In the golden light of autumn, the Danube is at its loveliest – the grapes are harvested and the locals celebrate with wine festivals and tastings of the newest vintage. Sample these fine wines during dinner at a local Heurigen (wine tavern) outside of Vienna, taste wines from the Wachau Valley in the charming village of Dürnstein, and experience wine with all five senses at the fascinating wine center, Loisium, in Langenlois.

Join us for this very special wine tasting experience at Loisium in Langenlois, just outside of Krems. Built by renowned New York architect Stephen Holl, this unique wine center combines old traditions and wine cellars with modern architecture. Discover the true essence of the wine making process by participating in a multisensory interactive tour. And, of course, indulge in full-bodied wines from the famous Wachau Valley.

BUDAPEST
Budapest sits on the Danube like a shining jewel and is one of the most fashionable cities in Europe – earning it the title “Paris of the East.” Take in bustling downtown Pest with its spectacular Houses of Parliament, Hero’s Square and the magnificent, neoclassical St. Stephan’s Basilica. On the Buda side, explore Castle Hill and gaze at the view from Fisherman’s Bastion.

BRATISLAVA
Once the capital of Hungary, Bratislava is referred to as the “Coronation City.” This booming Slovakian capital surprises those who take the time to discover its Old World charm as well as its modern side. Explore charming Old Town and the 14th-century Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. A panoramic view of Hungary, Slovakia and Austria waits from the ramparts of Bratislava Castle.

VIENNA
Vienna, the cosmopolitan capital of Austria, is celebrated for art, music, culture and wine. Be our guest at a local Heurigen (wine tavern), and enjoy a hearty Austrian meal, complemented with wonderful wines. Have coffee and pastries at a café, enjoy a concert, or amble through the fashionable Kärtnerstrasse.

KREMS
This city located in the eastern part of the Wachau Valley is more than 1,000 years old. In fact, it is a UNESCO city. Walk through the Old Town center with its historical buildings, variety of shops and restaurants. Enjoy a very special wine tasting at Loisium Wine Center in Langenlois.

DÜRNSTEIN
The charmed village of Dürnstein is located in the center of the picturesque Wachau Valley. High above the town, you can see the ruins of the 12th-century castle where Richard the Lionhearted was held prisoner. A special wine tasting in this medieval village offers a taste of the Wachau Valley’s most popular wines.

LINZ (SALZBURG)
Home to both the Von Trapp family and Mozart, Salzburg is renowned for its inspirational music — the city is full of musical performances almost daily. And Salzburg is one of the most beautiful and culturally enriching cities in Europe. With majestic peaks, lovely lakes and marvelously preserved Baroque buildings, Salzburg is a city to remember.

PASSAU
The city of Passau is enchanting. Located at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz Rivers, the city is most famous for its ornate Baroque cathedral. Wander its quaint cobblestone streets, visit charming local taverns, or listen to the world’s largest church pipe organ in magnificent St. Stephan’s Cathedral.

Included Features
Roundtrip flight to Europe (to Budapest and from Munich)
8-night cruise in an outside stateroom on River Princess or River Countess
All meals onboard the ship
Guided excursions and evening entertainment
Wine tastings and special wine lectures
All transfers

Included Highlights
Specially themed wine tours and tasting
Castle Hill and Matthias Church in Budapest
Bratislava’s Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral
Dinner and wine tasting in a traditional Viennese wine tavern
Dürnstein and marvelous peach scented Wachau Valley wine
Salzburg and the birthplace of Mozart
Baroque Cathedral in Passau
Wine experience at the Loisium Wine Center

* Roundtrip airfare, transfers, deluxe outside stateroom, all meals and entertainment onboard and exclusive excursions are included.