Jewels of Europe with Eastern Europe Explorer - Dürnstein > Melk

Your journey begins in the glorious city of Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your luxurious hotel (or similar) for a two-night stay. This evening, join your fellow travelers and Tour Director for a welcome drink.

This morning, you'll depart for Dresden, known as Florence on the Elbe. Enjoy an orientation tour to see the Frauenkirche Church, the Castle of the Electors of Saxony, the Semper Opera House, and Zwinger Courtyard. Afterwards, continue your journey through the picturesque Spreewald Forest to Germany's capital, Berlin, where you will stay for three nights in one of the city's most opulent hotels (or similar).

Berlin is a city of contrasts, possessing both beauty and grit, historic architecture and cutting-edge design. Your introduction to this fascinating city begins with a guided tour. You will see the 18th-century neoclassical Brandenburg Gate, the traditional State Opera House, and visit Checkpoint Charlie. In the afternoon, visit the Reichstag parliament building with a local historian and enjoy coffee and cake under the impressive Glass Dome.

Travel to Krakow today, stopping enroute at Auschwitz, where you'll visit the former German Nazi concentration and extermination camp. Take a poignant walk through the grounds, which are made up of original camp blocks, barracks and guard towers. This afternoon you will continue to Krakow, arriving early this evening.

Today's sightseeing of Krakow includes a walking tour of the well-preserved historic center, a World Heritage-listed site with 13th-century merchant houses lining its sprawling market square. You will also visit the splendid 14th-century Wawel Castle and Cathedral. This afternoon you'll visit the nearby 800-year-old Wieliczka Salt Mines. Tonight, enjoy delicious Polish cuisine at a local restaurant.

Wake this morning with Vienna on your doorstep. A city full of grandeur, Austria's imperial capital is famous for having the world's most beautiful boulevard, The Ringstrasse, and for the legacy of the Habsburg monarchy. Choose from a range of Scenic Freechoice activities today, including a tour of Schönbrunn Palace, a guided e-bike tour to Danube Island, a central Vienna exploration, or an excursion to Bratislava.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock early this morning in the quaint town of Dürnstein. Enjoy some free time exploring this charming town before cruising towards Melk. Choose from a variety of Scenic Freechoice excursions today, including an e-bike ride from Durnstein to Melk, a tour of the glorious Melk Abbey, a visit to the fairy tales of Burg Aggstein, or a guided tour of the historic city of Nuremberg.

You will arrive in Regensburg after a farewell breakfast this morning, taking with you a lifetime of memories. Boasting an Old Town protected by an ancient city wall, where the most enchanting Christmas Markets are held every year, this city is dominated by one of the most significant imperial forts of the Holy Roman Empire, the 12th-century Imperial Castle.

Built on seven hills, this World Heritage-listed town has surprises at every turn. Intersected by rivers and canals, enchanting Bamberg has an Old Town resplendent with cobblestoned streets and well-preserved medieval buildings. Choose from a range of Scenic Freechoice activities today, including a Bamberg Old Town Tour, an excursion to Coburg, a Miltenberg tour and local farm visit, a schnapps tasting, or an e-bike ride from Miltenberg to Wertheim.

After a leisurely morning on board your Space-Ship, you will arrive in Würzburg. This Baroque city straddles the Main River in the heart of Franconian wine country. Choose from a range of Scenic Freechoice activities today, including a guided city tour and Würzburg Residence visit, a Romantic Road to Rothenburg tour, or a guided tour of the Old Town and a visit to a local winery.

You will arrive in Cologne today, a city known for its liberal and laidback lifestyle, its unique beer culture, auto industry and the jaw-dropping cathedral that dominates its skyline. Choose from a range of Scenic Freechoice activities today, including a walking tour, a cycling tour, a guided Cologne Cathedral tour, or a past and present tour of Cologne.

Amsterdam is a treasure trove of architectural beauty, masterpiece-filled galleries, tranquil scenes of boats putting along 16th-century canals, narrow cobbled laneways filled with boutiques and cafes, and streets busy with cyclists criss-crossing their way about town. Choose from a range of Scenic Freechoice activities today, including a canal cruise, a city walking tour, a cycling tour, an excursion to Schermerhorn & Alkmaar, or a guided e-bike ride.