Compare Danube Automotive Heritage: Budapest to Frankfurt 2021 by Tauck vs Imperial Cities of Europe - 6 Countries by Serbia Tour Operator

Day 1 Arrive Budapest

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest. A transfer is included from Budapest's Ferenc Liszt Airport or Keleti train station to Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest. Budapest has acquired quite an excellent reputation for cuisine; tonight’s special welcome cocktail reception and dinner is at the grand Akadémia Club in the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. Meet your fellow travelers and Tauck Directors and learn more about what's in store on your exploration of the Danube River, its cultural landscapes and the region's rich automotive legacies.

MEALS : D

LODGING : Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest

PORTOFCALL : Budapest, Hungary

Day 2 Stories of Pest or a visit to the Hungaroring

Budapest is split into "Buda" and "Pest" by the Danube River. This morning, you can choose to explore the Pest side of the city, starting with a special tour of the opulent State Opera House, opened in 1884, followed by visits to City Park and Heroes’ Square, and a themed walking tour that focuses on the Hungarian Revolution and includes the Parliament building, the US Embassy and St. Stephen’s Basilica. Or you can join us for an excursion to the Hungaroring motorsports complex in Mogyoród outside Budapest, the first Formula One racetrack built behind the then-"Iron Curtain" (in 1986), and home to the Formula One Hungarian Grand Prix; your tour includes the track's Race Control Center, the pits and more. The afternoon and evening are free for you to pursue what interests you most in Budapest; enjoy lunch and dinner as you please in town. 

MEALS : B

LODGING : Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest

PORTOFCALL : Budapest, Hungary

Day 3 Explore Buda and embark your riverboat

Head up to Castle Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking the Danube on the Buda side of the city, for sightseeing and lunch at a local café. See Fisherman’s Bastion, with its Neo-Romanesque design, and admire the stained glass windows and centuries of history in the 14th-century, late-Gothic Matthias Church (may be closed on some days due to services). Board your riverboat this afternoon in Budapest, and meet your crew at the welcome reception followed by dinner this evening, as you begin to cruise the Danube River, bound for Bratislava, Slovakia.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Joy

PORTOFCALL : Budapest, Hungary

Day 4 Baroque Bratislava or Volkswagen factory tour

After the riverboat's arrival in Bratislava this morning, an onboard presentation by our resident expert takes you inside contemporary Slovakia and its capital, Bratislava, for a look at the region's politics, economy, religion, social order, preservation and emergence of the arts. After lunch aboard the riverboat, you'll have a choice of exploring Bratislava's cobblestoned, vehicle-free historic city center on a walking tour – viewing its 13th-century Old Town Hall, Baroque Habsburg-era palaces, the Opera House, Slovak Philharmonic Hall and Hviezdoslav Square, and visiting the Primates Palace (subject to availability), followed by some free time. Or set off on an afternoon excursion to the Volkswagen Bratislava Plant – which builds various Audi, Porsche and Volkswagen vehicles – for a factory tour revealing some of the latest technology in modern automotive production. Back aboard the riverboat, dinner tonight introduces you to a glimpse of daily life in Slovakia with a taste of regional cuisine and a performance by a talented troupe of Slovak dancers.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Joy

PORTOFCALL : Bratislava, Slovakia

Day 5 Exploring Vienna & an Imperial Evening

Your riverboat arrives this morning in Vienna, where an onboard lecture on Austria by a local expert followed by an introductory tour of this former capital of the old Habsburg Empire – and its grand boulevard, the Ringstrasse – precedes your choice of a walking tour of medieval Old Town Vienna or a visit to the Vienna Technical Museum (Technisches Museum Wien), a century-old institution exploring how science and technology shape our daily lives. After lunch aboard ship, the rest of the day is yours to explore this famous city as you please. Later, nothing compares to the royal treatment and pageantry you’ll experience tonight at our private Imperial Evening in the opulent Palais Pallavicini, a private Baroque palace in Vienna that film buffs may have spotted in the 1940s film noir classic The Third Man. Welcome cocktails and dinner precede an unforgettable spectacle of beautiful ball gowns and a musical performance celebrating the legacy of Mozart.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Joy

