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 a 7 night river cruise 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.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Prague and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to start exploring this beautiful city.
Day 2: 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 3: Free day 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 4: Prague / Embark / Vilshofen, Germany
Depart Prague this morning and stop in Regensburg for a guided walking tour of one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch on your own, continue on to the charming 1,200-year-old Bavarian town of Vilshofen and board your luxurious ship. Later this afternoon, join your fellow passengers at a private “Oktoberfest” celebration in Vilshofen, with traditional beers and Bavarian folk music and dancing. Later, enjoy a festive Welcome Dinner aboard the ship. (B,D)
Day 5: Passau
This morning you are free to explore Vilshofen’s beautiful old town before cruising to Passau. This afternoon you have a choice of two tours. The first option is a walking tour of this 2,000-year-old city, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture, cobblestoned streets, and St. Stephan’s Cathedral, home to one of the world’s largest pipe organs. Another option is a guided bike tour along the Inn River to Weinstein (capacity controlled). (B,L,D)
Day 6: Linz / Gmunden
The ship arrives this morning in Linz, the second largest city in Austria. You will have a choice of three different excursions. The first option is a visit to the historic town of Gmunden in the scenic “Salzkammergut” region, the Austrian Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The second option is an excursion to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov, a wonderfully preserved medieval town nestled in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border. The third choice is an excursion to Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace, where you will take a walking tour of the historic center made famous by the “Sound of Music.” Enjoy free time on your own before returning to the ship. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Melk / Durnstein
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 8: Vienna
During your morning city tour of Vienna, you will see the famous Opera House, the Ringstrasse, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The afternoon is free to stroll through the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or take an optional excursion to Schonbrunn Palace. This evening, you will have the opportunity to enjoy an optional Mozart and Strauss concert. The ship moors in Vienna overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Bratislava, Slovakia
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Bratislava, where you will have a walking tour that includes the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and St. Martin’s Cathedral. As an alternative, take a “Communist” tour that includes such architectural landmarks as the Radio Building, Liberty Square and Soviet War Memorial. The remainder of the day is free to explore on your own. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Budapest, Hungary
This morning, your sightseeing tour takes you to the historic Buda Castle, which offers a splendid view of the river and the twin cities of Buda and Pest. Your tour also features the Fisherman’s Bastion, Royal Palace, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and Heroes’ Square. After dinner, the ship will sail a special “Illuminations Cruise” past the illuminated river front of Budapest. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Budapest / Return Home
Your cruise comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin
TrustScore 4.8 | 167 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 167 reviews on
5 hours ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
1 day ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
1 day ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
2 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
Anne Petty
3 days ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner