The Legendary Danube 2012

Day 1 Prague. Fly to Prague where you will be met and transferred to the Hilton or InterContinental hotel for three nights.

Day 2 Prague. Prague is a 1,000 year old city preserved in time. Begin your holiday with an exploration of this exciting, beautiful city on an included tour and see its best-known treasures such as the Old Town’s Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all of Europe, Hradcany Castle grounds, St Vitus Cathedral and stately Charles Bridge. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books, mingle with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or stroll along the banks of the Vltava River.

Day 3 Prague. A free day for you to explore the city at leisure. Your Cruise Director will have lots of suggestions for things to do.

Day 4 Prague – Nuremberg. After lunch, drive to Nuremberg, where your cruise ship is docked. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception.

Day 5 Nuremberg. Nuremberg is Bavaria's second largest city and although it suffered extensive damage during World War II, much of it has been restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its lovely cobblestone squares, half-timbered houses, fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. Nuremberg’s traditions include its famous Lebkuchen, toy making and metalworking.

Day 6 Regensburg. Regensburg is one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights included on your tour are the charming Old Town Hall and the Porta Pretoria - gates to the Roman fort built in 179AD. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town and one of Bavaria’s cultural centres. Before dinner you’ll be introduced to some of Germany’s famous beers.

Day 7 Passau – Linz. Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. Its cathedral, St Stephen’s, houses the world’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. An optional full day excursion to the baroque city of Salzburg takes in the sights made famous by the popular film ‘The Sound of Music’. Later, rejoin your ship in Linz, Austria’s third largest town, which straddles the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port.

Day 8 Melk – Vienna. Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey dominates the town from its commanding hilltop site and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking. This evening, arrive in Vienna, known as the ‘City of Music’, which inspired the creative genius of classical composers such as Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss. An optional concert is available tonight.

Day 9 Vienna. Once the centre of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria’s capital has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard, and awe-inspiring St Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will enjoy during your city tour. Take your time to savour each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a local café.

Day 10 Budapest. Budapest, spanning the banks of the Danube, is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with the turreted Fisherman’s Bastion and glorious Matthias Church is among the many sights your Local Guide will show you. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika.

Day 11 Budapest. Disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.

Note: Owing to lock closures and planned maintenance of technical equipment on the Main-Danube Canal, this itinerary may be modified slightly on some departures. On 22nd and 26th April departures, embarkation will be in Passau and the itinerary will be adjusted accordingly.