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Detailed Itinerary: Vienna to Munich (WVP)

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Welcome to Vienna, Austria’s capital, known as the “City of Music” and a place that inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception at 6:00 pm. (D)

NOTE: Guests must be on board ship by 5:00pm for safety drill.

Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria’s magical capital on the blue Danube is a showcase of gilded architecture. This is home to the lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace complex with its Vienna Boys’ Choir and dazzling Lipizzaner stallions; the neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House; and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral—plus, countless other sights your Local Guide will show you during an included CITY SIGHTSEEING TOUR. Stroll through the delightful pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse, and be sure to take a break and enjoy a piece of decadent Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in one of the classic Viennese coffee houses, historic institutions that helped shape Viennese culture! An optional concert is available tonight. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Dürnstein – Melk

Dürnstein, known for the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade, lies right in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Above town are the ruins of the castle where England’s King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. A Local Guide will tell you the tale during your GUIDED WALK. Those seeking some sporting activity might like to climb up the steep hill to the castle ruins for spectacular views of the town and river. Alternatively, you may just want to stroll through the narrow streets on your own. Then, cruise through the beautiful Wachau Valley to reach Melk after lunch. This afternoon you may choose to visit either Melk’s 11th-century BENEDICTINE ABBEY, or renaissance SCHALLABURG CASTLE. Melk’s abbey towers over the town and is one of Europe’s largest. It houses an ornate library with over 80,000 printed books and 2,000 manuscripts. Words cannot describe the splendor of its church with its frescoed ceilings, stunning high altar, marble statues, and 210-foot-high cupola. Schallaburg Castle was built as a defensive stronghold 900 years ago, but was later redesigned as a magnificent princely home. This evening you’ll be able to sample some of the region’s FAMOUS WINES. (B,L,D)

This morning, arrive in the attractive country resort of Grein, which is nestled at the foot of a bluff in the shadow of its castle. Take an included GUIDED WALK through the town and visit its unique historical THEATER, the oldest in Austria still holding regular performances. A behind-the-scenes peek to learn about some of the curiosities of this rococo-style, 167-seat theater will certainly tell you much about life as it was—and as it now is in this small town. Or, you may prefer to join one of a variety of optional excursions today. This afternoon, arrive in Linz, Austria’s third-largest city and an important river port where culture plays a significant role in everyday life. Composer Anton Bruckner lived here, and Mozart’s Linzer Symphony was composed in the city. There is free time to explore on your own. See the 13th-century Hauptplatz, Austria’s largest medieval square, and the Trinity Column, built in 1723 as thanks for the city escaping the ravages of the plague, war, and fire. You may want to wander around the old castle grounds and take in the beautiful views of the river. (B,L,D)

Today, enjoy a relaxing morning of sailing. This afternoon, arrive in Passau, located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube. This is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets lined with beautiful patrician houses. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian baroque architecture, houses one of the world’s largest church organs with 17,774 pipes. Join a Local Guide for a GUIDED WALK through this charming town, and find out much more about the “City of Three Rivers.” (B,L,D)

Say goodbye to your crew this morning and drive to Munich, capital of Bavaria. The afternoon is free to explore on your own, or you might like to take an optional excursion to Salzburg, which will bring you to Munich in the late afternoon. (B)

Although a large city, Munich offers a small-town feel with its pedestrian- and bike-friendly atmosphere. With its historical museums, splendid English Garden, traditional cafés, and delightful shops, Munich offers plenty to see and do. A LOCAL GUIDE will show you the highlights of this fascinating city, including Nymphenburg Palace, summer residence of the Bavarian monarchs; MARIENPLATZ with its Old and New Town Halls; and the gothic Frauenkirche, a prominent landmark for Munich. Then, enjoy time on your own in this vibrant city. Watch the famous Glockenspiel, which recreates a royal wedding from the 16th century; enjoy the pedestrian zone; linger at an outdoor café; or relax alongside the locals at one of the many Biergärten or breweries to sample one of the Bavarian beer specialties. (B)

Day 8: Munich.

