Luxury Danube River Cruise

Welcome to Budapest, Hungary. Commanding both sides of the Danube – with the Chain Bridge connecting hilly Buda with flat Pest – Hungary’s capital enchants with its magnificent architecture of domes and spires. On arrival, make your own way to Cruise port. Kindly reach at least 3 hrs prior to your cruise departure time. After boarding your Danube river cruise, rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight on board cruise.

Today you can enjoy any of the below mentioned complementary sightseeing tours –
1) Jewish Budapest (Duration: 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM) - Experience the rich Jewish history of Budapest with a visit to the magnificent Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest functioning synagogue in Europe. Also enjoy a guided walk through the old Jewish District, where you will see significant structures and institutions relating to Jewish culture.
Note: As this tour involves a substantial amount of walking over uneven surfaces for a period of about 120
minutes, it is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties. All guests who visit the synagogue
should dress appropriately. Gentlemen are requested to cover their heads; ladies must cover their knees
and shoulders, while gentlemen must wear pants. Shorts and miniskirts are not permitted. Bags of any
kind are not permitted in the synagogue. Due to the popularity of sights visited, dense crowding and
lines can be anticipated. It is recommended that guests dress in casual clothing and wear flat,
comfortable shoes. The order of sights visited may vary.
OR
2) Feast for the Senses: Parliament Building & the Great Market Hall (Duration: 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM) - The sights, sounds and flavors of Budapest come alive with exterior and interior visits to the Hungarian Parliament Building, one of the world’s most stunning structures, and an exploration of the Great Market Hall, the largest and oldest indoor market in Budapest.
Note: As this tour involves a substantial amount of walking for a period of about 120 minutes, it is not
recommended for guests with walking difficulties. It is recommended that guests dress in casual clothing
and wear flat, comfortable shoes. Due to the popularity of sights visited, dense crowding and lines can
be anticipated. Please note that the Hungarian government reserves the right to close the Parliament
Building at any time with no advanced warning; should this become the case, an alternative program will
be offered. The order of sights visited may vary. This excursion will operate in all weather conditions. On
Sundays when the Great Market Hall is closed you will visit the Lehel Market Hall instead.
OR
3) Horse Show & Carriage Ride at Lázár Equestrian Park (Duration: 2:00 PM to 06:00 PM) - See an exquisite display of horsemanship, demonstrated by equestrian and human champions alike, with a visit to a farm and stable located in the hills outside Budapest. Your experience also takes you aboard a carriage for a charming ride in the woods and on a walk to meet some of Hungary’s unique, endemic animals.
Note: It is recommended that guests dress in casual clothing and wear flat, comfortable shoes. The order of sights visited may vary.
OR
4) Beautiful Budapest & Christmas Markets (Duration: 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM) - Enjoy a sightseeing adventure through Budapest, Hungary's enchanting capital, and walk the cobbled lanes of its Castle District to experience a special Moment at Fisherman's Bastion. Then, immerse yourself in the magic of the season at a Christmas market in the heart of the city.
Note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking over uneven surfaces. It is recommended to dress in warm, layered clothing and wear flat, comfortable shoes.

Your cruise will depart from Budapest dock at 1900 Hrs and sail towards Bratislava. Overnight on board cruise.

Today arrive at Bratislava at 1200 Hrs. This buzzing capital city is the heartbeat of Slovakia; a historic gem that stirs the imagination. A maze of cobblestone streets winds around 18th-century buildings and a pulsating modern art scene.
On arrival, you can enjoy any of the below mentioned complementary sightseeing tours –
1) Panoramic Bratislava & Christmas Market (Duration: 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM) - Experience the magnificent architecture of Bratislava on a panoramic drive through the city. Then stroll through the Old Town with its charming squares, courtyards and narrow lanes, and cap it all off with a visit to its charming Christmas Market.
Note: As this tour involves walking over uneven and cobbled surfaces, it is not recommended for guests
with walking difficulties. It is recommended that guests dress in warm, layered clothing and wear flat,
comfortable shoes. Guests should also bring raingear in case of inclement weather.
OR
2) Bratislava’s Ultimate Survivor: Chatam Sofer Memorial (Duration: 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM) - Explore the remaining sacred portion of Chatam Sofer Memorial, where hundreds of revered rabbis and teachers are buried from the golden age of Bratislava’s Jewish Heritage.
Note: It is recommended that guests wear flat, comfortable footwear due to the extensive
walking involved in this excursion, as well as modest clothing that covers the knees and arms for the
visit to the Chatam Sofer Memorial. This tour is not accessible for guests with physical limitations or in
wheelchairs.

