Delightful Danube

Arrive at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. If a group or private arrival transfer is included, a Uniworld representative meets you and escorts you to the ship.

Buda and Pest sit on opposite sides of the Danube, each with its own character. Choose from a walking tour, a panoramic city tour, or a Jewish Heritage excursion focused on Jewish history in Budapest.

In the evening, attend the Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner.

Choose between:
Budapest Walk with Local Treats
Today, your guide shows you how to snack around Budapest like a local, starting with a tram ride to the House of Parliament. Hop off the tram and take a short walk to your first treat: a coffee break at the First Strudel House of Pest. Energized by your cup of coffee, you’ll continue your walk down to St. Stephen’s Basilica—a handsome Neo-Classical building that is one of Budapest’s most significant cultural sites.

From there, you’ll head to the Great Market Hall to sample some traditional Hungarian fare, such as salami, sausages, and cheese, while your local expert explains the intricacies of Hungarian cuisine.

OR
Jewish Budapest
On your way into the Jewish Quarter, take a panoramic drive along the UNESCO-designated Andrassy Avenue. Among its beautiful neo-Renaissance architecture are such sites as Heroes’ Square, the Franz Liszt Memorial House, the House of Terror, and the Castle District.

You get off the coach near the Dohány Synagogue. The Great Synagogue of Budapest (also known as the Central Synagogue) on Dohány Street is a good starting point to learn about Jewish Budapest. The Dohány Synagogue is the largest in Europe and the 2nd largest Synagogue in the world.

OR
Budapest Panoramic Highlights with Castle Hill
This panoramic tour is a wonderful way to get an overview of the city if you have never been here before. It carries you from Heroes’ Square, created in 1896 to honor the thousand-year anniversary of Hungary’s founding and its greatest historical figures, past some of the city’s most striking architectural sights—Dohány Street Synagogue, the Hungarian National Museum, the state opera house, St. Stephen’s Basilica and the truly stunning Parliament Building—to Castle Hill, which has been called the heart of the nation. The city of Buda began here, when King Béla built a strong keep in 1243 as a defense against Mongol invaders; a castle replaced the simple fortress, and over the centuries other castles replaced that one. The current castle is primarily 18th century; a museum dedicated to Budapest’s archaeological finds is housed there, and the Castle Hill district has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll go inside the magnificent 700-year-old Matthias Church, named for one of Hungary’s greatest kings, and then wend your way on foot to the picturesque Fisherman’s Bastion, whose seven fairytale-like towers represent the seven tribes that originally settled the region. It offers a glorious view of the city and the Danube below.

Note: Visits to the interior of Matthias Church may not be possible on some weekends and Catholic holidays.

The grand dame of the Danube, Vienna was the heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and remains, to this day, the political and cultural center of Austria. Klimt painted here; Beethoven and Mozart composed here; Freud developed his theories here. It’s a treasure trove of splendid architecture, astonishing art collections and inviting cafés—and today it is yours to explore. A city tour shows you the architectural highlights of the Austrian capital as well as the legendary Belvedere Palace. Or, indulge your passion for fine art and fine food with a fascinating and memorable panoramic tour. Or explore Jewish Vienna via the Jewish Heritage excursion.

Choose between:
Klimt at the Belvedere
The Belvedere is a Baroque palatial complex commissioned during an immensely productive Habsburg building spree. Originally the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy, the complex was acquired by Empress Maria Theresa after his death and turned into an exhibition venue for imperial art collections. In this way, The Belvedere become one of the first public museums in the world. Today it is one of the finest art collections anywhere, making it an incredibly popular destination for Vienna tourism. Take a tour of the Upper Belvedere exhibits, including the world’s largest collection of works by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt. His most famous work, “The Kiss,” is on display here.

