Cruise past the rolling hillsides and medieval castles along the River Danube exploring the impressive capital cities of Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest.
Join your luxury ship in Vilshofen and cruise to Passau, a 2000 year old fairytale city with beautiful Baroque architecture. Stroll through Linz, Austria's second largest city, or perhaps visit Salzburg, made famous by the 'Sound of Music'. See the magnificent Benedictine Abbey at Melk before cruising through the picturesque Wachau Valley.
Explore the imperial musical city of Vienna where a guided tour takes you to the highlights including the impressive Opera House and St Stephen's Cathedral. Stroll through Old Town in Bratislava (except cruises in Oct/Nov) and see the historic highlights of Budapest, split across the river, including Fisherman's Bastion.
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Romantic Danube River Cruise to Budapest Itinerary
Day 1 - Vilshofen (Germany)
Arrive in charming Vilshofen, where your luxurious ship awaits you. Later this afternoon enjoy a private Oktoberfest celebration in Vilshofen with beers and traditional music and dancing. Tonight, gather together onboard for the Welcome Dinner. (D)
Day 2 - Vilshofen - Passau
Explore Vilshofen before cruising to Passau, a 2000 year old fairytale city with cobblestone streets and Baroque architecture. A walking tour of the old town includes the Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and the St Stephen's Cathedral. There is a hike up to the impressive Passau Castle and on the reverse itinerary there is the option to join the guided bike tour of Passau. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Linz (Austria)
Arrive in Linz, the second largest city in Austria and take a guided walking or cycling tour to the highlights. This afternoon choose to visit the picturesque Austrian Lake District, explore the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov or visit Salzburg, famous for the setting of the 'Sound of Music'. You may choose instead to spend a full day in Salzburg, with a stop en-route at Mondsee, home to the famous Basilica St Michael. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Weissenkirchen
Take the walking tour of Durnstein's cobbled streets and visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey at Melk, hike up to the fortress where Richard of Lionheart was once imprisoned or enjoy an 'apricots and sweets' tasting. After dinner on the forward itinerary join a wine tasting at a local winery. On the reverse itinerary the ship docks in Grein where there is a visit to Castle Greinburg, a sparkling wine reception and a folklore show. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Vienna
Enjoy a panoramic tour of Vienna taking in the Opera House and Town Hall. This afternoon, there is a bike ride to the magnificent Klosterneuburg Monastery. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Bratislava (Slovakia)
From Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, you can enjoy a guided walking tour to the Old Town Hall and Mirbach Palace or join the Slovakian Specialties tasting and sample some local delicacies. Alternatively, hike up to Bratislava Castle before enjoying time at leisure to explore the city. Please note: Cruises in Oct/Nov will not visit Bratislava. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Budapest (Hungary)
Arrive in Budapest where a sightseeing tour will take you to the historic Buda Castle for superb views across the twin cities of Buda and Pest, to Fisherman's Bastion and the famous Heroes' Square. Alternatively hike up to Castle Hill for panoramic views of the city. After dinner see the city illuminated as you cruise along the river. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Budapest
Disembark the ship in Budapest. (B)
Key: B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner. Please note this itinerary also operates in reverse - sequence and tours may vary