Day 1 – Vilshofen

EMBARKATION – VILSHOFEN. Board your cruise ship in Vilshofen to begin your Romantic Danube cruise. This afternoon, you’ll take part in an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration with traditional beer and Bavarian folk music and dancing.

Day 2 – Passau

PASSAU. Cruise to Passau, known as the “City of Three Rivers” where you’ll join a guided walking tour through the Old Town that includes a visit to a local bakery for regional specialties—a Smithsonian Journeys exclusive. Or, choose a more active experience with a hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress for panoramic views, or a guided bike ride along the River Inn.

Day 3 – Linz

LINZ, AUSTRIA. Arrive in Linz and choose from several ways to explore the region. Spend the day in Salzburg on a guided tour that includes time in the city’s UNESCO-designated Old Town and a visit to Mozart’s Birth House, where your expert guide offers added context that brings the composer’s story to life. Or, travel to Český Krumlov to explore its cobblestoned streets and striking Krumlov castle, followed by a beer tasting. If you prefer to stay in Linz, start your day with a walking tour through the Old City or a guided bike ride along the “Cultural Mile.”

Day 4 – Weissenkirchen

WEISSENKIRCHEN. Head up to the Sun Deck for panoramic views as you unwind with a scenic cruise through the Strudengau and UNESCO-designated Wachau valleys. After reaching Weissenkirchen, you’ll be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of Dürnstein before visiting the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. Or hike the trail up to the ruins of Durnstein Fortress, where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive, and where you’ll find spectacular views of the valley, river and village below. You can also choose to cycle through the Wachau Valley on a guided bike tour. For a more culinary-focused experience, sample special apricot treats and regional wine from a local boutique.

Day 5 – Vienna

VIENNA. Spend the morning discovering Vienna’s most notable sites, including the Opera House, the former Imperial Palace, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. As part of your guided city tour, you’ll also visit one of Vienna’s renowned art museums—either the Kunsthistorisches Museum, home to a world-class fine art collection, or the baroque Belvedere Palace, known for iconic works such as The Kiss. Alternatively, join a guided bike tour that highlights the city’s grand architecture and riverside paths. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, whether you choose to continue exploring Vienna’s museums, linger in a coffeehouse, or return to the ship to relax.

Day 6 – Bratislava

BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA. After arriving in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, you’ll have three activities to choose from. History buffs will enjoy the guided walking tour through the Old Town that includes a special folklore performance at Primate’s Palace—a Smithsonian enrichment that adds cultural depth to your visit. Alternatively, food-lovers can eat their way through the city on a “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For a more active adventure, hike to Bratislava Castle where you can enjoy sweeping views of the city.

Day 7 – Budapest

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Explore both sides of Budapest. Begin on the Buda side with a guided tour of the Castle District, including Fisherman’s Bastion, a panoramic viewpoint, and Matthias Church. Or, for a more active option, you can join a guided hike to Castle Hill. Your guided tour will take you past the Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square, and the “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial. You may also choose to join a Smithsonian exclusive Jewish Heritage tour that includes Europe’s largest synagogue and additional insight into the city’s Jewish history.

Day 8 – Budapest

BUDAPEST – DISEMBARKATION. After a leisurely breakfast on board, you’ll disembark in Budapest and prepare for your flight home. Or, if you’ve opted to extend your trip with a stay in Budapest, our team will assist you with transfers to your hotel.