Best of the Danube with Budapest

Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your hotel.

Budapest is one of Europe's most regal and storied cities—and many of its most iconic sights are just off the banks of the Danube. Often described as the “Queen of the Danube,” Budapest is full of rich history and culture and offers many “hidden” treasures as you venture further past its riverbanks. During this excursion, your guide will take you deeper into the city to discover fascinating sites lesser-known to the average traveler. (B)

Excursions:

• “Hidden Budapest” tour

Check out of your hotel to board your luxurious ship, perhaps exploring more of the city independently before the evening's briefings, cocktail hour and dinner. (B/D)

Take your time this morning as the ship cruises from Austria to Slovakia. Host to the crowning ceremonies of 11 Hungarian kings and queens between 1536 and 1830, Bratislava certainly has earned the title “Coronation City of Kings,” as you'll discover during your walking tour. If you prefer exploring the world through your tastebuds, join a special “Tastes of Slovakia” tour to sample traditional flavors from the region, including local beer. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city, or journey further from the seat of your bike on a guided cycling tour. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Scenic cruising
• Bratislava walking tour OR “Tastes of Slovakia” OR Bratislava Castle hike OR Bike tour

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 will see some of Melk's musical manuscripts as well as frescoes painted by Johann Michael Rottmayr and Paul Troger. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Scenic cruising
• Melk Abbey visit

Arrive in Linz, where you'll have multiple choices for excursions. In the morning, step off the ship into Linz, taking in its contemporary architecture as well as the old city center, 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 rather fulfill your travel wish list in Salzburg, join our tour through the historic center, lovely Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. Alternatively, join a full-day excursion to the charming Czech mountain town of Český 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. In the afternoon, embark on a journey into the fascinating world of whiskey distillation on an exciting guided tour. (B/L/D)

*Full-day excursions not combinable with other tours on this day

Excursions:

• “UNESCO City of Media Arts” walking tour OR “Cultural Mile” bike tour OR Full-day Salzburg city tour OR Full-day Cesky Krumlov excursion
• Distillery tour

Enjoy a full morning of scenic cruising, taking some time to sit back, 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. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Scenic cruising
• “Imperial Vienna” carriage tour OR Vienna by bike

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 the most important architectural, cultural and historical monuments in Austria. If you prefer to connect with nature, journey to the town of Cobenzl where you will embark on a hike through the famed Vienna Woods that inspired a waltz composed by Johann Strauss II. Later in the day, explore Vienna at your leisure. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens OR Vienna Woods hike
• Free time

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 will 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 the way Budapest's magnificent landmarks illuminate against the night sky. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Buda city tour OR Castle Hill hike
• Pest tour
• Free time

Bid farewell to Budapest and prepare for your flight home. (B)