Join Collette Vacations on a tour that captures the scenic splendor of the former Hapsburg Empire, the beauty of Budapest’s architecture, the majesty of Vienna’s fairytale Schoenbrunn Palace, and the charming towns of Germany’s famed Romantic Road. Beginning with your arrival in Budapest, the “Queen of the Danube,” you will board the M.S. Boheme and later enjoy a guided sightseeing tour featuring Fishermen’s Bastion and Mathias Church. Next, cruise to lovely Vienna where you’ll have plenty of time to explore on your own and where a special city tour will introduce you to the array of gothic, baroque and neoclassical monuments and palaces. Gliding through the Wachau Valley, one of Europe’s most beautiful areas, you’ll enjoy stops in charming, medieval German towns and cities like Melk, Passau, and Regensburg. You’ll cruise through the Main-Danube Canal and spend time exploring the gothic churches and patrician homes of Nuremberg before traveling to Bamberg, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. The lovely towns along the Romantic Road – Rothenburg, Wurzburg, and Miltenberg – are where you’ll explore centuries of history before enjoying a farewell dinner to celebrate the end of a magnificent journey.

Day 1: Overnight Flight
In the golden light of autumn, the grand waterways of Europe are at their loveliest. Welcome aboard the M.S. Boheme for a delightful river cruise; experience the beauty of the Danube and Main Rivers. On this trip you will capture the scenic splendor and cultural richness of the former Hapsburg Empire, the beauty of Budapest's architecture, the majesty of Vienna's Schoenbrunn Palace, and the charming towns of Germany's famed Romantic Road. Enjoy a perfect combination of included shore excursions and free time to explore hidden treasures of historic cities and towns.

Day 2: Budapest, Hungary -Tour Begins - Board Ship
Your tour begins in Budapest, known as the "Queen of the Danube", where you board your cruise ship. This evening, enjoy a welcome cocktail before dinner as you meet your fellow travelers. (D)

Day 3: Budapest - Esztergom
Begin your day with a guided sightseeing tour of Budapest featuring Fisherman's Bastion, Heroes Square, the neo-gothic Parliament building, Gellert Hill and Mathias Church, where the last two Hungarian kings were crowned. Later, travel to nearby Esztergom, former capital of Hungary. Enjoy lunch on board, followed by leisure time to explore this enchanting and magical city. In the evening, depart for Vienna. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Vienna, Austria
Enjoy the scenery as you cruise to romantic Vienna, known as the "City of Spires" and home of legendary composers Mozart, Schubert, Brahms and Strauss. Explore lovely Vienna on your own. This evening, you may choose to take an optional Vienna by Night tour. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Vienna
Get an up-close look at Vienna with a special city tour. A center of classical music, art, theatre and history, Vienna is graced with a spectacular array of gothic, baroque, and neoclassical monuments and palaces that showcase its architectural marvels. You will see the lavish Schoenbrunn Palace, summer residence of the imperial family, as well as the impressive St. Stephan's Cathedral, whose towering 450-foot spire soars above the city. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to stroll the shop-lined pedestrian-only Karntnerstrasse and sample Vienna's shopping, famous pastries and cafes. After dinner, an optional Viennese concert is available. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Melk, Germany - Passau
Gliding through the Wachau Valley, relax and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of picturesque Danube landscapes. Upon arrival in Melk, Germany a guided walking tour explores the 16th century old town and Benedictine Abbey, a residence of monks for over 900 years. Later, an optional excursion to the charming, medieval village of Durnstein is available, where you will have the opportunity to sample Wachau Valley's most popular wines, visit the baroque-style church and see the ruins of the castle that once held Richard the Lionhearted prisoner. Late afternoon you depart for the fairy tale town of Passau where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Passau - Regensburg
Join your fellow travelers for a leisurely paced walking tour exploring Passau's 2000 years of history. Established as a frontier town by the Romans, today Passau is known for its arts and culture. Mid-afternoon you depart for Regensburg, one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Regensburg - Main-Danube Canal - Hilpostein
A morning walking tour of Regensburg showcases the city's architectural highlights. You will view the medieval Steirnerne Brucke (stone bridge) and Dom St. Peter towering high above the town, as well as the 15th century Altes Rathaus (town hall). Later, you join the ship in Kelheim and cruise towards Hilpostein. En-route you cruise through the Main-Danube Canal, reaching the highest point of your cruise at 1,332 feet above sea level. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Nuremberg - Bamberg
Spend the morning exploring Nuremberg's historic town center. Your guided tour features fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses; the 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city; the Imperial Castle; and the Justice Palace where the war crimes tribunal sat in 1946. Later, rejoin the ship and cruise towards the medieval town of Bamberg, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Explore this fascinating town at your leisure, perhaps visiting the town's cathedral, old town hall, or just strolling the serpentine streets lined with charming traditional houses and 18th century mansions. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Bamberg - Rothenburg
Travel to Rothenburg, one of the loveliest towns situated on the "Romantic Road". You may wish to join your fellow travelers on an optional walking tour exploring centuries of history amidst gothic cathedrals, half timbered houses and shops, ramparts and gabled houses. Later in the day, you meet your ship in charming Würzburg. (B, L, D)

Day 11: Würzburg - Wertheim
Würzburg, the capital of Lower Franconia, is a center of wine and trade. Known as the "pearl of the Romantic Road", Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. Join a local expert in exploring this ancient town's rich historic sights, including the magnificent 18th century Residential Palace, built by two prince-bishops, and the ornate Alte Mainbrucke, the oldest bridge on the River Main. Later, cruise towards charming Wertheim. (B, L, D)

Day 12: Wertheim - Miltenberg - Aschaffenburg
Explore historic Miltenberg, a charming town that is a romantic mix of medieval ruins, gabled half-timbered houses and narrow cobblestone streets. After lunch on board, enjoy the scenic sunny valleys of the meandering Main River. Late afternoon you cruise to Aschaffenburg where you will enjoy a farewell dinner and an overnight stay. (B, L, D)

Day 13: Frankfurt International Airport - Tour Ends
After an early morning arrival in Frankfurt, your tour ends with a transfer to the airport. (B)