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Day 1 : Vilshofen (Germany)
Fly from Manchester and embark your luxurious ship in Vilshofen. Enjoy a private Oktoberfest celebration in Vilshofen with beer, traditional music and dancing. Welcome Dinner on board tonight. (D)
Day 2 : Vilshofen - Passau
Explore Vilshofen before cruising to Passau, a 2000 year old fairytale city with cobblestone streets and Baroque architecture. A walking tour of the old town includes the Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and the St Stephen's Cathedral. There is a hike up to the impressive Passau Castle and on the reverse itinerary there is the option to join the guided bike tour of Passau. (B,L,D)
Day 3 : Linz (Austria)
Arrive in Linz, the second largest city in Austria and take a guided walking or cycling tour to the highlights. Alternatively, take a full day excursion to Salzburg. (B,L,D)
Day 4 : Weissenkirchen
Take the walking tour of Durnstein's cobbled streets and visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey at Melk, hike up to the fortress where Richard of Lionheart was once imprisoned or enjoy an 'apricots and sweets' tasting. After dinner on the forward itinerary join a wine tasting at a local winery. On the reverse itinerary the ship docks in Grein where there is a visit to Castle Greinburg, a sparkling wine reception and a folklore show. (B,L,D)
Day 5 : Vienna
Enjoy a panoramic tour of Vienna taking in the Opera House and Town Hall. This afternoon, there is a bike ride in Vienna. (B,L,D)
Day 6 : Bratislava (Slovakia)
From Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, you can enjoy a guided walking tour to the Old Town Hall and Mirbach Palace or join the Slovakian Specialties tasting and sample some local delicacies. Alternatively, hike up to Bratislava Castle before enjoying time at leisure to explore the city. Please note: Cruises in Oct/Nov will not visit Bratislava. (B,L,D)
Day 7 : Budapest (Hungary)
Arrive in Budapest where a sightseeing tour will take you to the historic Buda Castle for superb views across the twin cities of Buda and Pest, to Fisherman's Bastion and the famous Heroes' Square. Alternatively hike up to Castle Hill for panoramic views of the city. (B,L,D)
Day 8 : Budapest
Disembark ship in Budapest and transfer to the airport for your return flight to Manchester. (B)
Key: B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner. Please note this itinerary also operates in reverse - sequence and tours may vary