Please note the tour price reflected on the brochure is subject to change. Due to seasonality, and taxes prices of the tour are subject to change without due notice. Please consult with the operator directly for the recent price.
Danube Discovery Cruise
Preferred
Overview
Highlights (Bullets)
- Hofburg Palace (Vienna)
- St. Martin’s Cathedral (Bratislava)
- Matthias Coronation Church (Budapest)
- Gypsy Concert (On Board – Budapest)
- Old Town with Concert (Osijek)
- Petrovaradin Fortress (Novi Sad)
- Kalemegdan Fortress (Belgrade)
- Iron Gates Gorge
- Baba Vida Fortress (Vidin)
- Palace of Parliament (Bucharest)
- Optional Dracula’s Castle Extension
Short Description
Embark on a magnificent cruise-tour through some of Europe’s most fascinating landscapes! Your journey starts with a visit to the enchanting lakeside town of Lucerne, surrounded by the majestic Swiss Alps. Journey to the picturesque Tyrol Region of Austria for a stop in Innsbruck and proceed to delightful Salzburg where the film Sound of Music was set. The final stop on the land portion of your vacation is in vibrant Munich, Germany. You’ll then embark on a 7-night deluxe cruise of the romantic Danube River, taking in the captivating countryside vistas. The leisurely cruise includes shore excursions and visits to some of the most charming towns and cities along the river including magnificent Melk Abbey, cosmopolitan Vienna and lively Budapest. All meals aboard the cruise are included as well as free wine with dinner!
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart USA.
Your fascinating river cruise journey begins as you depart on your overnight flight to Europe.
Day 2: Arrive Vienna (Austria).
Meals: Dinner
Arrive in Vienna, the splendid capital of Austria and the center of the Hapsburg Empire. You’ll be met at the airport and embark on a brief introductory drive to the city center enroute to the pier to board your riverboat for your Danube River Cruises. The balance of the day is at leisure to relax and unpack. This evening enjoy a welcome cocktail followed by an orientation briefing and reception and then dinner. MS River Navigator (Cruise Ship A) or MS River Discovery II (Cruise Ship B)
Day 3: Vienna Sightseeing/Set Sail.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today, experience Vienna’s glorious past as you embark on an included panoramic tour taking you along the Ring Boulevard, past Emperor Franz Josef’s Hofburg Palace and the State Opera to the Cathedral of St. Stephen’s. Afternoon at leisure to explore on your own or join an optional excursion to the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace, the baroque summer residence of the Hapsburgs. Your cruise director can assist in arranging tickets for an optional concert or cultural performance. Set sail late tonight.
Day 4: Bratislava (Slovakia).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Welcome to Slovakia! Depart on your morning exploration of the lovely city center, past St. Martin’s Cathedral and the Primate’s Palace. The sightseeing will end with a walk through the Old Town – Michael’s Gate, Michael’s Tower, Main Square, Old Town Hall and Slovak National Theatre. Return to the ship for lunch. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, or participate in one of the optional tours. Dinner is back on board and an evening free to waltz the night away!
Day 5: Budapest (Hungary).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Morning at sail. In the afternoon, your motor coach tour of this lovely city will include the most popular sights: The Parliament Building, St. Stefan Cathedral, the Opera, the Square of Heroes, (the Millennium monument) and the town park with the Vajdahunyad Castle, etc. There will be stops at the Square of Heroes, the Fisherman’s Bastion and Gellert Hill. Prior to dinner enjoy a short live concert of Hungarian Gypsy music performed in the lounge. The rest of the evening is at leisure. You may consider an optional Hungarian Folklore show followed by nighttime views of the beautiful city bridges as they are illuminated.
Day 6:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Full day at leisure for independent exploration. You may want to join your Cruise Director for a wonderful walking tour of downtown Budapest or take an optional excursion to the Puszta, to meet the Hungarian Cowboys! Here you’ll be treated to a spectacular equestrian performance followed by a tasting of local snacks and brandy. This evening set sail.