OR
Jewish Vienna
Explore the “City of Waltzes” from a Jewish heritage perspective on today’s outing. Beginning at the Judenplatz, you’ll learn about the community’s history and follow in the footsteps of some of the most internationally well-known figures. Your guide take you by the Shoah Monument and Jewish museum, then stop at the Stadttempel, Vienna’s main temple and the only synagogue to have survived the “Night of Broken Glass”—a pogrom against Jews throughout Nazi Germany, Austria and other areas in the region. This temple dates back to 1826 and is the only synagogue in Vienna built in the simple, yet elegant, “Biedermeier Style.”

Note: The synagogue is not available for visits on Jewish holidays; if unavailable, you'll visit the Vienna Jewish Museum instead.

OR
Vienna's Historic Trails and Local Treats
In many ways a must-visit destination for both the art lover and the gourmand, Vienna is full of artistic and culinary treasures. Today’s walking tour is all about immersing yourselves in that side of this beautiful city.

The menu for the day includes a stop for coffee and strudel at a local coffee house—a hallmark of Viennese culture—and a glass of Viennese wine from one of the city’s oldest cellars. These treats fuel your walks to see the Kinsky Palace, the statues of the Heldenplatz, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and more.

You’ll want to find a comfortable seat in the lounge or on the Sun Deck this afternoon as your ship cruises through the Wachau Valley. Over the eons, the Danube cut a gorge through the foothills of the Bohemian mountains, resulting in a 19-mile (30-kilometer) stretch of riverine scenery so beautiful, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Landscape. Castle ruins dominate hilltops; baroque church towers appear on the riverbanks, marking historic villages and splendid abbeys; and apricot orchards and vineyards cling to the rocky slopes. Some of Austria’s finest white wines are produced from grapes ripening on the dry-stone terraces above the river, where grapes have been grown for 2,000 years. Your ship docks in Krems, midway through this glorious landscape.

Choose between:
Stetteldorf Castle Visit
Schloss Stetteldorf, also known as Juliusburg Castle, sits right on the edge of the Wagram in Lower Austria. The castle was constructed in 1588 for Count Julius II zu Hardegg. Over the years, his descendants added to the stately residence, beautifying its gardens, adding a fresco to the ballroom, carving a moat, and more. Meet the current residents to see how they are continuing to renovate the castle on a tour that includes a chance to taste some of what they grow in their gardens.

OR
Treasures of the Wachau Valley
As you arrive in the attractive town of Spitz, take note of the vine-covered hill rising above the town on your way in. A famous local landmark, this hill is the source of much of the town’s grapes. Wine is one of Spitz’s most important local products, alongside apricots. You’ll taste both of these today, starting with a variety of apricot treats upon your arrival. Next, a wine expert is waiting at Spitz’s shipping and maritime museum to guide you through a tasting.

After getting your fill of local treats, a guide takes you on a walk through the charming village they call home, during which you'll get their perspective on life in Spitz and the Wachau Valley.

Your ship cruises through a scenic highlight of the Danube early this morning, the Schlögener Schlinge—a hairpin loop in the Danube that was once very hazardous for ships and is now a lovely, serene stretch of water—and leaves Austria behind today. Your first German port of call is Passau, where three rivers meet—the Inn, the Ilz and the Danube—and three nations almost meet: Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic, making for a fascinating cultural mosaic. Get to know the town and its main claim to fame, Europe’s largest pipe organ, or join an invigorating riverside bike ride.

Featured Excursions:
Let's Go: Scenic Bavarian River Biking
Set off on an invigorating bike ride from Engelhartszell to Passau, led by an experienced professional bike guide. Wind your way through the lovely countryside, along the Danube’s right side, into the picturesque Danube Valley. These particular landscapes are some of the most beautiful in all of Europe—characterized by expansive vineyards, tree-lined slopes, and castle-dotted hillsides—and seamlessly blend the region’s cultural, historical and natural components together. Pedal onwards toward Passau, past more charming villages, meadows and orchards, rounding out your trip in Passau’s Old Town.

