17 Day Danube River Cruise with Berlin, Dresden, Prague & Budapest
Starting at $3,999
Destinations & Sightseeing
Itinerary and Meals
Accomodations
800.528.9300
Destination & Sightseeing
- Flights New York-Berlin, Budapest-New York
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
- 15 nights accommodations
- 2 nights Berlin
- 1 night Dresden
- 3 nights Prague
- 7 nights outside cabin aboard the Deluxe Monarch Empress
- 2 nights Budapest
- River port charges of $190 per person
- Cruise & hotel porterage
- All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
- 30 meals: 15 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 9 dinners
- Cruise director & activities host throughout cruise
- Tour manager in Berlin & Dresden
- Local host in Prague & Budapest
- Services of local guides in all major cities
- Shore excursions per itinerary
- Entrance fees per itinerary
- Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring during excursions
Special Features
- View Checkpoint Charlie, the Reichstag and Brandenberg Gate, symbols of the formerly divided city of Berlin
- Cross Saxony to the baroque art city of Dresden, titled the "Florence on the Elbe"
- Visit Pilsen's medieval Republic Square and the onion domes of the Great Synagogue
- City tour of Prague "The City of a Thousand Spires"
- Visit Regensburg, one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities
- Tour the historic Benedictine Melk Abbey, one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture
- Stop in Durnstein, one of the prettiest towns on the Danube
- Enjoy a city tour of Vienna and view Hofburg Palace, Vienna Opera House and St. Stephen's Cathedral
- Enjoy a guided walking tour of charming Bratislava, capital of Slovakia
- During your Budapest City Tour, see the Parliament, Heroes Square, Royal Palace and Matthias Church
- View the picturesque village of Holloko with its local craftsmen and restaurants
River Cruise Features & Amenities
- Gala Welcome Dinner and Farewell Dinner
- Wine and beer with dinners
- Locally inspired recipes
- Early riser breakfast in addition to buffet breakfast
- Late night snack
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access in public areas
- Self-serve coffee and tea station
- Lounge serving premium spirits
- Fitness center
- Non-smoking ship interior
- Shore excursions conducted exclusively in English by licensed guides
Know Before You Book - High & Low Water
European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It's a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of a deluxe ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. When the option exists, the operator will "swap ships" with another vessel sailing in the opposite direction, retaining the sailing experience. Crew, ship and cabin configuration may differ. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavor to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge.
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
ITINERARY
DAY 1, Friday - Depart for Germany
Depart for Germany
DAY 2, Saturday - Arrive Berlin
Arrive in Germany's capital city, Berlin, and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Drink and orientation meeting with your tour manager at the hotel at approximately 6 PM, followed by a briefing about the journey and dinner in your hotel. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 4 PM on Day 2 or earlier, if possible
Overnight: Berlin
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Sunday - Berlin City Tour
Begin the morning with a guided tour. View the Reichstag building where the German Parliament is housed since 1894. Continue to the famous Brandenburg Gate, that once represented the separation of the city between East and West Berlin. Since the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, it is now a symbol of German unity, along with Checkpoint Charlie, the controversial crossing point. Drive along elegant Unter den Linden Boulevard and the Kurfurstendamm, one of the city's most famous avenues and continue past the German State Opera House and the Baroque Deutscher Dom (German Cathedral) built in the 1700s. In the early afternoon perhaps join the optional Berlin's Hidden Past tour and delve beneath the surface to see what remains of the city of the latter part of the 20th century - the defeat of the Nazis, the liberation, destruction and division of Germany's capital by the hated "Berlin Wall" that brought to focus the East/West division of Europe by the Cold War
Optional: Berlin's Hidden Past (PM)
Overnight: Berlin
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Monday - Walking Tour of Dresden
Known for its magnificent art treasures and Baroque architecture, much of this city was destroyed during the war but has been lovingly restored to its former glory, including the Royal Palace and its museum, with treasures dating back to the 1720s. The guided walking tour includes such sites as Zwinger Palace, the Semper Opera and the signature landmark of Dresden, the Frauenkirche, the Church of Our Lady, totally rebuilt from rubble. After dinner, enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure
