Grand Danube Cruise
Journey along paths forged by conquerors, crusaders and kings through Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic. Step back in time to explore the history and mystery living in the hillsides while cruising the Danube and through the Iron Gates. Legends of all kinds are waiting to be uncovered like the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, built into the side of a mountain showcasing well-preserved medieval frescos, and the 14th-century Bran Castle, once home to Vlad the Impaler who inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Experience the Romans’ influence firsthand in Pécs, “the city of Mediterranean impressions,” and through the taste of wine in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times. From imposing capitals-Bucharest, Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna and Prague-to towns lost in time, immerse yourself in the colorful folktales and traditions of the extraordinary people and places you visit along the way.
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| Day 1 |
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| Day 2 |
Ruse (also transliterated as Russe or Rousse) is a city of northern Bulgaria. Its location on the right bank of the Danube River, along with its railway and road bridge, has made it the most significant Bulgarian river port.
Ruse is known for its Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture from the late 19th and early 20th century, and is sometimes called the Little Vienna. Some of the most popular sites with visitors are the Monument of Liberty, the Holy Trinity Cathedral, and nearby Basarbovo Monastery, as well as a variety of museums. |
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| Day 3 |
Vidin is a well-preserved medieval town. |
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| Day 4 |
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| Day 5 |
A historic capital in the heart of the Balkans, Belgrade will absolutely charm you with its picturesque cafés, striking religious monuments, riveting museums, and thriving nightlife. Belgrade’s Skadarlija neighborhood is a must-see for any visitor to this Eastern European city. A whole host of quaint restaurants and bakeries line its cobblestone streets and offer a perfect respite for weary travelers. Be sure to sample some of Serbia’s gastronomic staples, including ćevapi, sarma, kobasice, and more! The immense Belgrade Fortress, originally built during Antiquity and reconstructed many times during Serbia’s tumultuous past, overlooks the intersecting point between the mighty Danube and Sava Rivers. Immerse yourself in Belgrade’s extensive history and learn more about its most prominent historical figures in the city’s many museums, including the National Museum, the Nikola Tesla Museum, and the Museum of Yugoslavia. The greenish-blue tinge of the domes atop the Temple of St. Sava beckon you to explore its ornate, Byzantine-style interior; the beauty of this marvelous temple is guaranteed to astonish you. Unwind and let your hair down on the Sava River. Ada Ciganlija provides this landlocked city a beach-like getaway. Board one of the floating splavovi clubs docked further down-river to dance the night away. Belgrade, Serbia awaits! |
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| Day 6 |
As the second largest city in Serbia, Novi Sad is not only an important industrial and financial center, but a vibrant, friendly destination with a liberal vibe and plenty of attractions for visitors.
Novi Sad is also the home of EXIT festival, one of the best annual music events in Europe. |
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| Day 7 |
Ilok, the easternmost town in Croatia on the Danube River, may be small but it has a lot to offer. A well-preserved Franciscan monastery and a 15th century castle make it a popular day trip for domestic as well as foreign tourists. Its wine-making tradition is even older; some say the region's viniculture dates back as early as 280 AD. |
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| Day 8 |
History-rich Pecs is home to fantastic art and architecture, a number of fine museums, and Hungary's oldest university, the University of Pécs founded in 1367. It is Hungary's fifth largest city, close to the Croatian border, and is blessed with a mild climate that is ideal for viticulture. In fact, the Villány wine region just south of Pecs is considered to be Hungary's premier producer of red wine.
Of course, a visit to Pecs would not be complete without an excursion to nearby Mohacs. A port on the Danube River, this small harbor town is best known for Busójárás, an annual six-day celebration featuring traditional masks (Busós), folk music, parades and dancing. |
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| Day 9 |
The capital and largest city in Hungary, Budapest is a favorite European destination for millions of tourists each year. Once the center of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, this cosmopolitan city and UNESCO World Heritage site has plenty of historical and cultural landmarks to explore.
The prominent Chain Bridge, built in 1849, connected the former villages of Buda, Óbuda, and Pest, separated by the glistening Danube, and led to the establishment of today’s Budapest. Despite extensive destruction to the city during World War II, major efforts to restore historic castles and build new hotels led to an influx of tourists in the decades that followed. Visitors will marvel at the stunning architectural beauty of Budapest’s many cathedrals, basilicas, and synagogues. Climb to the top of famed St. Stephen’s Basilica in Pest to find a spectacular panoramic view of the city, or visit Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest synagogue on the continent and a paradigm of Moorish Revival architecture. A cruise down the mighty Danube will provide ample sightseeing opportunities for many of the city’s most famous attractions. Find the striking Buda Castle, crafted in a Baroque style and once home to Hungarian royalty, in the “Castle District” of Castle Hill and old-town Budapest, not to mention a host of galleries, museums, and the Hungarian National Library. The Hungarian Parliament building, resembling the Neo-Gothic architectural style of London’s Parliament building, lies across the Danube from Buda Castle. Here, guests can visit the crown jewels and regalia of Hungary’s royalty and take guided tours of the building’s many halls. Even the ruins of Budapest have become exciting tourist attractions, including one of many “ruin bars,” Szimpla Kert, which doubles as a flea market and nighttime music bar. Lovers of theater and the arts will appreciate tours of the opulent Hungarian Opera House or authentic folk dancing shows at Danube Palace Theater. |
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| Day 10 |
The capital and largest city in Hungary, Budapest is a favorite European destination for millions of tourists each year. Once the center of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, this cosmopolitan city and UNESCO World Heritage site has plenty of historical and cultural landmarks to explore.
