Make your way to Vilshofen, where you will board AmaLea, your luxury cruise ship. Cap the day off with an exclusive festive Oktoberfest celebration. (D)

Explore Vilshofen’s beautiful old town before cruising to Passau, known as the “City of Three Rivers.” Join a walking tour or if you prefer to be more active, hike high into the hills for a visit to the “Veste Oberhaus,” Passau’s Castle Hill. (B,L,D)

The ship arrives in Linz, where you’ll have several choices of excursions Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg, where you’ll tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. En route to Salzburg, stop at Mondsee, home of the famed Basilica St. Michael and site of the wedding scene in “The Sound of Music”.  Alternatively, you can join a morning walking tour through Linz’s old city center and by the Mozart House; or go on a guided bike tour along the city’s famed “Culture Mile” and the Danube. During the afternoon, you have three more options of excursions. Choose a half-day in Salzburg or take a scenic drive through the beautiful Austrian Lake District with a stop in St. Wolfgang. You can also choose to visit the charming mountain town, Český Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D)

Cruise to Weissenkirchen, gateway to Dürnstein located in the heart of the Wachau Valley. Once here, you can choose to join a walking tour in Dürnstein along its cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, Dürnstein’s famed church tower, and then visit Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey. For the more active adventurer, hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held. As an alternative excursion, visit a local apricot grower, where you’ll enjoy the region’s finest apricot treats. Later in the evening, enjoy a special wine tasting of locally grown, world-renowned Riesling and Grüner Veltliner in Weissenkirchen. (B,L,D)

The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems and you have three ways to discover them. Join a city tour showcasing its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs before concluding in Vienna’s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a more active exploration of the area, take a guided bike ride along the Danube. During the afternoon, you can enjoy leisure time or pedal your way to Klosterneuburg Monastery on a guided cycling tour. (B,L,D)

*Krems or similar Austrian town will be the destination. Itinerary details TBD. (B,L,D)

Your city tour begins at Budapest’s Great Market Hall, where you’ll discover plenty of delicious food and shopping. Afterwards, you’ll visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. You’ll see the 19th-century Chain Bridge, which connects the Buda district with Pest; and the UNESCO designated Castle Hill district, which contains some of Budapest’s most important medieval monuments and museums. As an alternative choice, you can hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city below. Spend your last evening on board cruising past the famed Parliament Building as the city turns on all her dazzling lights. (B,L,D)

Your river cruise comes to an end. Disembark the ship for your flight onward or to join the post-cruise tour. (B)

For those joining our 4 night post-cruise Hungary tour, after breakfast depart by coach two hours to Tarcal, in the heart of Hungarian wine country.  En route enjoy a private tour, tasting and lunch at historic Thummerer Winery, in the village of Eger, followed by a tour of Eger Castle.  This is the region where the golden Royal Tokaji wines (“The Wine of the Czars”) is produced.  Arrive this afternoon at the magnificent Andrassy Residence Wine and Spa, a country manor converted to a 41 room boutique resort.  (B,L)

Overnight: Andrassy Residence Wine & Spa (2 nights) or similar

Today enjoy a private cellar tour, tasting, and lunch at Chateau Derezla, one of Hungary’s most prominent and historic vintners.  This winery’s golden Aszu and Eszencia wines consistently rate 94+ points by Wine Spectator.  Later this afternoon enjoy an hour on the Bodrog River.  Tonight enjoy a special dinner in Tarcal.   (B,L,D)

Depart Tarcal for our return to Budapest.   En route visit the Champions Estate.  Here brothers Vilmos and Zoltan Lazar raise Hungary’s finest horses, including the beautiful white Lippinzan breed and the big Hungarian draft horses.  Enjoy a phenomenal riding show by Hungarian hussars in traditional costume, followed by refreshments (NOTE: great photo opportunities.)   This afternoon arrive in Budapest.  Tonight a special dinner is arranged.  Enjoy traditional Hungarian cuisine, wines and gypsy music at Karpatia, the city’s most famous and historic restaurant. (B,D)

Overnight: Kempinski Hotel Corvinus (2 nights) or similar

Today is at leisure to explore Budapest, arguably central Europe’s most substantive city.  Budapest has been a crossroads between Europe and Asia since the time of Genghis Khan.   Optional tours are available to the Hungarian Parliament and Opera, the Szendtendre Artist Village or an exploration of the city’s many Jewish sites and historical places.   (B)

Transfer to Budapest International Airport for your onward flights.  (B)