Upon arrival in the Hungarian capital, meet your local assistant and transfer by deluxe coach to the river cruise port to embark on your ship. As you settle in, admire the first views of the “Paris of the East,” where the former twin cities of Buda and Pest face each other across the Danube, joined by graceful bridges. A welcome cocktail is served before dinner on board. Passengers may board beginning at 6:00 p.m. Overnight on the ship. (D)

Begin at St. Stephen’s Basilica, renowned for its soaring dome, mosaics, and the Holy Right Chapel with St. Stephen’s mummified hand. If time permits, ascend the dome for sweeping city views. Continue to the Gothic Matthias Church in the Castle District, a historic site of royal coronations decorated with vibrant Zsolnay roof tiles and exquisite stained glass. Return to the ship and sail this afternoon toward Bratislava. Overnight on board. (B/L/D)

Arrive in the Slovak capital and enjoy a three-hour panoramic tour. From Bratislava Castle take in sweeping views of the city and the Danube before exploring the Old Town with St. Martin’s Cathedral and the Old Town Hall. Walk through lively Hviezdoslav Square, pass the strikingly modern Blue Church and the sleek Apollo Bridge, and end at the UFO Observation Deck for a dramatic city panorama. In the evening continue to Vienna for a concert of Mozart and Johann Strauss works in the historic Orangery of Schönbrunn Palace. Overnight on the ship. (B/L/D)

A morning drive along the grand Ringstrasse reveals Vienna’s imperial architecture: the Parliament, State Opera, Museum of Fine Arts and the Hofburg Palace. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, see the famous Prater Park with its Giant Ferris Wheel and view the baroque Belvedere Palace, home to masterpieces such as Klimt’s The Kiss. In the afternoon tour the Schönbrunn Palace, the Habsburgs’ splendid summer residence. Admire the Great Gallery with its frescoed ceilings, the richly decorated imperial apartments and the Gloriette with sweeping garden views. Sail overnight toward the Wachau Valley. (B/L/D)

Cruise through the most picturesque stretch of the Danube, passing vine-covered hills and medieval castle ruins. Disembark at the storybook village of Dürnstein, where legend says Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned. Stroll the narrow medieval lanes, sample local wine or the region’s famed apricot liqueur, and admire the baroque abbey church. Continue to the magnificent Melk Abbey, an 11th-century Benedictine monastery rebuilt in glorious Baroque style. Visit the grand church with its gilded frescoes, the renowned library of medieval manuscripts and the tranquil gardens overlooking the river. This evening enjoy a festive gala dinner as you sail toward Passau. (B/L/D)

Disembark in the “City of Three Rivers” and travel by coach to Munich, the Bavarian capital. A half-day panoramic tour introduces Marienplatz with its famous Glockenspiel, the twin-towered Munich Cathedral and other city highlights before checking in to your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Munich. (B/D)

Today’s journey through the Alpine foothills features King Ludwig II’s fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle, the model for Disney’s Cinderella castle. Stop for photos of nearby Hohenschwangau Castle, then continue to the charming village of Oberammergau, celebrated for its Passion Play performed every ten years. Return to Munich for dinner and overnight. (B/D)

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your return flight home, arriving the same day. (B)

* (B/L/D) = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner