Journey along the Danube and see firsthand why this storied river has inspired generations of artists, poets and musicians. Indulge your passion for timeless architecture and art in three magnificent capitals: Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna. Let the hills come alive with the sounds of music in Salzburg. Cruise through the enchanting Strudengau Valley and let the melodies of the Danube carry you from one gem to another on a regal journey through time.
Experience the wonders of Prague on a guided city tour. Visit the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle and St. Vitus before walking over the romantic Charles Bridge to the historic old city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a more active excursion, you can hike to the grand castle. After visiting the castle grounds, descend through the beautiful Baroque Lesser Quarter and Malá Strana.
Those longing for the romance of Old World Europe will get to travel into the very heart of the continent, where empires were built, kings and queens were crowned and some of the world’s greatest music was composed and performed by the likes of Mozart and Beethoven. Grand European cities like Prague, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest forever remain timeless. Admire the beauty of Salzburg or the Czech Republic’s charming mountain town, Český Krumlov. From grand abbeys and fortresses perched high above the Danube to plentiful iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, be romanced by the Danube with all her regal and romantic splendor.
City Escape: Vienna & the Danube
At A Glance
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Embark your ship and begin your City Escapes journey in comfort and style.
Day 2 | Budapest | Buda City Tour |
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Experience Budapest from above with either a visit to the Castle District or an invigorating hike up Gellert Hill. Both options offer meaningful context and easy ways to enjoy iconic city views.
Day 3 | Bratislava | Walking Tour with Beer Tasting |
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Discover Bratislava’s character by joining a guided walk through its historic center, followed by a sampling of regional flavors with a beer tasting, or a hike up to Bratislava Castle for panoramic views.
| | “Waltz” classes with local dance instructors |
|
| | Art History Museum entrance |
|
| | Burg Liechtenstein & Underground Lake Experience |
|
Experience Vienna at your pace. In the morning, choose between the “Imperial Vienna” guided tour or an exciting bike ride through the city. Later, learn to waltz with a dance class, enjoy a visit to a local art museum, or venture to Burg Liechtenstein for a boat tour of the largest underground lake in Europe. In the evening, you’ll be treated to dinner and a concert on shore.
Day 5 | Scenic Cruising | Cruising the Wachau Valley |
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Cruise through the UNESCO designated Wachau Valley, marveling at the natural landscapes of Austria and enjoying your ship’s amenities.
Day 6 | Salzburg | Full-day Salzburg excursion & Hoensalzburg Fortress |
|
| | OR Full-day Salzburg excursion & Red Bull Hanger 7 |
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| Cesky Krumlov | OR Full-day Český Krumlov with Local Beer Tasting |
|
| Linz | OR Walking Tour and Linz Museum Pass |
|
In Linz, you can wander the galleries of the museum that matches your interests with a museum pass. Alternatively, you may choose to venture to Salzburg for full-day excursion, with the additional choice to visit either the Hohensalzburg Fortress or Red Bull Hangar-7. You also have the option to venture to the Czech Republic for a full-day tour of Český Krumlov, complete with local beer tasting.
Day 7 | Passau | Walking Tour with Tasting |
|
| | OR Pretzel bakery workshop |
|
Passau’s three rivers set the pace for your day as you wander its colorful lanes, choosing between a guided look at its storied riverfront with a local tasting or a peek inside a beloved pretzel bakery steeped in tradition.
Day 8 | Vilshofen | DISEMBARKATION |
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Day 1 | Vilshofen | EMBARKATION |
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Embark your ship and begin your City Escapes journey in comfort and style.
Day 2 | Passau | Walking Tour and Tasting |
|
| | OR Pretzel Bakery Workshop |
|
| | Cruising the Schloegerner Schlingen |
|
Passau’s three rivers set the pace for your day as you wander its colorful lanes, choosing between a guided look at its storied riverfront with a local tasting or a peek inside a beloved pretzel bakery steeped in tradition. Later today, enjoy a scenic cruise through Schloegerner Schlingen river bend en route to your next destination.
Day 3 | Salzburg | Full-day Salzburg excursion & Hohensalzburg Fortress |
|
| | OR Full-day Salzburg excursion & Red Bull Hanger 7 |
|
| Cesky Krumlov | OR Full-day Český Krumlov with Local Beer Tasting |
|
| Linz | OR Walking Tour and Linz Museum Pass |
|
In Linz, you can enjoy a guided walking tour and then wander the galleries of the museum that matches your interests with a museum pass. Alternatively, you may choose to venture to Salzburg for full-day excursion, with the additional choice to visit either the Hohensalzburg Fortress or Red Bull Hangar-7. You also have the option to venture to the Czech Republic for a full-day tour of Český Krumlov, complete with local beer tasting.
