Blue Danube Discovery Cruise

From Budapest to Nuremberg aboard a Premier River Vessel

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 $1460 (2022/2023)

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 3-10
Cruise Only Program

The Cruise-Only Program begins with embarkation on Day 3 in Budapest and disembarks in Nuremberg on Day 10.

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.