18 Day Classic European River Cruise with Budapest
Starting at $4,099
Destinations & Sightseeing
Itinerary and Meals
Accomodations
800.528.9300
Destination & Sightseeing
- Flights New York-Budapest, Amsterdam-New York
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
- 16 nights First Class accommodations
- 14 nights outside cabin aboard the Deluxe Monarch Empress
- 2 nights Budapest
- River port charges of $380 per person
- Cruise porterage
- All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
- 43 meals: 16 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 14 dinners
- Cruise director & activities host throughout cruise
- Local host in Budapest
- Services of local guides in all major cities
- Entrance fees per itinerary
- Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring during excursions
Special Features
- In Amsterdam, board a glass-top boat and cruise the winding canals
- Sail on the legendary Rhine to Cologne, capital of the Rhineland
- View the mighty Lorelei Rock named for the siren "Lorelei" rising vertically from the waters
- Walk in Bamberg's medieval center with its 11th century Romanesque cathedral
- Cruise the Main-Danube Canal, considered a marvel of modern engineering
- Marvel at the beautiful churches and ancient stone bridges in Regensburg
- In Melk, join a guided tour of the historic Benedictine Abbey
- Tour romantic Vienna with its legendary opulence and elegance
- See magnificent panoramic views of Budapest from atop Fisherman's Bastion
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, Tuesday - Depart for Hungary
Depart for Hungary
DAY 2, Wednesday - Arrive in Budapest
Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to discover Buda and Pest in this elegant city with its wealth of historic monuments linked by eight graceful bridges. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Drink and orientation meeting with your local host at the hotel at approximately 6pm, followed by a briefing about the journey. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 4pm on Day 2 or earlier, if possible
Overnight: Budapest
DAY 3, 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, 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 4, Friday - Holloko City Tour & Cruise Embarkation
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. This afternoon, transfer to the port to embark your cruise. 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 5, Saturday - Dull 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 (PM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6, Sunday - Bratislava City Tour
Relax on board today as you take in the tranquil scenery of the Danube River. In the late afternoon, arrive in Bratislava, the 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. After the tour you will have time to explore this colorful city on your own before returning to the ship for dinner. This evening, the ship will set sail just before midnight
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7, Monday - 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, the impressive Vienna Opera House, and the Parliament building. On the walking part of the tour view the lavish Hofburg Palace, and finish at the majestic St. Stephen's Cathedral. 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 8, Tuesday - Melk Abbey
This morning, 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. Continue cruising late this morning and relax on board as the ship sails through the scenic Wachau Valley, with lovely storybook views of vineyards, castles, hilltop ruins and monasteries. Later, disembark in Melk 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. The ship will set sail as you dine on board this evening
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9, Wednesday - Afternoon in Passau
Today presents a wonderful opportunity to join the optional full day tour to beautiful 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 on board, the day is free to explore the 2500-year-old Passau, or to join an included walking tour of Passau. Well known for its pastel patrician houses, cafes, cobblestone lanes and riverfront promenade, Passau is a town with a mix of Roman, Italian Baroque and Gothic architecture. In the early evening, all passengers will rejoin the ship and set sail for Regensburg
Optional: Full Day Tour of Salzburg
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10, Thursday - Regensburg City Tour
Arrive in Regensburg this morning, 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, the 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 or spend time at leisure discovering the delights of Regensburg on your own before setting sail for Nuremberg mid-afternoon
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11, Friday - Nuremberg City Tour
This afternoon, explore Nuremberg, an energetic city with a visible history of almost one thousand years. The guided excursion visits the historic Palace of Justice where the War Crimes Tribunal met in 1946 and continues to the vibrant Market Square. Stroll through the shops that fill the Old Town or walk along the fortified walls of Nuremberg Castle. This evening set sail as you dine on board
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12, Saturday - Bamberg City Tour
This morning, dock in historic Bamberg, former residence of one of Germany's most powerful imperial dynasties and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin your walk in the medieval city center with its impressive 11th century Romanesque cathedral and gorgeous rose garden. After, view the very unusual City Hall built on a tiny island in the middle of the Regnitz River and Little Venice, an area of colorful fishermen's houses. This afternoon set sail for Wurzburg
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 13, Sunday - Wurzburg City Tour
Discover Wurzburg, named the "Pearl of the Romantic Road," with its dramatic Marienberg fortress, 15th century bridge and lush vineyards. Your walk takes you to the ornate Bishops' Residenz Palace, a stunning example of Baroque architecture, home to the largest ceiling fresco ever painted, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This afternoon, explore the town on your own
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 14, Monday - Miltenberg Walking Tour
This morning, sail to the picturesque village of Miltenberg, a jewel on the banks of the Main River. Discover the Market Square with its Renaissance-era fountain, the Merchant Hall with its stunning Gothic architecture and the unique 14th and 15th century half-timbered houses. After lunch on board, enjoy free time in Miltenberg before the ship sails this evening
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 15, Tuesday - Morning Cruising & Afternoon in Koblenz
Spend a relaxing morning on board, taking in the spectacular vistas as the ship sails past castles perched on lofty cliffs, terraced vineyards and tiny villages. Pass the mighty Lorelei Rock on the eastern bank of the Rhine rising vertically from the waters, named for the siren "Lorelei" who bewitched sailors passing by. This afternoon the ship docks in Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Join an orientation walk with free time to explore the wonders of Koblenz, such as the imposing equestrian statue of Emperor Wilhelm I at the confluence of the Rhine and the Moselle rivers, and the imposing defensive towers of this 2000-year old city. Perhaps join the optional tour to the dramatic Marksburg Castle, the only hill castle on the Rhine that's never been destroyed and has been continuously occupied for over 700 years
Optional: Marksburg Castle (PM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 16, Wednesday - Cologne City Tour
This morning join a walking tour of Cologne, one of Germany's largest cities and capital of the Rhineland. The city is highlighted by the soaring, twin-steeple Gothic cathedral that is the geographical and spiritual heart of the city. Known for its vibrant art scene, Cologne abounds with cafes, galleries, shops and taverns. Set sail in the late afternoon for Amsterdam
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 17, Thursday - Amsterdam City Tour
Today's panoramic tour of 700-year-old Amsterdam introduces you to both the old and the new sections of this city. View the Royal Palace on Amsterdam's Dam Square, the Queen's official home-away-from-home. On to the Dutch National Monument dedicated by Queen Juliana as a memorial to the victims of WWII and to the unusual Skinny Bridge, once so narrow that pedestrians could not pass each other. Then, board a glass-top boat and cruise the winding canals for an up-close view of the stately historic homes, 16th-century warehouses and charming churches with striking bell towers. This evening bid farewell to your traveling companions on your final night on board
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 18, Friday - Depart the Netherlands
This morning, transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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