Excursion to Neuschwanstein & Oberammergau

This morning, a full-day outing takes you into the garden-like landscapes of the Bavarian Alps and for a visit to King Ludwig’s fairytale NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE, high above the village of Hohenschwangau. Continue to Oberammergau, famous for its once-a-decade production of the Passion Play, and enjoy free time here to stroll the streets and admire the typical Bavarian houses, many beautifully painted with scenes from fairytales. (B)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

Departures & Pricing

Detailed Itinerary: Munich to Vienna (WPV)

Skip to Vienna to Munich itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Munich, Germany

Welcome to Munich! The rest of the day is free to start exploring.

Day 2: Munich

Munich, capital of Bavaria, offers a small-town feel with its pedestrian and bike-friendly atmosphere. With its historical museums, splendid English Garden, traditional cafés, and delightful shops, Munich has plenty to see and do. A LOCAL GUIDE will show you the highlights of this fascinating city, including Nymphenburg Palace, summer residence of the Bavarian monarchs; MARIENPLATZ with its Old and New Town Halls; and the gothic Frauenkirche, a prominent landmark for Munich. Then, enjoy time on your own in this vibrant city. Watch the famous Glockenspiel, recreating a royal wedding from the 16th century; enjoy the pedestrian zone; linger at an outdoor café; or visit St. Peter’s, the oldest church in town. Why not visit the Viktualienmarkt with its Maypole that carries figurines featuring the arts and crafts of this region? This large market is popular for fresh produce, meats, cheeses, spices, baked goods, flowers, and more. Or, maybe relax alongside the locals at one of the Biergarten or breweries to sample Bavarian beer specialties. (Breakfast)

Day 3: Munich. Excursion to Neuschwanstein & Oberammergau

This morning, a full-day outing takes you into the garden-like landscapes of the Bavarian Alps for a visit to King Ludwig’s fairytale NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE, situated high above the village of Hohenschwangau. Continue to Oberammergau, famous for its once-a-decade production of the Passion Play. Enjoy free time in this small town to stroll along the streets and admire the typical Bavarian houses, many beautifully painted with scenes from fairytales. (Breakfast)

Day 4: Munich–Passau (Embarkation)

Enjoy a free morning in Munich, then, in the afternoon, drive to Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube. Alternatively, you might like to join a full-day optional excursion to Salzburg, which will end in Passau with embarkation on your ship. Meet your crew at a welcome reception this evening. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 5: Passau–Linz, Austria

Passau is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautiful patrician houses, and dominated by St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian baroque architecture. Join your Local Guide for a WALKING TOUR through this charming town, and find out much more about the “City of Three Rivers.”

Day 6: Linz–Grein

Linz is Austria’s third-largest city and an important river port where culture plays a significant role in everyday life. A guided tour of the city shows you the 13th-century Hauptplatz, Austria’s largest medieval square, and the Trinity Column, built in 1723 as thanks for the city escaping the ravages of the plague, war, and fire. Perhaps wander around the old castle grounds and take in the beautiful views of the river, or visit the neo-gothic New Cathedral, Austria’s largest church, with capacity for 20,000 visitors. This afternoon relax on board enjoying the views of the peaceful riverscapes from the comfort of the Sky Deck or join an optional excursion. In the late afternoon arrive in the attractive country resort of Grein, nestled at the foot of a bluff in the shadow of its castle. You'll have time here to explore on your own. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7: Melk–Dürnstein

A day of charming towns and magical scenery awaits you today! Join a GUIDED VISIT of the magnificent 11th-century BENEDICTINE ABBEY of Melk, one of Europe’s largest monasteries. Melk’s abbey towers over the town and its church houses stunning frescoed ceilings and an ornate library with a large collection of medieval manuscripts. Next, head into the heart of the Wachau wine region to Dürnstein known for its magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade, - and join a Certified Local Guide for a GUIDED WALK. This evening enjoy a TASTING of some of the region’s famous wines. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8: Vienna

Wake up this morning in Vienna, known as the “City of Music” and the place that inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria’s magical capital on the blue Danube is a showcase of gilded architecture. This is home to the lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace complex with its Vienna Boys' Choir and dazzling Lipizzaner stallions; the neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House; and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral—plus, countless other sights you’ll see on your GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR. Stroll through the pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse, and be sure to take a break and enjoy a piece of decadent Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9: Vienna (Disembarkation)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

Departures & Pricing

• A valid passport is required for travel. Passports must be valid at least 6 months after the last day of travel.
• Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
• For reasons of navigation and passenger safety, the cruise operator and the Captain of the ship reserve the right to modify the itinerary of the cruise.
• In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach.
• Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.