Day 4 | Scenic Cruising | Cruising the Wachau Valley |
|
| Vienna | Dinner and Concert at the House of Strauss Museum |
|
Cruise through the UNESCO designated Wachau Valley, marveling at the natural landscapes of Austria and enjoying your ship’s amenities. In the evening, you’ll be invited to dinner and a concert on shore at the House of Strauss Museum.
| | “Waltz” classes with Local Dance Instructors |
|
| | Art History Museum Entrance |
|
| | Burg Liechtenstein & Underground Lake Experience |
|
In the morning, choose between the “Imperial Vienna” guided tour or an exciting bike ride through the city. Later, learn to waltz with a dance class, enjoy a visit to a local art museum, or venture to Burg Liechtenstein for a boat tour of the largest underground lake in Europe.
Day 6 | Bratislava | Walking Tour and Local Beer Tasting |
|
| | OR Bratislava Castle hike |
|
Discover Bratislava’s character by joining a guided walk through its historic center, followed by a sampling of regional flavors with a beer tasting, or a hike up to Bratislava Castle for panoramic views.
Day 7 | Budapest | Cruising into Budapest |
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A leisurely morning of scenic cruising leads into an afternoon and evening where you can explore Budapest through a guided city tour and on your own.
Day 8 | Budapest | DISEMBARKATION |
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Day 1 | Budapest | Hotel check-in |
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Settle into Budapest and transfer to your hotel, where the city’s vibrant streets, historic landmarks, and the gentle flow of the Danube await your exploration.
Day 2 | Budapest | “Hidden Budapest” tour |
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Explore Budapest, the “Queen of the Danube,” where iconic sights like Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Hill, and the Hungarian Parliament stand alongside hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Your guide will lead you beyond the riverbanks to uncover the city’s rich history, culture, and lesser-known gems.
Day 3 | Budapest | Hotel check-out |
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Check out of your Budapest hotel and embark your ship, beginning your City Escapes journey in comfort and style.
Day 4 | Budapest | Buda City Tour |
|
Experience Budapest from above with either a visit to the Castle District or an invigorating hike up Gellert Hill. Both options offer meaningful context and easy ways to enjoy iconic city views.
Day 5 | Bratislava | Walking Tour with Beer Tasting |
|
Discover Bratislava’s character by joining a guided walk through its historic center, followed by a sampling of regional flavors with a beer tasting, or a hike up to Bratislava Castle for panoramic views.
| | “Waltz” classes with local dance instructors |
|
| | Art History Museum entrance |
|
| | Burg Liechtenstein & Underground Lake Experience |
|
Experience Vienna at your pace. In the morning, choose between the “Imperial Vienna” guided tour or an exciting bike ride through the city. Later, learn to waltz with a dance class, enjoy a visit to a local art museum, or venture to Burg Liechtenstein for a boat tour of the largest underground lake in Europe. In the evening, you’ll be treated to dinner and a concert on shore.
Day 7 | Scenic Cruising | Cruising the Wachau Valley |
|
Cruise through the UNESCO designated Wachau Valley, marveling at the natural landscapes of Austria and enjoying your ship’s amenities.
Day 8 | Salzburg | Full-day Salzburg excursion & Hoensalzburg Fortress |
|
| | OR Full-day Salzburg excursion & Red Bull Hanger 7 |
|
| Cesky Krumlov | OR Full-day Český Krumlov with Local Beer Tasting |
|
| Linz | OR Walking Tour and Linz Museum Pass |
|
In Linz, you can wander the galleries of the museum that matches your interests with a museum pass. Alternatively, you may choose to venture to Salzburg for full-day excursion, with the additional choice to visit either the Hohensalzburg Fortress or Red Bull Hangar-7. You also have the option to venture to the Czech Republic for a full-day tour of Český Krumlov, complete with local beer tasting.
Day 9 | Passau | Walking Tour with Tasting |
|
| | OR Pretzel bakery workshop |
|
Passau’s three rivers set the pace for your day as you wander its colorful lanes, choosing between a guided look at its storied riverfront with a local tasting or a peek inside a beloved pretzel bakery steeped in tradition.
Day 10 | Vilshofen | DISEMBARKATION |
|
| | Transfer to Prague with Regensburg walking tour |
|
Disembark and travel to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities, for a guided walking tour through its historic streets. After exploring Regensburg, continue onward to the vibrant city of Prague.
Day 11 | Prague | “Golden City of a Hundred Spires” tour |
|
Explore Prague’s UNESCO-listed historic center on a city tour or hike up to the grand castle. See landmarks like Rudolfinum, the Hundertwasser Dancing House, and the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral, then cross the romantic Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square and its famous Astronomical Clock.
