Amadeus Waterways Blue Danube DiscoveryOverview
12 Nights - Prague to Budapest Spend 2 nights in Budapest, enjoy an unforgettable 7-night Cruise then relax for 3 nights in Prague
14 Days - Fly to Budapest & return from Prague. See the very best of Europe's highlights and experience centuries of art, history and culture. From Budapest, the "Pearl of the Danube" and a famous haven for musicians, writers and artists, cruise through the stunning cultural cities of Bratislava, Vienna, Passau and Regensburg. Along the way, visit magnificent cathedrals and baroque abbeys. Explore the charmeing Wachau Valley and traverse, by cruise ship, Europe's Continental Divide - made possible through the engineering masterpiece of the Main-Danube Canal. Treat yourself to fine cuisine and the great wines of the region. Visit the reknowned Sound of Music places and celebrate the heritage of the world's greatest composers. Brief Itinerary
Your Travel Value Includes
Detailed ItineraryDay 1, Thu. DEPART USABoard your overnight flight to Budapest. Day 2, Fri. ARRIVE IN BUDAPEST, HUNGARY Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to relax or begin exploring this beautiful city. Day 3, Sat. BUDAPEST, HUNGARY Morning sightseeing includes historic Buda Castle, where you have a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the river. Your tour also features 500-year old Matthias Church, St. Stephen’s Basilica, distinctive Fisherman’s Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace and much more. The balance of the day is at leisure. Perhaps explore the main square, ancient Buda, or stroll through the Statue Park. Day 4, Sun. BUDAPEST / EMBARK SHIP Enjoy a free morning in Budapest or join us on an optional Puszta excursion. This afternoon transfer to your luxurious river cruise ship docked in the center of the city. Tonight gather on board for a Gala Welcome Dinner, as your ship cruises overnight to Vienna. Day 5, Mon. VIENNA, AUSTRIA Relax on board today as you cruise to Vienna, arriving late this afternoon in the "City of Music." Tonight explore the vibrant Austrian capital on your own, or come along for an optional Mozart and Strauss concert. Day 6, Tue. VIENNA, AUSTRIA A wonderful day to savor the baroque elegance of romantic Vienna. A guided sightseeing tour includes the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse and awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral. Free afternoon to stroll along Kärtnerstrasse or sample Vienna's famous pastries. Tonight explore on your own or join an optional tour to the Imperial Schöbrunn Palace. Day 7, Wed. DÜRNSTEIN / MELK Early this morning reach the Wachau Valley. Stop in Dürnstein and marvel at the magnificent blue façade of the baroque Stiftskirche. Above town you'll spot the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. Your walking tour through medieval cobblestone streets reveals 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. At lunchtime, continue on a short cruise to Melk. A guided tour takes you to the town's magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY, one of Europe's largest baroque monasteries. An evening wine tasting highlights your visit to the Wachau Valley. Day 8, Thu. LINZ / PASSAU, GERMANY After breakfast, take an optional full-day excursion to fascinating Salzburg and the Sound of Music sights, or cruise through Upper Austria to Passau in Germany. In Passau the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. During your walking tour, gaze at this fairy-tale city founded more than 2,000 years ago. Day 9, Fri. REGENSBURG Afternoon arrival in Regensburg, one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. A guided tour will show you the city's architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall, and the Porta Pretoria - gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube. Tonight, folklore entertainers will come on board for your delight. Day 10, Sat. NUREMBERG This morning enter the Main-Danube Canal and cruise through the beautiful Altmuhl Valley. The Main-Danube Canal straddles the Franconian Alps via 16 locks, truly a fascinating feat of modern engineering. After lunch, a short drive brings you to Nuremberg, the capital of Franconia. Enjoy a guided tour of this historic city with its fabulous Gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. See the 900-year old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. Moor overnight in Nuremberg. Day 11, Sun. NUREMBERG -PILZEN, CZECH REPUBLIC - PRAGUE Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Prague. Your first stop is Pilzen, world famous for beer. Here there is free time for lunch before continuing onto Prague and the hotel. Day 12, Mon. PRAGUE This morning, sightseeing reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive cities. See thousand-year-old Hradcany Castle, the Old Town, the Jewish ghetto and many other sights. The afternoon and evening are free to mix with the locals at Wenceslaus Square, shop for souvenirs or enjoy one of the charming cafés or restaurants. Day 13, Tue. PRAGUE Today is a free day, relax and stroll through a museum or gallery, wander along the banks of the Vlatava River, relax at an outdoor restaurant or shop for local handicrafts and art work. Another consideration is to travel further afield and take the optional tour or two. This morning why not join the optional tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII labor camp, now a memorial to those who perished. In the afternoon you can venture to Konopiste, Palace and former home of the Emperors. Day 14, Wed. DEPART PRAGUE Bid farewell to Prague and transfer to the airport for your return flight home. Extra nights are available if you wish to extend your stay in Europe. Cost of This Itinerary12 Night CruiseLowest Priced Stateroom is Highest Priced Suite is |
