Join the Crystal Ravel for an 8-day Delightful Danube Crusie from Budapest to Vienna. Sail the magnificent Danube to witness the beauty of the Wachau Valley, and discover such treasures as the Benedictine abbey perched atop the city of Melk and Bratislava's St. Martin's Cathedral, former coronation church for Hungary's royalty. Explore the beauty of Durnstein which is enhanced by verdant forests, rolling hills, and thriving vineyards that surround the town. Cruise the scenic Wachau Valley and see the historic city of Melk, discover the beauty of Linz and Krems before finally disembarking at Vienna.
Highlights
Explore magnificent architecture of domes and spires at Hungary’s capital
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.
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 4: Durnstein | Cruise the Scenic Wachau Valley | Melk
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, get a chance to cruise the scenic Wachau Valley.
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.
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.
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.
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 8: Vienna | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After breakfast onboard, disembark at romantic Vienna.
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.
$5,899
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Petite Suite Seahorse Deck (S5)
188 sqft. King-size bed or two twin beds, adjustable dining table, writing desk, vanity, and 40” flat-screen HD TV. Butler service is provided.
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Petite Suite Crystal Deck (S4)
188 sqft. King-size bed or two twin beds, adjustable dining table, writing desk, vanity, and 40” flat-screen HD TV. Butler service is provided.
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Deluxe Suite (S3)
237 sqft. King-size bed or two twin beds, full-length mirror, writing desk, vanity, and flat-screen HD TV. Butler service is provided.
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Deluxe Suite (S2)
253 sqft. Supreme comfort king-size bed with fine Egyptian cotton linens. Butler service is provided.
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Deluxe Suite (S1)
253 sqft. Supreme comfort king-size bed with fine Egyptian cotton linens. Butler service is provided.
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Crystal Penthouse (CP)
506 sqft. The master bedroom features a large king-size bed facing the panoramic balcony-window, walk-in closet, flat-screen HD TV, fine Egyptian linens. Butler service is provided.
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Crystal Suite (CS)
759 sqft. Two lavish bedrooms each feature king-size beds, fine Egyptian linens, large flat-screen HD TVs, spacious closets, and expansive panoramic balcony-windows. Nightstands include charging pads and USB outlets. Butler service is provided.
Notes
A wide selection of specially curated and optional shore excursions are available on every itinerary. In each port visited, there will be complimentary adventures to choose from, other excursions will be available at an additional cost.
Cruise Fares Include:
Beverages including fine wines, champagne, premium spirits and all non-alcoholic beverages such as bottled water, soft drinks, and specialty coffees
Choice of complimentary shore excursion in each port
Complimentary Wi-Fi for the duration of your voyage.
Cruise Fares Exclude:
Airfare
Cruise port, security, navigation, berthing, stevedoring, and baggage handling/storage charges
Fuel surcharges, fees or charges imposed by governmental or quasi-governmental authorities
Optional shore excursions
Sightseeing or meals ashore, taxes, gratuities
Visa fees
Laundry or valet service or any item or service whatsoever of a personal nature, such as medical treatment, expenses incurred on board or ashore in connection with medical treatment, medical condition, or medical debark
Massage, spa services or hairstyling for which separate charges may be imposed.
Transfers between the airport and ship on the day of embarkation and disembarkation
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