Your cruise will depart from Bratislava dock at 1800 Hrs and sail towards Melk. Overnight on board cruise.

Today arrive at Melk at 1300 Hrs. Best known for its fortified baroque Benedictine monastery, Melk Abbey, the town of Melk boasts an assortment of smaller gems.
On arrival, you can enjoy any of the below mentioned complementary sightseeing tours –
1) Artstetten Castle & Visit with Hohenberg Family Member (Duration: 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM) - Visit charming Artstetten Castle, a site commemorating Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg. Meet with a member of the Hohenberg family.
Note: As this tour involves walking over uneven and cobbled surfaces, it is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties. It is recommended to dress in warm, layered clothing and wear flat, comfortable shoes. Guests should also bring raingear in case of inclement weather.
OR
2) Melk Abbey: A Baroque Masterpiece (Duration: 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM) - Enjoy a visit to Melk Abbey, a Benedictine cloister overlooking the Danube, and one of the most exquisite examples of Baroque architecture in Europe. A guided walking tour of Melk's Old Town reveals its charm and history.
Note: This tour involves substantial walking and stair climbing for a period of approximately 60 minutes. Elevator is available in the abbey which makes this adventure wheelchair accessible.

Your cruise will depart from Melk dock at 1800 Hrs and sail towards Linz. Overnight on board cruise.

Today arrive at Linz at 0800 Hrs. Linz is known as European Capital of Culture and is added to the roster of UNESCO Creative Cities as a City of Media Arts in 2014. The city’s layout reflects its history, with an ancient medieval centre encircled by neoclassical, neo-baroque and neo-Renaissance neighbourhoods.
On arrival, you can enjoy any of the below mentioned complementary sightseeing tours –
1) Linz City Walk & Tramway Ride (Duration: 09:30 AM to 12:30 PM) - Explore on foot Linz's main square, the Hauptplatz, one of Europe's largest medieval squares. Enjoy a scenic ride by tram to the top of Pöstlingberg hill, with its commanding view of the city below.
Note: As this excursion involves continuous walking over uneven surfaces, it is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties. It is recommended that guests dress in warm, layered clothing and wear flat, comfortable shoes. Pre reservation of the Complimentary Adventures excursion is recommended.
OR
2) Full Day Adventure: Christmas in Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic (Duration: 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM) - Revel in the festive atmosphere of Cesky Krumlov's Christmas market and appreciate the enchanting fairytale character of the city with an engaging guided walk along its cobbled lanes. Also, design your own cookie at a gingerbread workshop.
Note: As this tour involves continuous walking over uneven surfaces, it is not recommended for guests with
walking disabilities. It involves substantial walking for a period of approximately 90 minutes. It is recommended that guests wear flat, comfortable shoes. As this excursion crosses both Austrian and Czech borders, all guests must carry their valid passport on this excursion. Guests who are citizens of a country other than the U.S. must also possess a visa and ship identification. Due to the popularity of the sights visited, dense crowding and lines can be anticipated.
There will be no interior visits of the attractions listed as there is an approximately three hours, roundtrip drive. However, the fascinating sights included in this excursion are its main focus and will more than compensate for the length of the journey. Pre reservation of the Complimentary Adventures excursion is recommended.
OR
3) Full Day Adventure to Salzburg’s Christmas Markets (Duration: 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM) - Marvel at the beauty of Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and filming backdrop for "The Sound of Music," with this full day excursion to the renowned Austrian city. Enjoy its traditional Christmas markets and sample holiday treats at Stiftskeller St. Peter.
Note: As this tour involves continuous walking over uneven surfaces, it is not recommended for guests with walking
disabilities. It involves substantial walking for a period of approximately two hours. It is recommended that guests wear flat, comfortable shoes. Due to the popularity of the sights visited, dense crowding and lines can be anticipated. There will be no interior visits of the attractions listed as there is an approximately four hours, roundtrip drive. However, the fascinating sights included in this tour are its main focus and will more than compensate for the length of the journey.
OR
4) Mauthausen Concentration Camp Memorial (Duration: 01:30 PM to 05:30 PM) - Tour the grounds of Mauthausen Concentration Camp, which operated for the entirety of the Second World War, had become one of the largest labor camp complexes in the Nazicontrolled part of Europe, and was the last camp to be liberated by the Allies.
Note: Children below 12 Yrs of age are not allowed. This tour contains graphic content that may be unsettling to some guests. As this excursion involves extensive walking, it is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties. It is recommended that guests dress in warm, layered clothing and wear flat, comfortable shoes. Guests should also bring raingear in case of inclement weather. This excursion includes an approximately 90 minute, roundtrip motor coach ride to the location of the camp. Pre reservation of the Complimentary Adventures excursion is recommended.