PORTOFCALL : Vienna, Austria

Day 6 Dürnstein, Wachau Valley cycling or a car museum

Wake up in Dürnstein for a choice of activities today. One involves taking a closer look at Dürnstein's 16th-century Baroque houses and 13th-century Romanesque church on a walking tour along its cobblestone streets, followed by a tour of its Baroque monastery and a wine tasting at a local venue. Another choice is a guided bicycle ride along the river, past Wachau Valley vineyards. Or set off on a morning-long excursion to Heldenberg for a visit to Koller’s Oldtimer Museum – home to the largest collection of vintage cars, motorcycles and other vehicles in Austria – where you can trace 130 years of automotive development from the “horseless carriage” to the modern sports car. Back in Dürnstein this afternoon, enjoy some free time in this charming riverside town, perhaps taking an invigorating climb up the steps to the ruins of Kuenringerburg, a hilltop castle above the town where Richard the Lionhearted was held for ransom during the Crusades. Return to the riverboat and continue cruising the Danube River through the Wachau Valley, Austria's lush wine-growing region that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved medieval landscapes, to Linz; after the Chef's Signature dinner onboard, enjoy a show put on by members of the riverboat crew.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Joy

PORTOFCALL : Dürnstein, Austria

Day 7 Linz or the Ferdinand Porsche Experience

With your riverboat docked in Linz today, you can choose to stay in town this morning and explore this Austrian city on the Danube on a walking tour, or set off on a full-day excursion to the Ferdinand Porsche Experience (fahr(T)raum) in Mattsee in the heart of Salzburg's Lake District. Your visit to this interactive museum and memorial to pioneer automobile designer Ferdinand Porsche, founded by his grandson, includes a guided tour and a ride on a vintage car. Back aboard ship, enjoy dinner and a musical performance by a classical group this evening as the riverboat makes its way to Passau, Germany.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Joy

PORTOFCALL : Linz, Austria

Day 8 Passau or a driving experience

Once a Roman outpost at the confluence of the Inn, Ill and Danube rivers, Passau is over 2,500 years old – a Bavarian town of pastel patrician houses, cafés, romantic cobblestone lanes and riverfront promenades. Upon your riverboat's arrival in Passau this morning, you'll have a choice of exploring this riverside town's storybook mix of Roman, Italian Baroque and German Gothic architecture on a guided walking tour; embarking on a bicycle excursion through town, accompanied by a local guide; or enjoying an opportunity for a personal driving experience (at an additional cost). The riverboat continues cruising this afternoon and evening, charting a course for Regensburg via Vilshofen.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Joy

PORTOFCALL : Passau, Germany

Day 9 Historic Regensburg or a BMW factory visit

With roots dating back nearly 2,000 years to Roman times, the well-preserved medieval city of Regensburg boasts more than 1,400 historic structures. After your riverboat docks here this morning, you can choose to explore this riverside city on a walking tour that includes the Dom (cathedral), the market, the town hall, and 12th-century Steinerne Brücke (a medieval stone bridge over the Danube). Or set off on an excursion to a nearby working BMW plant to experience the state-of-the-art operations of one of Germany's pioneering automotive manufacturers – Bayerische Motoren Werke (or Bavarian Motor Works), founded in Munich in 1916 – firsthand. Return to the riverboat for your final night of cruising, a farewell toast and dinner.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Joy

PORTOFCALL : Regensburg, Germany

Day 10 Disembark in Regensburg & on to Frankfurt

Disembark your riverboat after breakfast in Regensburg and travel to Frankfurt for a two-night stay. Upon arrival, join us for an introductory tour of this renowned German industrial and financial center, then check into your hotel in the heart of the city for an evening spent as you wish and dinner as you please.

MEALS : B

LODGING : Sofitel Frankfurt Opera

PORTOFCALL : Frankfurt, Germany

Day 11 Vibrant Frankfurt

Your choices of sightseeing in Frankfurt this morning include a walking tour of city highlights followed by free time to explore on your own; or a tour highlighting Frankfurt's automotive legacy, including its role as the European headquarters of many international car companies. Following a free afternoon to pursue what interests you most in Frankfurt, join us this evening for a farewell cocktail reception followed by dinner.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Sofitel Frankfurt Opera

PORTOFCALL : Frankfurt, Germany

Day 12 Journey home

Tour ends: Frankfurt, Germany. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Sofitel Frankfurt Opera Hotel to Frankfurt International Airport or Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof train stations. Please allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in at the airport.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Frankfurt, Germany

Please note:

If you are arriving in Budapest a few days prior to the tour departure, you can book additional nights with us, at the same hotel, for a surcharge of $65 (Standard package) or $105 (Premium package). Prices are per person, per night, in a double room.

Day 1: Arrival to Budapest

Upon arrival in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, you will be welcomed by your driver and escorted to your hotel. On the short coach ride from the Ferenc Liszt International airport, sit back, relax and enjoy the sights of Budapest, the city of bridges and thermal baths. Known by its youthful atmosphere and beautiful architecture, Budapest is with good reason nicknamed “Paris of the East”. Check-in at your hotel.

