River Cruise Itinerary

1. Day 1
   Oberammergau

   Sat, Sep 17, 2022

   Today, you will arrive in Munich. We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the charming hamlet of Oberammergau at the foothills of the beautiful Ammergau Alps. Check-in to your hotel and enjoy time to explore your stunning surroundings. Your Viking Tour Director is available to help you plan your time today, so you can make the most of your visit. (D)

2. Day 2
   Oberammergau

   Sun, Sep 18, 2022

   After breakfast, enjoy a morning at your leisure. This afternoon, take your seats for a performance of Passionsspiele, The Passion Play. The play's origins date back to 1633 when the Great Plague descended upon the village. After many lives were lost, the villagers made a promise to God that they would tell the story of Christ, should no more lives be lost. The tradition continues today and it is a great honor for Oberammergau's residents to be a part of this powerful dramatic performance. During the intermission, enjoy a traditional Bavarian dinner at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)

3. Day 3
   Salzburg

   Mon, Sep 19, 2022

   This morning, embark on a scenic drive to Chiemsee-a beautiful freshwater lake immersed in a picturesque setting. Upon arrival, you will take a boat ride to Herreninsel. Discover the baroque Augustinian monastery and tour its museum to learn about Bavarian history. You will then take a stroll to view the magnificent Herrenchiemsee Palace; built by King Ludwig II in 1878, its opulent design replicates the Palace of Versailles. Explore the museum dedicated to King Ludwig II and enjoy time to explore the palace's incredible gardens. Afterward, continue your journey to Salzburg and check into your hotel. This evening, you will enjoy dinner at your leisure. (B, L)
4. Day 4
   Salzburg

   Tue, Sep 20, 2022

   This morning, explore more of Salzburg, the revered birthplace of Mozart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a walking tour as you take a stroll past many of the city's grand sights. Stop at the Alter Markt, Salzburg's oldest marketplace, dating from the 13th century. At Domplatz, see the impressive Salzburg Cathedral and the Statue of the Virgin Mary, surrounded by allegorical figures on four sides. You will also see St. Peter's Abbey and Salzburg's famous Festival Halls, where international stars of opera, concert and theater have performed during the Salzburg Festival for nearly a century. After your tour, enjoy free time to further explore and dinner at your leisure. (B)

5. Day 5
   Passau

   Wed, Sep 21, 2022

   After breakfast, set out to see the most renowned sites where The Sound of Music was filmed, including the gardens at Mirabell Palace, where the Pegasus Fountain and a now-famous stairway played a role in the song "Do-Re-Mi.” You will also see Nonnberg Abbey, Hellbrunn Palace and Mondsee Cathedral, better known as St. Michael's Basilica, where Maria and Baron von Trapp's wedding was filmed. Enjoy free time for lunch and a stroll around this lakeside, picturesque town. Afterward, continue to Passau, situated at the confluence of the Danube, Ilz and Inn Rivers, to embark your ship. (B, D)

6. Day 6
   Passau

   Thu, Sep 22, 2022

   Today you will take a walking tour of this elegant town, called the Dreiflüssestadt ("City on Three Rivers”), which is situated at the confluence of the Danube, Ilz and Inn Rivers. Admire the New Bishop's Residence and see the impressive baroque St. Stephen's Cathedral; its ornate interior is home to Europe's largest church organ. (B, L, D)

7. Day 7
   Linz

   Fri, Sep 23, 2022

   Wake up in Linz this morning and set off to explore this cultural on foot. Ride along the Danube's south bank and take in the sights; see the Brucknerhaus concert hall, Linz Castle and the Market Hall, where Mozart wrote the Linz Symphony, followed by a walking tour of the city's Old Quarter. Alternatively, join a full day optional excursion to the beautiful Bohemian town of Český Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the baroque and Renaissance buildings and the town's charming streets, brimming with cafés, shops and galleries. Return on board for dinner and a late-evening departure. (B, D)

8. Day 8
   Krems

   Sat, Sep 24, 2022

   After scenic sailing this morning through the Wachau Valley, you will arrive in Krems. Enjoy lunch on board, then depart your ship for an exclusive visit of the splendid Benedictine Abbey of Göttweig, a working monastery for more than 900 years. You may also pay a visit to a local vineyard for a tasting before returning to your ship. Dinner will be served on board as we prepare to set sail for Vienna. (B, L, D)

9. Day 9
   Vienna

   Sun, Sep 25, 2022

   Today we tour the Austrian capital of Vienna. Ride along the Ringstrasse, which replaced the city walls in the mid-19th century. See some of the city's baroque architecture, including the world-famous Opera House, St. Stephen's Cathedral and Hofburg Palace. Return to your ship for lunch. The rest of the day is yours to further explore. As always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Or you may take an optional tour to Schönbrunn Palace, the "Versailles of Vienna,” erected in 1778 and graced by a number of formal gardens, Grecian statuary, the world's oldest zoo and Roman ruins. After dinner, relax or enjoy an optional classical concert. (B, L, D)

10. Day 10
    Bratislava

    Mon, Sep 26, 2022

    Arrive in Bratislava this morning and embark on a walking tour of Slovakia's charming capital with a long and fascinating history. It is the only national capital that borders two other countries, Austria and Hungary. See attractions like the medieval Town Hall complex and fortifications at Michael's Tower, the baroque Jesuit Church and Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral, and pass by several Hapsburg-era baroque palaces before returning to your ship. Enjoy scenic cruising this afternoon as we set sail toward Budapest. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

11. Day 11
    Budapest

    Tue, Sep 27, 2022

    Today we see highlights of the once separate towns of Buda and Pest, starting with Pest's National Opera House and historic Heroes' Square. In Buda, walk along Castle Hill to Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church. Enjoy lunch on board your ship, with the rest of the day to explore on your own. You may wish to visit the Art Nouveau Gellért Spa, or one of the many other lavish facilities in this "City of Healing Waters.” Return to your ship for a traditional Hungarian farewell dinner. (B, L, D)

12. Day 12
    Budapest

    Wed, Sep 28, 2022

    After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your journey with 2 additional nights in Budapest, giving yourself more time to explore the bustling Hungarian capital. (Breakfast)

    ^{* Ground transfers are included with Viking Air purchase.}

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