Day 7: Osijek (Croatia).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast this morning head up to the sun deck to observe the beautiful vistas as you sail into the Drava River toward Osijek, Croatia’s 4th largest city. After entry formalities, depart for a tour of the Old Town, including Tvrdja (Citadel), the best-preserved and largest ensemble of baroque buildings in Croatia. Then, enjoy a refreshing drink and some snacks in the garden of the Franciscan Monastery accompanied by live music featuring popular Croatian songs. Then some free time to explore the city at your leisure before returning to the ship for dinner.
Day 8: Novi Sad (Serbia).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Welcome to Serbia! When you wake up this morning, you’ll say hello to Novi Sad, Serbia’s lively university town. You will be delighted with this pedestrian-friendly town as you are led on a walking tour through the town center and the Petrovaradin Fortress, referred to as the “Gibraltar on the Danube.” Built in the 18th century over 116 hectares, the fortress has four levels and more than 16km of underground tunnels. After the tour enjoy free time to explore the many charming streets lined with small shops and inviting outdoor cafes. This evening continue sailing towards the “White City”, Belgrade, Serbia’s vibrant capital.
Day 9: Belgrade.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Witness the “new” Belgrade today as it rebuilds and once again warmly welcomes Western visitors.Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is located on a hill at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. This ancient city, dating back to the Roman Empire, was destroyed and rebuilt several times during its tumultuous history. A tour of the city highlights includes the Kalemegdan Fortress, the imposing St. Sava Cathedral and the cobblestone bohemian quarter of Skadarlija. Afternoon at leisure to explore vibrant Belgrade on your own or join an optional visit to an authentic Serbian home. After dinner, you’ll be entertained by a local folklore ensemble featuring dancers and musicians dressed in colorful costumes.
Day 10: Sailing through the Iron Gates (Serbia).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
This morning, savor the beautiful vistas while learning about the fascinating history of the Balkans. After lunch, enjoy one of the highlights of your voyage: passage through the impressive Iron Gates Gorge and the gigantic Djerdap Lock where the Danube surges down from the Carpathian Mountains. The views along the two-mile long gorge are spectacular! Arrive Vidin, Bulgaria in the evening where you will overnight.
Day 11: Vidin (Bulgaria).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
On arrival, embark on a walking tour of this delightful Bulgarian river port highlighted by a visit to the 13th century fortress named “Baba Vida” (“Grandma Vida”) the best preserved medieval fortress in the country. Then enjoy some free time for strolling and shopping or take the optional Belogradchik Rock excursion. Tonight prepare for your Captain’s Farewell Dinner!
Day 12: Disembark/Bucharest (Romania)/Dracula’s Castle Extension.
Meals: Breakfast
Dock at the Romanian port of Turnu Magurele and journey to nearby Bucharest, the capital of Romania, founded in 1459 by order of Prince Vlad Tepes, the original “Dracula”. Over the years, it has gone from times of greatness to periods of grief but especially flourished in the early 20th century when it was known as “Little Paris”. The influence of French architecture is still evident throughout, from the Arc de Triomphe to the Enescu Museum and the wide, tree-lined boulevards throughout the city. A panorama tour includes Revolution Square, the National Theater and the imposing Palace of Parliament, the second largest building in the world. Leisure time this afternoon for independent exploration or head to the scenic Carpathian Mountains for the Dracula’s Castle Extension. Please see the “Extension” tab for more detail about the Dracula’s Castle Extension itinerary. Novotel Hotel or similar for travelers not going on the extension.
Day 13 Main Tour: Bucharest/USA.
Meals: Breakfast
Board your return flight after ending your Danube River cruises. Your fascinating voyage ends as you arrive New York later today.
Day 12 Extension: Bucharest/Sinaia/Brasov.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Disembark and depart by road for Sinaia and visit the magnificent Peles Castle, a former summer residence of the Romanian Royal Family. Continue to Brasov, a medieval resort town set high in the scenic Carpathian Mountains. Aro Palace Hotel or similar.
Day 13 Extension: Dracula’s Castle Excursion.
