Day 1 — Depart the U.S.

Depart the U.S. on an overnight transatlantic flight to Prague, Czech Republic. A meal appropriate to the time of day will be served in flight.

Day 2 — Prague, Czech Republic

After a morning arrival at Prague’s Vclav Hável International Airport, transfer to the luxurious and centrally located Art Deco Imperial Hotel. Each traveler will receive a welcome package with city information and a map of Prague. After settling in, the balance of the day is free of planned activities.

Your Smithsonian Journeys Travel Director will be available throughout the program for suggestions regarding tours, restaurants and independent activities. This evening gather for a welcome reception at the hotel. (R)

Day 3 — Prague

A full American-style breakfast will be served each day in the hotel. Start exploring at the Old Town Square where you’ll see buildings in many architectural styles. Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque houses, palaces and churches blend to create one of the most unique city squares in Europe. See the animated Astronomical Clock that offers a performance each hour with a procession of Apostles.

Continue with a walk across the iconic Charles Bridge, built in 1357 and lined with 30 statues, it’s one of Prague’s most splendid landmarks. The balance of the day is free of planned activities and your lunch is independent. (B)

Day 4 — Prague

Today will be your choice of one of the following included excursions:

Choice #1 – Lobkowicz Palace and Museum: Spend time exploring this fascinating museum, originally a 16th-century palace located within Prague Castle. The Palace and Museum offer both remarkable panoramic views of the city and vibrant cultural experience. For 700 years, the Lobkowicz family amassed one of the most extensive collections of Czech art and cultural artifacts in Central Europe. See collection highlights with a local expert guide.

Choice #2 – Prague Jewish Quarter: This powerful experience begins as you enter the Josefov, the old Jewish Quarter on Parizska Street. Visit the Prague National Jewish Museum, founded in 1906. The museum endured turbulent times under both the Nazi and Communist regimes. Today, it is a remarkable showcase of Jewish history and religious treasures. The collections are housed in six synagogues, and the exhibits provide a comprehensive look at Jewish heritage in Eastern Europe.

Choice #3 – Art Nouveau and Cubist Walking Tour: Discover the highlights of Prague’s remarkable 20th-century architecture on a walking tour with an expert local guide. Take a route through the city that focuses on Art Nouveau jewels and Cubist landmarks. There’s time this afternoon to continue exploring on your own.

The afternoon is free to explore Prague on your own. This evening gather with fellow Smithsonian Journeys travelers for dinner at a popular Prague restaurant. (B,D)

Day 5 — Passau, Germany

Depart Prague for a drive through the southern Czech countryside to Passau, Germany. Approximate driving time is four hours with a rest stop en route.

Situated at the confluence of three rivers; the Danube, Inn and Ilz, Passau has been called “one of the seven most beautifully situated towns in the world.” Board the Amadeus Star or the Amadeus Silver III. Have a chance to settle into your stateroom. A light lunch will be served on board. This afternoon gather for a walking tour of Passau, see the Veste Oberhaus, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Old Town Hall, and the Niedernburg Abbey.

This evening, join fellow travelers for a welcome reception to toast your eight-night Danube River adventure.  Dinner will immediately follow aboard ship. (B,L,R,D)

Day 6 — Austria's Wachau Valley

Start the day with a visit to Melk Abbey, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, and a World Heritage site with remarkable views overlooking the Danube. The ship will depart Melk and sail through the spectacular Wachau Valley, considered one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe. Admire beautiful villages clustered around charming churches and town squares.

Arrive in Durnstein where there’s a choice of included afternoon excursions:

Choice #1 – Richard the Lionheart: Richard I of England was held prisoner in Durnstein in the 12th century on his way back to England from the Crusades. Visit the blue-and-white baroque Stiftskirche in this charming town known as the Pearl of the Wachau Valley.

Choice #2 – Bicycle Tour: Join a two-hour “bike hike” along the Danube, past local vineyards and enjoy a break for refreshments along the way. Approximately 12 miles roundtrip. 

Choice #3 – Wine Tour: On this excursion, visit a local winery and sample some of the wines of the renowned Wachau Valley. 

