Depart for your overnight flight to Munich. (Air not included in price of this package) This morning we will be met by a Group IST tour escort and music specialist for our transfer to the vibrant city of Passau set at the confluence of the Danube and two of her tributaries. Here we discover the character of this historic port town, during a city walking tour including its fortress, marketplace and its Cathedral. Built in the Gothic style and renovated in the Baroque, the Cathedral or Dom houses the world's largest church organ. This afternoon we transfer to the harbor and embark the MV Mozart to set off on our Danube adventure. (D) This morning we arrive in Durnstein. With its terraced vineyards and ruined fortress walls, Durnstein is one of the prettiest towns on the Danube. We enjoy a walking tour of Durnstein followed by a private organ concert in the town church, originally an Augustinian monastery. This afternoon a presentation by our specialist introduces the boy musician who exhibited his creative talents a very young child, writing his first composition at the age of 5 and performing for the Austrian court at six. We discuss Mozart the free spirited artist, gambler, charmer, philanderer and genius. This evening we arrive in Vienna, where we will listen to a concert by the Vienna Mozart Orchestra which plays with internationally renowned singers and soloists. (B,L,D) Today we explore the artist's long time home and visit exhibits honoring the 250th anniversary of his birth. We begin with a walking tour including the Ringstrasse and the Imperial Palace, the Hofburg. Later we continue our discovery of the composer's life during a visit to the Mozart House, where he composed "The Marriage of Figaro." The Mozart House will be re-opening on January 2006 in honor of Mozart's 250th birthday. We will visit his apartment on the second floor as well as a museum documenting Mozart's life. Before returning to the MV Mozart we will visit the museum of the Spanish Riding Academy. (B,L,D) This morning we visit Esztergom, for 300 years the seat of Hungarian kings and the centerpiece of the country's Catholic heritage. Here we visit the impressive neoclassical Cathedral built to replace the original which was destroyed during the Turkish occupation of Hungary. We then enjoy a ride through to Szentendre where we will have a walking tour and enjoy a renaissance style lunch in this charming medieval town. We will rejoin the MV Mozart in Budapest for dinner. This evening we will enjoy a private concert and cocktail at the Bela Bartok Museum in Budapest. (B,L,D) This morning we explore the Hungarian capital of Budapest, a city on the crossroads of East and West. Set on both sides of the Danube, it is really two cities - colorful Buda and cosmopolitan Pest. This morning we enjoy a tour illuminating Budapest's enchanting Old World style. The days' highlight is a special backstage visit to the city's ornate State Opera House. In the evening, our specialist will conduct a discussion about Mozart's religious and church music. (B,L,D) We start the day in the Slovak capital of Bratislava, with a walk through its cobblestone Old Town. We will visit the birthplace of Johann Nepomuk Hummel, one of Mozart's students and teacher of Mozart's son. We will also enjoy a private piano concert showcasing the works of Hummel and Mozart at the Palais Pallfy in Bratislava. This afternoon is at leisure to relax and enjoy the striking scenery, towns and villages along the riverbanks. (B,L,D) This morning begins with a visit to Melk Monastery, an exquisite example of baroque style, which towers over the Danube basin. We will enjoy a private chamber music concert at the Melk monastery. We will ride along the Danube and visit Artstetten Castle. The castle stands high above the Danube River on the threshold of the Wachau region. The castle was acquired by the imperial family nand was passed on to Archduke Franz Ferdinand. We will enjoy lunch and a wine tasting at a local restaurant before returning to the MV Mozart in Grein in plenty of time for the festive Captain's Dinner. (B,L,D) This morning we disembark and say farewell to our fellow travelers as we transfer to Munich's airport for our homebound flights. (B) Note: This itinerary is subject to change.