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a morning tour of Brasov including Town Square and the renowned Black Cathedral. Proceed to the nearby town of Bran where the highlight of the visit is a tour of the mystical Vlad Tepes Dracula’s Castle. Afternoon is at leisure to explore lovely Brasov independently.
Day 14 Extension: Brasov/Bucharest.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
After breakfast it’s time to check out of your hotel and board your bus for the leisurely 2 hour ride back towards Bucharest for a half day city tour prior to checking in to your hotel. Tonight enjoy a wonderful farewell dinner with live entertainment at one of the city’s renowned restaurants. Novotel Hotel or similar
Day 15 Extension: Bucharest/USA.
Meals: Breakfast
Board your return flight. Your fascinating voyage ends as you arrive New York later today.
Availability
- Deposit Price: $ 300
- Single Supplement: $ 1,649
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Details
Ship Name
MS Select Explorer
Ship Description
The MS Select Explorer is an elegant river cruise vessel, built in the Netherlands in 2001 and renovated in 2013. She combines classical elegance with a cozy atmosphere and features 77 cabins and 8 suites. The cabins are all outside facing and are divided in 5 cabin types (including Junior Suites): Category D Standard Cabins on Lower Deck are fitted with two fixed portholes. Category C Comfort Cabins located on the Middle Deck bow have two fixed windows, and Category B Superior Cabins on the Middle Deck feature large panoramic windows. Category A Deluxe Cabins on the Upper Deck have a French Balcony with sliding doors. Junior Suites, also on the Upper Deck, feature a French Balcony and include extra amenities such as a sitting area, a large TV with a DVD player and a mini bar. All cabins (except for Junior Suites) are 14 sq m (150 sq ft) and are equipped with individual air conditioning, TVs, safe deposit boxes, hairdryers and bathrooms with shower & toilet. Junior Suites are considerably larger at 21 sq m (226 sq ft). Public areas include an elegant restaurant, a large Panorama lounge with floor to ceiling windows, a cozy library and a covered Sky Lounge on the Sun deck offering superb views of the passing countryside! A vivacious crew of 36 ensure a wonderful cruise experience!
Deck & Cabin Plans
Optional Activities
Danube River Cruise: Vienna to Bucharest provides Extension yours see the details below.
Dracula's Castle Extension: from approx. $549 per person
Day 1: Bucharest/Sinaia/Brasov
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Disembark and depart by road for Sinaia and visit the magnificent Peles Castle, a former summer residence of the Romanian Royal Family. Continue to Brasov, a medieval resort town set high in the scenic Carpathian Mountains. Aro Palace Hotel or similar.
Day 2: Dracula's Castle Excursion
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a morning tour of Brasov including Town Square and the renowned Black Cathedral. Proceed to the nearby town of Bran where the highlight of the visit is a tour of the mystical Vlad Tepes Dracula’s Castle. Afternoon is at leisure to explore lovely Brasov independently.
Day 3: Brasov/Bucharest
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
After breakfast it’s time to check out of your hotel and board your bus for the leisurely 2 hour ride back towards Bucharest for a half day city tour prior to checking in to your hotel. Tonight enjoy a wonderful farewell dinner with live entertainment at one of the city’s renowned restaurants. Novotel Hotel or similar.
Day 4: Bucharest/Usa
Meals: Breakfast
Board your return flight. Your fascinating voyage ends as you arrive New York later today.
Flight & Transport Inclusions
Roundtrip air to/from trip start & all internal transport
Group Size
Standard Group - 25 + people
Accommodations
- Nights 2-3: Prague: Majestic Plaza
- Night 11: Munich: NH Munchen Deutscher Kaiser (Munich Center)
Cancellation policy
Cancellation charges per person are:
Up to 90 days before departure: $300
89-60 days before departure: $1000
59-45 days before departure: $1500
44-30 days before departure: $2000
29 days or fewer before departure: No refund.
All cancellations must be received in writing.
Trip ID#:
DanDisSma
What's excluded
- Passport and visa fees
- Excess baggage charges, baggage
- Personal insurance
- Gratuities
- Optional tours, beverages, other items and expenses of personal nature
Meals Included
10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches and 10 Dinners
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