Use your free time to rest and prepare for the trip. At 7pm in the hotel reception, you will be greeted by your guide who will introduce himself and provide you with detailed information about the entire trip. Overnight.

Day 2 / Leisure day: Budapest Sightseeing

After breakfast, you will set off on a tour (walking and driving) around Budapest. With a unique, youthful atmosphere, a world-class classical music scene as well as a pulsating night life and, last but not least, an exceptionally rich offering of natural thermal baths, Budapest is one of Europe’s most delightful and enjoyable cities. Due to its scenic setting and its architecture, it is nicknamed the ‘Paris of the East’. Thanks to their cultural and architectural significance, the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Budapest sightseeing tour will show you all the major landmarks of the city: Chain Bridge, Margaret Bridge, the Castle District with Matiass Church, the Fishermen’s Bastion with the beautiful panoramic views, Gellért Hill (Citadel) with the most spectacular view of Budapest, Elisabeth Bridge, the Central Market Hall, the largest synagogue in Europe, the City Park, Heroes’ Square with statues of the most famous Hungarian kings and dukes, the Opera House, Saint Stephen’s Basilica, the Hungarian Parliament Building and many others.

Optional excursion in Budapest :

Danube Cruise: Experience the beautiful sights of Budapest from a different perspective, during a 1.5 hour cruise along the Danube River. On board you can enjoy a welcome drink and one glass of wine, with the option of a traditional Hungarian buffet dinner.

Day 3: Budapest – Vienna

Breakfast. Drive to Vienna with expected arrival around noon.

Visiting Vienna is an architectural dream! You cannot help but be impressed by the sheer scale and beauty of some of Vienna’s most iconic landmarks. The sightseeing tour starts with buildings and attractions within Ringstrasse, which are excellent examples of 16th and 17th century architecture. After passing the old university, your attention will be caught by Vienna City Hall, a building in the neo-Gothic style. The Parliament building, Burgtheater, Naturhistorisches Museum, Kunsthistorisches Museum and Hofburg Imperial Palace all give you the impression that you are travelling through history. Walking along the main pedestrian street, you will see the newer and renovated part of Vienna, before you reach Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, the most important Gothic structure in Austria. Continuing along the street from Stephenplatz, right after Hotel Sacher and the famous Albertina museum, you will stumble upon the impressive Vienna State Opera, considered one of the most important Opera houses in the world and the home of the famous Vienna Opera Ball.

In the afternoon and evening, use your free time to explore the city further, or visit some of its great museums, or try the famous Wiener Schnitzel and other local specialties in one of the many traditional restaurants.

Day 4: Schönbrunn Palace – Bratislava – Prague

Breakfast. For visiting royal city of Vienna one day is not enough! Start your second day in Vienna with a visit to the astonishing Schönbrunn Palace, one of the most important architectural and historical landmarks in all of Austria, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The history of the palace and its gardens spans over 300 years and reflects the changing tastes and aspirations of Austria’s monarchy. While you are visiting the former imperial summer residence, you can feel how the imperial family once lived. At the end of the tour, you will have time to take a stroll through the palace labyrinth gardens or to enjoy a cup of original Viennese coffee and a piece of delicious apple strudel.

In the afternoon, Bratislava is waiting for you. Start the tour with a visit to the most important and historical sights of the city, such as the Presidential Palace, Eurovea – the modern city centre, the National Theatre, the Art Nouveau church and others. The tour will stop at Bratislava Castle for you to take pictures, as well as at the Slavín memorial monument, which not only highlights the tragedy of war but also offers fantastic views.

Drive to Prague. Check-in at the hotel.

Day 5 / Leisure day: Prague Sightseeing

Breakfast. Prague – a European city of culture, the Golden City, the City of a Hundred Towers – is a magical city of bridges, cathedrals, gold towers and church domes, situated on the river Vltava. It has the best preserved medieval town centre in Europe and all the attributes of one of the most modern European cities. Start your sightseeing at Prague Castle (Pražský hrad), the most popular attraction and officially the largest ancient castle in the world. Within its walls lies a varied and fascinating collection of historic buildings, museums and galleries. Listen to interesting stories and walk around Saint Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, the Basilica of Saint George and other historical gems inside the walls. Before heading down to the old city, you will stop at two viewpoints with amazing views over Prague. Below the castle, cross the amazing Charles Bridge and feel like you are in a medieval storybook. Wander through the small, charming streets of the old town until you arrive at Old Town Square, the location of the Town Hall and Astronomical Clock, one of the oldest clocks in the world and a symbol of Prague.