OR
Village Day: Passau
You’ll have the opportunity to choose one of three different ways to immerse yourself in this wonderful city today, learning about local people, trades, and pastimes.
Your first option: meet a family from Passau as you’re invited into their home. Your host may welcome you with food, drinks and or stories about their life in the city.
At another, mingle with people at work around town, including an artist, a pub owner, and others.
And finally, you may opt to set out on a hike popular with locals. Take in Passau’s best scenery as you stop at a castle—the Veste Oberhaus—and the Triftsperre nature reserve, then walk along the Ilz river delta.

Your ship cruises through a scenic highlight of the Danube early this morning, the Schlögener Schlinge—a hairpin loop in the Danube that was once very hazardous for ships and is now a lovely, serene stretch of water—and leaves Austria behind today. Your first German port of call is Passau, where three rivers meet—the Inn, the Ilz and the Danube—and three nations almost meet: Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic, making for a fascinating cultural mosaic. Get to know the town and its main claim to fame, Europe’s largest pipe organ, or join an invigorating riverside bike ride.

Featured Excursions:
Nights Out: Regensburg Cathedral Choir
This evening, Regensburger Domspatzen treat you to a private concert in their famous Gothic cathedral. Literally translated to “The Regensburg Cathedral Sparrows,” the Domspatzen is the oldest boys’ choir in the world, dating back to the 10th century.

The Giant Sphere of Bavaria
Take a short drive to the Upper Palatinate Lake District to find something entirely unexpected: a giant wooden ball sitting right in the middle of the serene landscape. Made up of twisting walkable paths, this “adventure ball” is the largest of its kind in the whole world. Walk to the top of the ball for amazing views of the lake. After, take a short hike to the lakefront to discuss local plants, fish, and conservation with an expert guide. You’ll learn about how a passion for sustainability shapes the farming and building efforts in the area, and see some of the interesting Eco Houses that have been built at the lake.

Choose between:
Jewish Regensburg
Join your local guide for a walking tour through the delightfully medieval town of Regensburg. Stroll over the Iron Bridge and on to the magnificent Stone Bridge, and pass by the architectural Gothic masterpiece of St. Peter’s Cathedral. Regensburg is the oldest documented settlement of Jewish people in Germany and your walk through the former Jewish Quarter (Neupfarrplatz) introduces you to their enduring legacy here. See the Dani Karavan Monument memorializing the original Regensburg Synagogue and visit Oskar Schindler’s house.
Make your way to the New Synagogue for a presentation about Jewish culture and history in Regensburg.

OR
Regensburg Walk with Thurn & Taxis Castle Visit
Begin this three-hour excursion with a visit to the city center of Regensburg’s Old Town, which has much to offer including the Porta Praetoria Roman ruins, the Old Stone Bridge, St. Peter’s Cathedral, medieval patrician towers and the former Jewish Quarter among many other sights. Next, take a short walk to the Princely House of Thurn and Taxis. The family estate is difficult to miss: at over 1,000 years old, the mansion boasts over 500 rooms complete with chandeliers, gold leafing, incredible art and architectural touches to make it truly a sight to behold. The palace has an incredible history and stands as a tale of revival, endurance and baroque style.  What’s even more spectacular? The palace has a long list of celebrities who have stayed within its walls: Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson, Steve Martin, Plácido Domingo and more. These walls may not be able to talk, but if they could they would surely say, “Come see us for yourself!”

Onboard, come out on deck or find a window seat where you can watch the ship navigate a series of locks as it travels across the “continental divide” and through one of the modern world’s greatest feats of engineering—the Main-Danube canal.

Featured Excursion:
Nuremberg Evening Walk
Take advantage of the overnight stay in Nuremberg with a light stroll into town, accompanied by a local guide. As you soak in the evening ambience—the warm glow of streetlights, locals mingling over rotbier in bustling breweries—listen to your guide tell the tales of Nuremberg’s past and present. You’ll learn about Nuremberg’s medieval history, still evident in the city’s iconic half-timbered buildings, imperial era, and role in the rise and fall of the Nazi party. The wide spectrum of German history, architecture, and culture is yours to discover on this atmospheric tour.

Disembark the ship. If your cruise package includes a group departure transfer or if you purchased a private departure transfer, you are transferred to Nuremberg Airport for your flight.