Experience a beautiful luxury cruise on the Danube River through four European countries, experiencing first-hand why its surroundings have long inspired musicians, poets and artists. Begin your cruise in magnificent Budapest, continuing on to historic Bratislava and legendary Vienna, the birthplace of the waltz. Your luxury river cruise will take you through the scenic wine-growing region of the Wachau Valley, visit a spectacular Benedictine Abbey; explore the Austrian Lake District and fairy-tale cities founded more than 2,000 years ago.
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 Budapest and transfer to your luxurious river cruise ship. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at the Welcome Cocktail Reception followed by dinner. (D)
Day 2: Budapest
This morning, your sightseeing tour takes you to historic Buda Castle, where you will enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest. Your tour also includes Fisherman’s Bastion, the Royal Palace, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Heroes’ Square and more. The afternoon is free to explore on your own. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Bratislava, Slovakia / Vienna, Austria
Wake up this morning in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. You have your choice of two tours today. The first option is a walking tour of the city’s top sights, including the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and St. Martin’s Cathedral. As an alternative, choose the “Communist History” tour that includes landmarks such as the Radio Building, Liberty Square and the Soviet War Memorial. Later, you will have some free time before the ship cruises to Vienna, the music capital of the world. After dinner, experience a traditional “Viennese Wine and Music” evening in a rustic wine tavern outside the city, where you can enjoy a glass of newly pressed, locally grown wine and Austrian music and hospitality. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Vienna
Savor the sights of romantic Vienna during your guided tour, which will include the Opera House, the Ringstrasse and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. An optional tour of Schonbrunn Palace and Mozart & Strauss concert in one of the city’s great formal concert houses is also available. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Dürnstein / Melk
This morning arrive in Dürnstein, where you will take a walking tour along the town’s medieval cobblestoned streets. You will see the magnificent blue façade of the local Stiftskirche and the ruined castle, high on a hill, where Richard the Lionhearted was once imprisoned. Your tour will include a tasting of local wines. As an alternative, take a scenic guided bike tour from Durnstein to Melk (capacity controlled). The ship arrives in Melk this afternoon, where you will tour the spectacular Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest Baroque-style monasteries and the inspiration for the novel The Name of the Rose. The ship moors overnight in Melk. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Linz / Gmunden
This morning the ship arrives in Linz, the second largest city in Austria. You will have the choice of three different excursions: the scenic “Salzkammergut” region (Austrian Lake District), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will explore the historic town of Gmunden; the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov, a wonderfully preserved medieval town in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border; or Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace, where you will take a walking tour of the historic center, famous as the setting for the “Sound of Music.” Enjoy free time on your own before returning to the ship. The ship sails overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Linz / Passau, Germany / Vilshofen
Early this morning, cruise through Upper Austria to Passau in Germany, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Your city tour takes you around this charming city founded more than 2,000 years ago. Highlights include St. Stephan’s Cathedral, home to the largest pipe organ in the world. As an alternative, explore the city on a guided bike tour (capacity controlled). This afternoon, the ship cruises to the medieval town of Vilshofen, where you’ll enjoy a mini “Oktoberfest” with local food, beer and Bavarian folk music and dancing. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Vilshofen / Disembark
This morning disembark the ship, departing Vilshofen after breakfast for your return flight home.
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Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
TrustScore 4.8 | 183 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 183 reviews on
23 hours ago
Prompt, professional and friendly service!
Jimmie
1 day ago
Easiest trip to plan ever. We received quick answers and Mary was very knowledgeable about different areas of the world that we had questions about.
We have book 2 trips, FABULOUS trip to Antartica which we have already taken and just booked for a future trip to Africa.
Michelle
1 day ago
Planning service is personal. people actually listening to you and using that information constructively to help you plan a great trip. They have extensive travel knowledge and experience in the area they cover. The planning is detailed and comprehensive in meeting your needs. It makes a difference!
Allison Wynn
1 day ago
The pre-planning and execution of the plan was excellent. They were even able to help get glasses returned when a member or our party left them in a hotel.
Roger
2 days ago
What made our Costa Rica experience great was the wonderful places we stayed and transportation to get to our different areas to visit was excellent! The white water rafting and the snorkeling & dolphin watching were really fun!