• $4,795
  • $850
  • Orbridge

Bonus – No single supplement fee for solo travelers and unpack once!

Cruise along the elegant and picturesque Danube from Passau to Budapest, exploring golf and travel highlights of Central Europe’s most glorious cities. Luxurious accommodations, European history, epicurean delights, and opportunities to hit the links or choose immersive excursions to make this unique program an unforgettable escape.

To view details and reserve online click HERE.

Itinerary

September 17 – September 25, 2024

Day 1: En route from U.S.
Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Day 2: Arrive in Munich, Germany / Passau / Embarkation
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Willkommen in Deutschland! (Welcome to Germany!)

Transfer to Passau and embark the Amadeus Riva for a cruise combining the relaxation of well-appointed European river travel with the very latest technologies in sustainable practices.

This evening, join fellow travelers for a special welcome reception and dinner.
Overnight: Amadeus Riva (D)

Day 3: Regensburg
Thursday, September 19, 2024
This morning, the Amadeus Riva arrives in one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities—Regensburg. In the historic atmosphere of this unique town, see architecture from many different centuries and a bridge that was built in the 12th century. In fact, Regensburg has 1,500 listed buildings, 984 of which comprise the UNESCO World Heritage “Old Town with Stadtamhof” ensemble. The Stone Bridge, the cathedral, and the Krauterermarkt square are among Regensburg’s most significant monuments.

Arriving in Weltenburg, make a brief detour to the towering “Hall of Liberation.” This historical monument on Mount Michelsburg overlooks the Danube at Kelheim. It was built in the mid-1800s by order of King Ludwig I to commemorate the Liberation from Napoleon’s rule.

Next, board an excursion boat to explore the Weltenburg Abbey and partake in a beer tasting, if interested. Situated at the mouth of the romantic Danube Gorge, the Weltenburg Abbey was founded in the year 600 by missionary monks, and is thus the oldest monastic settlement in Bavaria.

At the 18th-century Baroque-style church, admire the stunning ceiling and altar with a statue of St. George.

Finally, sit beneath the Biergarten trees and relax with a freshly brewed, on-tap beer. Options include the award-winning Weltenburg Borock Dunkeland and the Bavarian wheat Hefe-Weissbier Hell.

Note: Guests purchasing the optional golf package will instead spend today’s shore excursion time at the Regensburg Golf Club, one of the leading golf courses of Germany. Visitors enjoy the grounds’ natural beauty, the spectacular views of the Danube Valley, and the golfing challenges created by undulating terrain and water hazards.
Overnight: Amadeus Riva (B,L,D)

Day 4: Passau / Linz
Friday, September 20, 2024
Enjoy breakfast before today’s planned shore excursions—informative walking tours of Passau and Linz.

Located at the confluence of three rivers (the Inn, Ilz, and Danube), Passau is a city of natural beauty and religious pilgrimage. Learn first-hand how its scenic landscapes and northern Italian-style buildings make it a top destination. Known as the “Venice of Bavaria,” Passau has become an economic, cultural, and communications center. Industries include a bell foundry, brewing, and the manufacturing of clothing, organs, and bicycles.

In Passau’s Old Town, baroque architecture lines winding streets that weave from one landmark to the next. Marvel at the towering façade of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and tour this structure built in 1688. It has survived various wars as well as a fire, and it houses one of the largest church organs in the world, with more than 18,000 pipes. A short distance away, be amazed at the water levels recorded from Danube floods over centuries on the wall of Town Hall and photograph the beautiful clock tower. Jesuit Church St. Michael, once an important trade connection best known for the salt it traded throughout Bavaria, stands out with its red roof.

Also discover the upper Austrian state capital Linz on a walking tour. This provincial and local government city of the Holy Roman Empire was an important trade center. Indeed, as the city where the Habsburg Emperor Friedrich III spent his last years, it was, for a short period of time, the most important city in the empire. It lost its status to Vienna and Prague after the death of the emperor in 1493.

