Danube River Cruise
Itinerary
USA – Budapest
Depart the USA for Budapest today. in-flight meals
Budapest
Welcome to your Danube cruise! Transfer to the Amadeus Brilliant, your home for the next 7 nights. Upon embarkation, you will be greeted with a welcome drink. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the ship, before a Welcome Dinner this evening. (D) (Budapest Overnight Stay)
Budapest - Esztergom
Today after breakfast you will enjoy a city tour of the twin old world capitals, Buda & Pest, which are linked by wonderful bridges spanning the Danube, the tour includes such sites as Fisherman’s Bastion & St. Matthias Church. A must see is the view from Citadell Hill and of course the Parliament building and Hero’s Square. In the afternoon you can join an excursion to two picturesque destinations, both with a rich history, namely the former imperial residence and capital of Hungary, Esztergom, as well as the artists’ town of Szentendre. Your ship arrives in Esztergom in the evening, where passengers who chose to take part in the afternoon’s expedition will rejoin the ship. (B,L,D)
Bratislava
This morning we visit Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is situated at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains on the banks of the Danube River. Enjoy an included City Walking Tour of this carefully restored old town. Stroll through Kapilus Lane, where you will be able see the seminar of the priests as well as the Gothic Church of the Clarissin Order. The market square features the highlights of the Old Town, the Roland fountain, the impressive townhouses of the former nobility and the ‘Primatial Palace’ with its remarkable gallery of famous European artists. The 17th century Gobelin collection is particularly worth seeing. On the way back to the vessel, you will pass by the ‘Hviedaslav Square’ with the Opera House, the Ganymed Fountain and the concert hall. Depart Bratislava and while you are sleeping you will be cruising your way to Vienna. (B,L,D)
Vienna
After breakfast you will explore the fascinating city of Vienna on our included Vienna City Tour. Explore Vienna’s magnificent Ring Boulevard with all its glorious sights such as the Vienna State Opera, Imperial Palace, Parliament and City Hall. You will fall in love with this city. This afternoon enjoy exploring on your own or join our optional Schonbrunn Palace Tour which affords a visit to the former imperial residence of Empress Maria Theresia. The palace is one of Austria’s most significant cultural sights. This evening, after dinner, you might enjoy our optional Sounds of Vienna Concert. (B,L,D) (Vienna Overnight stay)
Dürnstein - Melk
This morning we visit Dürnstein, a town wellknown for its first-class wines, which you can taste during the morning sightseeing walk. Dürnstein is located in the romantic Wachau, one of the most beautiful landscape regions of Austria. Wine lovers have the opportunity to sign up for a Wachau Wine Excursion, that includes a tour of a local winery, wine tasting and lunch, then rejoin the group in Melk. Those that do not join the wine excursion, your cruise continues towards Melk and Emmersdorf as you enjoy lunch onboard. Enjoy the included Tour of Melk Abbey which is listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Site and Austria’s largest baroque abbey. Located on the bank of the Danube River, Melk Abbey stands crowned by towers and resplendent in a golden hue. Especially noteworthy is the church with magnificent frescoes by Johann Michael Rottmayr and the library containing countless medieval manuscripts. No trip to Austria would be complete without a visit to this abbey. (B, L, D)
Linz
This morning we arrive in Linz and embark on our included Walking Tour of this city founded by the Romans. Take a stroll down the main street which leads to the medieval town square. Enjoy the world famous Linzer Torte (Linzer Cake) in one of the local bakeries. Or take an optional excursion to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for the Sound of Music movie, on this fabulous full day tour. This afternoon, sit back and relax as we make our way along the Danube. For those that take part in the Salzburg tour, rejoin the group in Aschach. This evening enjoy an elegant Gala Dinner with your fellow travelers as we continue on to Regensburg. (B,L,D)
Regensburg
Today enjoy a tour of the historic city of Regensburg. Founded by the Romans in 179 AD as Casta Regina (meaning Fortress by the River Regen), Regensburg is one of Germany’s oldest towns. It was relatively spared from Allied bombings during World War II. Today, many flock to see the wonderfully intact old city and its many medieval structures. The 12th-century Stone Bridge was used by Crusaders en route to the Holy Land. The Regensburg Cathedral (or Dom St. Peter) is one of southern Germany’s finest examples of Gothic architecture. This evening we will make our way to Passau. (B, L, D)
Passau - Munich - USA
After disembarking, we will travel to Munich, Germany for your flight home, taking with you warm memories of new places and friends. (B)Extensions
OPTIONAL PRE-CRUISE STAY IN BUDAPEST
OPTIONAL POST-CRUISE STAY IN PRAGUE
Accommodations
7 Nights
Amadeus Brilliant
Accommodations
7 Nights
Amadeus Brilliant