Welcome to Munich, Hofbräuhaus

Touch down in Munich, where a private luxury transfer whisks you to your hotel. After time to refresh, get your first glimpse of the city with an orientation drive showcasing its grand squares, ornate architecture, and lively boulevards. As evening falls, immerse yourself in Bavarian culture at the world-famous Hofbräuhaus. Raise a stein, enjoy hearty cuisine, and tap your toes to lively folk music as you share a festive welcome dinner with fellow travelers.

Highlight of the Day: Kicking off your European journey with music, laughter, and a frothy pint in Munich’s most legendary beer hall

Leonardo Royal (or similar), Munich (D)

 Salzburg & Embarkation in Passau

After breakfast, depart Munich for a scenic journey into the Austrian Alps and the storybook city of Salzburg, famed as Mozart’s birthplace and the setting of The Sound of Music. Upon arrival, join your guides to explore the baroque Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure, where pastel facades, ornate churches, and elegant squares are framed by the soaring Hohensalzburg Fortress above. Enjoy time at leisure to wander charming streets or savor a light lunch before continuing to Passau, the “City of Three Rivers.” Here you’ll embark on the elegant AMADEUS Imperial, settle into your stylish cabin, then gather for a sparkling welcome cocktail with the Captain.  Afterwards, you'll have some free time to walk around Passau, or just relax on the ship for a few hours. The evening concludes with a festive Welcome Dinner on board, the perfect toast to the days ahead.  Tonight, the Amadeus Imperial departs Passau and heads for the Port of Linz.

Highlight of the Day: Standing in Salzburg’s Old Town, where music, history, and alpine charm come together in unforgettable harmony.

Amadeus Imperial, Danube River (B, D)

Linz Walking Tour, Leisure Time

Wake up this morning in Linz, a charming Baroque city along the Danube. After breakfast, join a guided walking tour through the historic Old Town, taking in highlights such as the Main Square, the Trinity Column, and picturesque streets lined with cafés and shops.  Enjoy free time afterward to explore, browse local boutiques, or sample a classic Linzer Torte. If you prefer a quieter morning, stay on board to relax and enjoy the ship’s amenities and river scenery. This evening, after dinner, unwind with the ship’s entertainment program as we sail toward our next port-of-call.

Highlight of the Day: Walking tour and leisure time in Linz.

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 brings you to the magnificent Melk Abbey. Perched high above the Danube, this baroque masterpiece dazzles with frescoed ceilings, gilded halls, and an ornate library housing priceless medieval manuscripts. Returning to the ship, enjoy lunch as you cruise through the heart of the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape of terraced vineyards and castle ruins. Arriving in the picturesque wine village of Dürnstein, join a guided tour through its cobbled streets and baroque abbey, with the chance to sample local specialties such as apricot treats and the valley’s celebrated wines. In the late afternoon, continue sailing toward Vienna while 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 heart of Austria, with a morning tour highlighting the elegant Ringstrasse, the Gothic spires of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the grandeur of the Hofburg Palace, once home to the powerful Habsburg dynasty. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure—wander the Museum Quarter or opt to visit the lavish Schönbrunn Palace, the summer retreat of Empress Maria Theresa, surrounded by sweeping gardens.

Highlight of the Day: A night in Vienna filled with timeless music, from Strauss’s lilting waltzes to Mozart’s brilliance.

Amadeus Imperial (B, L, D)

Free Time in Vienna, Evening Concert

Today, enjoy a free day in Vienna on your own. As evening approaches, visit the Swarovski Kristallwelten Store in Vienna for an inspiring experience in the capital of jewelry. Later, attend a concert at the enchanting St. Peter's Church in Vienna, where the orchestra performs Strauss waltzes and classics by Mozart, Beethoven, and Vivaldi.  The ship departs overnight for Bratislava.

Highlight of the Day: A night in Vienna filled with timeless music, from Strauss’s lilting waltzes to Mozart’s brilliance.

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.

5-Star Hotel, 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.

5-Star Hotel, 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)