Welcome to Munich, Hofbräuhaus

Arrive in Munich and meet your private luxury transfer for a smooth ride to your hotel, then take some time to refresh before heading out on an orientation drive that offers your first look at the city’s grand squares, magnificent architecture, and vibrant boulevards, and as evening settles in you’ll dive straight into Bavarian culture at the iconic Hofbräuhaus where traditional music, hearty dishes, and frothy steins set the stage for a warm and festive welcome dinner with your fellow travelers.

Highlight of the Day: A spirited Bavarian welcome at Munich’s legendary Hofbräuhaus.

Leonardo Royal (or similar), Munich (D)

 Salzburg & Embarkation in Passau

After breakfast, depart Munich for a scenic drive into the Austrian Alps and the storybook city of Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace and the famed setting of The Sound of Music, and on arrival enjoy a guided exploration of the baroque Old Town where pastel facades, graceful churches, and elegant squares sit beneath the mighty Hohensalzburg Fortress before enjoying some free time for strolling or a light lunch, then continue to Passau, the “City of Three Rivers,” to embark the elegant AMADEUS Imperial, settle into your stylish cabin, and join the Captain for a welcome cocktail before choosing to wander Passau at leisure or relax aboard, and cap the evening with a festive Welcome Dinner as the ship sets sail toward Linz.

Highlight of the Day: Immersing yourself in Salzburg’s Old Town, where music and alpine charm beautifully intertwine.

Amadeus Imperial, Danube River (B, D)

Linz Walking Tour, Leisure Time

Wake up this morning in Linz, a charming Baroque city along the Danube, and after breakfast set out on a guided walking tour through the historic Old Town where the Main Square, the Trinity Column, and cozy café-lined streets capture the spirit of this riverside gem, then enjoy free time to wander boutiques, savor a slice of Linzer Torte, or simply linger amid the city’s easygoing charm.   Those seeking a quieter pace may remain aboard to take in the scenery and amenities before gathering again this evening for dinner and the ship’s entertainment program as we sail toward our next port-of-call.

Highlight of the Day: Discovering Linz’s Old Town on a leisurely morning walking tour.

Amadeus Imperial (B, L, D)

Melk Abbey, Wachau Valley

Early this morning the ship calls at Emmersdorf before docking in nearby Melk, where a short walk leads you to the magnificent Melk Abbey perched high above the Danube, a baroque masterpiece filled with frescoed ceilings, gilded halls, and an ornate library of priceless medieval manuscripts, and after returning to the ship you’ll enjoy lunch on board as we cruise through the heart of the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO landscape of terraced vineyards, castle ruins, and storybook villages, then arrive in the charming wine town of Dürnstein for a guided stroll through its cobbled lanes and baroque abbey with time to sample apricot delicacies and the region’s renowned wines before continuing late afternoon sailing toward Vienna as dinner is served on board.

Highlight of the Day: Stepping inside Melk Abbey’s gilded halls and tasting Wachau Valley wines in Dürnstein.

 Amadeus Imperial (B, L, D)

Vienna City Tour, Hofburg Palace

Step off the ship into Vienna, the imperial jewel of Austria, and begin your day with a panoramic tour along the grand Ringstrasse, where palaces, opera houses, and elegant boulevards reflect the city’s storied past, then continue to the soaring Gothic spires of St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the majestic Hofburg Palace, once the glittering seat of Habsburg power; the afternoon opens up for leisurely discovery, whether you choose to browse the world-class museums, savor coffee and pastries in a traditional Viennese café, or opt for a visit to the opulent Schönbrunn Palace with its sweeping manicured gardens, before returning to the ship as Vienna’s timeless charm lingers into the evening.

Highlight of the Day: Taking in Vienna’s grandeur—from imperial palaces to its world-famous café culture.

Amadeus Imperial (B, L, D)

Free Time in Vienna, Evening Concert

Today offers a full free day to enjoy Vienna at your own pace. You may explore museums, relax in a grand café, browse elegant boutiques, or simply soak in the city’s imperial charm. As evening approaches, visit the dazzling Swarovski Kristallwelten Store, where crystal artistry and modern design shimmer in every display. Later, attend an intimate classical concert at St. Peter’s Church, a beautifully ornate Baroque sanctuary with exceptional acoustics that bring Strauss, Mozart, Beethoven, and Vivaldi to life. Return to the ship afterward as we begin our overnight sailing to Bratislava.

