Travel on the beautiful Danube through four European countries on this exciting European river cruise. Experience the sights and sounds that have long inspired musicians, poets and artists. Begin your small ship cruise in Budapest, continuing on to Bratislava and Vienna, the romantic birthplace of the waltz. Cruise through the scenic wine-growing region of the Wachau Valley, visit the spectacular Benedictine Abbey in Melk, and explore charming medieval towns. Conclude your journey with a three night stay in Munich or Prague.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your luxurious river cruise ship. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at the Welcome Cocktail Reception followed by dinner. (D)
Day 2: Budapest
This morning, your sightseeing tour takes you to historic Buda Castle from where you can enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the River. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the Royal Palace and St. Stephen's Basilica. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Bratislava, Slovakia / Vienna, Austria
Wake up this morning in Bratislava, capital of the Slovak Republic. Choose from a “Communist Tour” or a walking tour of the city's major sights, including the Old Town Hall, the stunning Mirbach Palace and Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral. Later, there is time to explore on your own, before cruising this afternoon to Vienna. Perhaps, venture into the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight, explore the vibrant capital on your own or enjoy an optional evening Mozart and Strauss concert. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Vienna
Savor the sights of romantic Vienna during your guided tour, which will include the Opera House, the Ringstrasse and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. An optional tour of Schonbrunn Palace and Mozart & Strauss concert in one of the city’s great formal concert houses is also available. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Dürnstein / Melk
This morning you arrive in Dürnstein, where you will marvel at the magnificent blue façade of the baroque Stiftskirche. Above town you'll spot the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. Your walking tour through medieval cobblestone streets reveals 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. Your tour will also include a wine tasting at a local vintner. After lunch, you will cruise the Wachau Valley to Melk, location of the famous Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's largest baroque monasteries, which you will tour this afternoon. You may also choose a guided bicycle ride from Durnstein to Melk (capacity controlled). The ship moors overnight at Melk. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Linz / Gmunden
This morning the ship arrives in Linz, the second largest city in Austria. You will have the choice of three different excursions: the scenic “Salzkammergut” region (Austrian Lake District), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will explore the historic town of Gmunden; the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov, a wonderfully preserved medieval town in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border; or Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace, where you will take a walking tour of the historic center, famous as the setting for the “Sound of Music.” Enjoy free time on your own before returning to the ship. The ship sails overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Linz / Passau, Germany / Vilshofen
Early this morning, cruise through Upper Austria to Passau in Germany, where, the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Your city tour takes you on an exploration of this fairy-tale city founded more than 2,000 years ago. This afternoon, the ship cruises to Vilshofen, a charming 1200-year-old Bavarian town, on the confluence of the river Vils and the Danube. This afternoon, enjoy “Oktoberfest” in Vilshofen. Relax at long tables and benches, enjoy traditional beers accompanied by Bavarian folk music, song and dance. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Vilshofen / Disembark / Regensburg / Munich, Germany
This morning, disembark your ship in Vilshofen and depart for Munich. Stop in Regensburg for a walking tour of one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. You will have some free time afterwards to explore Regensburg’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before continuing your transfer to Munich. Enjoy the scenic countryside en route to your hotel in Munich, Germany’s third-largest city. With a history that dates back to the middle ages, Munich is an important industrial, educational and cultural center, renowned for its breweries, beer gardens and boisterous Oktoberfest celebrations. (B)
Day 9: Munich
This morning, enjoy a panoramic tour of Munich followed by a walking tour of the Old Town. You will see such iconic sights as the famous Glockenspiel at Munich’s New Town Hall and the Frauenkirche, the “Cathedral of Our Lady.” The afternoon is free for you to explore Munich on your own. (B)
Day 10: Munich
Today, you will visit the stunning Neuschwanstein Castle, inspiration for Walt Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty Castle.” The palace was built in the 19th century by “Mad” King Ludwig II of Bavaria as an homage to composer Richard Wagner. After a tour of the castle, arrive in Fussen, where you will have free time for lunch on your own before returning to Munich. (B)
Day 11: Depart Munich
Bid farewell to Munich and transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
