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Blue Danube: Family Riverboat Adventure

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Uniquely Tauck

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – An Imperial Evening in a Viennese palace featuring dinner, music, dancing and more

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

All gratuities to Tauck Directors, drivers, local guides and ship staff

Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $2,019

Visit four countries on a 7-night cruise

An Imperial Evening in a Vienna palace

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Guests should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.

Moderately paced, and may include some early morning hotel departures, one or two on-tour flights, and extended motor coach travel.

World Travel. Family Discovery.

Selected as one of the "10 Best River Cruises" by Fodor's Travel... there is no better way to experience the heart of Europe with your family than on a leisurely Tauck Bridges Danube river tour and cruise aboard one of Tauck's custom-designed riverboats.

Tauck exclusive – imperial evening at palais pallavicini, our gala imperial evening at a private palace in vienna.

Fairy tales come true when you and your family dress up for a royal evening at a private palace in Vienna – the Baroque, 18th-century Palais Pallavicini – just for Tauck Bridges families that transports you to another time. Dinner is served in a ballroom gilded in gold and bathed in the glimmering light of crystal chandeliers. Dancers in traditional dress waltz into the ballroom while musicians play their instruments with regal precision and harmony. And those childhood dreams of meeting a prince or being a princess? This is where they become real.

Jam-packed family fun on every day

Our danube family river cruise has something for everyone.

Discovering new destinations like the locals do is the best way to learn about different cultures and traditions. From guided bicycle rides to "Sound of Music" karaoke to catacombs tours and a step back into the Middle Ages with a "knight tournament," our Danube family river cruise is designed to have a little something for everyone, and plenty to do as a whole family.

Making marzipan in Passau

A family marzipan making experience in riverside passau.

Marzipan is a sweet candy confection – traditionally made from sugar or honey and ground almonds, and often formed into pastries or shapes – that can be found around the world. Asia, the Americas, the Middle East and most regions of Europe all have marzipan-making traditions. And you'll discover Germany's love affair with this sweet concoction with a demonstration in Passau that lets you try your hand at making your own tasty tidbit in the shape of a face... very popular in this "city of three rivers."

The River of Kings – The Danube

We saw memorable and historical sites on a our danube trip but tauck managed to make it so much fun for our three generations traveling together..

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Eastbound: Munich → Budapest

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Westbound: Budapest → Munich

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About Booking This Tour

Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally, you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. You are not required to obtain a visa to enter any of these countries for the short duration of this tour.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally, you should contact an embassy of each of the countries visited – Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary – to determine what travel documentation is required.

International maritime security guidelines require that your passport information be provided to us prior to your embarkation. You need to provide this information to us as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied. Once you board the riverboat, your passport will be held by the purser temporarily to make copies.

Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

Note: For activities marked with an asterisk (*) in day-by-day descriptions, participation is at your own risk; a signed liability waiver will be required.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

Tour Name and Departure Date
Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
Traveler's Address(es)
Email Address*
Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $900 per person

Final Payments:

Final Payment is due to Tauck 60 days before departure for lands trips, and 120 days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Cruise Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection

Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. It must be purchased within 10 days of your initial deposit. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON and Tauck will reduce the regular cancellation fees outlined herein, provided we are notified of cancellation before your cruise departs. Certain terms and restrictions apply (see below*).

*Extreme Circumstances: In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey. Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

Trip Cancellation – Should you cancel for covered reasons, the plan reimburses cancellation fees imposed, up to your total trip cost.
Trip Interruption – If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
Travel Delay – Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
Medical Expense – Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip.
Baggage / Personal Effects Protection – Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services – Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection is: $659 per person

This plan provides cancellation coverage for your trip and other insurance coverages that apply only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Cruise and Event Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included in initial payment. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your reservation. Cruise and Event Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit

Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees.

If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit

Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply for this tour.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan:

120 days or more before departure: Loss of cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection fee per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 25% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person 59 – 1 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan: 120 days or more before departure: $900 per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person 59 - 1 days before departure: Loss of 100% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

Tour Interruption Fees

If you have to interrupt your tour en route, you may be entitled to a refund for the unused land portion if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less a fee of $40 per person per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses.

Partial Room Cancellation

A person who cancels or leaves a tour while a roommate remains constitutes a cancellation of one type of accommodation and rebooking of another type of accommodation. The price charged to the remaining person is the new, higher price for the new accommodation.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation and transfer terms outlined herein. Note: All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

On board the riverboat, smoking is permitted in a limited area of the Sun deck. Smoking is not permitted in any cabin, the restaurant, the lounge or any other interior space.