Many things are worth seeing in Linz. In addition to the medieval town square in the historic old town and the Mozarthaus, see the Renaissance villas, the old cathedral with the Bruckner organ, or the new cathedral. (Visits depend on Mass openings/times.) Visible from afar is the pilgrimage basilica on the mountain Poestling, the landmark of the town.

From a modern perspective, Linz is home to the Lentos Art Museum and the Ars Electronica. The latter focuses on art, technology, and society by examining leading-edge innovation and how it changes the way we live and work together.

If time allows, taste a piece of the famous Linzer Torte. This cake originated in the Austrian city Linz around 1650, and is very well known for its crumbly, nutty dough covered with marmalade and topped with a lattice of dough strips.
Overnight: Amadeus Riva (B,L,D)

Day 5: Emmersdorf / Dürnstein / Vienna
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Today delight in tours of Melk Abbey in the morning, followed by Winzer Krems Vineyard and Winery.

Behold the vivid yellow of the Melk Abbey—one of the largest and loveliest European Baroque ensembles. From its grand position overlooking the Danube, this complex rewards guests with its beauty and views from the panoramic terrace and balcony. Monks live here in accordance with the rules of Saint Benedict, making this a place of spirituality as well as a tourist attraction.

Next, discover the treasures inside Melk Abbey, including Marble Hall, arguably the most opulent dining room ever designed. World-class artists and sculptors created a masterpiece of gilded frescos and a painted ceiling that rivals the Sistine Chapel. In the grandiose Abbey Church, see the domed ceiling soaring high and the extravagantly decorated walls that frame St. John the Baptist’s Altar, which depicts the baptism of Jesus by John.

Savor lunch onboard as our vessel continues to Dürnstein, a picturesque wine growers’ village located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Wachau Valley.

The Wachau Valley is the heart of the Austrian wine region. During this excursion, visit a Krems wine estate and learn more about its origin, history, culture, and unique wine.

The Krems winery unites 980 vineyards from Krems and the surrounding wine growing villages. Embark on a fascinating journey into the world of wines and peek behind the scenes at the industry. Taste different wines of the region before returning to the ship.

Note: Guests purchasing the optional golf package will instead spend today’s shore excursion time at the Lengenfeld Golf Club for an unforgettable experience amongst a landscape of vineyards, forests, and picturesque views of surrounding communities.

The ship arrives in Vienna later this evening and remains overnight.
Overnight: Amadeus Riva (B,L,D)

Day 6: Vienna
Sunday, September 22, 2024
Shore excursions today feature a sightseeing tour of Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace, and an option to attend a classical concert.

While it may take days (or weeks) to fully experience all of Vienna, this tour highlights the beautiful capital of Austria. Named more than once as “The World’s Most Liveable City” in a ranking of 140 global cities, Vienna enchants with old-world traditions, classical music, vibrant culture, and contemporary joie de vivre.

Drive along the famous Ringstrasse, passing several magnificent buildings including the stunning opera house, the parliament, the Court Theatre and Vienna’s imposing city hall. The panoramic drive is followed by a guided walk through the city center. Begin at the well-known Hofburg Imperial Palace, walk along the Kohl market, and finish at Vienna’s iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Before returning to the ship, enjoy free time to stroll along the pedestrian area.

Later, revel in a guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace, the sumptuous summer residence and gardens of Empress Maria Theresa and the Habsburg Empire. It’s one of Austria’s most important cultural assets and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the magnificent white and gold Rococo décor and crystal mirrors of the Mirrors Room, where a six-year-old Mozart gave his first concert for the Empress. Then admire the Great Gallery, a ceremonial hall that provided the ideal setting for balls and other court functions.

