Those longing for the romance of Old World Europe will get to travel into the very heart of the continent, where empires were built, kings and queens were crowned and some of the world’s greatest music was composed and performed by the likes of Mozart and Beethoven. Grand European cities like Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest forever remain timeless. Admire the beauty of Austria’s Lake District and the Czech Republic’s charming mountain town, Ceský Krumlov. Visit one of Austria’s greatest wineries, Schloss Gobelsburg, which has a documented viticulture history dating back to the 12th century, and while there taste some of the greatest examples of Riesling and Grüner Veltliner wines in the world. From grand abbeys and fortresses perched high above the Danube to plentiful iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, be romanced by the Danube with all her regal and romantic splendor.
Those longing for the romance of Old World Europe will get to travel into the very heart of the continent, where empires were built, kings and queens were crowned and some of the world’s greatest music was composed and performed by the likes of Mozart and Beethoven. Grand European cities like Munich, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest forever remain timeless. Admire the beauty of Austria’s Lake District and the Czech Republic’s charming mountain town, Český Krumlov. Visit one of Austria’s greatest wineries, Schloss Gobelsburg, which has a documented viticulture history dating back to the 12th century, and while there taste some of the greatest examples of Riesling and Grüner Veltliner wines in the world. From grand abbeys and fortresses perched high above the Danube to plentiful iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, be romanced by the Danube with all her regal and romantic splendor.
Those longing for the romance of Old World Europe will get to travel into the very heart of the continent, where empires were built, kings and queens were crowned and some of the world’s greatest music was composed and performed by the likes of Mozart and Beethoven. Grand European cities like Prague, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest forever remain timeless. Admire the beauty of Austria’s Lake District and the Czech Republic’s charming mountain town, Český Krumlov. Visit one of Austria’s greatest wineries, Schloss Gobelsburg, which has a documented viticulture history dating back to the 12th century, and while there taste some of the greatest examples of Riesling and Grüner Veltliner wines in the world. From grand abbeys and fortresses perched high above the Danube to plentiful iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, be romanced by the Danube with all her regal and romantic splendor.
COUNTRIES:
Austria, Germany, HungaryAustria, Germany, HungaryAustria, Germany, Hungary, Czech Republic
RIVERS:
Danube
Romantic Danube (Wine Cruise)
At A Glance
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
| Day 1 | Vilshofen | EMBARKATION |
|
| | Welcome Aboard Wine Toast |
|
Embark your cruise in Vilshofen and attend an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration with traditional beer and Bavarian folk music and dancing. Afterwards enjoy a welcome aboard wine toast with your fellow passengers. (D)
| Passau | “City of Three Rivers” walking tour |
|
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 Danube bike tour. (B,L,D)
| Day 3 | Linz | “UNESCO City of Media Arts” walking tour |
|
| | OR “Cultural Mile” bike tour |
|
| | Half-day Salzburg excursion |
|
| | OR Český Krumlov excursion |
|
| | OR Austrian Lake District excursion |
|
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. During the afternoon, you have three more choices of excursions. Choose a half-day in Salzburg or take a scenic drive through the beautiful Austrian Lake District with a stop in St. Wolfgang. You can also choose to visit the charming mountain town, Český Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D)
| Day 4 | Wachau Valley | Scenic cruising |
|
| Weissenkirchen | Dürnstein walking tour and Weissenkirchen wine tasting |
|
| | OR Dürnstein fortress hike |
|
Cruise to Weissenkirchen, gateway to Dürnstein located in the heart of the Wachau Valley. Once here, you can choose to join a walking tour in Dürnstein along its cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, Dürnstein’s famed church tower, and savor a tasting of the region’s renowned wines. Or for the more active adventurer, hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held. (B,L,D)
| Day 5 | Weissenkirchen | Melk Abbey |
|
| Spitz | Schloss Gobelsburg cellar tour and tasting |
|
Journey to Melk to tour its magnificent Benedictine Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overlooking the Danube River, Melk Abbey is one of Europe’s largest and most revered monasteries with stunning Baroque architectural details and numerous frescoes and religious artifacts. Alternatively, take a bike tour along the Danube River, soaking in views of the serene Wachau Valley. Later in the evening, be treated to a special cellar tour and wine tasting of locally grown, world-renowned Riesling and Grüner Veltliner at the acclaimed Schloss Gobelsburg, which has a documented viticulture history dating back to the 12th century. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Vienna | “Imperial Vienna” tour |
|
Experience the regal elegance of Vienna with one of three different excursions. Join a city tour that takes you by the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburg Emperors. Afterwards, visit Vienna’s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the world famous Spanish Riding School. Alternatively, join an exclusive tour to a famous Viennese café for a taste of sachetorte, a sinfully rich chocolate cake, and sekt, an Austrian sparkling wine. For those who prefer to get more active, you can cycle along the Danube and through the Donaupark. During the afternoon, enjoy free time or bike to the majestic twelfth-century Klosterneuburg Monastery. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Budapest | “Queen of the Danube” tour |
|
Experience Budapest in one of two ways: on a city tour or a hike. Your city tour begins with a visit to the vibrant Great Market Hall brimming with vendors selling everything from food to souvenirs. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the river. As an alternative choice, hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city below. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Budapest | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark the ship as you prepare for your flight home. (B)
| Day 1 | Munich | Hotel check-in |
|
Arrive in Munich and check-in to your hotel.