Your riverboat is registered in Basel, Switzerland. Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

Please advise your Tauck Director on tour if you or the children traveling with you have any serious allergies. Also, adults may want to bring along children's aspirin or medicines as a precaution, as access to these may be limited.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly

VACCINATIONS

If you are a resident of the U.S., no other vaccinations are currently required for travel to Germany, Austria, Slovakia or Hungary. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking here .

If you are a resident of another country, please contact an embassy or consulate of Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary to determine whether additional vaccinations are required for your travel.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

While a cruise on the Danube is very relaxing and the pace leisurely, to enjoy this cruise, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. There is a moderate to significant amount of walking during our excursions, often along cobblestone streets, and at many sites there are multiple stairs or steps; for the most part, however, the amount of walking you do is at your discretion.

Your riverboat has four decks: Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, and Sun. The elevator connects the Diamond, Ruby, and Emerald decks. There is no elevator to the Sundeck. There is no chair lift between any of the decks.

Because you will be cruising on a river and not on the open sea, you are never far from land and, therefore, there is no doctor on board. In case of emergency we can easily dock the boat and call for an ambulance or medical assistance.

PLEASE NOTE: We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters. Likewise, we regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate service animals on any river cruise for medical and legal reasons.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list here.

The climate along the Danube River is temperate and unpredictable. From June through August, the average high temperatures decrease as you travel west along the river and range from 69 to 79°F (21 to 26°C) and the average low temperatures range from 51 to 59°F (11 to 15°C). Rainfall amounts in this region remain fairly constant throughout the year, although late spring and early summer are generally the wettest seasons of the year. Opposite of temperature, rainfall increases as you travel west.

To read about current weather conditions, click here .

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Guide to River Cruises

Consistently recognized among the "World's Best", Tauck River Cruises show you the sights differently than everyone else. We know that travel is not just about the places you visit – it's how you experience them that really matters.

Along the rivers, we do more than just point out the sights. We bring the locals aboard to share their stories, traditions and talents, then we invite you ashore to have a glass of wine or two with the vintners who made them... dine in private palaces with the nobles who live there... cook alongside chefs happy to share their regional recipes... attend command performances and concerts in opera houses and exclusive venues for Tauck guests only... and so many more opportunities to personally connect with the culture and people you meet in ways you couldn't do on your own.

So read ahead, immerse yourself in the magic of Europe's waterways, learn about the rivers we navigate, read through our first timers guide and discover why a Tauck river cruise is right for you.

European River Facts

Since launching our first-ever European river cruise in 1992… long before river cruising emerged as the hottest way to travel… Tauck has become a leading expert on the continent's storied waterways. We know the destinations dotting the river banks and those off the beaten path that deliver authentic experiences. And, of course, we know the rivers… not just the basic facts, but how they impacted the history and culture of the destinations they flow through.

First Timer's Guide

We've designed this guide with your questions in mind. Here, you'll discover the "who, what, where, when and whys" of river cruising to help you identify what is really important when choosing a river cruise. If you are familiar with Tauck, you know that we take pride in anticipating our guests' needs on tour, catering to your comfort with over 95 years of personalized service and travel expertise. We're delighted to share our insights about river cruising with you.

Why Take A Tauck River Cruise

Venturing off the beaten path away from well-traveled highways is part of the appeal, as are the opportunities to savor a real taste of daily life along Europe's rivers. But no matter how different the motivation, Tauck river cruising has a way of bringing everyone of every age and generation together to share experiences that last lifetimes.

Choosing The Best European River Cruise For You

Savvy travelers know that river cruising isn't just for seniors. On board every Tauck riverboat, you'll find couples young and young at heart… groups of friends and groups who share common interests or alma maters… solo travelers and families… all having the best time of their lives. No matter which waterway you want to journey along in Europe, who you're traveling with and what you hope to take away from the experience, you'll find the best European river cruise for you with Tauck, voted to Travel + Leisure's "World's Best Awards" list for 25 consecutive years.