Optional excursion in Prague:

Vltava Cruise with dinner: Sip a glass of Moravian plum brandy, sit back, relax and enjoy the views of Prague’s illuminated attractions. On the leisurely 3 hour cruise, feel the magic of Prague by night and taste different Czech specialties from the delicious buffet.

Day 6: Prague – Regensburg – Munich

Breakfast. Drive to Regensburg, one of the top 10 sights and travel attractions in Germany. The medieval centre of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testimony of the city’s status as the cultural centre of southern Germany in the middle Ages. The old stone bridge over the Danube, the cathedral and Krauterermarkt square with the Collegiate Church of Saint John, the Cathedral Treasury Museum, Heuport house and the historic Adler Pharmacy are Regensburg’s most significant architectural landmarks.

The evening is reserved for Munich, famous for its beautiful architecture, fine culture and the annual Oktoberfest beer celebration. Germany’s unofficial southern capital, proud of its pretzels, BMW and football club Bayern Munich, is considered the most liveable city in Germany. Walking around the centre of the city, you will see some world-class sights and typical Munich architecture with alpine influence. Sights on your tour include the Pinakotheken art museums, the world famous Hofbrauhaus, the National Theatre with the Royal Palace, Marienplatz and the Viktualien market with its colourful outdoor stalls and many others. Hotel check-in and overnight.

Day 7: Munich – Salzburg – Hallstatt – Villach

Breakfast. Continue your journey with a visit to Salzburg, a cultural hub of Austria, famous as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Its picturesque old town with its world famous baroque architecture is one of the best preserved city centres in the German-speaking world and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a relaxing walk with your guide, listen to unheard stories and see the Mirabell Gardens, Mozarteum – a music academy, the Marionette and Regional Theatres, Markart Square, Blasius Church, Mozart’s Square… and many more! Make the most of your time in the city by taking a walk along the Salzach River or climbing up to the Hohensalzburg fortress, and don’t forget to try the popular Mozartkugeln, chocolate-covered marzipan balls inspired by the famous composer, Salzburg’s most famous son, Mozart.

The next stop in Austria will be the breathtaking village of Hallstatt. With pastel-coloured houses that cast shimmering reflections onto the glassy waters of the lake and with towering mountains on all sides, Hallstatt’s beauty alone would be enough to guarantee it fame. Boats chug tranquilly across the lake from the train station to the village, situated precariously on a narrow stretch of land between mountain and shore. Until the 19th century, the beautiful Austrian village of Hallstatt was accessible only by boat or mountain trail. Today, this beautiful village is easily accessible and willing to show its main attractions: the Kalvarienberg Church, Market Square, numerous archaeological artefacts, Hallstatt Museum, The Charnel House in Michael’s Chapel with 1200 skulls, among others.

The small Austrian tour will be finished with an evening visit to Villach, the second largest Austrian city, well known for its legendary carnival. Surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, close to one of the crossroads of central Europe, the city attracts many visitors. In this so-called walker’s paradise, you will see Villach Main Square with Trinity Column, Holy Cross Church, the Parish Church of Saint Jacob and many others. Hotel check-in and overnight.

Day 8: Villach – Bled – Ljubljana

Breakfast. Start the Slovenian daily tour with a visit to Bled. This alpine lake with its beautiful island (the most photographed sight in Slovenia) has been a world renowned paradise for centuries, impressing visitors with its natural beauty, wealth of legend and reported special powers believed to help restore wellbeing. You will get to try the famous Bled cream cake and rest your soul looking at the picture-postcard in front of you – emerald green mountain lake that is decorated with island and a church in the center of it, and the medieval castle on a top of the rocky cliff, which reflects in the lake in order to complete this lifelong memory.

Proceed to Ljubljana, the magical capital of Slovenia that boasts of real charm and a great cultural scene. You will be led along the riverfront to the city’s beautiful cultural landmarks, including the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, the baroque Town Hall, the medieval town square “Mestni Trg” and Robba’s Fountain, as well as the picturesque central open-air market and the Triple Bridge. After the tour, you will have free time to take a lunch on the banks of the romantic Ljubljanica River.

Check-in at the hotel.

Day 9: Departure

Breakfast and hotel check-out. As most of our clients decide to extend their trip within their own organisation, transfer to the airport at the end of the tour is not included in the overall price. Any guests who would like Serbia Tour Operator to organise a departure transfer on their behalf are welcome to contact us. End of services.

Please note:

If you are departing from Ljubljana a few days after the tour end, you can book additional nights with us, at the same hotel, for a surcharge of $65 (Standard package) or $100 (Premium package). Prices are per person, per night, in a double room.