After returning to the ship, dinner will be served. (B,L,D)

Day 7 — Vienna

This morning, a local expert joins the group for a presentation on Timeless Vienna. You’ll then have your choice of the following included shore excursions:

Choice #1 – Imperial Apartments: Visit the ornate Hofburg Palace. Drive the Ringstrasse, and see the University, the City Hall, the Burgtheater, the Houses of Parliament, the two State Museums and the Opera House. Travel past monuments to Johann Strauss and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Choice #2 – Klosterneuburg Monastery and Wine Cellar:  Tour these fascinating wine cellars from the Medieval and Baroque periods. After exploring, enjoy a wine tasting of the Klosterneuburg’s splendid wine.

Choice #3 – Schönbrunn Palace: Marvel at this remarkable summer palace and residence of the Habsburgs and a World Heritage site. Visit the opulent State Apartments and stunning gardens.

This afternoon is free for independent exploring. A shuttle service will be provided between the ship and the city center. After dinner on board the ship, enjoy an exclusive waltz performance and lesson accompanied by classical musicians. (B,L,D)

Day 8 — Bratislava, Slovakia

Begin the day in the Smithsonian Journeys Travelers Corner, an opportunity to meet with fellow Smithsonian Journeys travelers and your Smithsonian Journeys Expert for a more informal discussion about your program so far. Later, gather for a presentation by a local speaker on The Velvet Revolution and the Making of Slovakia. 

Later this morning enjoy your choice of included excursions

Choice #1 – Bratislava Old Town and Cafe: The city is the center and capital of the political, social and cultural life of the Slovak Republic and a showcase of fine medieval architecture. See St. Martin’s Cathedral, the National Theater, and view St. Michael's Gate, the only remaining part of Bratislava's medieval fortifications and the 16th-century Primate’s Palace, former winter residence of the Bishops of Esztergom. Stop to sample local pastry favorites with coffee or tea.

Choice #2 – Bratislava Old Town and Music: Bratislava is the place the composer Hummel was born, Liszt started his career, Bartok went to school, Beethoven taught, and Haydn worked. On a special tour of the quaint Old Town center, there’s focus on the rich local musical traditions including the venues associated with these famous composers. At the end of the tour, travelers will visit a historic palace in the Old Town where you'll attend a special violin concert performance.

Choice #3 – Iron Curtain Bike Tour: The charming city of Bratislava straddles the Danube River. It’s the only city of the former Eastern Bloc that sat directly on the Iron Curtain. On this two-hour tour, you’ll ride along the Right Bank of the river where you’ll see historic and cultural highlights. Ride across to the Left Bank and through a venerable forest area to see a preserved World War II bunker built for protection against the Nazis. Approximately 10 miles roundtrip.

Tonight, dinner is served on board. (B,L,D)

Day 9 — Budapest, Hungary

Today, arrive in the stunning city of Budapest where you’ll have your choice among excursions.

Choice #1 – The Best of Budapest: Budapest is one of the world's most beautiful cities and is a World Heritage site. Travel through both the Buda and Pest sections of the city. On the excursion, see Heroes Square, the Opera House, and the famous Parliament Building. Continue to the old Castle District, with its old Matthias Church and the Fisherman's Bastion.

Choice #2 – Living Local: Join a guide for a visit to the Grand Market and stop at a coffee house to see how the famous strudel is made. Enjoy a piece of delicious strudel, coffee or tea, and end your excursion with a sampling of Palinka, a local schnapps.

Choice #3 – Jewish Interest Tour: This tour includes a walk through the Old Jewish Quarter. See the Great Synagogue and the Emanuel Tree. See the Shoes on the Danube Memorial that remembers a place and time when Hungarian Nazis shot Jews who fell into the Danube River in the winter of 1944-45. The tour includes a visit to the Páva Street Synagogue and the Holocaust Memorial Center.

The afternoon is at leisure for independent exploration. As a special treat, see the lights of Budapest on an evening cruise on the Danube including the dramatically illuminated Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and sail under Chain Bridge an unforgettable experience! (B,L,D)

Day 10 — Mohacs and Pecs / Vukovar, Croatia

This morning, disembark the ship for a full day excursion where you first travel from Mohacs on an excursion to Pecs. During your walking tour, see a city known for its Roman ruins and Ottoman mosques that have now been turned into Christian churches.

