The Great Rivers of Europe

Begin by visiting the world-famous Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera), built by the Emperor Franz Joseph and inaugurated in 1869 with a performance of Mozart’s Don Giovanni. The building was almost completely destroyed in the 1945 bombings, but was rebuilt and presented its second opening in 1955 with Beethoven’s Fidelio. The new ornate Opera House follows the traditional neoclassicism of the original structure, and has been the showplace of choice for world-renowned performers, such as Maria Callas, Jose Carreras, Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, and Jessie Norman. Then, enjoy a short rest with coffee and cake at a local cafe. Your optional tour ends with a visit to Vienna's famous Prater Park, an old-fashioned amusement park. You'll enjoy a thrilling ride on the Riesenrad, the park’s giant Ferris wheel.

Visit the town of Terezin, site of the World War II concentration camp of Theresienstadt. This sobering visit will give you insight into the elaborate subterfuges and propaganda that the Nazi regime used to camouflage its “final solution” to the “Jewish problem.” 

Join us this afternoon and evening for an optional excursion to Flanders Fields, a museum commemorating World War I. You will travel to the city of Ypres, now known as the “City of Peace,” and visit the interactive Flanders Fields Museum, where you'll learn about the Great War and then tour the battlefields. After dinner at a local restaurant, you’ll visit the Menin Gate Memorial and listen to the buglers from the local fire brigade who play there every night in remembrance of those lost in the war. The cost of this optional excursion includes dinner.

On this tour of Rothenburg, you'll visit this lovely old town that sits on the Tauber River and boasts undamaged 14th-century city walls and beautifully preserved fortifications. Set off on a walking tour to see stately towers and imposing burghers’ houses. After an included lunch, the afternoon is yours to make your own discoveries before transferring to meet your ship.

Please note: Today's optional combined bus and walking tour will be approximately 3.5 hours long and include cobblestones, uneven surfaces, and no options to sit down during the tour. 

Vienna without music wouldn’t be Vienna. So, subject to availability of tickets, you may want to enjoy an unforgettable optional evening in one of Vienna’s famed concert halls. You’ll hear enchanting performances of some of the most wonderful melodies of classical Austrian music.