9 Day Danube River Cruise - Nuremberg to Budapest

Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Linz, Melk, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest - from $1999

Not included: airport taxes, fees & September 11th Security Fee, cruise port charges of $84, optional excursions (available for purchase locally, as described in the itinerary), tips on board, and for drivers and tour guides (see Terms & Conditions)

Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.

This itinerary is also available in the reverse direction.

River Cruise Sale: Valid through Feb 28, 2006.If calling to book, provide the code to your reservation agent. Promotion codes must be redeemed at the time of booking. Please note that promotion code applicability may vary and that promotion codes may not be combinable with each other or other offers. Valid on new bookings only. (Promo Codes RCW150 & RCVB250)

 DAY 1, Sat Depart USA to Germany. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey

DAY 2, Sun Arrive and transfer to board the ship. Tonight, enjoy a gala welcome dinner on board (D): CRUISE

DAY 3, Mon A morning tour of Nuremberg features Gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. View the 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal met in 1946. This afternoon, transit the Main-Danube Canal. Arrive at the highest point of the cruise – 1,332 feet above sea level - before descending through stair-step locks crossing the Continental Divide. Tonight enjoy a music performance after dinner (B, L, D): CRUISE

DAY 4, Tues Arrive in Regensburg, one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities, for a tour which includes the Old Town Hall, the Roman gates at Porta Pretoria, and one of the oldest bridges across the Danube. Later, embark on a boat trip through the Danube Gorge to Weltenburg Abbey. Tonight Bavarian folklore music performance (B, L, D): CRUISE

DAY 5, Wed Today, arrive in Passau, meeting point of three rivers - the Inn, Ilz and Danube. Enjoy a walking tour of this 2000-year-old town. This afternoon enjoy an optional excursion to Salzburg or for those who choose to stay on board, enjoy a scenic cruise to Linz, Austria. Tonight is the Captain's dinner and crew show (B, L, D): CRUISE

DAY 6, Thurs This morning, cruise via the narrow Strudengau to the Wachau Valley, with its magnificent castles and charming riverside towns. Travel to Melk to visit the Baroque Benedictine Abbey. Return to the ship and cruise this afternoon to Vienna, the City of Music. This evening, explore Vienna on your own or enjoy an optional concert performance in town (B, L, D): CRUISE

DAY 7, Fri This morning, tour Vienna including the Hofburg Palace, Vienna Opera House, the Ringstrasse and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. At lunchtime the ship continues to Bratislava in nearby Slovakia. A tour includes the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace, and the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. Continue to the 13th century Bratislava Castle, to enjoy breathtaking views. Tonight, dinner and folklore entertainment on board. Sail towards Hungary (B, L, D): CRUISE

DAY 8, Sat Arrive in Budapest for a morning sightseeing tour beginning at Buda Castle. Enjoy a panoramic view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the Danube. Visit the 500-year old Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion. Continue to St. Stephen's Basilica and the Royal Palace. This afternoon is free to explore independently. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner with music (B, L, D): CRUISE

DAY 9, Sun This morning, transfer to the airport for your departure flight (B).