Fly overnight to this royal Hungarian capital. The city on the right bank – Buda – and its Óbuda [which means “Old Buda”] united with the left-bank metropolis of Pest in 1873 to form the grand city we know as “Budapest.” Its rich history began with a first millennium Celtic settlement called it Ak-Ink [Abundant Water] and was later occupied by the Romans.

Your flight arrives this morning at Ferihegy International Airport – Ferihegyi Nemzetközi Repülõtér. Enjoy a luxury transfer to towering Kempinski Hotel Corvinus. This modern hotel boasts 335 beautifully appointed rooms. Take advantage of your complimentary treatment at the Asian-accented Kempinski SPA: It is graced with hand-crafted furniture from Indonesia and China, and features therapies inspired by ancient massage practices. Dine at your leisure this evening at the hotel’s Bistro Jardin – savor à la carte Hungarian specialties. Dinner

Today, discover the beauty of Buda: Cross Széchenyi Chain Bridge [the city’s first span across the Danube, it joins Buda to Pest] to the rise of the Castle District, whose first royal residence was constructed in the 13th century by King Béla IV. The southern wing of the complex houses the Budapest History Museum and Hungarian National Gallery. From the district’s heart rises Matthais Church – coronation site of Hungary’s kings since 1309. Officially the Church of Our Lady, it is popularly referred to as Matthais after the beloved 15th-century King Matthias Corvinus. Castle “hill” is also home to the Halászbástya [Fisherman’s Bastion]. Enjoy the panorama of Duna, Margaret Island, and Pest from its towers [the seven towers represent the seven Magyar tribes that settled here in 896]. Then, it is a short drive to the Pest-side town of Szentendre, home to generations of Hungarian artists. After a private cooking lesson and fabulous “goulash” lunch, visit the shops and galleries. Tonight’s dinner at Gundel Étterem will be divine: The restaurant – founded in 1894 and reopened in 1992 under George Lang and Ronald Lauder – is adored by Budapest society.
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

While Buda is hilly, Pest is rather flat, and is the economic and political hub. Begin with a guided tour of Országház [Hungarian Parliament] – seat of the National Assembly and home to the crown jewels. Continue on to circa 1850 Great Dohány Street Synagogue: It can hold nearly 3,000 worshippers! A drive along iconic Andrássy Avenue – with its neo-Renaissance palaces – brings you to Hero’s Square and the Millennium Memorial, whose carved statues include the leaders of the seven founding tribes. A private organ concert at Vajdahunyad Castle is your prelude to embarking River Beatrice. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

A cruise aboard the deluxe River Beatrice is a fabulous way to explore the Danube. Awake in your lavishly appointed stateroom with made-to-order English SavoirTM beds. Breakfast on board precedes a visit to the Lázár Equestrian Park for a day of exhibitions, competitions, dining ... and Gypsy music! The park was founded by brothers Vilmos and Zoltán Lázár – champion horsemen. Its two grand stables are home to mainly royal Habsburg-breed Lipica horses. This evening, enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Dinner. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

After your extensive visit to Budapest, a day on the world’s most enchanting river is a perfect respite. Relax on the Sun Deck as River Beatrice meanders through a series of locks, along the shores of Slovakia, and under a succession of bridges en route to the imperial city of Vienna. Enjoy an informative lecture – Austria’s History in the Context of the House of Habsburg – between photo snaps. Arrive in Vienna early this evening and step ashore for your Ensemble® Experience: a performance of works by Mozart and Strauss. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Vienna is a treasure trove of secular and sacred gems, such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the stately Ringstrasse. After a panoramic overview, stroll from the Hofburg to St. Stephen’s. Then visit the Baroque State Hall of the Austrian National Library – said to be the most beautiful library room in the world. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Awaken in the tiny Baroque village of Dürnstein, and visit Domäne Wachau for a tasting of the famous Wachau Valley Rieslings. This quality-oriented cooperative is deeply rooted in the Wachau region and its members cultivate about 30% of the entire Wachau vineyard area. Enjoy a leisurely exploration of this charming village before departing for Melk. Cruise vineyard-rich, UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley, one of the most beautiful river valleys in Europe, before arriving in Melk. Tour Melk’s 900-year-old Benedictine abbey, a masterpiece of Baroque art and architecture, perched on a cliff high above the Danube. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Today’s adventure takes you to Salzburg – known for its well-preserved medieval town center and musical heritage. During your guided walking tour, marvel at the 15th-century cathedral; stroll the busy shopping street, Getreidegasse, where you will pass the birthplace and childhood home of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; and admire the Mirabellgarten, featured in the Academy Award-winning film The Sound of Music. Breakfast/Dinner

Situated at the confluence of three rivers, Passau’s wealth through trade is reflected in its simply stunning medieval merchants’ houses. A stroll along winding streets and narrow alleyways leads us to St. Stephan’s Cathedral for an organ concert on Europe’s largest pipe organ. This evening’s onboard festivities include the Captain’s Farewell Dinner. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Even magical adventures come to a close! Transfer to Munich’s airport for your flight. Breakfast