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Antarctica & the Arctic
Australia & New Zealand
Israel & Jordan
Latin America
United States
Tours & Cruises
Exclusive Partnership
Family Journeys
Guest Favorites
River Cruises
Small Groups
Small Ship Cruises
Awards and Accolades
Our History
Tauck Impact
The Tauck Difference
The Taucker Blog
About Tauck
Media Center
Tutorial Video
Agent Connect
Register Your Agency
General Information
Travel Protection
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TAUCK RIVER CRUISES 24 Days | Grand European Cruise Eastbound

AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST Day 1 | Amsterdam, Holland. Embark. Your cruise through the heart of Europe starts at 4:00 PM in Amsterdam, Netherlands. A transfer is included from Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport directly to ms Treasures. Kick off this most remarkable of North Sea to Black Sea cruises with a traditional toast featuring Dutch gin, followed by dinner aboard the riverboat. (D) Day 2 | Amsterdam. You'll be inspired by the acclaimed art by the Dutch Masters, including Rembrandt's The Night Watch, and many others you'll see on a guided tour of Amsterdam's renowned Rijksmuseum this morning. Then enjoy views of the city's remarkable architectural styles on a canal boat cruise along its network of 17th-century canals. The fun continues with a festive evening aboard the riverboat including the Captain's welcome reception, a special welcome dinner and a live musical performance. (B,L,D) Day 3 | Köln (Cologne), Germany. Fascinating commentary by your Tauck Director (which you can listen to in your cabin if you choose) and lunch al fresco on the riverboat's sun deck enhance your morning's sail to the next stop on your Rhine cruise – Köln (Cologne), Germany's oldest city. Your guided walking tour includes the lofty, twin-spired Kölner Dom, elaborately decorated with pinnacles and buttresses; it is the tallest Gothic structure in the world, and took over 600 years to complete. Stroll through Köln's Hohe Strasse pedestrian area and Cathedral Square at your leisure in the afternoon. (B,L,D) Day 4 | Koblenz or Marksburg Castle. Rudesheim. Dock in Koblenz, and choose either a walking tour of Old Town, or a trip to 13th-century Marksburg Castle, built high above the Rhine. Relax as your Tauck Director shares a tale or two during the afternoon’s cruise through the scenic – and literally legendary – Lorelei Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit to Siegfrieds Mechanisches Musikkabinett, an eclectic collection of mechanical musical instruments housed in a 15th-century castle in Rüdesheim, precedes tonight's entertaining dinner in a local German restaurant with an old-world ambiance. (B,L,D) Day 5 | Lohr. As your most memorable of North Sea to Black Sea cruises continues through scenic valleys studded with castles, cathedrals, and fortified towns, enjoy a demonstration of the time-honored skill of glassblowing. An excursion to historic Lohr takes you to see the Bayersturm (the town’s 14th-century watchtower), half-timbered houses and other notable sites on a walking tour. A Bavarian-themed dinner awaits aboard the riverboat tonight. (B,L,D) Day 6| Rothenburg. Würzburg. Today's shore excursion takes you to medieval Rothenburg, on Germany's "Romantic Road," to see its Gothic cathedrals and gabled houses. Later, a visit to charming Würzburg reveals the town's ornate Alte Mainbrücke, a centuries-old bridge over the River Main, and the 18th-century Residenz, where you'll enjoy a wine tasting in this famous Baroque palace's wine cellar. And you'll know you're cruising through Bavaria when an oompah band plays for you tonight! (B,L,D) Day 7 | Bamberg. Continue along the Main to the Bavarian town of Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated atop seven hills. After discovering the town’s lovely gardens, medieval architecture and 13th-century Gothic cathedral with its four imposing towers on a walking tour of Old Town, you'll have time to explore more of this charming town on your own. (B,L,D) Day 8 | Cruise the Main-Danube Canal. Nürnberg (Nuremberg). Tauck's ultimate riverboat voyage from the North Sea to the Black Sea cruises the Main-Danube Canal today, a major engineering achievement that makes this grand trip possible – and which you'll learn all about from a local expert during your transit. The idea goes back as far as Charlemagne, but wasn't realized until this canal was completed in the 1990s; pass through 16 locks as the waterway traverses the mountains. Sail on to historic Nürnberg, where you'll have a choice of a walking tour of the city's walled medieval center, or a visit to the Courthouse, the Documentation Center, the Zeppelinfeld and other Nürnberg sites associated with World War II and its aftermath. