Overview
Discover a wealth of art, history, and cultural treasures as you cruise to some of Europe’s most famous destinations. Journey to Bratislava, Vienna, Passau, and the 2,000-year-old town of Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, visit magnificent cathedrals and Baroque abbeys, sample Vienna’s sinfully rich sachertorte cake, experience the breathtaking scenery of the Wachau Valley wine-making region, and traverse Europe’s Continental Divide. Add on a pre-cruise extension to Budapest or a post-cruise extension to Prague.
Note: This cruise is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as agent in booking your reservation with the ship operator. The itinerary, lecturers, and all other arrangements are subject to change at the discretion of the cruise line.
Itinerary
Day 1
Budapest / Embark
Upon arrival, transfer to the boat and meet your fellow passengers at the Welcome Dinner as the ship cruises to Bratislava.
Day 2
Bratislava, Slovakia / Vienna, Austria
This afternoon, arrive in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. Enjoy a walking tour of the city’s major sites, including the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace, and Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. Spend the evening in Bratislava before the ship cruises to magnificent Vienna later tonight.
Day 3
Vienna
A panoramic tour of Vienna guides you past the majestic Opera House, the former Imperial Palace of the Hapsburg Emperors, Parliament, Town Hall, and Vienna University. Afterwards, you will visit Vienna’s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Graben, and the World Famous Spanish Riding School. You are free to explore on your own this afternoon, so be sure to sample some Viennese coffee and pastries.
Day 4
Dürnstein / Melk
After reaching the Wachau Valley early this morning, you will have three tour options: A walking tour along Dürnstein’s cobblestone streets followed by a wine tasting, a hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held for ransom, or an apricots and sweets tasting. Later, relax on board during a scenic cruise through the beautiful Wachau Valley or join a guided bike tour along the Danube to Melk. Your ship arrives late this afternoon in Melk, one of Europe’s most renowned spiritual and cultural heritage sites, where you will tour its spectacular Benedictine Abbey. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore the charming town of Melk on your own.
Day 5
Passau, Germany
Arrive in Passau, a 2,000-year-old city noted for its Gothic and Baroque architecture. You can explore this charming city on a walking tour, guided bike ride, or on a hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress. The ship cruises overnight.
Day 6
Regensburg
This afternoon, the ship arrives in Regensburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You have your choice of one of three tours this afternoon. Your first option is a guided walking tour of the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, the gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 A.D. Your second option is an opportunity to sample the city’s most renowned specialties—sausage, beer, and pretzels. Your third option is a guided bike tour from Regensburg to Walhalla through the spectacular scenery of the Danube Valley.
Day 7
Nuremberg
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise as the ship crosses the Continental Divide via the Main-Danube Canal and leisurely cruises through the beautiful Altmühl Valley. This afternoon, you have a choice of three activities in Nuremberg. Take a tour of the city’s medieval highlights, including Nuremberg Castle, the 900-year-old ramparts surrounding the city, Town Hall, Notre Dame, and the house of artist Albrecht Dürer, or join a WWII tour and see the Coliseum, Nazi Parade Ground, and Justice Palace. Alternatively, savor traditional flavors on a Franconian Specialties tasting as you sample the famous Nuremburger Bratwurst, Rot bier, and Lebkuchen. The ship moors here overnight.
Day 8
Nuremberg / Disembark
Depart the ship after breakfast, with the option to add the post-cruise Land Program.
ADD ON A PRE-CRUISE AND POST-CRUISE LAND PROGRAM
Additional 2-nights Budapest pre-cruise, 3-nights Prague post-cruise from $1360 (2019) or $1390 (2020)
Day 1
Arrive / Budapest, Hungary
Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax or begin exploring this beautiful city.
Day 2
Budapest
Your morning excursion includes sightseeing in the cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the river. You will see famed Heroes’ Square and Castle Hill, home to Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church and spectacular views of the Danube.
Day 3
Budapest / Embark
Check out of your hotel to boar your luxurious ship. During the evening, be treated to a special illuminations cruise around Budapest's famed Parliament Building.
Days 3-11
Cruise Only Program
The Cruise-Only Program begins with embarkation on Day 3 in Budapest and disembarks in Nuremberg on Day 11.
Day 10
Nuremberg / Disembark / Pilzen / Prague, Czech Republic
Depart the ship after breakfast and drive through the pastoral countryside to Pilzen, a city perhaps best known for producing Pilsner beer, a pale gold-hued Bavarian style lager. You will have free time to explore this lovely town and have lunch on your own before continuing to Prague and checking into your hotel.
Day 11
Prague
This morning, choose between a city tour and a castle hike. Both will reveal why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive cities, with a historic city center that’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will see Rudolfinum, the National Museum, Wenceslas Square, and the Hundertwasser Dancing House. Next, visit the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle and St. Vitus before walking over the romantic Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square, where you will find the capital’s famous Astronomical Clock, Tyn Church, and the statue of Jan Husek. The rest of the day is at your leisure, perhaps to enjoy yourself in one of the city’s many charming cafés.
Day 12
Prague
Join a Czech beer tasting or spend a day at your leisure, perhaps to stroll through a museum or gallery, wander along the banks of the Vltava River, relax at an outdoor café, or shop for local handicrafts.
Day 13
Prague / Depart
Bid farewell to Prague and prepare for your homeward flight.
Blue Danube Discovery Cruise
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