 Nuremberg to Vienna & European river cruise itineraryDay 1 Schweinfurt Selected early morning coach pick-ups and a journey to Dover for the 8.15am ferry/Eurotunnel crossing to Calais. Alternatively, join at port or at the Holiday Inn Ashford North. From Calais we continue to Schweinfurt on the River Main where the MS Arlene will be berthed. Enjoy a welcome drink on arrival followed by dinner on board. The rest of the evening is at leisure, perhaps venture out to explore the city of Schweinfurt or enjoy the on board entertainment. Day 2 Schweinfurt - Bamberg As you enjoy your breakfast this morning, the vessel will be gently cruising to Bamberg. Listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site, Bamberg enjoys a picturesque setting on the River Regnitz. Here you can discover several fine churches, monuments, bridges and museums as well as 9 breweries offering 200 types of beer. Take advantage of an optional city tour and beer tasting this afternoon. Later this evening, you will be served a three-course meal on board. Day 3 Bamberg - Nuremberg You can relax this morning on board your vessel as you cruise onward to the city of Nuremberg, located in the German state of Bavaria on the Rhine-Danube-Main-Canal. You’ll have plenty of time to explore this delightful destination full of castles, ornate churches and Gothic architecture, and be sure to visit the Nuremberg Ring; an iron gate said to bring good luck to those who touch it. Day 4 Nuremberg - Riedenburg Enjoy breakfast and lunch on board before arriving in Riedenburg. You are at leisure this afternoon to explore this wonderful town, before enjoying an evening meal followed by live entertainment on board your vessel. Day 5 Riedenburg - Regensburg Enjoy the on board ambience as your vessel cruises to Regensburg, at the northernmost bend of the Danube. Alternatively, take advantage of a full-day optional excursion to the Bavarian city of Munich, home to a wonderful variety of museums and fascinating architecture. Those who opt for this optional excursion will rejoin the vessel later today in Regensburg. Day 6 Regensburg - Passau Sit back and enjoy the leisurely cruise along the glittering Danube to Passau, with breakfast and lunch on board. This afternoon you are free to explore the treasures of Passau, a delightful town known as the ‘City of Three Rivers’ as the Danube River is joined there by the Inn River from the South, and the Ilz River from the north. Main sights of interest here include St. Stephen’s Cathedral; a masterpiece of Italian Baroque, the ‘Old Town’, an abundance of Gothic architecture and the ScharfrichterHaus; a significant jazz and cabaret stage where political cabaret is performed. Day 7 Passau - Linz This morning, relax as we gently cruise to Linz. The third largest city in Austria, you can browse the cosmopolitan streets, St Mary’s Cathedral, Brucknerhaus, Gugl Stadium and enjoy a drink in one of the many cafes and bars. This afternoon, you can join the optional excursion to the wonderful St Florian Abbey; the oldest Augustinian monastery in Austria. Return to your vessel in time for a three-course evening meal. Day 8 Linz - Grein Following breakfast on board, we include a fantastic full-day tour to Vienna. One of Europe’s most beautiful cities and Austria’s fashionable capital, Vienna offers bustling boulevards, fine coffee houses, beautiful gardens and outstanding architecture. Historic attractions include the home of Johann Strauss, the State Opera, the Vienna Boys’ Choir and the famous Spanish Riding School. Rejoin the vessel in Grein, where you will be served your evening meal. Day 9 Grein - Melk Today we will continue our wonderful cruise to the town of Melk, situated at the meeting point of the Danube and Melk rivers. Known as the gateway to the Wachau region of Austria, Melk boasts the magnificent Benedictine Abbey, recognised as one of the most important Baroque buildings in Europe, and the beautiful Renaissance castle of Schallaburg. You’ll have free time to explore these treasures before returning to the vessel for your captain’s dinner. Day 10 Melk After breakfast, we bid farewell to our vessel and transfer to a hotel near Frankfurt for an overnight stay. Day 11 Today we will continue our return journey to the UK, arriving in Calais in time for the 6.25pm crossing to Dover. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your original pick-up point. Reverse itinerary Timings are correct at time of publish but may be subject to change. Final timings will be confirmed with your joining instructions. 
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