Your cruise will depart from Linz dock at 2200 Hrs and sail towards Krems. Overnight on board cruise.

Today arrive at Krems at 1000 Hrs. Krems marks the beginning of the Wachau Valley and showcases a true crisscross of old and new.
On arrival, you can enjoy any of the below mentioned complementary sightseeing tours –
1) Krems Old Town & Confection Workshop (Duration: 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM) - Explore Krems, one of the oldest and loveliest cities in the Wachau Valley. During a guided walk, you will stop at a chocolate confectioner’s shop to meet the owner, watch a demonstration and enjoy a sweet treat.
Note: As this excursion involves walking over uneven and cobbled surfaces, it is not recommended for guests
with walking difficulties. It is recommended that guests dress in casual clothing and wear flat, comfortable shoes.
OR
2) Lively String Ensemble Performance in an Ancient Monastery (Duration: 08:30 PM to 10:30 PM) - Experience one of the Danube's prettiest towns in an unforgettable way. Join for an exclusive live performance by crossover classical violin master Barbara Helfgott and her Rondo Vienna ensemble – playing for your pleasure in Krems picturesque KlosterUND, a restored 17th century monastery of Capuchin monk now serving as an inspiring event space.
OR
3) Herzogenburg Monastery & Wine Tasting (Duration: 01:00 PM to 05:00 PM) - Discover Herzogenburg Monastery, a splendid baroque landmark set within a charming winegrowing region of Lower Austria. Complete your visit with a tasting of the monastery’s local wines.
Note: This tour involves moderate walking and climbing some steps. It is recommended to wear
flat, comfortable shoes. On dates when the monastery’s winery is closed, the wine tasting will take place
at the monastery, in the ‘Festive Hall’.

Your cruise will depart from Krems dock at 2300 Hrs and sail towards Vienna. Overnight on board cruise.

Today arrive at Vienna at 0800 Hrs. The capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and forever known for its manicured gardens, ornate architecture. Vienna finds itself at the very center of European culture, even as it sits near the border of the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary.
On arrival, you can enjoy any of the below mentioned complementary sightseeing tours –
1) Austria in a Nutshell & Christmas Markets (Duration: 09:00 AM to 01:00 PM) - Get to know Vienna, Austria’s grand capital city, during an in-depth quest through its treasured monuments, architecture and daily culture.
On a comprehensive journey through the Austrian largest and capital city by motor coach and on foot, you’ll be enchanted by the endless treasures of Vienna. After an approximately 45minute drive aboard your motor coach, your first glimpse into the magnificence of Vienna will be at the legendary Ringstrasse, or Ring Road, known as one of the world’s most beautiful boulevards. Here you’ll find some of Vienna’s most significant sites including the Imperial Palace, Vienna State Opera and Parliament, and the Natural History Museum.
Note: It is recommended that guests wear flat, comfortable footwear for this excursion. This experience is
suitable for guests in wheelchairs with assistance, as well as those with physical limitations.
OR
2) Schönbrunn Castle & Christmas Market (Duration: 02:00 PM to 06:30 PM) - Explore Schönbrunn Palace, the UNESCO recognized Baroque wonder with expansive gardens that are as masterfully designed as the palace itself.
Note: This tour includes a moderate amount of walking, at times on uneven or cobbled terrain. Guests are
encouraged to wear flat, comfortable footwear. The experience is accessible for guests in wheelchairs,
though assistance is recommended.

Your cruise will be docked at Vienna. Overnight on board cruise.

Today after breakfast, you will disembark the cruise and make your own way to the airport to board flight from Vienna. Holiday Concludes. Let’s stay in touch on Facebook\email and meet again on another memorable Holiday. See you soon!