2013 - APT Europe River Cruising

11 Day Melodies of the Danube Budapest to Munich 7 Night River Cruise from Budapest to Vilshofen | 3 Nights Munich Hungary | Slovakia | Austria | Germany | Czech Republic On this wonderful journey, you'll visit the most photographed building in Germany – Neuschwanstein TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF OUR FLEET ONLINE www.aptouring.com.au Day 1. Arrive Budapest, Embark Ship. You'll be met on arrival in Budapest today and transferred to your luxurious river cruise ship. This evening, enjoy the Captain's Gala Welcome Dinner. Seven Night Stay: a luxurious Aria or Concerto river ship. D Day 2. Budapest. Alight your ship for a tour that includes such places as Matthias Church, St Stephen's Basilica, the Fisherman's Bastion and the Royal Palace, which has become a symbol of Hungary. You'll also visit Buda Castle which, along with the embankments of the Danube River in Budapest, has been recognised as a World Heritage-listed site. Afterwards, enjoy time at leisure to relax or further explore the Hungarian capital. Day 3. Bratislava, Vienna. Cruise to Bratislava, Slovakia's capital. Thanks to its location at the base of the Little Carpathians, this charming city has a wealth of forest and parkland, while its urban skyline is characterised by a mix of medieval towers and modern edifices. Here, choose from a tour that takes in the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and more. Or visit some of the landmarks from the city's Communist past. Later, having arrived in the Austrian capital of Vienna, perhaps take in an optional Mozart and Strauss concert after dinner this evening (own expense). 122 Day 4. Vienna. Famed for striking architecture, classical musical and its vibrant café culture, Vienna is a delightful place to explore, During a tour here today, see Hofburg Palace, Vienna Opera House, the monuments of Ringstrasse, St Stephen's Cathedral and more. After dinner tonight, experience a traditional Viennese Wine & Music evening in a wine village near Vienna. Indulge in the year's newest vintage as you enjoy an evening of music and local hospitality. BLD Day 5. Dürnstein, Melk. Arrive in Dürnstein for a tour and wine tasting this morning, before cruising to Melk. Alternatively, enjoy a guided bike ride along the Danube to Melk. On arrival in Melk, tour the famous abbey. Set above the town overlooking the Danube, Melk Abbey has the distinction of surviving as an active Benedictine monastery since its foundation. BLD BLD Day 6. Linz. Your ship will arrive in Linz today, the second largest city in Austria. Here, set off on a guided sightseeing tour of the city. Then choose from three options – an excursion to the resort town of Gmunden, in the Austrian Lake District on Lake Traunsee, an optional day excursion to Ceský Krumlov in the Czech Republic, or a visit to the city of Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart. Later this afternoon, all groups then re-board the ship for dinner. BLD BLD Day 7. Passau, Vilshofen. This morning you'll arrive in Passau, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Disembark for a walking tour of this 2,000 year-old city or perhaps set off on a guided bicycle ride. Afterwards, cruise to the charming town of Vilshofen, located at the confluence of the Vils and Danube rivers. This afternoon, celebrate 'Oktoberfest', involving Bavarian beer, folk music, song and dance. BLD Day 8. Vilshofen, Disembark Ship, Regensburg, Munich. Disembark your ship for the last time this morning, and travel to Regensburg, one of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities. Enjoy a walking tour of the ancient sights before continuing to Munich, where 8 Day (EUMD08) guests depart the tour and are transferred to the airport. Three Night Stay: Munich, Le Méridien. B Day 9. Munich. Founded in the 12th century, Munich is the capital of Bavaria and is often voted one of the world's most liveable cities. This morning enjoy a guided tour of Munich to take in the many cultural and historical landmarks. Afterwards, the rest of the day is then yours to spend at leisure. B Day 10. Munich, Füssen. Today travel to 19th-century Neuschwanstein Castle in the Bavarian Alps. The most photographed building in Germany, this awe-inspiring 'Gothic revival'-style castle inspired the famous Disneyland Castle and has appeared in several movies. Explore the intricate interior of the castle, and enjoy the beautiful rural panoramas visible from the site. Then visit Füssen, Bavaria's highest town, where you will have free time for lunch before returning to Munich. Day 11. Depart Munich. Your tour ends today and you are transferred to the airport. B B THROUGH 5 COUNTRIES TRAVEL

• Cover