After lunch in a local restaurant, continue on to the village of Kopacevo, established in the 13th century. There, visit the Rural House that includes a presentation and short film about the area, its traditions, and culture, as well as a tasting of local food specialties including Sljivovica the local fruit brandy. Travel on to Osijek, situated on the Drava River and the fourth largest town in Croatia and the region’s cultural and administrative center. During a walking tour, learn about the town’s historic past and visit the beautiful Tvrda Fortress.

Continue to Vukovar where you’ll enjoy a panoramic tour of the town and see its cultural and historic highlights. Vukovar is one of the most beautiful Baroque towns of the former Yugoslavia. Marvel at the stunning town center, lovely churches, palaces, and the courthouse. The town was heavily damaged during the collapse of Yugoslavia and is nearly fully restored to its original appearance. (B,L,D)

Day 11 — Belgrade, Serbia

Begin the day with a presentation by a local expert who will discuss the state of modern Serbia. Later, you’ll have a choice of included shore excursions.

Choice #1 - Belgrade City Highlights: Known as the White City it’s one of the oldest Eastern European capitals. The city’s signature monument is the well-preserved hillside Kalemegdan Citadel that dominates the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. It is evocative of centuries of Serbian history, from Celtic times to the present day. Enjoy a panoramic drive through the main streets of Belgrade. See the remarkable Church of St. Sava, dedicated to Saint Sava, the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church and an important figure in medieval Serbia.

Choice #2 - Eating Like a Local: Explore the Serbian culinary scene during a tour that showcases local culture through the “food experience.” Start with morning coffee and watch the city wake up and start moving. Try Rakija, the local brandy and along the way, learn about the customs and traditions that have influenced today’s food culture in Serbia. End the tour with a kabab of minced meat and sweet treats.

Choice #3 – Science and Scientist Tour: Discover the Nikola Tesla Museum conceived as a cultural institution, to protect and honor Tesla’s life and work. The Museum also holds his remains, which makes it one of the few museums in the world which is a memorial as well as a technical institution.

The afternoon will be free of planned activities. A shuttle into town from the dock will be provided. After dinner, enjoy a show of traditional Serbian folk dancing. (B,L,D)

Day 12 — Iron Gate Gorge

The ship will follow the Danube along the Serbian-Romanian border where you’ll see dramatic landscapes and cliffs. Sail through the remarkable Iron Gate Gorge, a geological marvel, where the Danube is forced through a narrowing gap and creates one of the most dramatic natural wonders in Europe. There will also be an opportunity to meet in the Smithsonian Journeys Travelers Corner for continued informal discussions about your experiences cruising  on the Danube. You’ll be invited to the Sun Deck for Früschoppen, an old German tradition of drinking beer along with pretzels, sausage with mustard. This evening, join fellow travelers for a farewell reception followed by dinner. (B,L,R,D)

Day 13 — Vidin and Sofia, Bulgaria

Arrive at Vidin located on the Romanian-Bulgarian border and one of the Danube’s oldest riverside towns.

Say farewell to your ship’s crew and depart by motor coach to see the Mosque, Library of Osman Pazvantouglu and other historic attractions. Stop and enjoy a visit to the 17th-century St. Panteleimon Church and the 9th century Baba Vida Fortress. After lunch at a local restaurant, drive to Sofia where the balance of the day is at leisure. This evening, gather for an exclusive Smithsonian Journeys reception. (B,L,R)

Day 14 — Sofia

At an engaging talk by a local expert, learn about the conditions and events that led to the Bulgarian Revival of the 19th century when the Ottomans were defeated and expelled.

Afterward, enjoy an excursion to explore Sofia. See the ancient ruins of Serdica, the St. George Rotunda, Alexander Batenberg Square with its former Royal Palace, and the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky.

The afternoon is at leisure to continue your exploration of the city on your own. This evening, meet fellow travelers for a farewell reception and dinner at the hotel. (B,R,D)

Day 15 — Depart for U.S.

