Best of the Danube - Cruise Only

Arrive in Budapest and settle into your luxurious river cruise ship. Enjoy independent exploration before the evening’s briefings, cocktail hour, and dinner.

Enjoy a leisurely morning as your ship cruises from Austria to Slovakia. Discover Bratislava, the “Coronation City of Kings,” on a guided walking tour, or savor regional specialties on the “Tastes of Slovakia” culinary experience. For active exploration, hike to Bratislava Castle for panoramic city views or embark on a guided cycling tour through the scenic surroundings.

Spend your morning reveling in the postcard-perfect landscapes of Austria's picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Wachau Valley. Later in the day, arrive in Melk. Located above the city on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube, Melk Abbey is one of Europe's largest and most revered Baroque monasteries and a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally founded in the 11th century, the magnificent abbey now houses a museum chronicling its history and a famous library with countless medieval manuscripts. During your tour, you can see some of Melk's musical manuscripts and frescoes painted by Johann Michael Rottmayr and Paul Troger.

Arrive in Linz, where you can have multiple choices for excursions. In the morning, step off the ship into Linz, taking in its contemporary architecture, the old city center, and the old market, and past the Mozart House, where he composed the Linz Symphony in only three days. As another alternative, pedal through Linz on an exhilarating bike tour. If you would instead fulfill your travel wish list in Salzburg, join the tour through the historic center, lovely Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square, and the Old Market. En route to Salzburg, stop at Mondsee, home of the Basilica St. Michael, where the wedding scene from The Sound of Music was filmed. Alternatively, join a full-day excursion to the charming Czech mountain town of Cesky Krumlov, where you can stroll its cobblestone streets, marvel at the city's picturesque Baroque and Renaissance-style buildings, and tour Krumlov Castle, one of Europe's largest castle complexes.

Enjoy a whole morning of scenic cruising, taking some time to relax and delight in the ever-changing views. Sleep in late, participate in a complimentary wellness class, treat yourself to a massage, and get to know fellow cruisers while exploring all the amenities on board. In the afternoon, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic city center as a traditionally costumed coachman regales you with fascinating stories along your route, offering a new perspective on this sophisticated city. Alternatively, take a thrilling guided bike ride along the romantic Danube Canal and through the city, traversing a bridge, cycling across a meadow, and heading to Vienna's famous Ringstrasse Boulevard.

Following your overnight in the "City of Waltzes," visit the UNESCO-designated Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens, the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. Built in the 18th century as an imperial summer residence, this magnificent 1,441-room Baroque palace is one of Austria's most important architectural, cultural, and historical monuments. If you prefer to connect with nature, journey to the town of Cobenzl, where you hike through the famed Vienna Woods that inspired a waltz composed by Johann Strauss II. Later in the day, explore Vienna at your leisure.

Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. Start your exploration of the city on the Buda side of the Danube, following your guide through the city's Castle District, where you can marvel at the fairytale turrets of Fisherman's Bastion, gaze upon the breathtaking panorama below, and see Matthias Church, renowned for its striking tower and colorful mosaic roof. For a more active tour, hike to Budapest's Castle Hill. In the afternoon, explore the treasures of Pest, admire the colossal Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes Square, and the moving "Shoes on the Danube Bank" memorial. In the evening, head up to the Sun Deck or stroll around town, delighting in how Budapest's magnificent landmarks are illuminated against the night sky.

Bid farewell to Budapest and prepare for your flight home.

Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.