DAY 1 Depart the USA: Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Munich, Germany.

DAY 2 Munich, Germany: Welcome to Germany! Upon arrival you will be met at the airport by a representative of Mayflower Cruises and Tours and transferred to your hotel in Munich. The day is at leisure to begin discovering your new surroundings.

DAY 3 Munich: After breakfast a city tour showcases the highlights of Munich. See 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. Later today, enjoy the festive atmosphere of Oktoberfest with an included entrance to a beer tent at the fairground. Of course a sampling of the local beer and culinary delights will be served while partaking in the merriment of the live music and fun in the tent. Meals: B; L at Oktoberfest

DAY 4 Munich – Passau: Depart Munich and journey by motorcoach to Passau, Germany, 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

DAY 5 Passau: Narrow cobblestone streets welcome you to Passau, a town nestled on the confluence of three of Europe’s main waterways. On today’s excursion, venture out to a local farm to gain a fascinating insight into the life of local Bavarian farmers. Meet with the farmers and sample some of their homemade specialties. Alternatively, if you are feeling more active, participate in a guided hike to Veste Oberhaus where you can catch a site of the Mariahilf and St. Severin, an ancient church dating back to the Ottonian dynasty. Meals: B, L, D

• EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike to Veste Oberhaus (instead of included tour)
• DiscoverMORE: Bavaria Live (additional expense)
• EmeraldPLUS: Bavarian Countryside Experience (instead of EmeraldACTIVE)

DAY 6 Linz, Austria / Ceský Krumlov, Czech Republic: Today’s adventure takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Ceský Krumlov. With its 13th-century castle, meandering river, Visit the village of Weisenkirchen located in the Wachau Wine Region and a maze of quaint alleyways, this town has one of the bestpreserved 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, the iconic castle complex and 15th-century St Vitus’ church, a highlight of the town. Alternatively, choose the DiscoverMORE option to visit Salzburg, Austria. Meals: B, D

• EmeraldPLUS: A guided walking tour of Ceský Krumlov
• DiscoverMORE*: Full day tour to Salzburg (additional expense)
• DiscoverMORE*: Linz walking tour and Linzer Torte tasting (additional expense)

* both DiscoverMORES and the included tour operate simultaneously; only one can be selected

DAY 7 Melk – Weissenkirchen: Relax as you cruise along the Danube River early this morning, enroute to Melk. Enjoy an included tour of Melk Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 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, terraced vineyards and areas of natural beauty. Upon arrival in Weissenkirchen, you have the opportunity to join a hike. Alternatively, stay in Melk and cycle to Weissenkirchen, traversing a route that offers a different perspective on the region’s viticulture. Meals: B, L, D

• EmeraldACTIVE*: A guided bike ride along the Danube from Melk to Weissenkirchen
• EmeraldACTIVE*: Hike in Weissenkirchen with Activity Manager
• DiscoverMORE*: Weissenkirchen vineyard hike with wine tasting (additional expense)

*these activities overlap; only one can be selected

DAY 8 Vienna: 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 heart of the city center. If you are feeling more active, opt to explore on two wheels, cycling along the serene trails on Danube Island. Meals: B, L, D

• EmeraldACTIVE: Bike tour in Vienna (instead of city tour)
• DiscoverMORE: An exclusive Viennese evening concert with the music of Mozart and Strauss (additional expense)

DAY 9 Bratislava, Slovakia: 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, seeing the Slovak National Theatre and a range of Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings. For the more active guests, 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

• EmeraldACTIVE: A guided hike to Bratislava Castle (instead of walking tour)
• DiscoverMORE: Carpathian Wine Route (additional expense)
• EmeraldPLUS: Local Slovakian entertainment onboard

DAY 10 Budapest, Hungary: 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 city center. Your guide will highlight a number of architectural wonders and also talk about Budapest’s culinary scene. The tour will end at the Grand Market Hall, the city’s most expansive indoor food and craft market, where you’ll have time to explore on your own. If you are feeling more active, you may instead choose to hike to Gellert 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

• EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike to Gellert Hill (instead of city tour)
• DiscoverMORE*: Tour of Szentendre (additional expense)
• DiscoverMORE*: Hungarian Bath Experience (additional expense)
• EmeraldPLUS: A traditional Hungarian folklore show onboard

* the DiscoverMORE’s operate simultaneously; only one can be selected.

DAY 11 Budapest / USA: 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

Itinerary is subject to change.

CRUISE AND HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

Days 2 and 3 – Novotel Hotel, or similar, Munich, Germany

Days 4 through 10 – aboard an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship

Post-cruise hotel stays available in Budapest. Call for details.