Depart the hotel for Sofia International Airport and for return flights to the U.S. (B)

Day 1 — Depart the U.S.

Depart the U.S. on your overnight transatlantic flight to Sofia, Bulgaria. A meal, appropriate to the time of day will be served in fight. 

Day 2 — Sofia

Arrive at Sofia International Airport, and transfer to the luxurious and centrally located Sofia Hotel Balkan. Each traveler will receive a welcome package containing information on Sofia and a map of the city. Your Smithsonian Journeys Travel Director will be available this afternoon, and throughout the program, for suggestions regarding tours, restaurants and independent activities. Tonight gather in the hotel with your fellow Smithsonian Journeys travelers for a festive welcome reception. (R)

Day 3 — Sofia

A full American-style breakfast will be served each morning in the hotel. A local expert will give a talk about the conditions and events that led to the Bulgarian Revival of the 19th. century when the Ottomans were defeated and expelled. Enjoy exploring  Sofia’s ancient ruins of Serdica, the St. George Rotunda, Alexander Batenberg Square with its former Royal Palace, and the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky.

The afternoon is at leisure to explore the city on your own. This evening, gather for a reception and dinner at the hotel. (B,R,D)

Day 4 — Sofia / Vidin

Depart Sofia by motor coach for the historic town of Vidin located on the Romanian-Bulgarian border and is one of the Danube’s oldest riverside towns. A stop will be made en route for lunch in Belogradchik.  

See the Mosque, Library of Osman Pazvantouglu, and other historic attractions. Enjoy a visit to the 17th-century St. Panteleimon Church and the 9th century Baba Vida.

Late in the afternoon, embark the ship where you can relax and freshen up. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a festive welcome aboard reception to toast your nine-night adventure on the Danube. A welcome dinner will immediately follow onboard. (B,L,R,D)

Day 5 — Iron Gate Gorge

This morning, the ship plies the Danube along the Serbian-Romanian frontier where you’ll see dramatic landscapes and cliffs. Sail through the remarkable Iron Gate Gorge, a geological marvel where the Danube is forced through a narrowing gap and creates one of the most dramatic natural wonders in Europe. You’ll be invited to the sun deck for Früschoppen, an old German tradition of drinking beer along with pretzels and sausage with mustard. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet in the Smithsonian Journeys Travelers Corner with fellow travelers and your Smithsonian Journeys Expert for a more informal discussion about your program so far. (B,L,D)

Day 6 — Belgrade

Begin the day with a presentation, by a local speaker, on present-day life in the former Yugoslavian state of Serbia. You’ll then have your choice of included excursions.

Choice #1 - Belgrade City Highlights: Known as the “White City” Belgrade is one of the oldest Eastern European capitals. The city’s signature monument is the well-preserved hillside Kalemegdan Citadel that dominates the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. It is evocative of centuries of Serbian history, from Celtic times to the present day. Enjoy a drive through the main streets of Belgrade. See the remarkable Church of St. Sava, dedicated to Saint Sava, the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church and an important figure in medieval Serbia.

Choice #2 - Eating Like a Local: Explore the Serbian culinary scene during a tour that showcases local culture through the “food experience.” Start with morning coffee and watch the city wake up and start moving. Try Rakija, the local brandy and along the way, learn about the customs and traditions that have influenced today’s food culture in Serbia. End the tour with a kabab of minced meat and sweet treats.

Choice #3 – Science and Scientist Tour: Discover the Nikola Tesla Museum conceived as a cultural institution, to protect and honor Tesla’s life and work. The Museum also holds his remains, which makes it one of the few museums in the world which is a memorial as well as a technical institution.