Tonight, cap off your time in Vienna with an optional excursion if you wish. Listen to an orchestra play popular pieces from Vienna’s classical era during the “Sound of Vienna” concert. (Additional fee applies).
Overnight: Amadeus Riva (B,L,D)

Day 7: Bratislava
Monday, September 23, 2024
Bratislava has it all—history, architecture, tradition, culture, and art. The charming Old Town, full of narrow cobblestone streets, has maintained its Gothic-Baroque style. Tour past St. Martin’s Cathedral, formerly the church where coronations of the Hungarian Empire took place. See a replica of the coronation crown on top of the cathedral tower. It weighs more than 330 pounds! Also drive by the Grassalkovich Palace, the official residence of the President of Slovakia, and continue up a hill to enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city and surrounding areas.

Afterwards, get out in the fresh air and explore Old Town on foot with a guided walking tour. From Michael’s Gate, take a leisurely stroll through the historic city center to admire the Primatial Palace and Academia Istropolitana, the oldest university of the city. Additional Old Town highlights include the Main Square, Old Town Hall, and the most photographed statue in the city (Cumil). Every corner, street, and monument has a story to tell.

Later, travel by motor coach along the Marchfelder Schlösserstraße to the Schloss Hof Palace and Estate in Austria. This magnificent complex is a large country palace with staterooms rich in history, a beautiful set of gardens, and an estate full of all sorts of surprises—from hammocks to hidden rose gardens.

Catch a glimpse into 18th century courtly life at Schloss Hof. Enjoy a moment of solace in the dome-vaulted chapel where Prince Eugene himself prayed, wander the grounds filled with statues and fountains, and visit the estate’s farm and petting zoo.

The Baroque country estate has undergone several transformations since it was originally built as a citadel in the 17th century. The palace was acquired by Empress Maria Theresa, who had the central building extended by one floor and remodeled in the style of French classicism. After her reign, the Habsburgs’ interest in the country estate waned, but today the Imperial living quarters, banqueting hall, and chapel present themselves again as they were once designed by the best artists of their time.
Overnight: Amadeus Riva (B,L.D)

Day 8: Esztergom / Budapest
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
The tour departs from Estzergom, with its vast domed basilica dedicated to Saint Mary, the largest cathedral in Hungary. Built in the early 19th century, it incorporates an ornate red marble chapel from an earlier church.

Continue to Szentendre, the home of many generations of Hungarian artists since the early 20th century. Several museums and contemporary galleries represent the rich traditions of the visual arts. One of the most visited museums of the whole country, the Margit Kovacs Museum, is located here. Foeter, the main square, is particularly worth seeing, as it is surrounded by impressive Rococo and Baroque architecture.

Continue to the imposing ruined fortress of Visegrad for a view of the “knee” of the Danube.

Rejoin the vessel after it docks in Budapest in time for lunch. Budapest, the “Queen of the Danube,” is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and has managed to retain a charm of its own with the help of renovations in recent years. The Danube flows through the heart of the city, dividing it into two parts: “Buda” and “Pest.”

This afternoon, explore the beautiful Hungarian capital on a panoramic tour. The unique Chain Bridge straddles the Danube, connecting the Buda side, with its Fisherman’s Bastion, and the Pest side, with its iconic Hungarian Parliament building. See splendid Baroque buildings such as the Hungarian State Opera in Neo-Renaissance style and the incomparable parliament building, which was finished in 1904 and has been an emblem of the city ever since. There’s an opportunity for a photo stop at the Heroes’ Square, famous for its monuments to many Hungarian kings. Continue aross one of the seven bridges into Buda and go up to Castle Hill to visit St. Matthew’s Church and the famous Fisherman’s Bastion (pending its availability to the public at the time).

A final evening cruise aboard the Amadeus Riva to admire the illuminated skyline and delight in music and dancing conludes this enriching journey.
Overnight: Amadeus Riva (B,L,D)

Day 9: Budapest – Disembarkation / Depart for U.S.
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Today after breakfast, guests departing during the suggested times will take a complimentary transfer to the airport for flights home. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner


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