| | Hofbräuhaus beer and pretzels tasting |
|
This morning you will tour Munich, the capital of Bavaria and one of Germany’s largest
cities, as well as the undisputed beer capital of the world. Enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town through
the city ending at the famous Glockenspiel, with its 43 bells and 32 life-size figures that portray historic
scenes, such as a wedding celebration. You will also see Frauenkirche, the “Cathedral of Our Dear Lady.” Later in the day, do like the Bavarians do, and visit a brewery for some of Germany’s famous beer and pretzels. This is the cradle of Bavarian tavern culture, and the origin of tradition, “Gemütlichkeit” and hospitality. (B)
| Day 3 | Munich | Transfer to the ship |
|
| | Welcome Aboard Wine Toast |
|
Check out of your hotel and transfer to Vilshofen where you will board your luxury ship. Later in the day, attend an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration with traditional beer and Bavarian folk music and dancing. (B,D)
| Passau | “City of Three Rivers” walking tour |
|
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 Danube bike tour. (B,L,D)
| Day 5 | Linz | “UNESCO City of Media Arts” walking tour |
|
| | OR “Cultural Mile” bike tour |
|
| | Half-day Salzburg excursion |
|
| | OR Český Krumlov excursion |
|
| | OR Austrian Lake District excursion |
|
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. During the afternoon, you have three more choices of excursions. Choose a half-day in Salzburg or take a scenic drive through the beautiful Austrian Lake District with a stop in St. Wolfgang. You can also choose to visit the charming mountain town, Český Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Wachau Valley | Scenic cruising |
|
| Weissenkirchen | Dürnstein walking tour and Weissenkirchen wine tasting |
|
| | OR Dürnstein fortress hike |
|
Cruise to Weissenkirchen, gateway to Dürnstein located in the heart of the Wachau Valley. Once here, you can choose to join a walking tour in Dürnstein along its cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, Dürnstein’s famed church tower, and savor a tasting of the region’s renowned wines. Or for the more active adventurer, hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Weissenkirchen | Melk Abbey |
|
| Spitz | Schloss Gobelsburg cellar tour and tasting |
|
Journey to Melk to tour its magnificent Benedictine Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overlooking the Danube River, Melk Abbey is one of Europe’s largest and most revered monasteries with stunning Baroque architectural details and numerous frescoes and religious artifacts. Alternatively, take a bike tour along the Danube River, soaking in views of the serene Wachau Valley. Later in the evening, be treated to a special cellar tour and wine tasting of locally grown, world-renowned Riesling and Grüner Veltliner at the acclaimed Schloss Gobelsburg, which has a documented viticulture history dating back to the 12th century. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Vienna | “Imperial Vienna” tour |
|
Experience the regal elegance of Vienna with one of three different excursions. Join a city tour that takes you by the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburg Emperors. Afterwards, visit Vienna’s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the world famous Spanish Riding School. Alternatively, join an exclusive tour to a famous Viennese café for a taste of sachetorte, a sinfully rich chocolate cake, and sekt, an Austrian sparkling wine. For those who prefer to get more active, you can cycle along the Danube and through the Donaupark. During the afternoon, enjoy free time or bike to the majestic twelfth-century Klosterneuburg Monastery. (B,L,D)
| Day 9 | Budapest | “Queen of the Danube” tour |
|
Experience Budapest in one of two ways: on a city tour or a hike. Your city tour begins with a visit to the vibrant Great Market Hall brimming with vendors selling everything from food to souvenirs. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the river. As an alternative choice, hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city below. (B,L,D)
| Day 10 | Budapest | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark the ship as you prepare for your flight home. (B)
| Day 1 | Prague | Hotel check-in |
|
Arrive in Prague and check-in to your hotel.