Later, the afternoon will be free of planned activities. A shuttle into town from the dock will be provided. Get together in the Smithsonian Journeys Travelers Corner for lively conversation. After dinner, enjoy a show of traditional Serbian folk dancing. (B,L,D)

Day 7 — Vukovar / Osijek / Mohacs

Disembark the ship and depart by motor coach on a tour of Osijek and Vukovar, Croatia. Visit Rural House and see a presentation on the area’s traditions and culture and sample some of the local food specialties. Continue to Osijek, the fourth largest town in Croatia. It is the cultural and administrative center of Northeastern Croatia. During the walking tour through this unique military complex one can learn about the sometimes turbulent past, but also about the interesting current history of this beautiful town. In Vukovar, see why it was known as one of the most beautiful baroque towns of the former Yugoslavia. The town was heavily damaged and occupied during the break-up of Yugoslavia. However, the town is now almost fully restored to the original look. See the historic baroque town center, churches, palaces and courthouse. (B,L,D)

Day 8 — Mohacs / Pecs

Disembark the ship in Mohacs and depart by motor coach for the lovely Hungarian city of Pecs, renowned for its fascinating Roman ruins and Ottoman mosques now converted to Christian churches. Stop for a visit at a local winery and sample the various varieties of wine. Return to the ship late in the day and begin cruising to Budapest. (B,L,D)

Day 9 — Budapest

Today arrive in the stunning city of Budapest. You’ll enjoy your choice of one of the following included excursions.

Choice #1 – The Best of Budapest: Budapest is one of the world's most beautiful cities and is a World Heritage Site. Travel through both the Buda and Pest sections of the city. On the excursion see Heroes Square, the Opera House, and the famous Parliament Building. Continue to the old Castle District, with its old Matthias Church and the Fisherman's Bastion.

Choice #2 – Living Local: Join a guide for a visit to the Grand Market and stop at a coffee house to see how the famous strudel is made. Enjoy a piece of delicious strudel, coffee or tea, and end your excursion with a sampling of Palinka, a local schnapps.

Choice #3 – Budapest’s Jewish Quarter: This tour includes a walk through the Old Jewish Quarter. See the Great Synagogue and the Emanuel Tree. See the Shoes on the Danube Memorial that remembers a place and time when Hungarian Nazis shot Jews who fell into the Danube River in the winter of 1944-45. The tour includes a visit to the Páva Street Synagogue and the Holocaust Memorial Center.

The afternoon is at leisure for independent exploration. See the lights of Budapest on an evening cruise on the Danube including the dramatically illuminated Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and sail under Chain Bridge, an unforgettable experience! (B,L,D)

Day 10 — Bratislava

Begin the day in the Smithsonian Journeys Travelers Corner for an opportunity to discuss your experiences as you continue to cruise the Danube. Then gather for a presentation by a local speaker on The Velvet Revolution and the Making of Slovakia. Later this morning enjoy your choice of included excursions.

Choice #1 – Bratislava Old Town and Cafe: The city is the center and capital of the political, social and cultural life of the Slovak Republic and a showcase of fine medieval architecture. See St. Martin’s Cathedral, the National Theater and view St. Michael's Gate, the only remaining part of Bratislava's medieval fortifications and the 16th-century Primate’s Palace, former winter residence of the Bishops of Esztergom. Stop to sample local pastry favorites with coffee or tea.

Choice #2 – Bratislava Old Town and Music: Bratislava is the place the composer Hummel was born, Liszt started his career, Bartok went to school, Beethoven taught, and Haydn worked. On a special tour of the quaint Old Town center, there’s focus on the rich local musical traditions including the venues associated with these famous composers. At the end of the tour, travelers will visit a historic Rococo palace in the Old Town; now the City Gallery. There you’ll enjoy a special concert performance.

Choice #3 – Bike Tour: The charming city of Bratislava straddles the Danube River. It’s the only city of the former Eastern Bloc that sat directly on the Iron Curtain. On this two-hour tour, you’ll ride along the Right Bank of the river where you’ll see historic and cultural highlights. Ride across to the Left Bank and through a venerable forest area to see a preserved WWII Bunker built for protection against the Nazis.

The balance of the afternoon will be at leisure. (B,L,D)

Day 11 — Vienna

This morning a local expert joins the group for a presentation on Timeless Vienna. You’ll then have a choice of one of the included excursions.

Choice #1 - Imperial Apartments: Visit the ornate Hofburg Palace. Drive the Ringstrasse, and see the University, the City Hall, the Burgtheater, the Houses of Parliament, the two State Museums and the Opera House. Travel past monuments to Johann Strauss and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Choice #2 - Klosterneuburg Monastery and Wine Cellar: Tour these fascinating wine cellars from the Medieval and Baroque periods. After exploring, enjoy a wine tasting of the Klosterneuburg’s splendid wine.

