EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISE
THE ITINERARY STARTS AT $4447 PER PERSON
Europe | Culinary Delights Along the Danube
Journey along the Danube and see firsthand why this storied river has inspired generations of artists, poets, and musicians. Indulge your passion for timeless architecture and art in three magnificent capitals: Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna. Let the hills come alive with the sounds of music in Salzburg and the Austrian Lake District. Cruise through the enchanting Strudengau Valley and let the melodies of the Danube carry you from one gem to another on a regal journey through time.
Day 1: USA / Budapest, Hugary | Upon arrival in Budapest, Hungary, meet your transfer to The Budapest Marriott Hotel, where you will stay for two nights in a superior suite. The Budapest Marriott Hotel is the only hotel in Budapest offering magnificent Danube River views from all of its 364 rooms, boasting a prime location in the city's heart.
Day 2: Budapest | The next day, experience one of Europe’s most regal and storied cities—and many of its most iconic sights are just off the banks of the Danube. Budapest is often described as the “Queen of the Danube,” It is well-known for Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Hill, and its magnificent Hungarian Parliament building. However, this sprawling city is full of rich history and culture and offers many “hidden” treasures as you venture further past its river banks. During this excursion, your guide will take you deeper into the city to discover fascinating sites lesser-known to the average traveler.
Day 3: Budapest | After an exceptional day of exploration, check out of your hotel to board your luxurious ship.
Day 4: Budapest, Hungary | Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. Your city tour begins with a visit to the Great Market Hall before going to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. You’ll see Heroes’ Square and Castle Hill, home to the Fisherman’s Bastion and Mattias Church. Alternatively, you can hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city below.
Both Fisherman’s Bastion and Buda Castle are major destinations in the Castle Hill area. Fisherman’s Bastion is a picturesque terrace built in neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque styles, with sweeping views of the city below – including the Parliament and the Danube. The seven towers represent the seven Magyar tribes that settled here in 896. Built between 1895-1902, it takes its name from the fishermen that defended the city in the Middle Ages. The nearby Buda Castle, once called the Royal Castle, has been rebuilt several times and in several different styles, sometimes being destroyed by war. The first royal castle was built around the 13th century.
Day 5: Bratislava, Slovakia | This morning, arrive in Bratislava port and choose from two guided tours or explore independently. The city is 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. Or join a special “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent city views.
Day 6: Vienna, Austria | Today, explore “The City of Waltzes,” which offers a wealth of gems. Your city tour showcases its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude your tour in Vienna’s historic city center and then visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or discover Vienna by bike. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to explore this iconic city further.
Day 7: Wissenkirchen, Grein | Upon docking in Weissenkirchen, you’ll be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of Dürnstein before visiting the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. For a more culinary-focused experience, join a walking tour in Dürnstein, then enjoy a wine tasting hosted by a local vintner and sample special apricot treats from a local boutique. If you prefer a more active adventure, hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held or join a guided bike tour to Melk. Later in the day, sail through the Strudengau Valley to medieval Grein for an exclusive visit to the more than 500-year-old Greinburg Castle, looming regally from above. While here, enjoy a folklore show and wine reception.
Day 8: Linz, Austria | 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 Basilica St. Michael. Or join a morning walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House, or go on a bike tour of the city’s famed “Cultural Mile” and the Danube. In the afternoon, you can also choose to visit charming Český Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border.
Day 9: Passau, Germany-Vilshofen | TDiscover the city of Passau in one of three ways. Enjoy a walking tour and marvel at Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Alternatively, choose between a guided hike to the Veste Oberhaus fortress or a guided bike tour along the Danube River. Later, cruise to Vilshofen, where you will be treated to a festive Oktoberfest celebration!
Day 10: Passau, Germany-Vilshofen - Disembarkation - Regensburg - Prague OR Munich, Germany | Depart the ship and drive to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities, which you’ll discover on a guided walking tour. After touring Regensburg, continue to Prague. OR choose to continue onto Munich for an optional post-cruise couple of days.
Then bid farewell to this flavorful getaway as you head to the airport for your homebound flight.
