Compare Danube Dreams- Eastbound by Avalon Waterways vs The Backpacker by Interrailing Packages
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 10 days | 22 days |
| Price From | $ 3,089 | $ 1,694 |
| Price Per Day | $ 309 | $ 77 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | River cruise | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Standard |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
9 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 7 Dinners |
N/A |
| Description |
On this magnificent cruise vacation, enjoy seeing some of Central Europe’s splendid capitals—Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest—as well as many small towns that dot the landscape along the way. Explore the grounds of majestic Hradcany Castle in Prague, explore Germany’s Passau, located at the confluence of three rivers, and Linz, Austria’s third-largest city. Taste beer in Engelhartszell and visit the quaint historical theater in the resort town of Grein. Discover pretty little Weissenkirchen in Austria’s Wachau Valley. Visit St. Martin’s Cathedral in Bratislava and end your vacation in vibrant Budapest. Guided sightseeing with Certified Local Guides in each city is sure to heighten your experience. |
If you’re looking for an interrail holiday that has Europe’s bucket list cities packed into one unforgettable 3-week trip, The Backpacker can offer you exactly that. Over the course of the 3 weeks, you will visit the likes of Krakow, Budapest, and Ljubljana, to name only a few! This package is suitable for all types of travellers that want to make the most of their interrail holiday experience! |
Day 1: Arrive In Prague, Czech Republic
Welcome to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic. This fascinating city straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires, and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. The remainder of the day is free to start exploring.
Day 2: Prague
Meals: Breakfast
Prague is a 1,200-year-old city preserved in time, and, unlike other Central European capitals, it was not bombed during the 20th-century wars. A LOCAL GUIDE will show you its best-known treasures, such as the Old Town’s Astronomical Clock, built in 1410 and once the envy of all of Europe; HRADČANY CASTLE GROUNDS; St. Vitus Cathedral; and the Charles Bridge, the oldest bridge in Prague. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books. Mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square, an important meeting point and where people demonstrated against the communist regime; watch performers and shop at the market stalls on Charles Bridge; sample the local plum dumplings and Pilsner; stroll along the Vltava River; or wander around Prague’s medieval Old Town, dating from the 10th century. (Breakfast)
Day 3: Prague–Passau, Germany (Embarkation)
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
After lunch, drive to Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube, where your river cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner, meet your crew for a welcome reception.
Day 4: Passau–Engelhartszell
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Passau is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautiful patrician houses. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian baroque architecture, houses one of the world’s largest church organs with 17,774 pipes. Join your Local Guide for a WALKING TOUR through this charming town, and find out much more about the “City of Three Rivers.” This afternoon stop in Engelhartszell and become acquainted with some of Germany’s FAMOUS BEERS.
Day 5: Linz, Austria
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Linz is Austria’s third-largest city and an important river port where culture plays a significant role in everyday life. This morning join a local expert for a GUIDED TOUR. See the 13th-century Hauptplatz, Austria’s largest medieval square, and the Trinity Column, built in 1723 as thanks for the city escaping the ravages of the plague, war, and fire. On your own you might like to wander around the old castle grounds and take in the beautiful views of the river, or visit the neo-gothic New Cathedral, Austria’s largest church, with capacity for 20,000 visitors.
Day 6: Grein–Weissenkirchen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
This morning arrive in the attractive country resort of Grein, nestled at the foot of a bluff in the shadow of its castle. Take an included GUIDED WALK through town and visit its unique historical THEATER, the oldest in Austria still holding regular performances. A behind-the-scenes peek to learn about some of the curiosities of this rococo-style, 167-seat theater will certainly tell you much about life as it was—and as it now is in this small town. The turreted houses on the main square make excellent photo subjects. Then, reboard your ship and sail into the picturesque Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop in Weissenkirchen (“White Church”) for either a GUIDED WALK through this pretty little town. Once you leave Weissenkirchen on your way to Vienna, be sure to look out for the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche of Dürnstein, with its blue façade.
Day 7: Vienna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Wake up this morning in Vienna, known as the “City of Music” and the place that inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria’s magical capital on the blue Danube is a showcase of gilded architecture. This is home to the lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace complex with its Vienna Boys’ Choir and dazzling Lipizzaner stallions; the neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House; and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral—plus, countless other sights you’ll see on your GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR. Stroll through the pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse, and be sure to take a break and enjoy a piece of decadent Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café.
Day 8: Bratislava, Slovakia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
At the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains is Bratislava, the dynamic capital of Slovakia. Join your Local Guide for a tour of the city, including a GUIDED WALK of its fascinating Old Town, where winding cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways twist and turn to reveal the Town Hall, one of the oldest stone buildings in the city. Also visit gothic ST. MARTIN’S CATHEDRAL, coronation church for the Kingdom of Hungary from the 16th to 19th centuries. This afternoon is free to explore on your own.
Day 9: Budapest, Hungary
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is one of Eastern Europe’s liveliest cities. Whether you’re seeing the sights, shopping for handcrafted embroidery or Herend porcelain, or basking in the coffee house culture over a rich cream cake in the renowned Gerbeaud Café, Budapest’s unique energy is positively palatable. On your INCLUDED TOUR, see Heroes’ Square as well as the massive hilltop castle complex with its remarkable Fishermen’s Bastion and 11th-century Matthias Church, the coronation spot of several Hungarian monarchs. Be sure to take note of the city’s eight bridges—many famous sights in and of themselves—which connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. You may even want to walk across Chain Bridge, built in 1849 and a symbol of Budapest.
Day 10: Budapest (Disembarkation)
Meals: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
DAY 1: Arrive in Amsterdam and stay overnight in Amsterdam
Day 2 and 3: Explore Amsterdam and overnight in Amsterdam
First stop on your interrail holiday around Europe's glorious cities is Amsterdam, often referred to as 'Venice of the North'. The capital of the Netherlands is a city on everyone's bucket list, and I think it's safe to say you need to visit the Dam at least once in your life! From unconventional restaurants, local craft beers to world-class museums, it's easy to see why it's at the top of everyone's list. Don't forget that this city has more bicycles than people, therefore the only way to explore is in true Netherlands style!
Day 4: Train from Amsterdam to Berlin and stay overnight in Berlin
Days 5 and 6: Explore Berlin and stay overnight in Berlin
Our Backpacker holiday package takes you to the city in Europe often compared to New York, as it never sleeps! The locals of Berlin are known as the lotus-eaters of Germany as they love nothing more than a good time. Don't let this put you off! As this city is pulsating with museums, tasty beer, and an unimaginable history! It's safe to say that Berlin is a city loved by those on an interrail trip. Remember that history will greet you at every corner, as Berlin once staged a revolution, headquartered by Nazis, bombed to bits, divided in two and then finally reunited.
Day 7: Train from Berlin to Prague and stay overnight in Prague
Days 8 and 9: Explore Prague and stay overnight in Prague
It's no secret that Prague is one of Europe's most magical, affordable and beautiful cities, a perfect addition to any interrail route. The 'City of a Thousand Spires' is an architectural gem, the city has been an important UNESCO World Heritage Site which attracts more and more tourists every year! The narrow streets open up onto fantastic squares which host to medieval-looking homes and historical buildings for you to explore! Start in the centre of the Old Town, home to the major sights and has been the city's main marketplace for a millennium.
Day 10: Train from Prague to Krakow and stay overnight in Krakow
Day 11: Explore Krakow and stay overnight in Krakow
When you take a holiday in Europe, you will find that there are many beautiful cities, but nothing compares to the beauty of the Old Town in Krakow. You can take on this city on foot as all the main sights are within walking distance. All of the cobbled streets and squares, scenic parks and medieval castle walls are added extras! Thousands of people visit this city every year with the aim to visit the poignant Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, which is unquestionably the most important trip to do on this interrail route.
Day 12: Train from Prague to Vienna and stay overnight in Vienna
Day 13: Explore Vienna and stay overnight in Vienna
Vienna, a beautiful city in Eastern Europe that looks like it was lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale, with its clean, wide boulevards, efficient transport system, pleasant sights, and large green spaces. It's not hard to fall in love with this beautiful city. Vienna holds a considerable reputation for being the music capital of the world, with the likes of Mozart calling this place home. Coffeehouses have been an essential part of the city's cultural fabric since 1685. They make for great places to gather for a coffee, gossip and to eat Sacher Torte, of course. Finding your favourite is one of the real joys of visiting this city on any holiday in Europe!
Day 14: Train from Vienna to Budapest and stay overnight in Budapest
Day 15 and 16: Explore Budapest and stay overnight in Budapest
Visit the city in Europe nicknamed the City of Spas for a reason, as it's filled with beautiful baths all with healing properties on this Backpacker holiday. Not to mention, the architecture surrounding the baths is a sight to see on its own! Take a walk through the streets of this city and you will notice the beauty becomes apparent. You will soon understand why many tourists flock here for a city break every year. The buildings here take on many architectural styles and the city is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture. Budapest's foodie scene is increasingly interesting, with plenty of restaurants and cafes serving up delicious local dishes such as goulash!
Day 17: Train from Budapest to Ljubljana and stay overnight in Ljubljana
Day 18 and 19: Explore Ljubljana and stay overnight in Ljubljana
Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital city is the hidden gem of Europe and is loved by our customers! A holiday to Europe deserves to have Ljubljana included. This is a city renowned for green space, beautiful bridges and buildings. As well as dozens of different urban design elements such as lamposts, pillars, and pyramids. While you're here you need to visit Lake Bled. This is definitely one of the most spellbinding places in Slovenia, if not Europe. This incredibly scenic lake near the Alps looks too good to be real! With the island church, clifftop castle, and mountain backdrop, you're sure to find more than enough to keep you entertained here!
Day 20: Train from Ljubljana to Venice and stay overnight in Venice
Day 21: Explore Venice and stay overnight in Venice
Welcome to the ancient town built on a lagoon, Venice! This city has a collection of domes and spires rising out of the Adriatic Sea. Filled with life and stunning architecture. Venice is filled with bars, cafes, and restaurants where locals and travelers meet up to have a good time with food and a drink or two. This city built on water is famous for the beautiful gondola rides which take you back in time and allow you to appreciate the rich beauty of this city, a holiday experience in Europe you will never forget!