Overnight: Dresden
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5, Tuesday - Afternoon in Prague
This morning drive to the "Golden City" of Prague. Upon arrival this afternoon, you are free to explore Prague on your own. Perhaps visit the museums, galleries or wander along the banks of the Vltava River. Tonight, mix with the locals at Wenceslas Square, shop for local handicrafts, enjoy one of the many charming cafes or dine at a world-class restaurant
Overnight: Prague
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6, Wednesday - Prague City Tour
Your morning tour of Prague includes a visit to the 1000-year-old Hradcany Castle grounds, former residence of the Bohemian Kings. Enjoy magnificent views of the Charles Bridge and Lesser Town below and see the elegant courtyards, St. George Basilica and the St. Vitus Cathedral. Continue to the Jewish Quarter, and the Old Town Square to view the world-famous Astronomical Clock and the Town Hall. The rest of the day is at leisure to visit the museums, galleries or wander along the banks of the Vltava River. Or, join the optional afternoon tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII concentration camp, now a memorial to those who perished
Optional: Terezin (PM)
Overnight: Prague
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Thursday - Full Day in Prague
Today is free to further explore this beautiful city independently. Visit the museums, galleries or stroll along Parizska Street, the city's famous shopping district, or perhaps join the optional tour of Malá Strana, also known as Lesser Town, one of Prague's most historic districts. Explore this enchanting part of Prague, filled with important cultural landmarks such as the Charles Bridge with its 30 Baroque statues of various saints, and beautiful Kampa Island which is full of quaint restaurants and a lovely park. This evening, perhaps try traditional Czech cuisine at a popular restaurant. Remember to sample Prague's national treasure - its world-renowned beer
Optional: Mala Strana Tour (AM)
Overnight: Prague
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8, Friday - Pilsen & Cruise Embarkation in Regensburg
This morning, bid farewell to Prague as you depart your hotel and begin a lovely drive to port in Regensburg. On your way, stop in the city of Pilsen for a delightful city tour of where you will visit Republic Square, one of the largest medieval squares in the Czech Republic, and gaze upon the gothic style of St. Bartholomew's Cathedral & Old Town Hall. View the onion domes of the Great Synagogue before your free time to explore Pilsen on your own. After arrival formalities, time to relax on board. Tonight, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy a gala welcome dinner as it sets the mood for your delightful river cruise
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9, Saturday - Regensburg City Tour
This morning, explore Regensburg, one of Germany's largest and best preserved medieval cities, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The guided walking tour highlights the city's stunning architecture as you view the Old Town Hall, Dom St. Peter and the Porta Praetoria, gateway to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest stone bridges crossing the Danube. Return to the ship for lunch or spend the afternoon at leisure discovering the delights of Regensburg on your own. In the afternoon the ship will set sail for Passau
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10, Sunday - Morning in Passau
Dock this morning in 2500-year-old Passau, known for its pastel patrician houses, cafes, cobblestone lanes and riverfront promenade. Passau is a Bavarian town with a mix of Roman, Italian Baroque and Gothic architecture. Explore Passau independently in the morning, or, join the optional full day tour to picturesque Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and setting for the Sound of Music. The walking tour will include some of Salzburg's most historic sites including the Mirabell Palace, the Abbey, Salzburg Cathedral, and St. Peter's Cemetery. After lunch at a local restaurant, there will be time to discover Salzburg on your own before returning to the ship. If you choose to remain onboard the ship, continue sailing during lunch and relax this afternoon. In the early evening, all passengers will rejoin the ship and continue sailing for Melk
Optional: Full Day Tour of Salzburg
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11, Monday - Melk Abbey
