Travel to legendary destinations, beginning in majestic Prague. After embarking upon your cruise, you will savor Wachau Valley wines, experience the beauty and history of Vienna and Budapest, traverse the narrow Iron Gates, and cruise along the Romanian-Bulgarian border to Bucharest, capital of Romania.
Highlights
Discover one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities
Explore Vilshofen’s beautiful old town before cruising to Passau
Cruise through the Strudengau and UNESCO-designated Wachau valleys
Enjoy one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, the Iron Gates
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 Prague and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to start exploring this beautiful city.
Day 2: Prague
1 Breakfast
Your morning sightseeing tour takes you to Prague’s historic city center. Enjoy a panoramic tour of the city before visiting the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle. Afterwards, walk over Charles Bridge to the Old Town Square. This evening, an optional “Folklore Dinner Show” provides an opportunity to learn about Czech music, dance and cultural traditions.
Day 3: Prague
1 Breakfast
Take an optional excursion to Terezin, the infamous WWII concentration camp that is now a memorial to those who perished. Or choose an optional excursion to Lobkowicz Palace. The day is free to spend as you please.
Depart Prague this morning and stop in Regensburg for a guided walking tour of one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. After lunch on your own, continue on to the charming 1,200-year-old Bavarian town of Vilshofen and board your luxurious ship. Later this afternoon, join your fellow passengers at a private “Oktoberfest” celebration in Vilshofen, with traditional beers and Bavarian folk music and dancing. Later, enjoy a festive Welcome Dinner aboard the ship.
This morning you are free to explore Vilshofen’s beautiful old town before cruising to Passau. This afternoon you will have a walking tour of this 2,000-year-old city, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture, cobblestone streets, and St. Stephan’s Cathedral, home to one of the world’s largest pipe organs.
Enjoy a walking tour of the second largest city in Austria. Later, you will have a choice of three different excursions. The first is a visit to the Austrian Lake District, the scenic Salzkammergut region. Your second option is an excursion to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov, a wonderfully preserved medieval town nestled in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border. Lastly, an excursion to Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace, where you will take a walking tour of the historic center made famous by the “Sound of Music.”
Head up to the Sun Deck for panoramic views as you unwind with a scenic cruise through the Strudengau and UNESCO-designated Wachau valleys. After reaching Weissenkirchen, you’ll be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of Dürnstein before visiting the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. Or hike the trail up to the ruins of Durnstein Fortress, where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive, and where you’ll find spectacular views of the valley, river and village below. For a more culinary-focused experience, sample special apricot treats from a local boutique. In the evening, enjoy a wine tasting hosted by a local vintner.
During your morning city tour of Vienna, you will see the famous Opera House, the Ringstrasse and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The afternoon is free to stroll through the historic city center or take an optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace. This evening, you will have the opportunity to attend an optional Mozart and Strauss concert. The ship moors in Vienna overnight
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Bratislava, where you will have a walking tour that includes the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and St. Martin’s Cathedral. The remainder of the day is free to explore on your own.
This morning, your sightseeing tour takes you to the historic Buda Castle, which offers a splendid view of the river and the twin cities of Buda and Pest. Your tour also features the Fisherman’s Bastion, Royal Palace, St. Stephen’s Basilica and Heroes’ Square. The afternoon is free for you to explore on your own. After dinner on board, the ship will sail a special “Illuminations Cruise” past the glittering river front of Budapest.
After breakfast, you will have an excursion to Puszta, the great Hungarian plain that stretches to the eastern border. This area is home to Hungarian cowboys who still wear traditional dress and practice the skills of their Magyar ancestors. After touring a typical csarda (farm), you will see an amazing performance of Hungarian horsemanship. You’ll also enjoy warm Hungarian hospitality and a traditional lunch of goulash before returning to the ship in Budapest.
Arrive in Mohács and then depart for your excursion to Pécs. Founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, Pécs was an important cultural base during many centuries of Ottoman rule. You will see St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral, as well as the restored Synagogue, before returning to the ship in Mohács. After lunch, enjoy a wine-tasting excursion to sample aromatic, spicy wines from the vineyards of Villány.
This morning, your “Yugoslav Civil War” tour of Vukovar will show you the Ovcara Memorial, the monumental cross that serves as a memorial to those who lost their lives during Croatia’s struggle for independence. You may also choose a wine tasting excursion to the town of Ilok instead. Enjoy lunch on board as you cruise to Novi Sad, Serbia, one of Europe’s greatest historical treasures. On your afternoon walking tour of the city, you will see the Petrovaradin fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breacheds. Some guests will also see the Novi Sad Synagogue, a beautiful structure located in the Old Town District.
