Today meet your Christian Tours tour director and transfer to the Charlotte airport for your overnight flight to Budapest.

This morning we arrive in Budapest, the dazzling “Queen of the Danube,” and are transferred to our ship, Trafalgar Reverie, a beautifully appointed river ship offering elegant staterooms, spacious lounges, and scenic decks for taking in the Danube’s views. This next week we will journey through charming towns, along winding rivers, and into the heart of Europe’s rich culture. As we settle in for the night, we enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by the ship’s Experience Director. It’s a perfect opportunity to meet our fellow travelers and begin our river adventure. (D)

Today, with a local guide, we discover both sides of Budapest, from historic Buda to vibrant Pest. We visit Heroes’ Square and ascend Castle Hill, passing Matthias Church to step inside Fisherman’s Bastion, where panoramic views of the Danube and Parliament await. If you prefer, you can choose to join a foodie tour, tasting your way through the city’s vibrant culinary scene. In the afternoon, an optional excursion is offer (additional cost) experiencing the Jewish district, including the magnificent Dohány Street Synagogue. By early evening, we set sail, cruising through the scenic Danube Bend past the charming town of Szentendre and the former royal center of Visegrad. (B, L, D)

Start the day cruising along the Danube at sunrise, where the river defines the border between Hungary to the south and Slovakia to the north. We step ashore in Bratislava to explore its charming old town with a local guide, passing the historic Town Hall, Michael’s Gate, and St. Martin’s Cathedral. For a deeper perspective, you may skip the Bratislava town tour and choose to uncover life under Communism with the Life Beyond the Iron Curtain experience. An optional hike to Bratislava Castle offering sweeping Danube views (additional cost) is also offered. As evening falls, we relax on board, watching the Little Carpathian foothills give way to Austria’s serene Lower Austria plains—to conclude a day of history, culture, and stunning river scenery. (B, L, D)

We arrive in Vienna, a city of music, history, and elegance, ready to explore its majestic streets, iconic landmarks, and world-famous café culture. We drive along the iconic Ringstrasse and stroll through the old town with a local guide. Then, you may choose between two included adventures: indulge in a slice of Sachertorte at a traditional café, savoring Vienna’s famed coffee culture; or immerse yourself in the world of Mozart, exploring the sites that shaped his life and music. In the afternoon, you may choose between two optional experiences (additional cost): a visit to Schonbrunn Palace; or enjoy a culinary walking tour of strudels, schnitzels, and other Viennese delights. After dinner you may chose an optional classical concert (additional cost) featuring the timeless works of Strauss and Mozart. (B, L, D)

As we cruise through the stunning Wachau Valley, a UNESCO-listed gem, relish in the lovely scenery featuring rolling vineyards and medieval castles. In the picturesque town of Spitz, we join our local guide for a walking tour, exploring charming streets and discovering why this historic riverside town is famous for its apricots. For lunch, we are hosted by the Saahs family at Weingut Nikolaihof, Austria’s oldest winery, savoring homemade specialties crafted from organic produce straight from their gardens. We continue our cruise through the valley, passing the majestic Melk Abbey before our ship glides overnight into Upper Austria, offering a perfect blend of history, scenery, and culinary tradition. (B, L, D)

An included tour of Linz with our local guide is offered today. Wander through the historic center, discovering its medieval streets and vibrant arts scene. Or two optional tours (additional cost) are offered if you choose to venture further, choosing between to visit Salzburg, to trace the sights of The Sound of Music and follow in Mozart’s footsteps; or explore the fairytale charm of Cesky Krumlov with its winding streets, historic architecture, and stunning castle views. This evening, we cruise overnight through the scenic hills of Upper Austria. (B, L, D)

We cross into Bavaria and arrive in Passau, the “City of Three Rivers,” where the Danube, the Inn, and the Ilz converge. In the morning, you may either join a local guide for a walking tour through the old town’s cobbled streets, meandering medieval lanes that lead to grand Baroque architecture and ending at the scenic point where the three rivers meet. Or alternatively, you may choose a hike along the scenic Ilz River, through woodlands, across the dam, and up to a lookout with sweeping Bavarian views. In the afternoon, you may choose an optional excursion (additional cost) to enjoy Bavarian pretzels, folk music, and local traditions. (B, L, D)

This morning, we disembark the ship, then transfer to Prague for our two-night stay in the “City of a Hundred Towers.” After checking in, the rest of the day is at leisure to begin discovering the city. We might take a leisurely stroll across the iconic Charles Bridge with its sweeping river views, pause in one of the lively squares, or wander cobblestone streets lined with colorful architecture and inviting cafés. The evening is ours to enjoy at our own pace, whether with a quiet dinner, a riverside walk, or relaxing at the hotel before tomorrow’s guided sightseeing. (B)

After breakfast, we join our local guide for a visit to Prague Castle, including the magnificent St. Vitus Cathedral and the storybook Golden Lane. We then continue with a guided walk through the Old Town, where the Astronomical Clock delights onlookers as it comes to life. In the afternoon, you may choose an Optional Experience (at additional cost) to discover Prague’s Jewish Quarter and the historic Strahov Monastery, gaining deeper insight into the city’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. (B)

This morning, we transfer to the airport for our flight home, carrying with us unforgettable memories of charming old towns, grand architecture, scenic river vistas, and the rich flavors and stories of the Danube—a journey that will stay with us for a lifetime. (B)