Travel on the beautiful Danube through four European countries on this exciting European river cruise. Experience the sights and sounds that have long inspired musicians, poets and artists. Begin your small ship cruise in Budapest, continuing on to Bratislava and Vienna, the romantic birthplace of the waltz. Cruise through the scenic wine-growing region of the Wachau Valley, visit the spectacular Benedictine Abbey in Melk, and explore charming medieval towns. Conclude your journey with a three night stay in Munich or Prague.
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 from where you can enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the River. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the Royal Palace and St. Stephen's Basilica. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Bratislava, Slovakia / Vienna, Austria
Wake up this morning in Bratislava, capital of the Slovak Republic. Choose from a “Communist Tour” or a walking tour of the city's major sights, including the Old Town Hall, the stunning Mirbach Palace and Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral. Later, there is time to explore on your own, before cruising this afternoon to Vienna. Perhaps, venture into the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight, explore the vibrant capital on your own or enjoy an optional evening Mozart and Strauss concert. (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 you arrive in Dürnstein, where you will marvel at the magnificent blue façade of the baroque Stiftskirche. Above town you'll spot the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. Your walking tour through medieval cobblestone streets reveals 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. Your tour will also include a wine tasting at a local vintner. After lunch, you will cruise the Wachau Valley to Melk, location of the famous Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's largest baroque monasteries, which you will tour this afternoon. You may also choose a guided bicycle ride from Durnstein to Melk (capacity controlled). The ship moors overnight at 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 on an exploration of this fairy-tale city founded more than 2,000 years ago. This afternoon, the ship cruises to Vilshofen, a charming 1200-year-old Bavarian town, on the confluence of the river Vils and the Danube. This afternoon, enjoy “Oktoberfest” in Vilshofen. Relax at long tables and benches, enjoy traditional beers accompanied by Bavarian folk music, song and dance. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Vilshofen / Disembark / Regensburg / Munich, Germany
This morning, disembark your ship in Vilshofen and depart for Munich. Stop in Regensburg for a walking tour of one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. You will have some free time afterwards to explore Regensburg’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before continuing your transfer to Munich. Enjoy the scenic countryside en route to your hotel in Munich, Germany’s third-largest city. With a history that dates back to the middle ages, Munich is an important industrial, educational and cultural center, renowned for its breweries, beer gardens and boisterous Oktoberfest celebrations. (B)
Day 9: Munich
This morning, enjoy a panoramic tour of Munich followed by a walking tour of the Old Town. You will see such iconic sights as the famous Glockenspiel at Munich’s New Town Hall and the Frauenkirche, the “Cathedral of Our Lady.” The afternoon is free for you to explore Munich on your own. (B)
Day 10: Munich
Today, you will visit the stunning Neuschwanstein Castle, inspiration for Walt Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty Castle.” The palace was built in the 19th century by “Mad” King Ludwig II of Bavaria as an homage to composer Richard Wagner. After a tour of the castle, arrive in Fussen, where you will have free time for lunch on your own before returning to Munich. (B)
Day 11: Depart Munich
Bid farewell to Munich and transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)
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This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider
TrustScore 4.9 | 193 reviews
TrustScore 4.9 of 5
Based on 193 reviews on
1 day ago
Amazing assistance! Kevin and his team were so helpful and really gave us great advice. They quickly understood exactly what we were looking for and within a matter of days we had booked our holiday of a lifetime. I would definitely recommend to others.
Kathryn
1 day ago
I was on a trip to the UK while arranging another trip for next year. Was able to work with email and a short call to secure our spot on a tall ship cruise. Good company to work with so far.
Steve Beal
2 days ago
I think it was very helpful that Franny and I spoke on the phone. I think she had a better idea of what we were looking for, and she planned a great itinerary for us!
Elizabeth
3 days ago
I've just started the process, but Tilly has been very helpful and has a great personality that puts a traveler at ease. I think the paperwork has just begun so I can't give an overall rating of the whole experience. So far, so good.
Christine Allen
5 days ago
Claire made sure she knew what my expectations and priorities were and offered options based on that. She also suggested a visit to a city i did not know about. She was pleasant friendly informative and helpful