Tour members from across Canada fly to Budapest, Hungary.

On arrival in Budapest we transfer to our ship. This evening we meet our fellow travellers at our welcome dinner. Embark / ms AmaViola (7 nights).

Enjoy a visit to the vibrant Great Market Hall brimming with vendors that sell everything from food to souvenirs. We will also explore the twin cities of Buda and Pest, which are spread over both banks of the Danube river. This afternoon is at leisure to explore on our own. You may want to explore incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Buda Castle and take in the unparalleled combination of culture and tradition the city offers.

We wake up this morning in Bratislava, where we can choose from a walking tour which will allow us to understand why the city has earned the title “Coronation City of Kings”. Alternatively, you could join a culinary host to sample traditional Slovakian specialties and learn how to make a dish with the opportunity to taste your own creation.

During our city tour of Vienna, we will see the impressive Vienna Opera House, the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs, the magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the capital’s historic city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. This afternoon we are free to take in some more of Vienna’s beauty and history as we enjoy some leisure time on our own.

We arrive in Weissenkirchen this morning, from where we depart for a walking tour along the cobblestone streets of Dürnstein where we can see the magnificent blue tower of the local Stiftskirche, or abbey church. Then, you can either join a visit to the UNESCO designated Melk Abbey, one of Europe’s largest and most revered monasteries, or take part in a culinary experience. Enjoy wine tasting hosted by a local vintner as well as a visit to a local boutique offering special apricot treats. Continue onwards cruising through the gorgeous scenery of the Strudengau Valley to the medieval riverside town of Grein. There, we are treated to an exclusive visit to the 15th century Greinburg Castle, featuring a beautiful arcaded inner courtyard dating from the late Renaissance era. Its dramatic position high above the village offers incredible sights of the Valley and the  Danube. We enjoy a folklore show along with a wine reception in this captivating setting.

This morning the ship arrives in Linz, the second largest city in Austria. Today we have the option to either spend the full day in Salzburg and tour its historic centre, Mirabell Gardens, Residenzplatz Square and the Old Market. En route to Salzburg, we will stop at Mondsee, home of the beautiful Basilica St. Michael. Should you want to discover the beautiful city of Linz, you can join a morning walking tour of the city centre and combine it with an exploration of Český Krumlov later in the day.

Early this morning, cruise through Upper Austria to Passau in Germany, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Enjoy a walking tour of this 2,000 year old city, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture, cobblestone streets and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. This afternoon, the ship cruises to the medieval town of Vilshofen, where we will enjoy a festive Oktoberfest celebration with local food, beer and Bavarian folk music and dancing.

This morning, we disembark but continue downstream stopping in Regensburg for a guided walking tour of one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Explore its Old Town designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After some free time and lunch on our own, we continue on to Nuremberg. Disembark / Hotel NH Collection Nürnberg City (3 nights).

This morning we will explore Nuremberg with a local guide who will show us the charming medieval center during a walk that includes the fortress and the Old Town. This is a walk through time from the Middle Ages to the present, highlighted by a visit to the St. Lawrence Church. Lunch is planned at the traditional Restaurant Heilig-Geist-Spital. Afternoon and evening free with opportunities to shop for Lebkuchen and pewter.

This morning we take a day trip to Bamberg. The city’s historic medieval center is a UNESCO Heritage Site, laid out over seven hills where the Regnitz and Main rivers meet. We meet our local guide for a walking tour through the heart of the city. Return to Nuremberg later for a free evening.

We focus on Germany’s Romantic Road today, which takes us through the most attractive countryside between the River Rhine and the Alps. The highlight, beyond any doubt, is the medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, with its magnificent setting near the Tauber River as well as its timbered houses, ramparts, and narrow cobbled streets. This afternoon, continue south to the Alps and the Passion Play village of Oberammergau. Hotel Alte Post (2 nights).

Today is the day we have been waiting for: the performance of the Passion Play! The entire town of Oberammergau has been working hard to prepare for this season of performances. Following a free morning, the performance is in two parts, afternoon and evening.

Enjoy some final alpine vistas this morning as we head north to Munich. Upon arrival a local guide will introduce us to the sights of Bavaria's capital: the Nymphenburg Palace (from the outside), Marienplatz, Frauenkirche, and the Olympic Stadium. This evening, we celebrate our journey, sharing stories and memories at our farewell dinner. Holiday Inn Leuchtenbergring (1 night).