Wake up in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, and enjoy a panoramic tour of the city that includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. After your tour, you will have free time to stroll along Prince Michael Street, the city’s main shopping area.
Today, enjoy a full day of cruising through one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, the Iron Gates. Here the Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between Serbia and Romania. The banks of the river along this natural border are lined with sheer-faced rocks that stretch high overhead, a sight that will be an unforgettable highlight of your cruise.
Today you will visit Belogradchik, a beautifully restored castle dating back to the Dark Ages. Continue on to the Baba Vida Fortress, the only entirely preserved medieval castle in the country. Standing guard over the Danube at the Bulgarian frontier town of Vidin, this massive medieval castle has thick walls and four imposing towers, a stark contrast to the peaceful park that surrounds it. Inside, you’ll be treated to a fascinating historical re-enactment. The ship departs early afternoon.
Enjoy a full-day excursion to Bucharest, the “Paris of the East.” Begin your day with a city tour that features a visit to the Palace of the Parliament or the Open Air Museum, dedicated to preserving the traditional architecture of rural Romania. After lunch, you will have a guided tour of the newly renovated Lipscani district, the historical city center of Bucharest. The evening is yours to enjoy in Bucharest.
Day 18: Giurgiu | Disembark | BraȘov, Romania
1 Breakfast
Disembark the ship in Giurgiu and board a motorcoach to journey through the Romanian countryside to Bran, where you’ll visit Transylvania’s legendary Bran Castle, which is forever linked with the legend of Dracula. Afterwards, you'll travel to the lovely village of Brașov. Enjoy a tour of the town and then check into your hotel.
Day 19: BraȘov | SighiȘoara
1 Breakfast
Dracula lovers will be in for another treat with an excursion to Sighişoara, birthplace to Transylvania’s most notorious ruler, Vlad Ţepeş, also known as Vlad the Impaler, or Dracula. It’s hard to believe that this perfectly preserved UNESCO designated town filled with resplendent pastel-colored buildings, stone lanes, medieval towers and pedestrian-friendly Old Town was Vlad's place of birth. His home is still here, marked with a placard; however, today it houses a kitschy restaurant called “Casa Dracula.” (B)
Day 20: BraȘov | Sinaia | Bucharest
1 Breakfast
En route to Bucharest, stop in Sinaia to visit the enchanting Peleș Castle, considered by many to be one of the most stunning in Europe. Tour the castle, which was once the residence of the royal family. Later in the day, check into your hotel.
Day 21: Bucharest
1 Breakfast
Bucharest, Romania’s capital, has earned its nickname, the “Little Paris of the East,” with its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe. Enjoy a visit to the city’s most impressive sites—including the historic city center and the Palace of the Parliament, second only to the Pentagon as the largest administrative building in the world.
Day 22: Depart Bucharest
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Bid farewell to Burcharest as you prepare for your homeward flight.
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.
$10,298
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Category E
Located on the piano deck with a fixed window, 205 sq ft.
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Category D
Located on the lower deck with a fixed window, 205 sq. ft.
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Category AB
Located on the main deck with an outside balcony, 252 sq. ft.
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Category AA
Located on the upper deck with an outside balcony, 252 sq. ft.
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Category SB
Located on the middle deck with an outside balcony, 355 sq. ft.
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Category SA
Located on the upper deck with an outside balcony, 355 sq. ft.
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Category GS
Located on the upper deck with an outside balcony, 474 sq. ft.
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Category OS
Located on the upper deck with an outside balcony, 710 sq. ft.
Notes
Single supplement is 50%, except for Suites which are 100%.
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
TrustScore 4.7 | 111 reviews
TrustScore 4.7 of 5
Based on 111 reviews on
7 hours ago
Kassandra rocks! She had our trip planned and helped us arrange our air travel within the day we contacted her. She has helped us with our trips to Chile Argentina and Costa Rica, and she always finds us wonderful activities and accommodations. We’re looking forward to seeing what she’s planning for us this time when we go to Easter island
Janet
1 day ago
Nice thank you
Leo Lommen
1 day ago
quick to respond
thorough
Lisa Gallagher
3 days ago
Personal knowledge of the trip I was considering. Patience with our figuring out which dates we could travel.
Brian
4 days ago
Clara and Rhenee were gracious and available. Phone contact is so important to answer questions and discuss all aspects of trip. If not immediately available they scheduled a time to speak.
They were knowledgeable, honest, realistic and very friendly. They are both very professional and take their role seriously.