Day 1 – Depart the USA: Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Munich, Germany, capital of Bavaria.
Day 2 – Munich, Germany: Upon arrival in Munich at the airport, you will be met by a local representative and assisted with the transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day and evening are at leisure to begin exploring and attend the Oktoberfest activities.
Day 3 – Munich: After breakfast, an included panoramic tour showcases the former Olympic site, Nymphenburg Palace, Maximilianstrasse 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
Day 4 – Munich to Nuremberg, Germany: After breakfast, depart Munich by motorcoach for Nuremberg. After a brief orientation tour of Nuremberg, board your Emerald Waterways vessel, home for the next seven nights. Meals: B, D
Day 5 – Regensburg, Germany: This morning takes you through the final stretch of the fascinating Main–Danube Canal to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. On a guided walking tour, see one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube and see the city’s architectural highlights including the Old Town Hall. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldPLUS: Traditional Bavarian Band onboard.
Day 6 – Passau, Germany to Linz, Austria: Cobblestone streets and graceful arcades welcome you in the beautiful city of Passau. On this morning’s walking tour, stroll through the old town’s narrow alleyways and see the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress from the town below. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture and home to Europe’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. The afternoon is spent cruising along the Danube River to Linz, where the Salzburg excursion guests re-embark. Meals: B, L, D
DiscoverMORE: Tour to Salzburg (extra expense)
***Please note, you can only choose either the included tour of Passau OR the DiscoverMORE option, as both tours operate at the same time.
Day 7 – Melk to Dürnstein: Situated within Austria’s wine–growing region, Melk is home to an imposing 900–year old Benedictine Abbey featuring Austria’s finest Italian baroque architecture, with ornate gold-leaf walls, a 640ft Imperial Corridor and fresco ceilings. After visiting the Abbey, cruise along the Danube for a scenic journey through the picturesque landscape of the Wachau Valley en-route to Dürnstein. One of the most enchanting villages of the Wachau wine region, Dürnstein is also home to the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldACTIVE: A guided biking tour along the Danube River from Melk to Dürnstein OR a guided hike to Dürnstein Castle
Day 8 – Vienna, Austria: Welcome to Vienna, the capital of classical music. Today you have a choice of activities: explore Austria’s capital with a drive along the Ringstrasse to see the impressive Opera House, Burgtheater and Town Hall, followed by a walking tour through the city center to see St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Imperial Palace. OR, if you feel active, join the guided bike tour of the city. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour
DiscoverMORE: Exclusive Viennese concert with music from Mozart and Strauss (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE: Tastes of Vienna tour (extra expense)
Day 9 – Bratislava, Slovakia: Set on the crossroads of ancient trade routes in the heart of Europe, Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, embodies various cultures – primarily Celtic, Roman and Slavic. Enjoy a sightseeing tour including the enchanting Old City with its Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and the Gothic Cathedral of St Martin. This afternoon, a highlight of the day will be a home-hosted visit where you are treated to tasty home-made specialties in the home of local Slovakians. What a unique opportunity to meet the locals and learn about life in Slovakia! Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldACTIVE: Hike to Bratislava castle (this is instead of the city tour)
EmeraldPLUS: Home-Hosted Coffee and Cake with Slovakians
Day 10 – Budapest, Hungary: Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Enjoy a guided panoramic tour seeing the city sights including the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest. OR, choose an exciting hike to Buda Hill. This evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian farewell dinner and complete the evening with a folk dancing and music performance onboard. The perfect nightcap is an evening cruise through the harbor, seeing the city illuminated in nighttime splendor. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldACTIVE: A guided hike to Buda Hill
EmeraldPLUS: Traditional Hungarian Folklore Show & Budapest Evening Cruise
DiscoverMORE: Tour to Szentendre (extra expense)
Day 11 – Budapest / USA: It’s time to say farewell to the Captain and crew as you depart on the transfer to the airport for your flight home. Meal: B |