| Day 2 | Prague | “Golden City of a Hundred Spires” tour |
|
Experience the wonders of Prague and its historic city center that is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site on your city tour or you can hike to the grand castle. See Rudolfinum, the National Museum, Wenceslas Square and the Hundertwasser Dancing House. Visit the 1,000 year-old Prague Castle and St. Vitus before walking over the romantic Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square, where you will find the capital’s famous Astronomical Clock. (B)
| Day 3 | Prague | Czech beer tasting |
|
Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic with the first brewery known to have existed in 993. Pilsner Urquell was created in 1842, being the first pilsner ever made, whilst Budweiser came into being in the city of Budweis. Beer is a core part of the country’s national identity, so much so the Czechs are the biggest consumers of beer in the world. The country is home to more than 100 breweries with a combination of big names and micro establishments offering a huge range of styles, so join a Czech beer tasting and discover for yourself what makes the Czech’s beer some of the very best in the world. (B)
| Day 4 | Prague | Transfer to Regensburg |
|
| Regensburg | UNESCO city highlights tour |
|
| | Welcome Aboard Wine Toast |
|
Depart from Prague via motorcoach and enjoy a stop in Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you’ll discover on a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria. After touring Regensburg, continue your journey on to Vilshofen, where you will board your luxury cruise ship. Cap the day off with an exclusive festive Oktoberfest celebration and a Welcome Aboard Wine Toast. (B,D)
| Passau | “City of Three Rivers” walking tour |
|
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 Danube bike tour. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Linz | “UNESCO City of Media Arts” walking tour |
|
| | OR “Cultural Mile” bike tour |
|
| | Half-day Salzburg excursion |
|
| | OR Český Krumlov excursion |
|
| | OR Austrian Lake District excursion |
|
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. During the afternoon, you have three more choices of excursions. Choose a half-day in Salzburg or take a scenic drive through the beautiful Austrian Lake District with a stop in St. Wolfgang. You can also choose to visit the charming mountain town, Český Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Wachau Valley | Scenic cruising |
|
| Weissenkirchen | Dürnstein walking tour and Weissenkirchen wine tasting |
|
| | OR Dürnstein fortress hike |
|
Cruise to Weissenkirchen, gateway to Dürnstein located in the heart of the Wachau Valley. Once here, you can choose to join a walking tour in Dürnstein along its cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, Dürnstein’s famed church tower, and savor a tasting of the region’s renowned wines. Or for the more active adventurer, hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Weissenkirchen | Melk Abbey |
|
| Spitz | Schloss Gobelsburg cellar tour and tasting |
|
Journey to Melk to tour its magnificent Benedictine Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overlooking the Danube River, Melk Abbey is one of Europe’s largest and most revered monasteries with stunning Baroque architectural details and numerous frescoes and religious artifacts. Alternatively, take a bike tour along the Danube River, soaking in views of the serene Wachau Valley. Later in the evening, be treated to a special cellar tour and wine tasting of locally grown, world-renowned Riesling and Grüner Veltliner at the acclaimed Schloss Gobelsburg, which has a documented viticulture history dating back to the 12th century. (B,L,D)
| Day 9 | Vienna | “Imperial Vienna” tour |
|
Experience the regal elegance of Vienna with one of three different excursions. Join a city tour that takes you by the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburg Emperors. Afterwards, visit Vienna’s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the world famous Spanish Riding School. Alternatively, join an exclusive tour to a famous Viennese café for a taste of sachetorte, a sinfully rich chocolate cake, and sekt, an Austrian sparkling wine. For those who prefer to get more active, you can cycle along the Danube and through the Donaupark. During the afternoon, enjoy free time or bike to the majestic twelfth-century Klosterneuburg Monastery. (B,L,D)
| Day 10 | Budapest | “Queen of the Danube” tour |
|
Experience Budapest in one of two ways: on a city tour or a hike. Your city tour begins with a visit to the vibrant Great Market Hall brimming with vendors selling everything from food to souvenirs. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the river. As an alternative choice, hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city below. (B,L,D)
| Day 11 | Budapest | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark the ship as you prepare for your flight home. (B)