Region: Europe Type: Cruises Length: 8 Days
Tap Rating: TAP Economy
This classic European itinerary showcases iconic capital cities, rolling vineyards, and centuries-old castles as you glide along the Danube River through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. Travelers can experience an exclusive, shore-side Oktoberfest celebration in Vilshofen, view the spectacular Gothic architecture of Passau, and tour the majestic, 900-year-old Melk Abbey in Austria’s scenic Wachau Valley. The route also serves as a gateway to cultural landmarks with full-day excursions to Salzburg, Austria and the medieval town of Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, before culminating in the imperial cities of Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest. Combining guided walking, hiking, and biking tours with luxurious onboard amenities, this cruise offers a comprehensive and immersive journey through the heart of Central Europe.
STT
Board your cruise ship in Vilshofen to begin your Romantic Danube cruise
Enjoy an Exclusive Oktoberfest Celebration This afternoon, you’ll take part in an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration with traditional beer and Bavarian folk music and dancing.
( Dinner )
Spend a Day Exploring the Small German Town of Passau Cruise to Passau, known as the “City of Three Rivers” where you’ll have the option to join a guided walking tour in the city; hike into the hills for a visit to the “Veste Oberhaus,” Passau’s Castle Hill; or take part in a River Inn bike tour.
( BreakfastLunchDinner )
Spend a Day in Linz, Salzburg, or Český Krumlov Arrive in Linz where you’ll have the option to choose from several activities. Choose to spend a full-day in nearby Salzburg, Austria on a tour that will take you through the city’s historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. Or, opt for a full-day excursion to the charming Czech mountain town of Český Krumlov, where you’ll stroll its cobblestoned streets and admire views of Baroque and Renaissance buildings, followed by a tour of Krumlov Castle. After these full-day tours, a brief walking tour in Linz is also available. For those who choose not to join a full day excursion, spend your morning on a walking tour through Linz’s old city center and past the Mozart House OR a guided bike ride along the “Cultural Mile” and the Danube. In the afternoon, join a guided whiskey distillery tour.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise Full Day Salzburg Excursion•Full Day Cesky Krumlov Excursion with Linz Tour•“UNESCO City of Media Arts” Walking Tour•“Cultural Mile” Bike Tour•Distillery Tour
( BreakfastLunchDinner )
Morning Take in Panoramic Views of Strudengau and Wachau Valley Sail through the scenic Strudengau and UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley, known for its vineyard-lined hillsides and historic villages, ending in Weissenkirchen. Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise
Scenic Cruising Through Strudengau and UNESCO Wachau Valley•Durnstein Walking Tour and Melk Abbey Visit•Durnstein Apricots, Sweets and Wine Tasting•Durnstein Fortress Hike•Wachau Valley Bike Tour
Afternoon Arrive in Weissenkirchen for Tour, Hike, or Bike Ride After arriving in Weissenkirchen, choose to spend your afternoon on a walking tour of Dürnstein followed by a visit to the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey; a hike to the ruins of Dürnstein Fortress; a guided bike tour through the Wachau Valley; or a culinary-focused visit a local boutique for apricot treats and regional wine. Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise Scenic Cruising Through Strudengau and UNESCO Wachau Valley•Durnstein Walking Tour and Melk Abbey Visit•Durnstein Apricots, Sweets and Wine Tasting•Durnstein Fortress Hike•Wachau Valley Bike Tour
( BreakfastLunchDinner )
Morning Walk or Bike The “City of Waltzes” Spend your morning on a walking tour of Vienna’s most notable sites, including the Opera House, the former Imperial Palace, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, ending in the historic city center. Alternatively, join a guided bike tour of the city’s attractions.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise “Imperial Vienna” Tour•Vienna Bike Tour•Free time
Afternoon Enjoy Free Time in Vienna Spend the afternoon at your leisure, either continuing to explore the city or back at the ship relaxing on board.
( BreakfastLunchDinner )
Choose Your Own Adventure in Slovakia’s Capital After arriving in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, you’ll have three activities to choose from. History buffs will enjoy learning about the country’s history during the “Coronation City of Kings” walking tour, while foodies can eat their way through the city on a “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For a more active adventure, hike to Bratislava Castle where you can enjoy sweeping views of the city.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise “coronation City” Walking Tour•Tastes of Slovakia•Bratislava Castle Hike
( BreakfastLunchDinner )
Morning Explore Budapest’s Castle District or Hike Up Castle Hill Explore both sides of Budapest. Begin on the Buda side with a guided tour of the Castle District, including Fisherman’s Bastion, a panoramic viewpoint, and Matthias Church. Or, for a more active option, you can join a guided hike to Castle Hill. Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise Buda city tour•Castle Hill hike•Pest city tour
Afternoon In the afternoon, see the Pest side of the city Your guided tour will take you past the Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square, and the “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial. Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise Buda city tour•Castle Hill hike•Pest city tour
( BreakfastLunchDinner )
After a leisurely breakfast on board, you’ll disembark in Budapest and prepare for your flight home. Or, if you’ve opted to extend your trip with a stay in Budapest, our team will assist you with transfers to your hotel.
( Breakfast )
Price Per Person (U.S. Dollars):
Departure Date:
Tour Status
Single
Double
Triple
Quadruple
Oct 24, 2026
Available
Scheduled
$10% Single Supplement - Inquire For Pricing
$4348.00
Arrival Instructions
Arrive to Munich, Germany by 12:00 pm via Munich International Airport (MUC)
Departure Instructions
Depart from Budapest, Hungary after 8:00 am via Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)
Payment Policy
Deposit: $400.00 per person due at time of booking - final payment due 90 days prior to departure
Cancellation Policy
There will be a 50% penalty if cancelled before 121 days prior to sailing. 120-90 days prior $400 penalty. 89-60 days prior 35% of the cruise and land price. 59-31 days prior, 50% of the cruise and land price. Fully non-refundable after 31 days prior.
Tour Includes:
USD 1000 Per Cabin Limited Time Discount - USD 500 per person
Complimentary Shore Excursions - Multiple Options at Each Port
All Meals Included - All Beverages Included with Meals
Tour Highlights:
Exclusive Oktoberfest Celebration: A private Bavarian festival in Vilshofen with local beer and folk music
Wachau Valley: Daytime sailing past historic castles and rolling vineyards in a UNESCO-designated region
Salzburg Day Trip: An included optional full-day excursion to the birthplace of Mozart
Český Krumlov: An included optional excursion into the Czech Republic to explore a perfectly preserved medieval town
Melk Abbey: A guided tour of the spectacular 900-year-old Benedictine monastery overlooking the river
Bratislava Castle: Hike to the castle where you can enjoy sweeping views of the city
Imperial Capitals: Guided tours in Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest
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