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant; dinner is aboard the riverboat this evening. (B,L,D) Day 9 | Regensburg. Passau. Stop in the well-preserved medieval town of Regensburg, once a campsite for the Roman legions. On a walking tour with our local guide, you'll stroll past the Steinerne Brücke, a medieval stone bridge over the Danube that's the oldest in Germany; Altes Rathaus, the 15th-century town hall that was once the seat of the Imperial Diet; and Dom St. Peter, the town's towering Gothic cathedral. After exploring Regensburg as you please this afternoon, cruise along the Danube to Passau. (B,L,D) Day 10 | Passau. The riverboat docks in the port city of Passau, dating way back to Roman times. Spend time exploring this lovely Bavarian town – well-known for its Baroque architecture including unique four-story homes, scores of churches and marvelous stained glass – on a walking tour. Visit St. Stephan’s Cathedral, where you’ll see (and maybe even hear) Europe’s largest pipe organ (and the biggest cathedral organ in the world), boasting over 17,000 pipes! Listen to commentary from your Tauck Director or take advantage of other onboard activities you continue your cruise in the afternoon, bound for Melk, Austria; this evening, enjoy an on-board musical performance by the Donau Klang Trio. (B,L,D) Day 11 | Melk, Austria. Wachau Valley. Durnstein. Your next destination is the town of Melk where you'll step back in time on a guided tour of its 900-year-old Benedictine Abbey, perched on a rocky outcrop above the River Danube. Inside this Baroque masterpiece are fine frescoes, early manuscripts, and a high altar. Enjoy views of medieval castles while cruising through the Wachau Valley to picturesque Dürnstein; stroll along its twisting lanes on a walking tour, and, if you wish, walk up to the hilltop ruins of a castle where King Richard the Lionhearted was held for ransom during the Crusades – the vistas are simply spectacular! A wine-tasting in a local restaurant and dinner back on board cap a delightful day as you riverboat makes its way to legendary Vienna. (B,L,D) Day 12 | Vienna. Get an overview of Vienna, Austria's capital and one of Europe's greatest cities, with a morning sightseeing tour of this historic former center of the Habsburg Empire. Take your choice of a guided visit to Schönbrunn Palace, the Habsburgs' summer home built to rival Versailles, or a tour of the Imperial Apartments inside the Hofburg, the former Imperial palace that today serves as the official residence of Austria's president. Tonight, a Tauck Exclusive – a private, gala Imperial Evening at a traditional palace in Vienna, featuring a sumptuous dinner and live Viennese music celebrating the magic of Mozart... it's a spectacle of elegant finery that just might sweep you off your feet! (B,L,D) Day 13 | Bratislava, Slovakia. Wake up this morning in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, where 17 centuries of history are chronicled on a walking tour led by a local guide. Highlights include Baroque palaces from the Habsburg era, along with St. Martin's Cathedral, the Opera House, Slovak Philharmonic Hall, and a visit to Old Town Hall. Please join the Captain and crew for a cocktail reception, dinner and musical entertainment aboard ship tonight.(B,L,D) Day 14 | Budapest, Hungary. Your remarkable riverboat voyage from the North Sea to the Black Sea cruises into Budapest today, the mid-point of your grand European trip. Join us for a guided tour of landmark sites in Hungary's legendary capital city, divided by the Danube into the separate sections of Buda and Pest, including a special visit to the opulent, 19th-century neo-Renaissance Hungarian State Opera House in Pest. (B,L,D) Day 15 | Budapest. Spend a memorable day exploring Budapest sites on both sides of the Danube with your local guide, including patriotic Heroes’ Square, honoring leaders from Hungary's early history; the Hungarian Parliament building, a 19th-century neo-Gothic masterpiece on the Danube; and Fishermen’s Bastion, standing guard over the river. (B,L,D) Day 16 | Kalocsa. Celebrated for its paprika and folk art, you'll learn about the colorful history of paprika production in Kalosca, Hungary at the Paprika Museum; visit the beautiful Baroque library in the Bishop's Palace, housing one of the finest early collections in Europe; and attend a tasting at a Hungarian winery before rejoining the riverboat. (B,L,D) Day 17 | Vukovar, Croatia. ms Treasures progresses along the lower Danube into Croatia, whose turbulent history is the focus of an on-board talk by a local expert. Then travel overland to the Baroque city of Vukovar, once showcasing opulent 18th-century mansions, but now poignantly symbolizing the effects of the 1990s war as it rebuilds; you'll visit with a Vukovar family who have recently returned to resume their lives in the city after the conflict. Your journey from the North Sea to the Black Sea cruises on to Serbia this afternoon. (B,L,D) Day 18 | Belgrade, Serbia. Dock