Compare Danube Dreams (Westbound) by Avalon Waterways vs Germany, Czech Republic, Austria & Hungary in 11 days - Capitals of Central Europe - CHARM BY BUS by Exoticca
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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Germany, Czech Republic, Austria & Hungary in 11 days - Capitals of Central Europe - CHARM BY BUS
by
Exoticca
4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 8 days | 11 days |
| Price From | $ 3,499 | $ 1,899 |
| Price Per Day | $ 437 | $ 173 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | River cruise | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 10 breakfasts. |
| Description | Cruise along the peaceful Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany—discovering some of Central Europe’s most splendid capitals and charming towns along the way. Begin this timeless European river cruise in Budapest, where guided sightseeing acquaints you with the highlights of the vibrant capital of Hungary. Set sail on the Danube, take pictures of the impressive Parliament Building as you leave Budapest, and head for Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Here, enjoy a guided walk through the delightful Old Town and visit the Gothic-style St. Martin’s Cathedral. Vienna, Austria, the “City of Music,” makes an immediate impression with its lavish Habsburg Imperial Palace and neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House. Enjoy the magnificent views as your river cruise takes you through the picturesque wine region of the Wachau Valley, with stops for a guided walk in Dürnstein and a visit of the impressive Benedictine Abbey of Melk. In Linz, walk around the Hauptplatz— Austria’s largest medieval square, which forms the center of the city, and be sure to photograph the splendid Trinity Column. Passau, Germany, the “City of Three Rivers,” is uniquely located where the Inn, Ilz, and Danube rivers converge. See its maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautiful Patrician houses, and marvel at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. A memorable conclusion to this delightful Danube River cruise! |
Get to know the magical cities and charming culture of Central Europe! Unearth the history of bohemian Berlin, a melting pot of cultures. In Prague, stroll through the fairytale streets of this 'City of a Hundred Spires' before discovering the artistic legacy of enchanting Vienna. Finally, explore the Hungarian capital of Budapest, on the banks of the River Danube. |
Day 1: BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Hungary. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Budapest must arrive by 3:30 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
The day is yours to relax and enjoy the city with time for photographs, cafés, and confections.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST
(Dinner)
BUDAPEST-PARLIAMENT.jpg
Day 2: BUDAPEST
The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
ACTIVE Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.
This afternoon choose among a wide selection of Optional Guided Excursions or take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying some free time exploring such famous sights as the Chain Bridge. Get to know the city’s cafés and pubs, or take a hike through the hills above the Danube.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
BUDAPEST-HEROS-SQUARE.jpg
Day 3: BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle
ACTIVE Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk, including the quaint streets of Old Town, Town Hall, and the sight of royal coronations at St. Martin’s Cathedral.
This afternoon, enjoy free time to discover on your own Bratislava, the beautiful capital of Slovakia, rich in history and culture, but also a green city with its forests and parks just a hop away from the city center.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
BRATISLAVA.jpg
Day 4: VIENNA
Strauss, Schnitzel, Strudel, and Sachertorte
ACTIVE Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Explore the Habsburg empire with a morning Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—Winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral, OR:CLASSIC After a short walk of Vienna, join a Guided Visit of Austria’s largest museum, the legendary Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts).
You may decide to take a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—the former imperial summer home of the Habsburg monarchy.
Spend free time strolling in the pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse—the most famous shopping avenue in central Vienna, or take a bike ride through the city and stop in a local café to enjoy of Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel.
This evening, enjoy an unforgettable musical performance with an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
VIENNA-HOFBURG-PALACE.jpg
Day 5: DÜRNSTEIN–WACHAU VALLEY
A King’s Ransom and Castle Ruins
ACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins to take in the spectacular view of the village, Danube, and the Wachau Valley below, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Walk, and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart—who was imprisoned in the castle during the Crusades. Later, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Ybbs.
ACTIVE Alternatively join your Adventure Host for a bike along the river.
YBBS. EXCURSION TO MELK
Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below CLASSIC Visit the Lower Austrian little town of Ybbs. Walk through the doors of Austrian history with a guided sightseeing tour of Artstetten Castle, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LINZ
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 6: LINZ
Legendary, Lovely Linz
Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
CLASSIC Take a Guided Walk through the city’s historic and beautiful sites along the shore of the Danube and see Hauptplatz—Austria’s largest medieval square—and the towering white-marble Trinity Column.
ACTIVE Experience Danube's cycle path, follow your Adventure Host for a bike ride around the area of Linz.
Alternatively, consider a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart—or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
LINZ.jpg
Day 7: SCHLÖGEN OXBOW–PASSAU, GERMANY
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
This morning, cruise through the Schlögen Oxbow, a particularly beautiful horseshoe-shaped bend of the river.
ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk into Passau, the beautiful “City of Three Rivers.” Before sailing to Vilshofen, take a little free time to explore Passau’s cobblestone streets and galleries of Artists’ Alley. Maybe stop at St. Stephen’s Cathedral to catch a concert rehearsal.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VILSHOFEN
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
PASSAU.jpg
Day 8: VILSHOFEN (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights should not leave Munich airport before 8 am.
(Breakfast)
VILSHOFEN-SUNRISE.jpg
Day 1: US - Night on board
Arrive at your US departure airport ready to board a flight to Berlin, the Germany capital. Night on board.* * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
Day 2: Berlin
Touch down in Berlin, the stylish and historic German capital. Get settled at the hotel and, if time allows, get to know the city at your leisure. Overnight stay in Berlin.
Day 3: Berlin
Tuck into a hearty German breakfast at the hotel and set off on an exciting panoramic city tour of East and West Berlin, to uncover the history and sights of the capital! Take an iconic photo at the majestic Brandenburg Gate, visit the poignant Holocaust Memorial and stroll along the leafy Unter den Linden Avenue. Discover Museum Island, the Red Town Hall, the Nikolai Quarter. Trace the turbulent history of the city at Checkpoint Charlie and see the fragmented remains of the Berlin Wall, noticing the contrasts between the different sides of the city. See the Forum of Culture and the idyllic Tiergarten Park. Potsdamer Platz shows you a modern side of the city before you spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. It's time for a well-deserved German beer after a day of sightseeing! Overnight stay in Berlin.
Day 4: Berlin
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day exploring Berlin at your leisure. Why not visit the brilliant amazing cultural treasures at Museum Island or spend the day exploring the flower gardens of the Tiergarten. Overnight stay in Berlin.
Day 5: Berlin - Prague
Breakfast at the hotel. Self-transfer to the bus station to catch a shared bus to the Czech capital of Prague, a journey of around 5 hours. Arrive in Prague, known for its fairytale old town, lively nightlife and nicknamed the 'City of a Hundred Spires'. Self-transfer to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure. Alternatively, enjoy an optional excursion to Kozel Brewery, the home of the most famous Czech beer! Overnight stay in Prague
Day 6: Prague
Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on a city tour of Prague, nicknamed the 'Golden City'. See the famous Powder Tower and explore the Old Town. Reach Old Town Square home to the famous Astronomical Clock, one of the most popular sights in Prague, and the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn. Finish the tour at the iconic Charles Bridge. The remainder of the day is free at your leisure to explore the sights and sample the local cuisine at your own pace. Overnight stay in Prague.
Day 7: Prague - Vienna
After breakfast at the hotel self-transfer to the bus station to catch a shared bus to Vienna, a journey of around 4.5 hours. Travel through the beautiful landscapes of Bohemia and Moravia towards Austria and its capital, Vienna. Arrive in Vienna, an imperial city famed for its artistic legacy and for being the home town of Mozart and Beethoven. Self-transfer to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure. We recommend heading to the historic centre to enjoy the charming atmosphere. During the summer the riverbanks come alive with lively bars and restaurants, so be sure to check this out if the weather is pleasant. Overnight stay in Vienna.
Day 8: Vienna
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure, soaking up the cultural sights of Vienna at your leisure. Overnight stay in Vienna
Day 9: Vienna - Budapest
Breakfast at the hotel. Catch a shared bus this morning to travel to Budapest, the capital of Hungary, a journey of around 3 hours. After enjoying the changing landscapes of the Danube Delta arrive in Budapest and self-transfer to the hotel. The city is famously divided in two by the River Danube Buda and Pest, each with its own distinctive atmosphere. Overnight stay in Budapest
Day 10: Budapest
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on an enthralling guided tour of Budapest, beginning with Heroes Square, the largest and most impressive in the city and an emblem of Pest's Golden Era. Next, see the National Opera Theatre and the amazing Parliament building, a true icon of the city on the banks of the Danube. Continue the tour across the river, in the Castle District, where you can enjoy the sweeping views from Castle Hill and the amazing architecture of the Fisherman's Bastion. Cross Margaret Bridge to visit the Király Baths before ending the tour at the oldest and most photographed bridge in the city, the glorious Chain Bridge. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Budapest.
Day 11: Budapest
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure in Budapest. Why not take in the views from Fisherman's Bastion or stroll along the riverside promenade. Overnight stay in Budapest.
Day 12: Budapest - US
Breakfast at the hotel. It's time to bring your journey through Central Europe to an end. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip.
