Cruise the Danube: Budapest, Vienna and Prague

See Buda's cobbled streets and Pest's 19th-century buildings. Throughout the course of your tour, admire Matthias Church; Fisherman's Bastion, oddly more decorative than defensive; St. Stephen's Basilica, which stands just as tall as the Parliament Building to symbolize the balance of church and state; and the Parliament Building itself, an impressive example of neo-gothic architecture. Partake in a private cooking class, which includes lunch and hands-on strudel-making, and visit the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music, founded in 1875 by piano virtuoso Franz Liszt. Leave Budapest to explore the charming village of Szentendre, noted for its artisanal shops and fine galleries, before rejoining your ship at Esztergom.

Arrive in Bratislava and stroll its old quarter, visiting St. Martin's Cathedral, for centuries the coronation church of the Kingdom of Hungary. Back on board, enjoy a private cocktail party and an exclusive chef-led tasting dinner.

From snow-dusted mountains alive with music to delectable Sacher-Torte that tantalizes the tastebuds, Austria fills the senses with delight. Vienna, the cultured capital of the country, is synonymous with ornate palaces and concert halls ringing to the strains of Mozart and Strauss. Visit Schönbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Habsburgs, before setting out on a guided walk of Vienna's historic center. Later, experience a fantastic dinner ashore and take in a concert at the Mozarthaus Vienna, in one of the houses where Mozart lived and worked.

This morning, discover Salzburg on a walking tour, followed by lunch. Then take some free time to further explore this magical city — the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart — where a symphony of elegant streets and baroque buildings comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, proceed to St. Michael's Basilica in Mondsee, which served as the backdrop for the iconic wedding scene in The Sound of Music. This evening, your captain hosts a gala dinner on board.

Disembark in Passau and drive to Cesky Krumlov, where you visit the city's Old Town and stunning 13th-century castle. Tucked away in the hills of the southern Czech Republic, Cesky Krumlov delights with its medieval detailing and pastoral countryside. Though occupied by German forces during World War II, the town managed to avoid any serious conflict and remains remarkably well preserved. After lunch, continue to Prague for an evening at leisure.

After breakfast, take your private transfer to the airport for your departing flight.