Highlight of the Day: An unforgettable evening of sparkling Swarovski artistry and live classical music in Vienna’s St. Peter’s Church.

Amadeus Imperial (B, L, D)

Bratislava & Small Carpathian Wines

Wake up in Bratislava, Slovakia’s captivating capital on the Danube, and enjoy a relaxed morning exploring the Old Town at your own pace or join a guided tour featuring the baroque Archbishop’s Palace, the Slovak Philharmonic concert hall, the Presidential Palace, and the whitewashed Bratislava Castle that has guarded the city for centuries. In the afternoon, travel into the Small Carpathian Wine Region, where rolling hills, charming villages, and family-run vineyards showcase Slovakia’s most beloved vintages, and enjoy tastings of local wines paired with regional specialties for an authentic, flavorful cultural experience.

Highlight of the Day: Sipping crisp Slovak wines in the Carpathian foothills, with Bratislava Castle watching over the city.

Amadeus Imperial (B, L, D)

Esztergom, Visegrád & Budapest

This morning, the ship arrives in Esztergom, Hungary’s former royal capital. From here, board a coach to nearby Visegrád, where you’ll explore the hilltop citadel and the Royal Palace, once home to King Matthias. Take in sweeping views over the Danube Bend before returning to the ship for lunch. Enjoy some free time afterward to wander Esztergom’s historic center. In the afternoon, continue cruising downstream toward Budapest, arriving in the late afternoon. This evening, celebrate with the festive Captain’s Gala Dinner, followed by a magical twilight cruise through the illuminated skyline, complete with a spirited folklore performance.

Highlight of the Day: Standing atop Visegrád’s fortress before sailing into the glittering Budapest by night.

Amadeus Imperial (B, L, D)

Guided City Tour of Budapest

After breakfast, bid a fond farewell to the AMADEUS Imperial as you disembark and begin a guided city tour of Budapest, taking in major landmarks such as the Parliament, Heroes’ Square, and St. Stephen’s Basilica. Continue by electric shuttle to the historic Castle District, where you’ll visit Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion, and the medieval Vienna Gate. In the afternoon, transfer to your centrally located hotel and check in. Dinner is included this evening at the hotel, though guests may also choose to enjoy the night at leisure as the spirit of the Danube journey still lingers.

Highlight of the Day: Exploring Budapest’s Castle District with its fairytale towers and sweeping Danube views.

Budapest Marriott Hotel (or similar), Budapest (B, D)

Budapest at Leisure, Farewell Dinner

Today is yours to savor Budapest at whatever pace your heart desires, whether that means wandering the Danube promenade as bridges shimmer overhead, browsing the vibrant stalls of the Central Market Hall, or sinking into the warm, healing waters of one of the city’s legendary thermal baths while reflecting on the unforgettable days along Europe’s greatest river; and as evening falls, the group reunites for a festive Farewell Dinner at a traditional Hungarian restaurant where rich paprika-kissed dishes, flowing local wines, lively folk musicians, and spirited dancers create a joyful, heartwarming finale—a celebration of shared memories, new friendships, and the magic of our Danube voyage.

Highlight of the Day: A farewell evening of Hungarian flavors, music, and dance shared with new friends.

Budapest Marriott Hotel (or similar), Budapest (B, D)

Departure from Budapest

After breakfast, enjoy a smooth and comfortable transfer to Budapest Airport for your flight home, carrying with you the castles, music, river landscapes, and shared moments that have shaped your unforgettable journey along the Danube; and although this adventure now comes to an end, the spirit of discovery continues, and all of us at Wherever Tours extend our deepest gratitude for allowing us to be part of your travels—we look forward to welcoming you again and crafting your next remarkable journey wherever the world calls you next.

Highlight of the Day: Saying goodbye to the Danube—but not to the joy of travel.

(B)