Day 12 | Prague | Czech beer tasting |
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Indulge in the storied history of Czech beer, from visits to the first brewery in 993 to sips on iconic brews like Pilsner Urquell and Budweiser. Join a tasting to sample a variety of styles from the country’s more than 100 breweries and experience firsthand why beer is central to Czech culture and identity.
Day 13 | Prague | Return flights home |
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Bid farewell to Prague and prepare for your flight home. (B)
Day 1 | Vilshofen | EMBARKATION |
|
Embark your ship and begin your City Escapes journey in comfort and style.
Day 2 | Passau | Walking Tour and Tasting |
|
| | OR Pretzel Bakery Workshop |
|
| | Cruising the Schloegerner Schlingen |
|
Passau’s three rivers set the pace for your day as you wander its colorful lanes, choosing between a guided look at its storied riverfront with a local tasting or a peek inside a beloved pretzel bakery steeped in tradition. Later today, enjoy a scenic cruise through Schloegerner Schlingen river bend en route to your next destination.
Day 3 | Salzburg | Full-day Salzburg excursion & Hohensalzburg Fortress |
|
| | OR Full-day Salzburg excursion & Red Bull Hanger 7 |
|
| Cesky Krumlov | OR Full-day Český Krumlov with Local Beer Tasting |
|
| Linz | OR Walking Tour and Linz Museum Pass |
|
In Linz, you can enjoy a guided walking tour and then wander the galleries of the museum that matches your interests with a museum pass. Alternatively, you may choose to venture to Salzburg for full-day excursion, with the additional choice to visit either the Hohensalzburg Fortress or Red Bull Hangar-7. You also have the option to venture to the Czech Republic for a full-day tour of Český Krumlov, complete with local beer tasting.
Day 4 | Scenic Cruising | Cruising the Wachau Valley |
|
| Vienna | Dinner and Concert at the House of Strauss Museum |
|
Cruise through the UNESCO designated Wachau Valley, marveling at the natural landscapes of Austria and enjoying your ship’s amenities. In the evening, you’ll be invited to dinner and a concert on shore at the House of Strauss Museum.
| | “Waltz” classes with Local Dance Instructors |
|
| | Art History Museum Entrance |
|
| | Burg Liechtenstein & Underground Lake Experience |
|
In the morning, choose between the “Imperial Vienna” guided tour or an exciting bike ride through the city. Later, learn to waltz with a dance class, enjoy a visit to a local art museum, or venture to Burg Liechtenstein for a boat tour of the largest underground lake in Europe.
Day 6 | Bratislava | Walking Tour and Local Beer Tasting |
|
| | OR Bratislava Castle hike |
|
Discover Bratislava’s character by joining a guided walk through its historic center, followed by a sampling of regional flavors with a beer tasting, or a hike up to Bratislava Castle for panoramic views.
Day 7 | Budapest | Cruising into Budapest |
|
A leisurely morning of scenic cruising leads into an afternoon and evening where you can explore Budapest through a guided city tour and on your own.
Day 8 | Budapest | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Embark your ship and begin your City Escapes journey in comfort and style.
Day 2 | Budapest | Buda City Tour |
|
Experience Budapest from above with either a visit to the Castle District or an invigorating hike up Gellert Hill. Both options offer meaningful context and easy ways to enjoy iconic city views.
Day 3 | Bratislava | Walking Tour with Beer Tasting |
|
Discover Bratislava’s character by joining a guided walk through its historic center, followed by a sampling of regional flavors with a beer tasting, or a hike up to Bratislava Castle for panoramic views.
| | “Waltz” classes with local dance instructors |
|
| | Art History Museum entrance |
|
| | Burg Liechtenstein & Underground Lake Experience |
|
Experience Vienna at your pace. In the morning, choose between the “Imperial Vienna” guided tour or an exciting bike ride through the city. Later, learn to waltz with a dance class, enjoy a visit to a local art museum, or venture to Burg Liechtenstein for a boat tour of the largest underground lake in Europe. In the evening, you’ll be treated to dinner and a concert on shore.
Day 5 | Scenic Cruising | Cruising the Wachau Valley |
|
Cruise through the UNESCO designated Wachau Valley, marveling at the natural landscapes of Austria and enjoying your ship’s amenities.
Day 6 | Salzburg | Full-day Salzburg excursion & Hoensalzburg Fortress |
|
| | OR Full-day Salzburg excursion & Red Bull Hanger 7 |
|
| Cesky Krumlov | OR Full-day Český Krumlov with Local Beer Tasting |
|
| Linz | OR Walking Tour and Linz Museum Pass |
|
In Linz, you can wander the galleries of the museum that matches your interests with a museum pass. Alternatively, you may choose to venture to Salzburg for full-day excursion, with the additional choice to visit either the Hohensalzburg Fortress or Red Bull Hangar-7. You also have the option to venture to the Czech Republic for a full-day tour of Český Krumlov, complete with local beer tasting.
