Situated at a confluence of the Inn, Ilz, and Danube rivers, Passau has been an important trading route - particularly for the 'white gold' of salt - for centuries. Each river is distinct in color and some days you can clearly see the green, blue, and black hues where the waters meet. At the center of the Baroque city, the 13th-century Italianate Old Town is packed with tight laneways, tunnels, and archways, including an "artist's mile" where old buildings are occupied by artist studios, workshops, and galleries. Freechoice: Choose how you'll spend your day from the following Scenic Freechoice excursions: Highlights of Passau: Join your local guide on a walking tour, admiring the brightly colored buildings that line the waterways. Visit the Old Town, situated on a narrow peninsula, and admire the brightly colored buildings that line the waterways. Visit St. Stephen's Cathedral. Originally built in the year 450, the church proudly stood in Passau's Old Town until a devastating fire ripped through it in 1662. It was rebuilt in its current form with an Italian-style exterior complete with a Baroque stucco interior, and nowadays houses the world's largest Catholic church organ, which boasts 17,974 pipes and 233 registers. Excursion to Salzburg: Disembark your Scenic Space-Ship in Passau and journey via motorcoach to Salzburg, Austria. On the banks of the Salzach River, surrounded by alpine peaks, Salzburg is best known as the home of Mozart and The Sound of Music. This storybook city has a thriving art scene, music and concert halls filled with classical music. In this Baroque old town you'll find Mozart's birthplace and Hohensalzburg, Central Europe's largest intact fortress, which enjoys panoramic views of the city. Explore this incredible city on a guided tour before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant followed by free time to explore at your leisure. You'll return to your Scenic Space-Ship in the Austrian town of Schlogen. Excursion to Cesky Krumlov: From Passau, journey via motorcoach to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov. This delightful UNESCO World Heritage town is brimming with charm. Sitting on the banks of the Vltava River, Cesky Krumlov is considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, with a vast array of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Wander this fairytale location with your local guide and explore the historic center before enjoying a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. After some free time to explore at your leisure, return to your Scenic Space-Ship in the Austrian town of Schlogen. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. ...
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