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. Your European river cruise of 8 days voyages 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.
Highlights
See palaces, churches, castles and cathedrals throughout the cities
Taste local wines, beers, sweets, and other specialities
Choose from a variety of excursions throughout your cruise
Explore Linz, Austria's second largest city
Take a panoramic tour of Vienna's best known sites, such as the Opera House
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Explore Vilshofen’s beautiful old town before cruising to Passau, known as the “City of Three Rivers.” Join a walking tour or if you prefer to be more active, hike high into the hills for a visit to the “Veste Oberhaus,” Passau’s Castle Hill; or go on a River Inn bike tour.
The ship arrives in Linz where you’ll have several choices of excursions. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg where you’ll tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. En route to Salzburg, stop at Mondsee, home of the famed Basilica St. Michael and site of the wedding scene in The Sound of Music. Alternatively, you can join a morning walking tour through Linz’s old city center and by the Mozart House; or go on a guided bike tour along the city’s famed “Culture Mile” and the Danube. You can also choose to visit the charming mountain town, Český Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border.
Cruise through the Strudengau and Wachau valleys to Weissenkirchen, gateway to Dürnstein. Once here, you can choose to join a walking tour in Dürnstein along its cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, and then visit Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey. For the more active adventurer, you can opt to hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held, or take a bike ride along the Danube through the Wachau Valley. As an alternative excursion, visit a local apricot grower, where you’ll enjoy the region’s finest apricot treats. Later in the evening, enjoy a special wine tasting of locally grown, world-renowned Riesling and Grüner Veltliner in Weissenkirchen.
The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems and your city tour showcases them, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace. Your tour concludes in the historic city center with a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Or if you prefer a more active tour, take a guided bike ride through Vienna. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore this iconic city.
Host to the crowning ceremonies of 11 Hungarian kings and queens between 1536 and 1830, Bratislava certainly has earned the title “Coronation City of Kings,” as you’ll discover during your walking tour. Or join a special “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city.
Your city tour begins at Budapest’s Great Market Hall, where you’ll discover plenty of delicious food and shopping. Afterwards, you’ll visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. You’ll see the 19th-century Chain Bridge, which connects the Buda district with Pest; and the UNESCO-designated Castle Hill district, which contains some of Budapest’s most important medieval monuments and museums. As an alternative choice, you can hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city below.
Day 8: Disembark | Budapest
1 Breakfast
Disembark the ship as you prepare for your flight home.
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.
$3,2992-3 travelers
Cat. E
Piano Deck. Fixed Windows, 160 sq. ft.
Cat. D
Piano Deck. Fixed Windows, 160 sq. ft.
Cat. C
Violin & Cello Deck. French Balcony, 170 sq. ft.
Cat. BB
Cello Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft
Cat BA
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft.
Cat AB
Cello Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft
Cat. AA
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft.
Cat. AA+
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 250 sq. ft.
Suite
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 350 sq. ft.
Notes
Single supplement is 50%, except for Suites which are 100%.
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!
We had the most incredible trip to Antarctica! Plus, we got a fantastic deal (especially considering how expensive expeditions are) and a free cabin upgrade. Prior to our trip, Michelle and Erin took great care of us and made sure we were good to go. Every element of the trip went smoothly with no surprises. Our ship, Ocean Albatross, was beautiful. The cabin was spacious and had everything we needed. The laundry service was cheap and fast (so there was no need to overpack). The food was great. The atmosphere was comfortable and casual (our style). And best of all, the staff and crew were so kind, accommodating and friendly. The guides and expedition leader were all amazing. We did so many shore landings and zodiac cruises, each one unique. There was no shortage of wildlife! We traveled with our 10 year-old son who had the time of his life. There were several other tweens/teens onboard. The guests were mostly a combination of families and solo travelers, mostly from the US. Overall, our trip was spectacular, a truly unforgettable trip of a lifetime!
Chrissy Howard
2 days ago
Tilly has been quickly responsive to my texts and emails.
Paula Thompson
3 days ago
I love working with the travel coordinators as they are helpful, friendly, and provide the information with the committed timeframe.
Mary Klaus
4 days ago
I have been working with the wonderful professionals at Adventure Life for many years and keep coming back because of the friendly, courteous, professional expertise I always receive. I've looked for travel agencies here at home but nothing compares to the service I receive with Adventure Life.
Chris Robinson
5 days ago
I am travelling alone on Bordeaux river cruise. Very prompt and informative responses. No issues.
