Day 1 - Arrive Munich / Embarkation in Passau

Upon arrival in Munich, you’ll be met for your deluxe escorted transfer to Passau, where your 5-star ship awaits. This evening, join fellow travelers for a fine dinner onboard as your ship sails gently past the medieval spires and gothic towers of this charming German city. Meals D MV Mozart

Day 2 - Dürnstein / Cruising to Vienna

This morning finds you in romantic Dürnstein, surrounded by the lovely terraced vineyards of the Wachau Valley wine region. The legends surrounding this historic town have much to do with the Christian Crusades of the 12th century. In 1193, King Richard the Lion-Heart was returning from his campaign to capture the Holy Land, when he was seized here by a local Duke – and held for ransom in the fortress whose ruins still dominate this picturesque town. On your walking tour through Dürnstein, you will see lovely Burgher homes of the 16th and 17th centuries – finely preserved - and visit the collegiate Church, where you’ll admire beautiful stucco relief ornamentation and an elaborately carved altar. There will be time to explore on your own in this picturesque medieval village, the perfect opportunity to shop or relax in a charming café for a cup of tea or to sample the fine local vintages. This evening, your ship docks in Vienna for the night. Meals B,L,D

Day 3 - Vienna

Your sightseeing in Vienna begins with an overview of the city along the elegant Ringstrasse Boulevard. You’ll see many landmarks including Karl’s Square and the Opera House. Then you’re off to visit the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. This former residence of the Habsburg emperors is an impressive architectural jewel with more than 1,400 rooms set amidst acres of landscaped park-like grounds. Meals B,L,D

Day 4 - Esztergom / Budapest

Esztergom, built on the site of an ancient Roman fortress, overlooks the famous Danube Bend. Your morning sightseeing explores the imposing Esztergom Basilica, the largest in Hungary. In the late afternoon, your ship will arrive in Budapest, the charming capital of Hungary. The MV Mozart enjoys a privileged berth in the heart of the city, close to the picturesque Chain Bridge in the shadow of the Castle. If you wish, you can step ashore to explore a bit at your own pace. Meals B,L,D

Day 5 - Budapest

This morning’s sightseeing reveals the rich history and majesty of Budapest. At the Fishermen’s Bastion, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the Danube River and the graceful Chain Bridge, the oldest and most beautiful of the city’s seven bridges. Across the river stands the imposing neo-Gothic Parliament. You’ll also visit the Citadel atop Gellert Hill and see the historic St. Matthew’s Church with its lovely 15th century white stone steeple. Crossing the Liberty Bridge, you’ll stop to marvel in Heroes’ Square, a grand semicircular colonnaded monument graced with impressive statues of Hungary’s kings. In the center is a towering stone column crowned by a moving statue of the archangel Gabriel. In the late afternoon, set sail for Bratislava. Meals B,L,D

Day 6 - Bratislava

Bratislava – The City of Kings – is enclosed by the Little Carpathian Mountains on one side and the Danube on the other. When Budapest fell to Ottoman forces in the 16th century, Emperor Ferdinand proclaimed Bratislava the capital of Hungary, ushering in a Golden Age that would endure for generations. From this date forth until 1835, the city witnessed the coronation of 19 Austro-Hungarian rulers, including the Empress Maria Theresia. She, in particular, heavily influenced the character of the city – endowing Bratislava with impressive Baroque architecture. The charming Old Town, dominated by the imposing hilltop silhouette of Bratislava Castle, features lovingly restored town homes from the city’s golden Imperial era and the stunning neo-classical residence of the Archbishops of Esztergom Your escorted walking tour brings you along Chapter’s Lane into the heart of Old Town, to see the historic St. Martin’s Cathedral, where many of the 19 emperor and empresses were crowned. In the Archbishop’s Palace, you’ll admire a collection of European art and see a display of English tapestries from the 17th century. Meals B,L,D

Day 7 - Melk

Austria’s Wachau Valley is certainly one of the most scenic regions in all of Europe. Along with its incredible natural beauty, it is home to some of the Continent’s greatest cultural treasures and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. At the western end of this valley, set atop a 180-foot promontory is the spectacular Melk Abbey – one of the finest Baroque buildings in the world. The history of the region stretches back to ancient times when the Romans built a fortress on this high ridge. Later, it was the seat of the powerful Babenberg Dukes who ruled Austria starting in the 10th century until the Habsburg Dynasty rose to power. Melk is still a working Benedictine Abbey and on your escorted visit through this spectacular site, it would not be unusual to see black-robed monks or students walking through the grounds. Meals B,L,D

Day 8 - Arrive Passau / Salzburg

After breakfast onboard, you disembark in Passau to board your comfortable deluxe, air-conditioned motorcoach. A scenic drive through the mountain landscapes brings you to the enchanting city of Salzburg, spread along the lovely banks of the meandering Salzach River. After lunch at the K+K Restaurant, join your guide for a wonderful escorted walking tour through this Baroque city, including the home of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Tonight, you’ll enjoy dinner and a tranquil overnight at the deluxe Radisson Altstadt Hotel, in the heart of town. Meals B,L,D

Day 9 - Salzburg / Berchtesgaden / Oberammergau

A morning drive brings you through the magnificent landscapes of the Bavarian Alps to Berchtesgaden, an historic market town with the charm of a mountain resort. The last leg of the journey is a spectacular drive that climbs nearly 2,000 feet in less than 4 miles. Your destination is the infamous Eagle’s Nest, the teahouse built for Adolf Hitler’s 50th birthday, Perched on a mountain summit, its construction was an engineering marvel and the views from here are truly breathtaking. Following lunch in Berchtesgarden, you continue on toward the mountain village of Oberammergau and check-in to your comfortable hotel for dinner and overnight in this peaceful Alpine region. Meals B,L,D

Day 10 - Oberammergau & Passion Play

You’ll enjoy a guided stroll through this enchanting village, set in a picturesque Alpine valley in the shadow of towering peaks. Visit the Oberammergau Museum to learn the inspiring history of this town, and delight in Oberammergau’s colorfully painted homes, centuries old and wonderfully preserved. Along the way, charming shops reveal the woodcarving skills of many of the town’s residents, whose families have perfected this craft over the past 800 years. Following lunch, you’ll be escorted to the historic Passion Play Theater, extensively renovated for the Millennium. This impressive venue now offers theater-style seating and a heated floor, ensuring your comfort as 2,000 actors take to the open-air stage, framed by a natural backdrop of spectacular Alpine scenery. The once-in-a-lifetime Passion Play is presented in two parts, including dinner in-town during intermission. Following the performance, you return to your hotel. Meals B,L,D

Day 11 - Oberammergau / Munich Airport

Following breakfast, you’ll have an escorted transfer to Munich Airport for your homeward flight. Or, extend your stay here in Europe. Our travel planning experts can assist you and your travel agent with all arrangements including hotels, meals, sightseeing, and transportation. Meals B