Iconic sights along the Danube River range from quintessential towns like Dürnstein in Austria to monuments to heroes and history in a city square in Budapest
5. THE WACHAU VALLEY & MELK Go ashore in Dürnstein this morning for an orientation tour with an optional hike up to the hilltop ruins of Kuenringerburg – the castle where England’s King Richard the Lionhearted was held for ransom during the Crusades. Cruise into the heart of Austria’s vineyard-covered Wachau Valley, having lunch al fresco on the Sun Deck (weather permitting) as you view the passing scenery. An enjoyable afternoon in Melk includes a guided visit to its famous 900-year-old Benedictine abbey, where both its Baroque architecture and river views impress. Return to your riverboat late afternoon. Following dinner tonight, you’ll be entertained by a talented musical trio. Meals BLD
6. BAROQUE BEAUTIES IN PASSAU Spend the morning cruising to Passau. Renowned for its stained glass, a wealth of church architecture and beautiful Baroque buildings, Passau sits at the juncture of the Inn, Ilz and Danube rivers. Explore this ancient Bavarian town on a guided walking tour; schedule permitting, inside St. Stephan’s Cathedral you’ll see Europe’s largest church organ, dressed in gold and boasting over 17,000 pipes. Depart Passau this evening as we cruise to Regensburg. Meals BLD
7. ROYALTY IN REGENSBURG Growing from a Roman encampment on the Danube into a cultural and trading center, the quintessential Bavarian town of Regensburg boasts more than 1,400 original historic buildings. Walking here is a delight and is the best and only way to view the sights up-close. A local guide will lead the way as you see the town’s 12th-century Steinerne Brücke in continuous service for 800 years, the 15th-century Altes Rathaus (Town Hall), the towering Dom St. Peter, and the remains of the Roman wall. A guided visit inside St. Emmeram Palace, the
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royal residence for the Thurn und Taxis dynasty for close to 200 years, reveals a revival of historic styles from the past: the Romanesque-Gothic cloister from its days as a Benedictine abbey, a neo-Renaissance marble staircase and gilded throne room, a medley of Rococo design, a Baroque library, and more. An onboard quartet entertains with traditional music before your riverboat departs for Nürnberg this evening. Meals BLD
8. THE MAIN-DANUBE CANAL TO NÜRNBERG When it opened in the 1990s, the Main-Danube Canal made navigation between the North Sea and Black Sea possible. Hear insights about the canal this morning. Choose between guided excursions this afternoon. On an insider visit to the Courthouse, learn about the infamous trials, the Zeppelinfeld rally grounds and the Documentation Center – or stroll through Nürnberg’s medieval ramparts to the Imperial Castle and the old city on a guided tour before exploring on your own. Meals BLD
9. THE HEIGHT OF DISCOVERY IN BAMBERG Perched atop seven hills, Bamberg is home to a magnificent, four-towered Romanesque cathedral from the 13th century; see it, along with more of this charming medieval city’s unique architecture and colorful gardens, during a walking tour of Old Town... and take some time to explore as you please. Meals BLD
10. WINE TASTING IN WÜRZBURG Your riverboat arrives in Würzburg, located on the banks of the Main River, early this morning for your visit to the lavish palace, the Residenz, where the town’s prince bishops lived from 1744. It is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll get a taste of life in the palace when you sample a trio of Franconian wines in the wine cellar of this Baroque masterpiece. Meals BLD
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