Your European adventure begins with two nights in Germany’s capital, Berlin! A local expert will show you the major sites, such as the restored Reichstag building and the elegant Kurfürstendamm. See the Holocaust Memorial and be sure to get a photo at the famous Brandenburg Gate—one of Germany’s best-known landmarks. Then, travel to Dresden, known for its baroque architecture and historical buildings badly damaged during WWII, but restored to their former glory.

Continue to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic. Guided sightseeing shows you its best-known treasures. See the Astronomical Clock, Hradcany Castle, and St. Vitus Cathedral. Stroll across Charles Bridge, shop for hand-cut crystal, and mix with the locals on Wenceslas Square. Regensburg is one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities and architecture lovers will delight in the treasures it has to offer. Guided sightseeing will show you the Old Town Hall, the Porta Pretoria—gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD—and many mansions with high towers denoting the status and wealth of their early owners. Enjoy a tasting of local sausages before heading to Deggendorf where your river cruise journey begins. A Master of Wine will accompany you on board and share his special expertise with interesting lectures and wine tastings! Passau, Germany, is called the “City of Three Rivers” as it lies at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. Explore the city with a Local Guide and admire the Patrician houses and baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Linz, Austria, offers the Hauptplatz, Austria’s largest medieval square which forms the center of the city. Enjoy the magnificent views as your river cruise takes you through the picturesque wine region of Wachau Valley. In Dürnstein, visit the famous blue and white Stiftskirche and enjoy an interactive wine tasting. Vienna, the “City of Music,” makes an immediate impression with its lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace and neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House. In Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, a guided walk takes you through the delightful Old Town and to the gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral.

In Budapest, the vibrant capital of Hungary, see the must-see sights with a local expert, stroll along the main shopping street of Váci utca, take pictures from Fishermen’s Bastion, and visit wine cellars right in the heart of the city!

City Highlights

Day 1 Berlin, Germany: welcome to BerlinDay 2 Berlin: guided sightseeing, see the Brandenburg Gate, visit Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial ChurchDay 3 Berlin – Dresden – Prague, Czech Republic: guided walk in Dresden, visit the courtyard of the Zwinger Palace; motorcoach transfer to Prague.Day 4 Prague: guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit Hradčany Castle grounds, excursion to MelnikDay 5 Prague–Regensburg, Germany–Deggendorf (Embarkation): travel by motorcoach to Regensburg, guided sightseeing; special treat; transfer to Deggendorf; onboard welcome receptionDay 6 Passau: guided walk, onboard wine tasting and lecture by our Master of WineDay 7 Linz, Austria: guided sightseeing, onboard Food and Wine pairing dinner Day 8 Melk–Dürnstein: guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk; cruise through the Wachau Valley; choice between guided walk in Dürnstein or an interactive wine experienceDay 9 Vienna: guided sightseeingDay 10 Bratislava: guided sightseeing, visit St. Martin’s CathedralDay 11 Budapest: guided sightseeing, see Fishermen’s Bastion and Heroes’ Square, visit a wine cellar and enjoy wine tastingDay 12 Budapest (Disembarkation): your vacation ends this morning

PRODUCT_LINE: AVALON-WDBE-T2-2018