonderful memories of life enriching experiences from your cruise along the Danube River. Meal: B