Blue Danube River Cruise - Itinerary
The cultural experience of a lifetime – a visit to the Imperial cities of Central Europe! Begin in the Czech capital of Prague, known as the “Golden City” for its numerous church spires, and sometimes called “baroque Disneyland” because of its fairy-tale architecture. Explore Hradcany Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the old Jewish Quarter with its historic cemetery, synagogues, and museums. Enjoy a walking through the old town and witness the famed Astronomical Clock as it performs its hourly glockenspiel spectacle. Stroll across the Charles Bridge and examine the 30 baroque statues of saints and patron saints.
Then cross the German border and enter Passau, the “City of the Three Rivers” (the Inn, Danube, and Ilz), where you board the ship for a five-night cruise through Europe’s beautiful Wachau Valley. Visit Melk Abbey, located on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. Continue through charming Durnstein and on to the grand former capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire: Vienna, and visit the impressive Schonbrunn Palace. Sail past Bratislava on your way to Budapest, the “Queen of the Danube.” Visit Mathias Church, site of coronations and royal weddings. And, take an after-dark tour that displays the city’s illuminated buildings and bridges.
The sequence of touring and days may be altered to adjust to religious holidays, special closings of sites, air schedule changes, etc. Hotels listed subject to availability. Meal inclusions may vary by departure.
Day 1: Overnight Flight
Your visit to the Imperial cities of Central Europe will be the cultural experience of a lifetime.
Day 2: Prague, Czech Republic - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in the “Golden City” of Prague. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. (D)
Day 3: Prague
A sightseeing tour of this fairy tale city highlights the amazing Hradcany Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral. A leisurely walking tour of the old town showcases the unique astronomical clock and the statue-lined Charles Bridge. (B)
Day 4: Prague
Today is at leisure for you to independently explore this beautiful city. You may choose to visit Prague’s Old Jewish Quarter* and its historic cemetery, synagogues and museum. Or, perhaps you will visit one of the many theaters or enjoy strolling through the magnificent streets where every turn produces a unique shopping experience. Enjoy dinner this evening at one of Prague's local restaurants. (B, D)
Day 5: Prague - Passau, Germany - Board Ship
Travel the picturesque Czech countryside, crossing the German border to the charming town of Passau. Enjoy leisure time to explore the town’s baroque buildings and hidden alleyways. Late afternoon, board your ship and unpack for a relaxing 5-night Danube River cruise. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included daily during your cruise. This evening, enjoy a welcome cocktail followed by dinner while you cruise toward the Austrian border. (B, D)
Day 6: Wachau Valley, Austria - Durnstein - Vienna
After breakfast, visit the 11th century Melk Abbey which was a strategically important fortress centuries ago. Mid-day, you proceed to Durnstein, considered the most popular town in the historic Wachau Valley. Enjoy free time to explore the baroque church and charming town center. Later, your journey continues to the grand city of Vienna, the former capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This evening, enjoy a wonderful Vienna-by-Night excursion in this beautiful city. (B, L, D)
Day 7: Vienna - Esztergom, Hungary
This morning, journey to the baroque marvels of spectacular Schoenbrunn Palace. The summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty for more than 200 years and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the palace and gardens themselves are a work of art. Early evening you set sail for Hungary, passing Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. (B, L, D)
Day 8: Esztergom - Budapest
After breakfast, visit the original capital of Esztergom. This city was home to the Archbishop of Hungary and is a city rich in monuments including the neo-classical basilica and the old royal palace. Mid-day, your journey continues to Budapest, the "Queen of the Danube," and truly one of the world's most beautiful cities. Buda sits on one side of the river, and Pest is on the opposite bank. After dinner, a special Budapest by Night excursion allows you to see this historical city’s buildings and bridges illuminated. (B, L, D)
Day 9: Budapest
Today you will visit Mathias Church, site of many coronations of kings, and the Fishermen’s Bastion with its white walls, towers and arcades. The balance of your day is at leisure to explore historic Old Buda, Gellert Hill, the Parliament and Heroes Square. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a wonderful farewell dinner celebrating the end of a marvelous trip on the Danube River. Later, enjoy a fantastic evening of traditional folk entertainment in Budapest. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Budapest - Disembark Ship
Tour Ends (B)
