Blue Danube River Cruise

Day 1 : Depart USA

Journey to Prague overnight.

Day 2 : Arrive in Europe

We arrive in the Czech Republic for two nights in Prague.

This evening get acquainted with your fellow traveling companions at a Holiday Vacations Welcome Dinner.

Day 3 : Prague

Learn why Prague is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities on a walking tour with a local guide. Guests have their choice of a walking tour of Prague Castle followed by a guided walking tour of the Old Town or a guided tour of the Old Town only. Prague Castle is a breathtaking masterpiece of Baroque architecture that has been home to Bohemian kings, Roman emperors, and Czech presidents. It looks down on the medieval Old Town which runs along the banks of the Vltava River. The afternoon is free to explore Prague at leisure.

Day 4 : Cesky Krumlov

Today we 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 a luxurious Amadeus Cruises ship 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 the abbey church and taste their famous dark beer brewed in the world’s oldest monastery brewery.

Day 6 : Passau & Linz

Today we float into Germany and the city of Passau. 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. 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. Go on an included shore excursion to the 900-year-old, Baroque-style Benedictine Abbey of Melk. Visit the modern Abbey Museum and tour the Prelature Hall, 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.

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 Hundertwasserhaus, and view the impressive Hofburg Palace.

After lunch, become enchanted with Schönbrunn Palace, the opulent 1,441 roomed summer residence of the Habsburg rulers.

Tonight we are guests at the Kursalon, one of Vienna’s most exclusive and enchanting music venues. Listen as the Alt Wien orchestra takes the stage for an evening of waltz, polka, aria, and operetta.

Day 9 : Bratislava

Enjoy a full day in Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia. Our included shore excursion includes views of Bratislava Castle that stands on the Little Carpathian mountain range, offering panoramic views of Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary. Return to the riverboat for lunch before going ashore again with free time to explore Bratislava's 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 discovering 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 leave the ship for a city tour of Budapest. See the Parliament Building, a neo-gothic structure along the banks of the Danube and one of the world’s greatest legislative buildings. Then view 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 that symbolize the leaders of the country’s conquering tribes. Have 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!