Best of the Danube

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Best of the Danube



Tour Description:

Hear the carolers sing and the bells toll as you cruise along the legendary Danube River. Capture the imperial history of Old-World Europe along the Danube River as it flourished beneath towering fortresses and inspired legendary composers such as Mozart and Strauss. Follow their famous melodies through the Danube Bend and the river's legendary capitals: Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna, the “City of Waltzes,” encountering fascinating architecture, captivating legends and the storied sites where great composers lived, worked and performed. Explore Mozart’s birthplace in Salzburg, where portions of The Sound of Music were filmed. Along your Taste of Christmas Markets cruise, deepen your passion for music while being treated to a variety of live performances and savor the region’s vibrant holiday spirit both on shore and on board.

Map for Best of the Danube
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Dates & Pricing

Wednesday 02 Jul 25 — Wednesday 09 Jul 25Starting at $4,239Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Wednesday 13 Aug 25 — Wednesday 20 Aug 25Starting at $4,239Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Wednesday 20 Aug 25 — Wednesday 27 Aug 25Starting at $4,439Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Wednesday 01 Oct 25 — Wednesday 08 Oct 25Starting at $4,639Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 08 Feb 26 — Sunday 15 Feb 26Starting at $2,949Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 15 Feb 26 — Sunday 22 Feb 26Starting at $3,049Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 01 Mar 26 — Sunday 08 Mar 26Starting at $3,249Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Wednesday 27 May 26 — Wednesday 03 Jun 26Starting at $4,449Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Wednesday 19 Aug 26 — Wednesday 26 Aug 26Starting at $4,649Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Wednesday 30 Sep 26 — Wednesday 07 Oct 26Starting at $4,849Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 31 Jan 27 — Sunday 07 Feb 27Starting at $3,379Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 07 Feb 27 — Sunday 14 Feb 27Starting at $3,579Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 14 Feb 27 — Sunday 21 Feb 27Starting at $3,779Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 21 Feb 27 — Sunday 28 Feb 27Starting at $3,979Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 28 Feb 27 — Sunday 07 Mar 27Starting at $4,179Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Saturday 03 Apr 27 — Saturday 10 Apr 27Starting at $4,979Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Saturday 10 Apr 27 — Saturday 17 Apr 27Starting at $4,979Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Wednesday 19 May 27 — Wednesday 26 May 27Starting at $4,979Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Wednesday 30 Jun 27 — Wednesday 07 Jul 27Starting at $4,979Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 11 Jul 27 — Sunday 18 Jul 27Starting at $5,779Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Wednesday 29 Sep 27 — Wednesday 06 Oct 27Starting at $5,379Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 22 Nov 27 — Monday 29 Nov 27Starting at $4,779Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Check Mark Icon Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.


Destination & Sightseeing

ITINERARY

Day 1
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – EMBARKATION. Arrive in Budapest and board your luxurious river cruise ship, perhaps exploring the city independently before the evening’s briefings, cocktail hour and dinner.

Day 2
BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA. Take your time this morning as the ship cruises from Austria to 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 walking tour. If you prefer exploring the world through your tastebuds, join a special “Tastes of Slovakia” tour to sample traditional flavors from the region, including local beer. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city, or journey further from the seat of your bike on a guided cycling tour.

Day 3
WACHAU VALLEY – MELK, AUSTRIA. Spend your morning reveling in the postcard-perfect landscapes of Austria’s picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Wachau Valley. Later in the day, arrive in Melk. Located above the city 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.

Day 4
LINZ, AUSTRIA. Arrive in Linz, where you’ll have multiple choices for excursions. In the morning, step off the ship into Linz, taking in its contemporary architecture as well as the old city center, the old market and past the Mozart House, where he composed the Linz Symphony in only three days. As another alternative, pedal through Linz on an exhilarating bike tour. If you would rather fulfill your travel wish list in Salzburg, join our tour through the historic center, lovely Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. Alternatively, join a full-day excursion to the charming Czech mountain town of Český Krumlov, where you can stroll its cobblestone streets; marvel at the city’s picturesque Baroque and Renaissance-style buildings; and tour Krumlov Castle, one of Europe’s largest castle complexes.

Day 5
VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Enjoy a full morning of scenic cruising, taking some time to sit back, relax and delight in the ever-changing views. Sleep in late, participate in a complimentary wellness class, treat yourself to a massage and get to know fellow cruisers while exploring all the amenities on board. In the afternoon, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic city center as a traditionally costumed coachman regales you with fascinating stories along your route, offering a new perspective on this sophisticated city. Alternatively, take a thrilling guided bike ride along the romantic Danube Canal and through the city, traversing a bridge, cycling across a meadow and heading to Vienna’s famous Ringstrasse Boulevard.

Day 6
VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Following your overnight in the “City of Waltzes,” visit the UNESCO-designated Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens, the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. Built in the 18th century as an imperial summer residence, this magnificent 1,441-room Baroque palace is one of the most important architectural, cultural and historical monuments in Austria. If you prefer to connect with nature, journey to the town of Cobenzl where you will embark on a hike through the famed Vienna Woods that inspired a waltz composed by Johann Strauss II. Later in the day, explore Vienna at your leisure.

Day 7
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. Start your exploration of the city on the Buda side of the Danube, following your guide through the city’s Castle District where you will marvel at the fairytale turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion, gaze upon the breathtaking panorama below and see Matthias Church, renowned for its striking tower and colorful mosaic roof. For a more active tour, hike to Budapest’s Castle Hill. In the afternoon, explore the treasures of Pest, admire the colossal Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square and the moving “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial. In the evening, head up to the Sun Deck or stroll around town, delighting in the way Budapest’s magnificent landmarks illuminate against the night sky.

Day 8
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.

Check Mark Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.

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