Disembark in Melk this morning for a guided tour of the historic Benedictine Abbey, considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe. View the Abbot's chambers, the Kaiser's walk and the lavish library. Then, return to the ship and continue cruising through the scenic Wachau Valley. This Afternoon, arrive in the village of Durnstein, one of the prettiest towns on the Danube. Free time to stroll this quintessential village in the heart of the Wachau wine district. Walk along medieval cobblestone streets revealing 16th-century town houses and wine taverns
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12, Tuesday - Vienna City Tour
Your morning tour of romantic Vienna introduces you to this Imperial city with its legendary opulence and elegance. Drive along the famed Ringstrasse, Vienna's main boulevard lined with magnificent Baroque palaces, parks and monuments. View the lavish Hofburg Palace, and the impressive Vienna Opera House. Continue to majestic St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Parliament building. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, or, join the optional tour to the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace, once summer residence of the Hapsburgs. Visit the gorgeous baroque apartments and stroll through the world-famous manicured gardens. Tonight, perhaps take the opportunity to attend an evening of Viennese culture in the "City of Music" at an optional concert performance of the classical masterpieces of Mozart and Strauss, two of Vienna's most famous citizens
Optional: Schonbrunn Palace Tour (PM)
Optional: Classical Viennese Concert (PM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 13, Wednesday - Bratislava City Tour
This morning, enjoy the tranquil scenery as you sail along the scenic Danube. At noon, arrive in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, a mix of modern and Baroque architecture. This capital city is among the youngest in Europe, yet retains a rich history dating back more than 2000 years. Walk along the cobblestone lanes of the historic town center; view St. Martin's Cathedral, coronation site of the kings of Hungary, the 13th century Old Town Hall and the Franciscan church. Time to explore this colorful city on your own before returning to the ship for dinner as you sail for stunning Budapest
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 14, Thursday - Budapest City Tour
Your morning tour begins on the Pest side of the city; view the Parliament, City Park and Heroes Square. Cross to Buda to see the Royal Palace, Matthias Church and the graceful medieval architecture along the cobbled streets. Explore the city's wonderful shops and cafes this afternoon on your own. Tonight, enjoy a lavish Captain's Dinner on board
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 15, Friday - Holloko City Tour
This morning, bid farewell to your Cruise Director and meet your local host as you travel to the charming village of Holloko (meaning raven-stone) hidden in the Cserhát hills in northeastern Hungary. Take a walking tour of the historic village, a fine example of a preserved traditional settlement and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Experience the typical rural life of the Palóc people and see craftsmen at work. Spend free time in the village and perhaps try some Palóc dishes for lunch before heading back to Budapest. Tonight, an optional dinner and show in Budapest. Travel to the outskirts of Budapest for a traditional Hungarian Dinner in a scenic forested location. While dining, you'll be entertained by colorfully dressed dancers performing a variety of spirited folk dances accompanied by a group playing live music
Optional: Dinner & Show in Budapest (PM)
Overnight: Budapest
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 16, Saturday - Full Day in Budapest
Today, enjoy the delights of Budapest independently. Immerse yourself in the heritage of the "City of Baths" and visit a traditional Turkish bath house with its thermal pools and spas or, stroll along the Danube Promenade, a walkway along the Danube that goes from the Elisabeth Bridge to Chain Bridge, offering stunning views of the capital. Another option is to head to Margaret Island, a quite getaway within the city, that serves as a recreational park, located in the middle of the Danube River. Perhaps, join the optional half day Taste of Budapest. Explore the local food scene, at the Hold Street Market Hall, while getting introduced to the history of Hungarian cuisine. Taste local cheeses from family farms around Budapest and salami delicacies, along with Hungarian meats and sausages served with fresh bread and mustard. End the tour with a sweet Budapest pastry - local strudel and a cup of coffee
Optional: Half Day Taste of Budapest (AM)
Overnight: Budapest
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 17, Sunday - Depart Hungary
This morning, transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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