Start your European river voyage with a visit to historic Prague, “the city of a hundred spires.” Celebrate the beauty and history of the Danube, Europe’s second largest river, as you cruise from Nuremberg through the Main-Danube Canal across the Continental Divide. Visit centuries-old towns and marvel at the beautiful riverside vistas passing by you. Enter Austria and cruise through the lush Wachau wine region. Conclude your European river cruise vacation with two grand capitals, Vienna and Budapest.
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 Prague and transfer to your hotel. The day is free to start exploring this beautiful city.
Day 2: Exploring Prague
1 Breakfast
Your morning sightseeing tour reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive cities, with a historic city center that is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will take a panoramic tour of the city before arriving at the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle for a visit. Afterwards, walk over Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square and see the Church of Tyn and the famous Astronomical Clock. This evening, an optional “Folklore Dinner Show” provides an opportunity to learn about Czech music, dance and traditions.
Day 3: Free day Prague
1 Breakfast
Spend a day at your leisure or participate in an optional excursion to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII concentration camp that is now a memorial to those who perished. Alternatively, take an optional excursion to Lobkowicz Palace.
This morning, depart Prague after breakfast and stop in Karlovy Vary, better known by its German name, Carlsbad, and most famous for its Bohemian spa. After lunch, drive through the pastoral countryside to Nuremberg, the capital of Franconia. Tonight, gather on board for a Gala Welcome Dinner. The ship will moor overnight in Nuremberg.
Day 5: Nuremberg / Crossing the Continental Divide / Dietfurt
Today, take the “Medieval Nuremberg” tour and see the 900-year-old ramparts, towers and old city walls that surround this historic city and the Imperial Castle. Another option is the “World War II” tour, which focuses on Nuremberg during the time of the Third Reich. Designated the City of the Reichsparteitage (Nazi Party Rallies), you will visit the Zeppelin Field where Hitler once held his Nazi rallies, the Coliseum, and the Justice Palace courtroom where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946 (when available). Later, you may attend an onboard presentation about the construction of the Mani-Danube Canal as the ship cruises to Regensburg.
This morning’s scenic cruising takes you through the final stretch of the Main-Danube Canal and arrives in Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. A guided walking tour will show you the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Alternatively, visit the Audi Factory in Ingolstadt, where a member of the Audi team will take you on a guided tour of the Audi Car Museum or the production line (subject to availability). In the afternoon, you are free to join the optional excursion to beautiful Weltenburg Abbey and see the scenic Danube Gorge (seasonal), or take a guided bike tour to Walhalla Temple, which honors distinguished Germans throughout history.
After breakfast, arrive in picturesque Passau, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. During your walking tour, gaze at this fairy-tale city founded more than 2,000 years ago. Or, take an optional full day tour to Salzburg, birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and location of the Sound of Music. See the main sights including a visit to Mozart's birth house. For those staying on board, enjoy a scenic cruise from Passau into Austria and on to Linz. After dinner, take a walk through this delightful town, Austria's third largest city and a major river port
Reach the Wachau Valley early this morning and arrive in Melk. Your guided tour takes you to Melk’s magnificent 900-year-old Benedictine Abbey, the inspiration for the novel The Name of the Rose. Return to the ship for lunch before the ship continues cruising through the romantic Wachau Valley. Arrive in Vienna after dinner and explore the magnificent Austrian capital on your own, or enjoy an optional evening Mozart and Strauss concert.
Savor Vienna’s Baroque elegance on a guided city tour that includes the world famous Opera House, the Ringstrasse, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and more. The tour is followed by free time in the city center to shop for souvenirs or sample some of Vienna’s famous pastries. Alternatively, join an optional tour to the Imperial Schonbrunn Palace, which is a fine example of Baroque architecture. Tonight, the ship continues down the Danube en route to Hungary.
This morning, a sightseeing tour takes you to historic Buda Castle, where you can enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest. Your tour also features the Fisherman’s Bastion, the Royal Palace, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Heroes’ Square and more. After dinner, the ship will sail a special “Illuminations Cruise” past the city’s riverfront.
Day 11: Depart Budapest / Return Home
1 Breakfast
Bid farewell to Budapest as you prepare for your homeward flight.
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Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
TrustScore 4.8 | 167 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 167 reviews on
5 hours 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
1 day ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
1 day ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
2 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.
Anne Petty
3 days ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner