Blue Danube River Cruise

Day 1 : Depart USA

We journey to Prague overnight.

Day 2 : Arrive in Europe

Ruijs operates the pre and post land package (transportation, 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners, attractions, guide) for Prague, Cesky Krumlov and Budapest.

We arrive in Prague for two nights in the Czech Republic. This evening get acquainted at our Welcome Dinner.

Day 3 : Prague

Learn why Prague is one of the best-preserved medieval cities on a walking tour with a local guide. Visit the Prague Castle district, or Hradcany in Czech. Go inside Saint Vitus Cathedral, and walk the Old Royal Palace. Walk along the Golden Lane, a street of small houses built at the end of the 16th century to house castle marksmen. The afternoon is free to explore Prague at your own pace. This evening, revel in a special included dinner.

Day 4 : Cesky Krumlov

Discover one of the most beautiful cities of 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. This afternoon we board the luxurious Amadeus Queen in Passau.

Day 5 : Regensburg & Weltenburg Abbey

We arrive at Regensburg, Germany. Board an excursion boat and travel to the Benedictine Abbey of Weltenburg. The monastery, founded around 620 AD, is the oldest monastery in Bavaria. We tour abbey church and taste the famous dark beer of Weltenburg, the oldest monastery brewery in the world.

Day 6 : Passau & Linz

Today we travel into Germany and the city of Passau. We walk the City of Three Rivers, and take in the Baroque masterpiece, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, featuring the largest cathedral organ in the world. The afternoon takes us into Linz, Austria, once acknowledged as a European Capital of Culture. We invite you to step into dazzling St. Mary’s Cathedral and make time to taste a Linzer torte.

Day 7 : Wachau Valley

This morning we dock in Emmersdorf, Austria across the river from Melk. Included is a shore excursion to the 900-year-old, Baroque-style Benedictine Abbey of Melk. Visit the modern Abbey Museum and tour the Prelature Hall, the Marble Hall and the world-famous Abbey Library known for its extensive historical manuscript collection. We return to our riverboat for lunch and an afternoon of sailing through the heart of the Wachau Valley, one of the most scenic parts of the Danube River. This evening we arrive in Vienna. Tonight we are guests at the Kursalon, one of Vienna’s most enchanting music venues. Listen as the Alt Wien orchestra plays waltzes and famous concert melodies.

Day 8 : Vienna

The grand sights of Vienna await us as we tour the historic city center. Marvel at Vienna’s famous gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, see the quirky Expressionist house known as Hundertwasserhaus and the impressive Hofburg Palace. After lunch, become enchanted with Schönbrunn Palace. Tonight we are guests at the Kursalon, one of Vienna’s most enchanting music venues. Listen as the Alt Wien orchestra plays waltzes and famous concert melodies.

Day 9 : Bratislava

Enjoy a full day in Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia. Our included shore excursion includes views of Bratislava Castle, standing on the Little Carpathian mountain range with panoramic views of three countries, Slovakia, Austria and Hungary. Return to the riverboat for lunch, then go ashore in the after¬noon with free time to visit the Old Town. This evening we enjoy the Captain’s Gala Dinner.

Day 10 : Esztergom & Szentendre

See the third largest basilica in Europe in Esztergom before visiting the ruins of Visegrád overlooking a bend in the Danube River. This afternoon we discover the artists’ village of Szentendre. Enjoy the scenery as we approach Budapest. Regarded as the Queen of the Danube, the twin cities of Buda and Pest are linked by graceful bridges. After dinner on board, delight in an illumination cruise of this majestic city.

Day 11 : Budapest

After breakfast we will disembark the ship for a city tour of Budapest. We'll see the Parliament Building, a neo-gothic structure along the banks of the Danube. This is one of the world’s greatest legislative buildings. See the Millennium Monument in Hero’s Square and the 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, symbolizing the leaders of the country’s conquering tribes. Free time this afternoon to explore on your own. This evening we enjoy a Farewell Dinner with our fellow travelers.

Day 12 : Return Home

Fly home with amazing memories.