early morning in Belgrade, Serbia's modern capital at the juncture of the Danube and Sava rivers, with roots dating back to 3 BC. A shipboard lecture sets the stage for sightseeing including visits to Tito's Memorial, St. Sava Church, and Kalemegdan Fortress, one of the city's key historic sites. You'll also see busy Slavija Square in the heart of Belgrade, Serbia's Parliament complex, Republic Square, the National Theatre and City Hall. Highlights of the day include a special Serbian lunch at a former prince's residence followed by Tauck's special private visit to the Royal Palace of Dedinje, currently home to HRH Crown Prince Alexander II of Serbia and his family. Back aboard your riverboat, enjoy some leisure time before dinner, followed by a Serbian music and dance presentation. (B,L,D) Day 19 | The Iron Gate. Relax on a day's cruise past the fields and vineyards of Eastern Europe; shipboard activities which may be offered during your cruise range from cooking demonstrations to cultural, music and dance performances. Pass into Romania and through the Kazan Narrows and the Iron Gate of the Danube, a two-mile-long series of narrow gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountain ranges. As you glide along the Bulgarian / Romanian border, look for the massive monument to the 2nd-century Dacian King Decebalus – Europe's tallest rock sculpture, completed in 2004 – carved into the riverbank on the Romanian side, as well as spectacular views of the Transylvanian Alps. (B,L,D) Day 20 | Svishtov, Bulgaria. Veliko Turnovo. Learn all about Iconography with a lecture and demonstration as your journey to the Black Sea cruises to Svishtov, Bulgaria, for excursions to nearby towns. Travel to the medieval capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Turnovo, whose ancient walled fortress and castle are set atop three hills overlooking the Yantra River, to explore, enjoy lunch and perhaps shop for local crafts. In the nearby town of Arbanassi, you'll visit the Konstant-Salieva House and the Archangels Michael & Gabriel Church. A busy day concludes with an on-board presentation on Bulgarian customs, as well as special music and dance perfomances. (B,L,D) Day 21 | Cernavoa, Romania. Black Sea Coast. Arrive in Cernavoda and head off on a day trip to Romania's Black Sea coast. Your first stop is the historic port of Constanta, originally the Greek colony of Tomis in ancient days; see the city's numerous Greek and Roman antiquities, a monument to the poet Ovid (who was exiled here in Roman times) and the distinctive 19th-century waterfront casino on your guided tour. Continue on to a seaside resort for lunch featuring local Romanian specialties. As the riverboat portion of your remarkable trip from the North Sea to the Black Sea cruises towards its conclusion, celebrate with us aboard ms Treasures at the Captain's farewell cocktail reception and dinner tonight. (B,L,D) Day 22 | Bucharest. Disembark. After disembarking your riverboat and bidding the crew goodbye in Cernavoda, travel through the Romanian countryside to Bucharest, capital of Romania and once regarded as the "Paris of the Balkans." A sightseeing tour includes Revolution Square and the Triumphal Arch; erected to commemorate Romania's reunification and those who fell in World War I, it is a smaller but otherwise exact copy of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. You'll also pay a visit to the massive People's Palace, home to Romania's Parliament; the world's second-largest building after the Pentagon, some parts of it are reportedly still unfinished! Tonight you'll spend the first of two nights close to the People's Palace at the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel in the heart of the city. (B,L) Day 23 | Bucharest. A choice of sightseeing in Romania today features the legacy of the 15th-century Romanian prince Vlad Tepes (a.k.a. "Vlad the Impaler"), thought to be the historical model for Bram Stoker's character of Dracula. You may choose to take a full day's excursion to tour Transylvania's 14th-century Bran Castle, which Tepes once used as a fortress during his military campaigns and is now a Romanian national monument, returning to Bucharest early evening. Or you can opt for a boat ride to Snagov Island to visit isolated Snagov Monastery, whose grounds are said to contain the final resting place of the infamous prince, as well as a stop at Caldarusani Monastery, followed by an afternoon at leisure back in Bucharest. Please join us for our farewell dinner in Bucharest tonight. (B,L,D) Day 24 | Bucharest. Tauck's amazing North Sea to Black Sea cruise ends in Bucharest, Romania. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel to Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport; please allow 3 hours for flight check-in at the airport. (B) NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule you receive with your final documents.