Cruise Europe’s Blue Danube River

If you’re ready for an unforgettable trip that’s the perfect blend of relaxation, planned activities, and unscheduled time, we’ve got a dreamy vacation for you: the Blue Danube River Cruise. Together, we witness the history and culture of the romantic blue Danube as we cruise through Central Europe surrounded by diverse landscapes.

Courtesy of Lueftner Cruises

This tour begins in Prague, capital of the Czech Republic and one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities. The day after exploring masterful Baroque architecture at attractions like Prague Castle, we’ll head to Cesky Krumlov, a historic UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to 1240 AD. Later that afternoon, we’ll board the luxurious Amadeus River Cruises vessel in Passau to begin our 7-night cruise featuring exceptional amenities onboard and several intriguing ports of call with included shore excursions.

Inclusions

• • All airfare
• • All accommodations
• • All cruise port charges
• • Expert Tour Director
• • Professional Motorcoach Driver
• • Baggage handling at hotels
• • Audio headsets for city tours
• • 27 delectable meals
• • Premier attractions at each port of call
• • 24/7 emergency line

To learn more about this fantastic itinerary AND earn a $100 Travel Show Credit, good for any trip with Holiday Vacations, watch our online travel experience.

Blue Danube River Cruise Online Travel Show

Bratislava Castle and Old Town on the Danube River in Bratislava, Slovakia, courtesy of Shutterstock

The Beautiful Blue Danube

Did you know that the Danube River is the second-longest river in all of Europe? Also, since the Danube starts in Germany’s Black Forest and flows into the Black Sea, the river is nicknamed the “Black River.” It has the reputation of being beautifully blue, as was written in 1866 by Austrian composer Johann Strauss II who, at the time, was Vienna’s “Waltz King.” His celebrated waltz, “The Blue Danube,” or An der schönen, blauen Donau in the original German, is arguably the world’s most famous waltz, so you can see why they call him the king. This whimsical, elegant piece of music is thought to capture the spirit of Vienna, Austria’s striking capital city, once Central Europe’s hub for the most prominent musicians and composers of the day. Take a listen to Strauss’ famous waltz and you’ll surely recall the melody.

Austrian composer Johann Strauss

Ports Of Call: Holiday Vacations Danube River Cruises

So, where will you be cruising along the Danube River? Though we cover but a piece of the river, there’s plenty to explore along the western parts. Join us on this phenomenal journey and enjoy these amazing ports of call:

• • Prague, capital city of the Czech Republic – Discover how Prague is one of the world’s best-preserved medieval cities on a walking tour. You may tour Prague Castle or go on a walking tour of Old Town featuring architecture of the Royal Palace, historic churches, and panoramic views. You’ll have time to explore this delightful city as you please.
• • Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic – Witness one of the most beautiful cities in the Czech Republic. The medieval village of Cesky Krumlov dates back to 1240 and is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a guided walking tour through the historic inner city including views of Krumlov Castle. Known for its Bohemian charm and fairytale architecture, this city offers amazing culture and photo opportunities.
• • Regensburg, Germany – Enjoy a walking tour of Regensburg, then take an excursion exploring the charming city by boat, leading us to the Benedictine Abbey of Weltenburg, a monastery founded ~620 AD, the oldest monastery in Bavaria. Tour the abbey church and taste the famous dark beer of Weltenburg, home to the oldest monastery brewery in the world.
• • Passau, Germany – In Passau, walk the City of Three Rivers and take in the Baroque masterpiece of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, home to the largest cathedral organ in the world.
• • Linz, Austria – Linz was once acknowledged as a European Capital of Culture. View the beautiful St. Mary’s Cathedral and make time to try a Linzer torte.
• • Melk/Emmersdorf, Austria – Melk is located in the heart of the picturesque Wachau Valley and is internationally famous for its delicious wine and fruit. We tour the Baroque-style Benedictine Abbey of Melk, visit the modern Abbey Museum, tour Prelature Hall, Marble Hall, and visit the world-famous Abbey library known for its extensive collection of historic manuscripts.
• • Vienna, capital city of Austria – We take in the grand sights of Vienna on a tour of the historic city centre. Marvel at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in gorgeous Gothic style, view the quirky Expressionist Hundertwasserhaus, see the former imperial Hofburg Palace, and become enchanted with Schönbrunn Palace. Boasting 1,441 opulent rooms and charming gardens, the palace is known as one of the most important cultural monuments in Austria. Be a guest at The Sound of Vienna concert at the Kursalon, one of Vienna’s most enchanting music venues. Listen as the Alt Wien Orchestra performs waltzes and other famous concert melodies.
• • Bratislava, capital city of Slovakia – We have a delightful city tour of Bratislava including Bratislava Castle which stands on the Little Carpathian Mountain Range, providing panoramic views of three countries at once: Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary. You’ll have time to explore at your leisure.
• • Esztergom & Szentendre, Hungary – Visit Esztergom, home to one of the largest basilicas in Europe, then discover the artist village of Szentendre.
• • Budapest, capital city of Hungary – Known as one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, view the Parliament building, the Millennium Monument in Hero’s Square, and neo-Renaissance opera house. Highlights include the towering dome of St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Royal Castle Hill District, and the seven stone towers of the Fisherman’s Bastion which symbolize the leaders of conquering tribes.

Views of Parliament from the Danube River, Budapest, Hungary, courtesy of Shutterstock

Put River Cruising On Your Bucket List!

When we think of a cruise, we usually think of boarding an enormous cruise line ship and heading out into the open ocean, but river cruises are just as popular and offer delightful, unique experiences. On these Danube River cruises, you’ll board the luxurious Amadeus Silver III river cruise ship for the journey of a lifetime. A masterpiece of ship design and engineering, the Amadeus Silver III debuted in 2016 and features a max capacity of 168 passengers, providing a more intimate and exclusive cruise experience than traditional cruise lines. We love partnering with them!

Mozart Deck Suite, courtesy of Lueftner Cruise

Life Aboard Ship

Aboard our privately chartered, luxurious Amadeus ship, enjoy sitting in the outdoor glass-shielded River Terrace as you pass riverside scenery and delight in nightly music, cooking demonstrations, an expansive Sun Deck with activities, and Lido Bar. To maximize your relaxation, stop by the upscale salon for a beauty treatment or put your muscles at ease with a deep tissue massage. You’ll get fantastic rest every night in the ship’s classy accommodations. All staterooms and suites offer breathtaking panoramic views, a seating area, flat-screen televisions, WiFi, individual climate control, in-room safe, walk-in wardrobe, and Amadeus signature beds. If you treat yourself to a suite, you’ll also enjoy a comfortable corner sofa, walkout balcony where you can sip your morning coffee, and a spacious, extravagant bathroom.

If you’re ready to join us for this captivating river cruise, book now by calling our team of expert Tour Sales Consultants at 1-888-867-2190. We look forward to traveling with you!