Detailed Itinerary Best of the Danube

CRUISE YEAR

7-night Cruise


Day 1

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – EMBARKATION
Arrive in Budapest and board your luxurious river cruise ship, perhaps exploring the city independently before the evening’s briefings, cocktail hour and dinner. (D)

Day 2

BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
Enjoy a day of scenic cruising at the beginning of your journey, taking some time to sit back, relax and delight in the ever-changing views. Sleep in late, participate in a complimentary wellness class, treat yourself to a massage, attend our afternoon teatime and get to know fellow cruisers while exploring all the amenities on board. In the evening, join us for a special included concert on shore in Vienna you won’t soon forget. (B,L,D)

Day 3

WACHAU VALLEY – MELK, AUSTRIA
Spend your morning reveling in the postcard-perfect landscapes of Austria’s picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Wachau Valley. Later in the day, arrive in Melk. Located above the city on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube, Melk Abbey is one of Europe’s largest and most revered Baroque monasteries and a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally founded in the 11th century, the magnificent abbey now houses a museum chronicling its history and a famous library with countless medieval manuscripts. During your tour you will see some of Melk’s musical manuscripts as well as frescoes painted by Johann Michael Rottmayr and Paul Troger. (B,L,D)

Day 4

LINZ, AUSTRIA
Arrive in Linz, where you’ll have multiple choices for excursions. In the morning, step off the ship into Linz, taking in its contemporary architecture as well as the old city center, the old market and past the Mozart House, where he composed the Linz Symphony in only three days. As another alternative, pedal through Linz on an exhilarating bike tour. If you would rather fulfill your travel wish list in Salzburg, join our tour through the historic center, lovely Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. Alternatively, join a full-day excursion to the charming Czech mountain town of Český Krumlov, where you can stroll its cobblestone streets; marvel at the city’s picturesque Baroque and Renaissance-style buildings; and tour Krumlov Castle, one of Europe’s largest castle complexes. (B,L,D)

Day 5

VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Spend your morning reveling in the postcard-perfect landscapes of Austria’s picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Wachau Valley. Later in the day, arrive in Melk. Located above the city on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube, Melk Abbey is one of Europe’s largest and most revered Baroque monasteries and a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally founded in the 11th century, the magnificent abbey now houses a museum chronicling its history and a famous library with countless medieval manuscripts. During your tour you will see some of Melk’s musical manuscripts as well as frescoes painted by Johann Michael Rottmayr and Paul Troger. Plus, enjoy a live choir performance in or around the abbey. If you prefer a more active tour, you may hike to Melk Abbey or pedal around town on a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)

Day 6

VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Take your time this morning as the ship cruises from Austria to Slovakia. 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. Along the way, be delighted by a few surprise musical performances. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city, or journey further from the seat of your bike on a guided cycling tour. If you prefer exploring the world through your tastebuds, join a special “Tastes of Slovakia” tour to sample traditional flavors from the region, including local beer. (B,L,D)

Day 7

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. Start your exploration of the city on the Buda side of the Danube, following your guide through the city’s Castle District where you will marvel at the fairytale turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion, gaze upon the breathtaking panorama below and see Matthias Church, renowned for its striking tower and colorful mosaic roof. For a more active tour, hike to Budapest’s Castle Hill. In the afternoon, explore the treasures of Pest, admire the colossal Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square and the moving “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial. In the evening, head up to the Sun Deck or stroll around town, delighting in the way Budapest’s magnificent landmarks illuminate against the night sky. (B,L,D)

Budapest

Day 8

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – DISEMBARKATION
Bid farewell to Budapest and prepare for your flight home. (B)

(B,L,D) – Indicates Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included on this day.

Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.

Experience More Connections

Austria’s iconic Wachau Valley, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site, is not only home to some of the most charming towns and villages but also stunning scenic views and lush vineyards.
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Though many variations of Goulash exist, ours is a traditional, authentic recipe from the very heart of Hungary.
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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johann Strauss II – with native sons like these, it’s no wonder that classical music continues to reverberate through the streets of Austria – particularly Vienna.
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