Framed by Austrian Alps, lush vineyards, and medieval castles, the Danube River casts the lure of romance that has caught many artists, musicians, and poets throughout the centuries. Travel through captivating cities as you cruise for 7 nights on the timeless Danube River from Vilshofen to Budapest. Explore a 2,000-year-old city and visit Europe’s largest pipe organ, savor local wines throughout the Wachau Valley, and have your senses heightened with the timeless beauty and rich history of Vienna and Budapest.
Activities
River Cruises
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.
Arrive in Vilshofen, on the confluence of the river Vils and the Danube. Here, docked in the center of town, your luxurious ship awaits you. Relax onboard or explore Vilshofen’s beautiful old town, which is located directly on the banks of the Danube and the Vils. From the river the old town gives the impression of a floating peninsula. In the background above the town the imposing double-towers of the Benedictine Abbey Schweiklberg is dominating the scenery. Tonight, join your fellow passengers for the Welcome Gala Dinner. (D)
Day 2: Passau
This morning you are free to explore Vilshofen’s beautiful old town before cruising to Passau. This afternoon you have a choice of two tours. The first option is a walking tour of this 2,000-year-old city, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture, cobblestoned streets, and St. Stephan’s Cathedral, home to one of the world’s largest pipe organs. Another option is a guided bike tour along the Inn River to Weinstein (capacity controlled). (B,L,D)
Day 3: Linz / Gmunden
The ship arrives this morning in Linz, the second largest city in Austria. You will have a choice of three different excursions. The first option is a visit to the historic town of Gmunden in the scenic “Salzkammergut” region, the Austrian Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The second option is an excursion to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov, a wonderfully preserved medieval town nestled in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border. The third choice is an excursion to Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace, where you will take a walking tour of the historic center made famous by the “Sound of Music.” Enjoy free time on your own before returning to the ship. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Melk / Krems
Cruise through the narrow Strudengau this morning en route to Melk. A guided tour will take you to Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest Baroque monasteries and the inspiration for the novel The Name of the Rose. From here, continue cruising the beautiful Wachau valley to Krems. You will have the choice of two excursions this afternoon. The first is a walking tour of Krems. As an alternative, enjoy a guided bike tour from Krems to Dürnstein and back (capacity controlled). After a delicious dinner on board tonight, enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Vienna
During your morning city tour of Vienna, you will see the famous Opera House, the Ringstrasse, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The afternoon is free to stroll through the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or take an optional excursion to Schonbrunn Palace. This evening, you will have the opportunity to enjoy an optional Mozart and Strauss concert. The ship moors in Vienna overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Bratislava, Slovakia
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Bratislava, where you will have a walking tour that includes the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and St. Martin’s Cathedral. As an alternative, take a “Communist” tour that includes such architectural landmarks as the Radio Building, Liberty Square and Soviet War Memorial. The remainder of the day is free to explore on your own. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Budapest, Hungary
This morning, your sightseeing tour takes you to the historic Buda Castle, which offers a splendid view of the river and the twin cities of Buda and Pest. Your tour also features the Fisherman’s Bastion, Royal Palace, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and Heroes’ Square. After dinner, the ship will sail a special “Illuminations Cruise” past the illuminated river front of Budapest. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Budapest / Return Home
Your cruise comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your onward 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.
$3,199
Select a Date
Category E
Piano Deck, fixed window. Private facilities, 170 sq ft
Select a Date
Category D
Piano Deck, fixed window. Private facilities, 170 sq ft
Select a Date
Category C
Cello Deck, French Balcony. Private facilities, 170 sq ft
Select a Date
Category BB
Cello Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony. Private facilities, 210 sq ft
Select a Date
Category BA
Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony. Private facilities, 210 sq ft
Select a Date
Category AB
Cello Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony. Private facilities, 235 sq ft
Select a Date
Category AA
Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony. Private facilities, 235 sq ft
Select a Date
Suite
Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony. Private facilities, 350 sq ft
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
TrustScore 4.8 | 169 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 169 reviews on
1 day ago
Friendly and professional interactions. Answered my questions and followed up on initial contact.
Tim Elliott
2 days ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
3 days ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
3 days ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
4 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.