Day 7 - November 9, 2012 - Friday: Linz, Austria (B, L, D) This morning, we enjoy a wine lecture (upper left) as the ship cruises through the Strudengau region of the Danube to Linz, the third largest city in Austria. Our Linz walking tour guides us along the Landstrasse, to the city’s Main Square where we will see St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Marian Column, the Landes Theatre and St. Martin’s Church, the oldest church in Austria. We then eturn to the ship for brunch. This afternoon we have the choice of three different excursions. The first option is a visit to the scenic “Salzkammergut” region, the Austrian Lake District, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the historic town of Gmunden, on the shore of Lake Traunsee. The second option is for us to join an excursion to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov (upper center). This is a wonderfully preserved medieval town, nestled in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border. The third choice is an excursion to Salzburg, where we will take a walking tour of the historic center, famous as for the “Sound of Music” (upper right - click for music video) and as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (click for a visit with Amadeus). Enjoy free time on our own, before returning to the ship. This evening, we enjoy an Austrian dinner on board paired with specially-selected wines.

         . . . Day 8 - November 10, 2012 - Saturday:  Melk, Austria (B,L,D)  Enjoy a scenic morning cruise plus a wine lecture about the Wachau Valley (read New York Times article) Austria’s most important wine region, as our ship cruises to Melk, home of the famous Benedictine Abbey (above center). A guided tour will take us to Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey (click for video tour), one of Europe’s largest Baroque monasteries and after our tour enjoy a wine tasting (above left). From here, we continue cruising to Krems, through the beautiful Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of incomparable beauty, historic and agricultural significance. There is evidence of settlements in the valley that date back to prehistoric times; and viticulture along the Wachau’s green sloping hillsides has been established since the Middle Ages. This evening, we join the Captain for a gala dinner (above right from 2009 lower Danube cruise - me left, Captain right).

      .. . Day 9 - November 11, 2012 - Sunday:  Krems, Austria (B,L,D) Today we will have the choice of two excursions. The first is a motor coach ride to Dürnstein, where you will take a walking tour of the town’s medieval cobblestone streets, passing by 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. Marvel at the magnificent blue facade of the Baroque Stiftskirche high above town and the ancient terraced vineyards that surround Dürnstein. As an alternative, we can enjoy a guided bike tour (above center) from Dürnstein to Krems (capacity controlled). This afternoon we will cruise to the City of Krems. Krems offers a rich array of wine-related history, culture and tasting opportunities! The town’s thriving wine culture includes venerable old harvest estates, young wine-growers and co-operatives, a renowned wine school and famous Lower Austria Wine Fair. Tonight, after dinner on board, enjoy wine tasting at a local winery (above right). Enjoy several different wines, presented along with bread, knowledgeable hosts, and plenty of laughter.

    . ... . . Day 10 - November 12, 2012 - Monday: Vienna, Austria (B,L,D)  During our morning city tour of Vienna, we will see the impressive Vienna Opera House (above left), the majestic Ringstrasse, and the historic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The afternoon is free to stroll through the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or take an optional tour to the Schönbrunn Palace (above center). An early dinner will be served on board before this evening’s very unique Viennese options: We can either enjoy an evening Mozart or Strauss concert or we can join some of our fellow wine enthusiasts on an excursion to the old wine villages of Grinzing and Neustift on the outskirts of Vienna, also called “Heuriger." These are charming wine taverns licensed to serve the year’s new wine from the own vineyard. Experience a cozy evening and the Austrian concept of Gemütlichkeit. Musicians (above right) will enliven the evening with traditional songs on guitar and accordion. The ship moors in Vienna overnight.

       . . . Day 11 - November 13, 2012 - Tuesday:  Budabest, Hungry (B,L,D)  This morning enjoy an onboard wine lecture (another wine lecture and more wine tasting with the best Hungarian wines) as we cruise the scenic Danube in route to Budapest. Our sightseeing tour takes us to historic Buda Castle from where we can enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the River. Our tour also features the distinctive Fisherman’s Bastion, the Royal Palace, St. Stephen’s Basilica, the famous Heroes’ Square and much more. After dinner, the ship will sail a special “Illuminations Cruise” past the illuminated river front of Budapest. Note: In 2009 52Best did the AmaWaterways trip from Istanbul to Budapest and I had a GREAT time here. It is an unbelievable city of warmth and history. Above right are one of the mineral hot springs spas which is the one I went to. Totally relaxing and hot, hot, hot. I haven't had a problem with my back since. Just walking the streets in Budapest is a treat as is the Central Market Hall. I have very fond memories of visiting it on our last trip - so much to see, so much to buy.

   Day 12 - November 14, 2012 - Wednesday:  Budapest, Hungry (B) Our cruise comes to an end as we transfer to the Budapest International Airport for our homeward flight. We leave on British Airways Flight BA 865 at 8:15 a.m. and arrive in London's Heathrow Airport at 10:05 a.m. We then change planes and board a British Airways (or American Airlines) flight back to our home airport arriving the afternoon of November 14th. Please click here for Flight Information. The above picture is of the Budapest House of Parliament lighted at night..  

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