Join Crystal Ravel for a magnificent 13-day adventure from Vilshofen to Vienna. View a well-preserved medieval center in the flourishing city of Regensburg. Explore Passau and wander the cobbled streets of Old Town, gaze upon its arched bridges and Italianate manses and visit magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral and New Bishop’s Residence. Spend your Christmas day discovering the city of Linz and Melk. Visit the historic gem and buzzing city of Bratislavia that boasts its 18th-century and pulsating modern art scene. See Budapest, the capital city of Hungary and Esztergom Basilica, the largest church in Hungary. Enjoy the storybook-beautiful town of Krems that showcases a true crisscross of old and new. Finally, for your last stop before disembarking, don't miss the lovely Vienna.
Highlights
View a well-preserved medieval center, charming Vilshofen
Visit magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral and New Bishop’s Residence
Explore the museums and cathedrals of Bratislava
Discover Buda Castle, Trinity Square, Matthias Church, and Fisherman's Bastion
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
A skyline graced by the spire of a historic church and the arch of a more modern bridge reveals the essence of Vilshofen’s appeal. Here where three rivers meet – the Vils, Wolfach and Danube – you’ll enjoy cycling expeditions on pretty paths and hikes in the neighboring Bavarian forest.
At the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, Passau is also situated at a meeting of cultures. The town began as a Roman settlement, enjoying the rising tide of influence as the largest bishopric in the Holy Roman Empire and enduringly vibrant as a hub for various trade pursuits, including salt, swords and ideas. Wander the cobbled streets of Old Town, gaze upon arched bridges and Italianate manses and visit magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral and New Bishop’s Residence.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Once the capital of Hungary, Esztergom still displays a regal appearance, situated beautifully on the Danube and capped by the Esztergom Basilica, the largest church in Hungary. Also one of the oldest cities in Hungary, this spot has been inhabited since the end of the Ice Age, over 20,000 years ago. Today you’ll discover a town that stays in touch with its past, with attractions including the grand Basilica, picturesque squares, fine gardens and, of course, the waters and bridges of the Danube.
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 13: Vienna, Austria | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After breakfast aboard the Crystal Ravel, disembark at the beautiful Vienna.
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Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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.
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
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin
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Responsive and helpful information from Jessica.
Monica Moore
5 hours ago
Kassandra and Maria made the process idiot-proof and enjoyable. I'll book with Adventure Life for a third time based on these interactions alone!
Michelle Morrow
2 days ago
I wasnt thrilled with the island choices offered on our dates but my friend suggested cruising and you have good reviews
Joyce Schiavo
3 days ago
I was given all the information that I asked for and my questions were answered quickly. Very pleasant and knowledgeable agent.
Miriam Weininger
5 days ago
The company representatives were totally dedicated to helping me secure my trip! I was very impressed with how courteous and knowledgeable they were!