Choice #3 – Schönbrunn Palace: Marvel at this remarkable summer palace and residence of the Habsburgs and a World Heritage Site. Visit its opulent State Apartments and stunning gardens.

A late lunch is served aboard ship this afternoon. After dinner enjoy a waltz performance and lesson accompanied by classical musicians. (B,L,D)

Day 12 — Durnstein / Wachau Valley / Melk

Durnstein is one of the most beautiful towns on the Austrian Danube, with its medieval charm and Baroque character. This morning you’ll have a choice of included excursions.

Choice #1 - Richard the Lionheart: Richard 1 of England was held prisoner in Durnstein in the 12th century on his way back to England from the Crusades. Visit the blue-and-white baroque Stiftskirche in this charming town known as the Pearl of the Wachau Valley.

Choice #2 - Join a two-hour “bike hike” along the Danube, past local vineyards and enjoy a break for refreshments along the way.

Choice #3 – Wine Tour: On this excursion, visit a local winery and sample some of the wines of the renowned Wachau Valley.

From Durnstein, the ship sails through the spectacular Wachau Valley considered one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe and a World Heritage Site.

You’ll be invited to the Sun Deck for Früschoppen, an old German tradition of drinking beer along with pretzels and sausage with mustard. Admire beautiful villages clustered around charming churches and town squares. This afternoon visit Melk Abbey, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture with its remarkable views overlooking the Danube. This evening, join fellow travelers for a farewell reception followed by dinner. (B,L,R,D)

Day 13 — Passau / Prague

Rising at the confluence of three rivers; the Danube, Inn and Ilz, Passau has been called “one of the seven most beautifully situated towns in the world.” Depart the ship on a walking tour of Old Town Hall, Niedernburg Abbey, the Veste Oberhaus, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

This afternoon disembark the ship and board your motorcoach for the drive to Prague, Czech Republic. Upon arrival, check in to the deluxe and centrally located Art Deco Imperial Hotel. 

This evening gather with fellow Smithsonian Journeys travelers and depart for a festive dinner in the city. (B,L,D)

Day 14 — Prague

A full American-style breakfast will be served each day in the hotel. Start exploring at the Old Town Square where you’ll see buildings in many architectural styles. Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque houses, palaces and churches blend to create one of the most unique city squares in Europe.

See the animated Astronomical Clock that offers a performance each hour with a procession of Apostles. Continue with a walk across the iconic Charles Bridge, built in 1357 and lined with 30 statues, it’s one of Prague’s most splendid landmarks. Lunch will be independently in the city or at the hotel. This evening gather with fellow Smithsonian Journeys guests for an exclusive beer tasting. (B)

Day 15 — Prague

Experience the city with your choice of one of the included excursions.

Choice #1 – Lobkowicz Palace and Museum: Spend time exploring this fascinating museum, originally a 16th-century palace located within Prague Castle. The Lobkowicz palace and museum offer both remarkable panoramic views of the city and vibrant cultural experience. For 700 years, the Lobkowicz family amassed one of the most extensive collections of Czech art and cultural artifacts in Central Europe. See collection highlights with a local expert guide.

Choice #2 – Prague’s Jewish Quarter: This powerful experience begins as you enter the Josefov, the old Jewish Quarter on Parizska Street. Visit the Prague National Jewish Museum, founded in 1906. The museum endured turbulent times under both the Nazi and Communist regimes. Today, it is a remarkable showcase of Jewish history and religious treasures. The collections are housed in six synagogues, and the exhibits provide a comprehensive look at Jewish heritage in Eastern Europe.

Choice #3 – Art Nouveau and Cubist Walking Tour: Discover the highlights of Prague’s remarkable 20th-century architecture on a walking tour with an expert local guide. Take a route through the city that focuses on Art Nouveau jewels and Cubist landmarks.

Later, gather for a farewell reception at the hotel. (B,R)

Day 16 — Depart for U.S. Gateway Cities

Depart the hotel for Prague International Airport and return flights to the U.S. (B)