Overview

CRUISE FROM : Budapest to Budapest

Discover the imperial history and the royals who once ruled along the banks of the storied Danube River. Hike to Buda Castle and revel in the breathtaking views overlooking Budapest. Explore Bratislava, the former 'Coronation City of the Kings,' and the royal treasures of Vienna, including the Imperial Apartments at Schonbrunn Palace. Discover Austria's beautiful Klosterneuburg Abbey and gaze in wonder at the elaborate interiors of the golden-hued Melk Abbey, originally built as a palace but later gifted to the Benedictine Monks who now call it home. And as you glide around the Danube Bend on your way back towards Budapest, remember the figures and legends of the past that left their mark along this fascinating European waterway.

COUNTRIES: Austria, Hungary, Slovakia

RIVERS: Danube

Imperial Danube Cruise

At A Glance

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 : ARRIVE IN BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 : BUDAPEST
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)

Day 3 : BUDAPEST - EMBARKATION
Check out of your hotel to board your luxurious ship. (B,D)

Day 4 : BUDAPEST
Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. Your city tour begins with a visit to the Great Market Hall before going to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. You'll see Heroes' Square and Castle Hill, home to the Fisherman's Bastion and Mattias Church. As an alternative, you can hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city below. (B,L,D)

Day 5 : BRATISLAVA, 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 June 8, 2023 walking tour. Or join a special 'Tastes of Slovakia' tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city. (B,L,D)

Day 6 : DURNSTEIN - MELK, AUSTRIA
Join us for a walking tour in Durnstein, the 'Pearl of the Wachau,' with its breathtaking scenery, traditional architecture, brilliant blue Baroque Stiftskirche tower, and wine taverns, where you will be treating to a wine tasting. If you prefer a more active adventure, stretch your legs on a hike to ruins of Durnstein Fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive and take in sweeping views of the village and Danube River below. Or join a guided bike tour. Return to the ship for lunch and a scenic cruise through Austria's breathtaking Wachau Valley before arriving in Melk. Located above Melk 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)

Day 7 : TULLN, AUSTRIA
One of the oldest towns in Austria, Tulln, referred to as 'City of Flowers,' is your gateway to Klosterneuburg Abbey. Join a tour that takes you inside this majestic 12th-century Augustinian monastery, where, legend has it that Margrave Leopold III's wife's wedding veil landed after riding on a gust of wind. Alongside your knowledgeable local guide, examine the abbey's gilded interior, which boasts high ceilings, lovely frescoes, and intricately carved statues. (B,L,D)

Day 8 : VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Explore Austria's capital on a tour that includes the Vienna Opera House, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and the city's historic center, rich in architectural marvels, Baroque castles, and lush gardens. Alternatively, pedal through Vienna on an exhilarating guided bike tour. In the afternoon, be treated to a visit to Vienna's famous Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens. Marvel at some of the Rococo palace's 1,441 rooms, including the Imperial Apartments, the living quarters of the Emperors, which still contain their original furnishings. Plus, delight in the lovely gardens outside with their maze, arboretum, and small zoo. Later in the day, enjoy free time to explore more of Vienna or perhaps pop into a cafe for a slice of rich chocolate Sacher-Torte. (B,L,D)

Day 9 : DANUBE BEND, HUNGARY
Cruise through the scenic Danube Bend where you'll see the Borzsony and Visegrad hills and some of Hungary's oldest settlements, including Esztergom, Visegrad, and Szentendre. Nature, culture, and history intertwine into a picturesque sight as the Danube River turns into a sharp bend. (B,L,D)

Day 10 : BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - DISEMBARKATION
Bid farewell to Budapest and prepare for your flight home. (B)

(B,L,D) - Indicates Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included on this day.