Embark on a 10-day cruise aboard the Emerald Destiny through Germany and Austria, exploring Munich, Regensburg, Passau, Dürnstein, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest. Discover landmarks in Munich, then sail to Regensburg, known for its medieval charm and Bavarian traditions. Cruise to Passau and explore its baroque architecture. Sail through the Wachau Valley to Dürnstein, visit Göttweig Abbey, and arrive in Vienna for palaces and art. Continue to Bratislava and conclude in Budapest with city highlights and Gellert Hill's panoramic views.
Highlights
Discover the medieval center of Regensburg and sample traditional Bavarian sausage
Experience the beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley while sailing through Durnstein and Krems
Visit the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest art museum in Austria, during a guided tour of Vienna
Explore the enchanting history of Bratislava Castle
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Arrive in Munich, the capital of Bavaria in Germany. Guests are met at the airport and transferred to their hotel.
Day 2: Munich
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, an included panoramic tour showcases the former Olympic site, Nymphenburg Palace, Maximilianstrasse and the Parliament, the National Theater, and Munich’s Residenz. During a walking tour, stroll Marienplatz Square and see the famous Glockenspiel. After the tour, you can access the Oktoberfest grounds and tent.
Explore the medieval center of Regensburg with a local guide, walking the cobblestone streets, passing the patrician houses of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, and stopping to sample traditional Bavarian sausage. Alternatively, join a bike tour to the Walhalla monument, which towers high above the slopes of the Danube. From here, you can enjoy a fascinating view of the river and the surrounding landscape.
This evening, enjoy a welcome reception with dinner, followed by a traditional Bavarian band performance on board.
Today, cruise into the heart of Passau, where three of Europe’s main rivers converge in the shadows of the castle. Your guided tour of this illustrious city will reveal how it was rebuilt following fires in the 17th century. Italian architects left their mark with an array of Baroque architecture that still stands today, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Alternatively, if you’re feeling active, you can join a bike tour along the River Inn, one of the three rivers converging in Passau.
Enjoy exploring the city before returning to your Star-Ship for lunch and an afternoon of sailing along the Danube River.
Today, sail through the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley In Dürnstein, you can choose to hike the ruins of Dürnstein Castle, offering delightful panoramic views of the surrounding medieval villages. If you are feeling more active, you can embark on a guided bike tour in Dürnstein, passing terraced vineyards, castles, and ruins along the way, before meeting your Star-Ship where it is docked.
This afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of Göttweig Abbey, a true treasure overlooking the Wachau from a hill covered by vineyards and forests. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscape since 2001, it is one of Austria's most important Benedictine abbeys and attracts visitors from all over the world. Built in 1083, it continues to serve as a spiritual center in the heart of Lower Austria and is run by a community of about 45 monks. Visible even from a great distance, the abbey provides epic panorama views when you visit.
Sweeping boulevards and world-famous art exhibitions welcome you to Vienna, a city that perfectly encapsulates the opulence of the Habsburg Monarchy and its ornate Baroque palaces. For art lovers, there’s no other place like the Austrian capital, not just because the city is packed with museums and artwork but also because of its variety. Your tour will include a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest art museum in the country and one of the most important museums worldwide.
Alternatively, embark on a guided cycling tour from where your Star-Ship is docked to the idyllic Danube Island.
A delightful scattering of Baroque palaces and Gothic architecture that tell tales of a communist past are yours to uncover as you sail towards Bratislava. Enjoy a guided tour of the city’s enchanting history, taking in the neo-Renaissance glory of the Slovak National Theatre and the Episcopal Summer Palace.
Alternatively, embark on a guided hike to Bratislava Castle and its idyllic Baroque gardens, which offer the perfect backdrop to the Shakespeare festival that takes place during the summer months.
This afternoon, enjoy coffee and cake in the home of a Slovakian family before being welcomed to your farewell dinner.
Welcome to Budapest, a city generously steeped in history and culture, where ancient architecture exists alongside contemporary buildings. Enjoy a guided city tour, covering some of the highlights of Budapest, and learn more about its stunning landscape and architecture. The history of the Hungarian capital shows a unique blend of cultures, cuisine, and a vibrant lifestyle. There is so much to take in while you pass through the bustling city, which is an attractive destination for visitors from all over the world. Alternatively, enjoy a hike to Gellert Hill and gaze over the Danube.
Day 10: Budapest | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking wonderful memories of the Viennese skyline and architectural masterpieces with you.
This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Danube River Cruises.
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Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Single Stateroom (ES)
Single Occupancy Only. 117 sq ft. 2 single cabins located on the Riviera Deck with a deluxe single bed, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Stateroom (E)
162 sq ft. 9 cabins located on the Riviera Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Stateroom (D)
162 sq ft. 8 cabins located on the Riviera Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Panorama Balcony Suite (C)
180 sq ft. 19 cabins located on the Vista Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, indoor balcony with open-air system, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Panorama Balcony Suite (B)
180 sq ft. 18 cabins located on the Vista Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, indoor balcony with open-air system, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Panorama Balcony Suite (A)
180 sq ft. 23 cabins located on the Horizon Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, indoor balcony with open-air system, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Grand Balcony Suite (S)
210 sq ft. 8 cabins located on the Horizon Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, outdoor private balcony with the open-air system, in-suite mini-bar available at own expense, a complimentary Nespresso machine and bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hairdryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes, and slippers
Owner's Suite (SA)
315 sq ft. 4 cabins located on the Horizon Deck with a Queen-size or twin beds, an outdoor private balcony with the open-air system, a separate bathroom and lounge area, a walk-in wardrobe, an in-suite mini-bar, restocked daily with wine, beer, and soft drinks
Notes
Single accommodations are available on some tours for an additional single supplement rate. Contact us for details of pricing and availability.
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
The booking was processed efficiently and quickly. We got what we wanted.
Doug Laporte
1 day ago
Great company. Good communications. Great accommodations, excursions, transport. Guide Elvira was spectacular along with transport, driver, Cesar and activities
Kathy S
2 days ago
Very responsive to questions. Helpful with all arrangements
Roz
3 days ago
The ship company they sent us on was perfect in every detail
lisa wegener
4 days ago
I’m so glad we found AdventureLife. Jess, our planner, was such a pleasure to work with. She readily shared her extensive knowledge about Panama, she offered good suggestions and creative ideas, kept everything organized and handled the details each step of the way.