The Romantic Danube

12 Days - Spend 3 nights in Prague, then enjoy a fascinating cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest

Framed by Austrian Alps, lush vineyards, and medieval castles, the Danube River casts the lure of romance that has caught many artists, musicians, and poets throughout the centuries. Travel through each of these captivating cities, beginning with a 3-night stay in fairytale Prague followed with 7 nights on the timeless Danube River from Vilshofen to Budapest. Explore a 2,000-year- old city and visit Europe’s largest pipe organ, savor local wines throughout the Wachau Valley, and have your senses heightened with the timeless beauty and rich history of Vienna and Budapest.

Itinerary

DAY 1, DEPART USA
Board your overnight flight to Prague, Czech Republic.

DAY 2, ARRIVE IN PRAUGE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Arrive in Prague and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to start exploring this beautiful city.

DAY 3, PRAGUE
Your morning's sightseeing tour reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive cities. Visit the 1,000-year-old Hradcany Castle courtyard, St. Vitus and then walk over the Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square. This afternoon, participate in an optional tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII concentration camp, now a memorial to those who perished. The evening is free to mingle with the locals at Wenceslas Square, shop for souvenirs or enjoy one of the many charming cafés or restaurants in Prague. (B)

DAY 4, PRAGUE
Spend a day at your leisure to relax and stroll through a museum or gallery, wander along the banks of the Vlatava River, relax at an outdoor restaurant or shop for local handicrafts and art work. (B)

DAY 5, PRAGUE – EMBARKATION – VILSHOFEN, GERMANY
After breakfast, depart Prague for the charming 1200-year old Bavarian town of Vilshofen, on the confluence of the river Vils and the Danube. Here, docked in the center of town, your luxurious ship awaits you. Relax onboard or explore Vilshofen’s beautiful old town, which is located directly on the banks of the Danube and the Vils. From the river the old town gives the impression of a floating peninsula. In the background above the town the imposing double-towers of the Benedictine Abbey Schweiklberg is dominating the scenery. Tonight, join your fellow passengers for the Welcome Gala Dinner. (B,D)

DAY 6, PASSAU – LINZ, AUSTRIA
Enjoy your walking tour through this 2,000-year-old fairytale city. Due to its unique position on the Danube, Passau has been given the nickname, “Venice on the Danube.” Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy beautiful scenic cruising to Linz. Linz is the second largest city in Austria, created as part of the Roman expansion to the North. Enjoy the beautiful Baroque buildings and the environment friendly culture. The ship moors overnight in Linz. (B,L,D)

DAY 7, LINZ - GMUNDEN – GREIN
After breakfast, explore nearby Gmunden, which is located in the Austrian Lake District on Lake Traun. Visit the picturesque Castle Ort with its beautiful details, Renaissance frescos and triangular inner courtyard. Legend holds that the castle was originally a Roman fortress in the early 8th-century. Return to the ship for lunch as you sail on to Grein for some wine tasting. Explore this charming city on your own and see the Stadttheater, one of Austria’s oldest theatres. The ship moors overnight in Grein. (B,L,D)

DAY 8, MELK – DÜRNSTEIN
Cruise through the narrow Strudengau and reach the Wachau Valley this morning. A guided tour takes you to Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's largest Baroque monasteries. From here, continue on a short cruise to Dürnstein, for a walking tour through cobblestone streets that reveal quaint 16th-century town houses and taverns. Continue through the lovely Wachau Valley, dotted with castles, to the town of Weissenkirchen, for some wine tasting tonight. (B,L,D)

DAY 9, DÜRNSTEIN – VIENNA
During a guided sightseeing tour you will see the Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, the Ringstrasse, St. Stephen's Cathedral and visit the National Library. Enjoy a free afternoon to stroll along the main shopping street, Kärntnerstrasse, or sample some of Vienna's famous pastries. Tonight, explore the vibrant Austrian capital on your own, or join an optional evening Mozart and Strauss concert. The ship moors overnight. (B,L,D)

DAY 10, VIENNA – BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
Spend another morning in Vienna, perhaps join an optional tour to the Imperial Schönbrunn Palace, rejoining the ship in Bratislava in the afternoon; or, enjoy a morning of scenic cruising to Bratislava followed by a walking tour of Bratislava, which reveals the city's major sights, including the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral. The rest of the afternoon is free to shop or explore on your own. Tonight, there is an evening music performance onboard. (B,L,D)

DAY 11, BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Your morning is free for last minute shopping. After lunch, 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, St. Stephen's Basilica and much more. Tonight, enjoy a Gala Farewell Dinner with Gypsy music. (B,L,D)

DAY 12, BUDAPEST
Your cruise comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)

Included:

• 3 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Prague including daily Buffet Breakfast
• Transfer from the Hotel in Prague to the Ship in Vilshofen
• 7-night Deluxe Cruise Accommodation in an Outside Stateroom 82% of the Staterooms with large French Balconies
• Infotainment System in all Staterooms with Internet, Movie and Music Library & English Language TV stations
• Terry Bathrobes and White-on-white plush Bedding in all Staterooms
• Superb Dining with all Meals included during your Cruise
• Unlimited Quality Red & White Wines from Europe's great Wine Regions with every Dinner onboard the Ship
• Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner
• Daily Sightseeing Program as outlined in the Itinerary
• Special Highlights including Folklore Dances, Lectures, Theme Dinners, onboard Music Performances and afternoon & evening Piano Music
• Use of Bicycles to explore on your own
• Services of Professional Cruise Director
• All English Language onboard in a non-smoking Environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
• All Transfers with the Purchase of Cruise, Land & Air package
• All local Taxes
  

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All rates are per person, double occupancy. Port charges, Government taxes and fees are additional. Limited availability and based on minimum fares for select departure dates. Other dates may be higher. These rates are for new, individual bookings only. Not responsible for last minute changes of price or itinerary by cruise line, or any errors or omissions in the content of this site. Some restrictions and cancellation penalties may apply.