Thu, Oct 8: Overnight flight to Budapest, Hungary. 

Fri, Oct 9: Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your hotel before enjoying the day at leisure. Budapest is a stunning city where grand historic architecture meets lively cafés, thermal baths, and the sparkling Danube River. From the charm of Buda’s castle hills to the vibrant nightlife of Pest, it offers unforgettable culture, beauty, and energy in every corner. (Meal: Dinner)

Sat, Oct 10: Explore the city by foot, and descend beneath Buda Castle Hill to explore the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum, a former wartime emergency hospital set within an extensive network of historic caves and cellars from World War II. Then rise to the Castle District for a leisurely walk past iconic museums and landmarks, where sweeping views of Pest unfold and Matthias Church captivates with its ornate architecture, luminous stained-glass windows, and gilded frescoes. (B)

Sun, Oct 11: This morning, enjoy free time to visit a charming café, stroll along the Danube as the city’s iconic Parliament and bridges come to life. Or perhaps a soothing visit to the historic thermal bath or a leisurely wander through local markets and streets, where Budapest’s everyday charm comes alive. In the afternoon, transfer to the S.S. Maria Theresa to embark on an incredible journey along the Danube River. (B,D)

Mon, Oct 12: Savor the beauty of Budapest with a panoramic coach tour that reveals all the highlights of this remarkable city. Admire Budapest’s most celebrated landmarks, including the Dohány Street Synagogue, the Hungarian National Museum, the Opera House, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the magnificent Parliament Building. A guided walking exploration may also include the spectacular Hungarian Parliament Building, renowned for its Neo-Gothic façade and impressive statuary, as well as the bustling Central Market Hall, where local flavors and delicacies abound. (B,L,Captain’s Welcome Gala)

Tue, Oct 13: This morning, discover Bratislava, Slovakia’s rich past and vibrant charm on a guided walk from the Danube promenade into the heart of Old Town, where Gothic cathedrals, elegant palaces, layered history, and inviting shops and local flavors come together. Relax onboard late afternoon taking in the scenery from the Sun Deck as the ship winds along the Danube crossing over the border from Slovakia to Austria. Arrive in Vienna, Austria in the evening and cap off the day with a private concert at the House of Strauss! Step back in time at Vienna’s last surviving music hall, where all four Strauss composers once performed and the city’s social elite gathered, immersing you in the golden age of waltzes and Viennese high society. Stay overnight in port. (B,L,D)

Wed, Oct 14: Experience Vienna, the legendary “City of Waltzes,” with a highlights tour showcasing its grand avenues and imperial landmarks, followed by a guided visit to the Vienna Art History Museum and an afternoon at leisure. This evening, step inside Schönbrunn Palace after hours for a rare, crowd-free visit to this magnificent baroque residence once favored by Empress Maria Theresa and later home to Emperor Franz Joseph and the beloved Empress Elisabeth. Explore its richly decorated state rooms, contrasting private quarters, and conclude with a peaceful stroll through the palace’s exquisite gardens, adorned with elegant parterres, fountains, and gloriettes. (B,L,D)

Thu, Oct 15: Awaken in the tiny Baroque village of Dürnstein, Austria, nestled against the cliffs on the banks of the Danube. The Wachau Valley is renowned for its centuries-old winemaking heritage, with an opportunity to sample celebrated white wines at Domäne Wachau in Dürnstein. Cruise through this UNESCO World Heritage–designated valley—one of Europe’s most beautiful river landscapes—to Melk, where a guided visit to its 900-year-old Benedictine abbey reveals a Baroque masterpiece and the famed library that inspired Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose. (B,L,D)

Fri, Oct 16: Today’s journey explores Salzburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its beautifully preserved medieval old town and rich musical legacy. A guided walking tour highlights the city’s 15th-century cathedral, historic Getreidegasse shopping street—passing Mozart’s childhood home—and the elegant Mirabell Gardens, made famous by The Sound of Music. If you have explored Salzburg in the past, you might opt for one of the other fantastic excursions. (B,D)

Sat, Oct 17: Passau, Germany, is a crossroads in every sense, where three rivers converge and the borders of three nations draw near, creating a rich and intriguing cultural blend. Discover the town’s highlights, including its most famous treasure—Europe’s largest pipe organ, housed in the magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Set amid rolling hills and colorful baroque architecture, Passau charms with its scenic riverfronts and inviting old town streets. Its unique setting and layered history make it one of the most picturesque stops along the Danube. (B,L,Captain’s Farewell Dinner)

Sun, Oct 18: Disembark the ship in Passau and transfer by motorcoach to the “City of Spires”—Prague, Czech Republic. Check in for two night stay in a centrally located hotel. Choose to rest up at the hotel or go out and explore the city on your own. (B)

Mon, Oct 19: After breakfast, begin a magical tour of the city of Prague. Prague flourished during a remarkable golden age in the 14th century under Charles IV and much of the city’s beautifully preserved, UNESCO-designated historic center dates to this extraordinary era. Today, Prague remains a living showcase of centuries of architectural and cultural achievement. The heritage of Prague Castle reaches back to the 9th century when its earliest foundations were laid. Step inside the castle walls to admire the soaring Gothic splendor of St. Vitus Cathedral, built over six centuries, and explore the Old Royal Palace, including Vladislav Hall, famed for its masterful stone vaulting and medieval engineering. Following the castle visit, continue on a guided walk through the city concluding in Prague’s Old Town Square. (B)

Tue, Oct 20: After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport. Return to Indianapolis. (B)