Day 7 | Passau | Walking Tour with Tasting |
|
| | OR Pretzel bakery workshop |
|
Passau’s three rivers set the pace for your day as you wander its colorful lanes, choosing between a guided look at its storied riverfront with a local tasting or a peek inside a beloved pretzel bakery steeped in tradition.
Day 8 | Vilshofen | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Day 1 | Prague | Hotel check-in |
|
Arrive in enchanting Prague and check into your hotel. From its winding cobblestone streets to its iconic spires, the city invites you to soak in its rich history, vibrant culture, and timeless charm as you prepare for the adventures ahead.
Day 2 | Prague | “Golden City of a Hundred Spires” tour |
|
Wander through the cobblestone streets of Prague, where Gothic towers, baroque domes, and medieval bridges tell centuries of stories. Choose between a guided city tour or a hike to the castle for sweeping views over this UNESCO World Heritage gem, known as one of Europe’s most captivating capitals.
Day 3 | Prague | Czech beer tasting |
|
Raise a glass to Czech craftsmanship on a beer-tasting experience celebrating one of the country’s proudest traditions. Sample world-renowned brews in the birthplace of Pilsner and discover how centuries of brewing artistry have shaped the culture and flavor of Prague.
Day 4 | Prague | Transfer to Regensburg |
|
| Regensburg | UNESCO city highlights tour |
|
Disembark and travel to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities, for a guided walking tour through its historic streets. After exploring Regensburg, continue onward to Vilshofen to board your ship.
Day 5 | Passau | Walking Tour and Tasting |
|
| | OR Pretzel Bakery Workshop |
|
| | Cruising the Schloegerner Schlingen |
|
Passau’s three rivers set the pace for your day as you wander its colorful lanes, choosing between a guided look at its storied riverfront with a local tasting or a peek inside a beloved pretzel bakery steeped in tradition. Later today, enjoy a scenic cruise through Schloegerner Schlingen river bend en route to your next destination.
Day 6 | Salzburg | Full-day Salzburg excursion & Hohensalzburg Fortress |
|
| | OR Full-day Salzburg excursion & Red Bull Hanger 7 |
|
| Cesky Krumlov | OR Full-day Český Krumlov with Local Beer Tasting |
|
| Linz | OR Walking Tour and Linz Museum Pass |
|
In Linz, you can enjoy a guided walking tour and then wander the galleries of the museum that matches your interests with a museum pass. Alternatively, you may choose to venture to Salzburg for full-day excursion, with the additional choice to visit either the Hohensalzburg Fortress or Red Bull Hangar-7. You also have the option to venture to the Czech Republic for a full-day tour of Český Krumlov, complete with local beer tasting.
Day 7 | Scenic Cruising | Cruising the Wachau Valley |
|
| Vienna | Dinner and Concert at the House of Strauss Museum |
|
Cruise through the UNESCO designated Wachau Valley, marveling at the natural landscapes of Austria and enjoying your ship’s amenities. In the evening, you’ll be invited to dinner and a concert on shore at the House of Strauss Museum.
| | “Waltz” classes with Local Dance Instructors |
|
| | Art History Museum Entrance |
|
| | Burg Liechtenstein & Underground Lake Experience |
|
In the morning, choose between the “Imperial Vienna” guided tour or an exciting bike ride through the city. Later, learn to waltz with a dance class, enjoy a visit to a local art museum, or venture to Burg Liechtenstein for a boat tour of the largest underground lake in Europe.
Day 9 | Bratislava | Walking Tour and Local Beer Tasting |
|
| | OR Bratislava Castle hike |
|
Discover Bratislava’s character by joining a guided walk through its historic center, followed by a sampling of regional flavors with a beer tasting, or a hike up to Bratislava Castle for panoramic views.
Day 10 | Budapest | Cruising into Budapest |
|
A leisurely morning of scenic cruising leads into an afternoon and evening where you can explore Budapest through a guided city tour and on your own.
Day 11 | Budapest | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Discover Budapest’s rich heritage and cultural depth as your guide leads you through lesser-known corners of the city, then check into your hotel.
Day 12 | Budapest | Hidden Budapest tour |
|
Whether you want to revisit the vibrant markets, soak in the thermal baths or simply get lost among the city’s architectural marvels, you have a full day to indulge your wanderlust independently.
Day 13 | Budapest | Return flight home |
|