Discover the fascinating Danube with its charming small towns and exciting cities on this river cruise vacation. From Budapest, board your ship and explore Slovakia’s vibrant capital of Bratislava, see Dürnstein’s baroque Stiftskirche, visit Melk’s impressive Benedictine Abbey, and bask in the natural beauty of Austria’s Wachau Valley. Spend time at leisure in Linz and in the resort of Grein. Your vacation ends in Vienna, the “City of Music,” where you’ll disembark and spend an additional two nights.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive in Budapest, Hungary (Embarkation). Flights must arrive before 2 pm. Welcome to Hungary’s exciting capital! This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception. (D)
Day #2 Bratislava, Slovakia. A morning to relax on board and marvel at the beautiful scenery on both banks of the Danube. As you cruise upriver, Hungary is on your left and Slovakia is on your right. The two countries share the Danube for a 58-mile stretch, with the border in the middle of the river. Situated at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, Bratislava is the dynamic capital of Slovakia. The charming Old Town with its Town Hall and Mirbach Palace as well as gothic ST. MARTIN’S CATHEDRAL should not be missed. (B,L,D)
Day #3 Dürnstein, Austria–Melk. This morning our first stop is Dürnstein, known for the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade, lying right in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Above town are the ruins of the castle where England’s King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. Explore this picturesque little town on your own or choose from a number of optional excursions. Melk’s magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town from its commanding hill site, and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! (B,L,D)
Day #4 Linz–Grein. Linz, Austria’s third-largest town, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. Culture is an important part of life in Linz. The composer Anton Bruckner lived here and Mozart’s Linzer Symphony was composed in the city. Choose from a variety of optional activities today. In the late afternoon, arrive in the attractive country resort of Grein, which is nestled at the foot of a bluff in the shadow of its castle and tour the highlights with a Local Guide. The turreted houses on the main square make excellent photo material. (B,L,D)
Day #5 Vienna (Disembarkation). Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna has much to offer: lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will enjoy during your city tour. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse or simply savor the atmosphere of the “City of Music” while enjoying a slice of Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel. (B)
Day #6 Vienna. A full day at leisure in this fascinating city! (B)
Day #7 Vienna. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)