7-night Romantic Danube Cruise

After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight (airport meet & greet transfers are included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises). (B),

When you awake this morning, your ship will be on the Main–Danube Canal, an engineering marvel that stretches 106 miles from Kelheim on the Danube to Bamberg on the Main River. It began as Charlemagne's dream in 793 and was completed in 1992 with 16 locks that raise the water level 1,332 feet. Today, it enables river travel from the North Sea to the Black Sea. Disembark in Roth to take a shuttle directly to Nuremberg and begin exploring; or, stay onboard to enjoy cruising this legendary canal and arrive in Nuremberg, Bavaria's second-largest city, around lunchtime. After lunch, take a city tour that features a drive to Zeppelin Field, the former Nazi parade grounds, and Congress Hall. You will also drive by the Palace of Justice, the venerable vestige of the Nuremberg Trials. Then visit medieval Nuremberg Castle. Your tour comes to a close with a walk from the imperial palace grounds, past the Albrecht Dürer House and on to the Main Market Square with its elaborate Gothic fountain. Afterward you have some time on your own to explore. Alternatively, you can join an optional World War II tour. Visit Zeppelin Field on foot, see Congress Hall, and spend time at the illuminating Documentation Center Museum. After, visit Courtroom 600 at the Palace of Justice (unless court is in session) before heading to Nuremberg's medieval Old Town, enclosed within ancient city walls. (B,L,D),

After breakfast, meet your local guide for a walking tour through the scenic town of Regensburg, considered one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities. See one of the largest groupings of 13th- and 14th-century church spires, towers, and patrician houses north of the Alps. You also encounter the 12th-century Old Stone Bridge, St. Peter's Cathedral, and a number of idyllic courtyards. Take time to stroll the streets, shop or visit one of Germany's oldest restaurants, the Alte Wurstküche. Lunch is served onboard your ship. This afternoon, enjoy scenic cruising along the Danube River, or take an optional excursion to visit Weltenburg Abbey and experience a short cruise through a stunning river gorge known as the Danube Narrows. Travel by road to Kelheim and board a ferryboat to explore the 400-foot chalk cliffs and dramatic scenery of the Danube Narrows. Visit Weltenburg Abbey, renowned for the dark ale brewed here by monks since 1050, then rejoin your ship in Kelheim in time for dinner (Weltenburg Abbey tour is available from May-October only). Alternately, you may choose a full-day optional excursion to see the highlights of the grand city of Munich. (B,L,D),

After breakfast, disembark in Krems and set off for Göttweig, a working Benedictine abbey that owns many of the vineyards along the Danube. See the splendid ceiling fresco in its imperial stairwell, one of the largest in the world. Visit the abbey church, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Alternatively, you may instead choose to explore your environs by bicycle, enjoying a ride along a riverside bike path considered one of Europe's most scenic. Afterward, rejoin your ship and cruise leisurely through the captivating Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape. Taste some local Austrian specialties during lunch onboard, taking in views of attractive towns and castle ruins along the way. (B,L,D),

Today, we tour the Austrian capital of Vienna. Ride along the Ringstraße, which replaced the city walls in the mid-19th century. See some of the city's Baroque architecture, including the world-famous Opera House, St. Stephan's Cathedral, and Hofburg Palace. Return to your ship for lunch. The rest of the day is yours to further explore. As always, your program director can help you plan your free time. Or, you may choose to join us for an optional excursion. Perhaps visit Schönbrunn Palace, erected in 1778 and admired as the "Versailles of Vienna", or go behind the scenes at the Spanish Riding School to see its famed Lipizzaner stallions. This evening, you might enjoy an optional classical concert or celebrate the bottling of this year's wine vintage among the locals at a high-spirited optional Heurigen dinner. (B,L,D),

Your morning begins with a panoramic tour of the Pest side of the city. Journey along Andrássy Avenue and see the 19th- and 20th-century mansions, National Opera House, Parliament Building, and the Chain Bridge. Stop in Heroes' Square to learn more about Hungarian history, then cross the Danube to Buda's Castle District. Visit Matthias Church and enjoy brilliant views of the Danube and the beautiful Hungarian Parliament building from Fisherman's Bastion. Rejoin your ship in Visegrád for lunch as we cruise along the scenic Danube River. Enjoy a midafternoon Viennese coffee workshop, complete with apple strudel. (B,L,D),

Welcome to Budapest, capital of Hungary. Transfer to your ship from the airport (airport meet & greet transfers are included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises). After boarding, the afternoon is yours to relax or do a bit of exploring. After dinner onboard tonight, enjoy an evening cruise on your ship to admire Budapest's beautiful scenery from the vantage point of the Danube River. (D),