Cruise along the peaceful Danube River through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary-stopping at some of Central Europe’s most splendid capitals and charming towns along the way. Passau, Germany, is called the "City of Three Rivers" as it lies at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. Walk through the city with a Local Guide and admire the Patrician houses and baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In Linz, Austria, walk around the Hauptplatz, Austria’s largest medieval square or take an excursion to the Austrian lake region where the Habsburg family members used to go. Enjoy the magnificent views as your river cruise takes you through the picturesque wine region of the Wachau Valley. Stop in Melk to visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey and Dürnstein to see the famous blue and white Stiftskirche and taste some of the local wines. Vienna, the "City of Music" and once centre of the Habsburg empire, makes an immediate impression with its lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace and neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House. Enjoy a guided tour of this magical city and then take time to explore on your own or discover the Schönbrunn Palace, main summer residence of the Habsburg Dynasty. In Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, a guided walk takes you through the delightful Old Town and to the gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. In Budapest, the vibrant capital of Hungary, a local expert shows you all the must-see sights. Then to round out this timeless European river cruise, take a stroll along Váci utca-the main shopping street, or take pictures from Fishermen’s Bastion, which provides the best panoramic views of Budapest. Take a visit to Gödöllo royal palace, beloved by Sissi. Your Danube River cruise is sure to make your dream a reality and fulfil your wish to experience the Danube’s legendary beauty and remarkable destinations along the way.
Included Features:
Day 1 Deggendorf (Embarkation): onboard welcome receptionDay 2 Passau: guided walk; guided hike; lecture about royal dynasties in EuropeDay 3 Linz: guided sightseeing or full day excursion Romantic AustriaDay 4 Melk-Wachau Valley-Dürnstein: guided visit of the Benedectine Abbey in Melk or visit Arstetten Castle; cruise through the Wachau Valley; choice of guided walk, or hike up to the castle ruins in Dürnstein; wine tastingDay 5 Vienna: choice of guided sightseeing, or visit of the Kunsthistorisches MuseumDay 6 Bratislava: onboard Waltz lesson; guided sightseeing, visit St. Martin’s CathedralDay 7 Budapest: guided tour, see Heroes’ Square; visit Gödöllö Royal PalaceDay 8 Budapest (Disembarkation): your cruise ends this morning
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