The prominent Chain Bridge, built in 1849, connected the former villages of Buda, Óbuda, and Pest, separated by the glistening Danube, and led to the establishment of today’s Budapest. Despite extensive destruction to the city during World War II, major efforts to restore historic castles and build new hotels led to an influx of tourists in the decades that followed. Visitors will marvel at the stunning architectural beauty of Budapest’s many cathedrals, basilicas, and synagogues. Climb to the top of famed St. Stephen’s Basilica in Pest to find a spectacular panoramic view of the city, or visit Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest synagogue on the continent and a paradigm of Moorish Revival architecture. A cruise down the mighty Danube will provide ample sightseeing opportunities for many of the city’s most famous attractions. Find the striking Buda Castle, crafted in a Baroque style and once home to Hungarian royalty, in the “Castle District” of Castle Hill and old-town Budapest, not to mention a host of galleries, museums, and the Hungarian National Library. The Hungarian Parliament building, resembling the Neo-Gothic architectural style of London’s Parliament building, lies across the Danube from Buda Castle. Here, guests can visit the crown jewels and regalia of Hungary’s royalty and take guided tours of the building’s many halls. Even the ruins of Budapest have become exciting tourist attractions, including one of many “ruin bars,” Szimpla Kert, which doubles as a flea market and nighttime music bar. Lovers of theater and the arts will appreciate tours of the opulent Hungarian Opera House or authentic folk dancing shows at Danube Palace Theater. |
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| Day 11 |
This charming little capital town of Slovakia is the perfect destination for those who want a European experience with a quieter and less crowded feel. You could spend hours strolling the cobblestone streets of the Gothic old town, or the beautiful Bratislava Castle, a restored Baroque castle. |
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| Day 12 |
Classical music, palaces, exhilarating art... and did we mention the coffee? Vienna, Austria is a city of elevated tastes and a must-see experience for any European traveler.
Set on the Danube River, Vienna's attractions include Schönbrunn Palace, The Hofburg, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and the public park Prater, which boasts a giant ferris wheel. This modern capital of Austria can be navigated on foot and via public transportation. Though it endured heavy damage during World War II, the character of Vienna lures visitors in, and stays with them long after they depart. |
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| Day 13 |
Weissenkirchen (or Weißenkirchen) is a charming Austrian town on the banks of the Danube. Surrounded by vineyards and wineries, Weissenkirchen is a delightful stop for European river cruises. |
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| Day 14 |
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| Day 15 |
Although not as popular a destination as others in Austria, Grein is a beautiful city with a long history and vibrant future. Situated on the Danube River against a backdrop of green hills, Grein boasts old-world European charm and locals who are more than happy to share their beloved city with travelers.
Schloss Greinburg (Greinburg Castle) was one of the first castles in this region and arguably Grein's most popular attraction, still inhabited but open for visitors. Austria's oldest theater is next on the list. Built in 1791 and still in its original condition, The Historisches Stadttheater Grein still holds regular performances. Two more historic architectural landmarks not to be missed are the Rathaus (Town Hall) and St. Giles Church, conveniently located close to the theater as well as the Town Square. |
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| Day 16 |
Midway between Salzburg and Vienna, Linz boasts beautiful Baroque buildings, including Old Town Hall and the Old Cathedral, Alter Dom. Lentos Kunstmuseum Linz has a major modern art collection and across the river, the striking Ars Electronica Center focuses on society, technology, and the future. Some of Austria's most iconic figures, including Adalbert Stifter, composers Wolfgang Mozart and Anton Bruckner, and the famous scientist Johannes Kepler, once called Linz home. |
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| Day 17 |
This popular river cruise stop sits at the German-Austrian border and is the last major German city on the Danube before entering Austria. Passau sits on the confluence of the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz, so it is fitting that it is known as "the Dreiflüssestadt", which means the “City of Three Rivers.” The historical center offers a cathedral, churches and museums to explore, and the embankment is perfect for a romantic stroll. For those looking to get the blood pumping, there is a cycling path from Passau all the way to Vienna. |
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| Day 18 |
Vilshofen (full German name Vilshofen an der Donau) is a charming Bavarian port town located on the Danube. This locale, also called ""Little Town of Three Rivers," is a popular river cruise ship embarkation point. Events like the annual Folk Festival are a draw here, as are Christmas markets and the fireworks spectacular taking place here over the Danube on the second weekend in July. |
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| Day 19 |
Vilshofen (full German name Vilshofen an der Donau) is a charming Bavarian port town located on the Danube. This locale, also called ""Little Town of Three Rivers," is a popular river cruise ship embarkation point. Events like the annual Folk Festival are a draw here, as are Christmas markets and the fireworks spectacular taking place here over the Danube on the second weekend in July. |
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