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Morning light in Budapest

Danube Serenade: Vienna to Budapest

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Crystal Mahler
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Board the Crystal Mahler for a fascinating 8-day Danube river cruise from Vienna to Budapest. Explore Vienna, the center of European culture. See the beauty of Durnstein one of the most visited tourist spots in the Wachau Valley. Cruise through scenic Wachau Valley on your way to Melk. Melk. Visit the historical cities of Krems, Linz, and Bratislava. On your remaining days of the cruise, see Budapest's enchanting architecture of domes, spires ,18th-century homes, bridges, and lampposts.
Vienna Opera House, AustriaColumn on Hauptplatz in LinzMelk Abbey, Lower AustriaDiscover the architecture and history of BudapestMorning light in Budapest
Highlights
  • Discover romantic capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire
  • Explore Durnstein Castle, the region's famous architectural highlight
  • Cruise Scenic Danube Wachau Valley on your sail
  • Walk in the storybook-beautiful Krems with its old streets
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Vienna, Austria | Embark

Embark on the Crystal Mahler at the beautiful port of Vienna.

Day 2: Vienna, Austria

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Once the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and forever known for its manicured gardens, ornate architecture - especially that of the famed Ringstrasse - and distinguished roster of composers who either were born or lived here, Vienna finds itself at the very center of European culture, even as it sits near the border of the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary.

Day 3: Durnstein | Cruising Scenic Wachau Valley | Melk

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Considered one of the most visited tourist spots in the Wachau Valley, Durnstein is in a robust wine-growing region sitting alongside the Danube river. Durnstein Castle, the region's famous architectural highlight, sits atop a rocky mountain, high above the Danube, at its base. Durnstein's beauty is enhanced by verdant forests, rolling hills, and thriving vineyards that surround the town. Sip some of the region's local wines and enjoy a leisurely day in this postcard-worthy European town.

Today, you will also cruise along the scenic Danube Wachau Valley.

Next, your destination for this day is Melk. Best known for its fortified baroque Benedictine monastery, Melk Abbey, the town of Melk boasts an assortment of smaller gems. Among them, the city’s riverside location, serene and regal with a ribbon of wooded groves giving way to the lovely village. Cobbled lanes and a petite size make for a pleasant stroll with a chance to discover its 16th-century Town Hall, or Rathaus, in the center of town, and Haus am Stein or House at the Rock. Built-in the 15th century, the vine-covered abode is Melk’s oldest building.

Day 4: Linz, Austria

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Named the European Capital of Culture in 2009 and added to the roster of UNESCO Creative Cities as a City of Media Arts in 2014, Linz embraces the present and future, with reverence to its past. The city’s layout reflects its history, with an ancient medieval center encircled by neoclassical, neo-baroque and neo-Renaissance neighborhoods.

Day 5: Krems, Austria

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Storybook-beautiful Krems marks the beginning of the Wachau Valley and showcases a true crisscross of old and new. Putting the old and new literally side by side is a preserved length of the old city walls, for instance, while designer shops housed in the regal 18th-century buildings of the Altstadt exist alongside modern department stores. The lower Old Town is an area for pedestrians and cafes, while one of the oldest parish churches in Lower Austria can be found in the upper Old Town.

Day 6: Bratislava, Slovakia

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This buzzing capital city is the heartbeat of Slovakia; a historic gem that stirs the imagination. A maze of cobblestone streets winds around 18th-century buildings and a pulsating modern art scene. Explore the museums, cathedrals and palaces, and relax at a shade-covered sidewalk café. Photography buffs will want to snap images of the medieval castle looming high above the city.

Day 7: Budapest, Hungary

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Commanding both sides of the Danube – with the Chain Bridge connecting hilly Buda with flat Pest – Hungary’s capital enchants with its magnificent architecture of domes and spires, 18th-century homes, bridges and lampposts. The UNESCO-listed Castle Hill welcomes all to explore Buda Castle, Trinity Square, Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion.

Day 8: Budapest, Hungary | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast aboard the Crystal Mahler, disembark at the port of Budapest.

Ship/Hotel

Crystal Mahler

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Deluxe Suite
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Deluxe Suite (S2)
253 sqft. Supreme comfort king-size bed with fine Egyptian cotton linens. Butler service is provided.

Notes

Solo Supplement: A select number of cabins are available for single use. The single supplement varies by cabin type, please contact us for details.
Child Discount: Children age 11 or under receive 50% off when sharing a cabin with two full paying guests. Children, regardless of age pay full rate in a double occupancy cabin.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Massage, s­­­­­pa services or hair styling for which separate charges may be imposed. 

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
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