Compare Danube Symphony – Eastbound by Avalon Waterways vs The Backpacker by Interrailing Packages
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 22 days |
| Price From | $ 2,909 | $ 1,694 |
| Price Per Day | $ 364 | $ 77 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | River cruise | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | No | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description | Your Danube river cruise adventure begins with two nights in the magnificent city of Munich, capital of Bavaria, Germany, and ends in romantic Vienna, the capital of Austria. An excursion takes you to the most dream-like castles in all of Europe—Neuschwanstein Castle—said to have inspired the tales of Walt Disney. And the magic of the day continues as you travel to Oberammergau, an idyllic village known for its once-a-decade performance of the Passion Play, and its typical Bavarian houses painted with scenes from fairytales. While in Munich, a Local Guide will show you all the famous attractions. Then, travel by motorcoach to Passau, the “City of Three Rivers,” and explore its narrow cobblestone streets. Afterward, you can relax with a glass of wine atop the Sky Deck of your ship as you cruise along the Danube River into Austria. A highlight will be a guided visit to the majestic Benedictine Abbey in Melk, one of Europe’s largest monasteries, which sits high on a bluff overlooking the Danube. In Dürnstein, enjoy a guided walk and see the baroque Stiftskirche, with its luminous blue and white façade.To round out this unforgettable European river cruise, visit Vienna, the “City of Music”—known to have inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. After guided sightseeing, stroll along the pedestrian walkway of Kärntnerstrasse, or try a piece of Apfelstrudel in an elegant Viennese café as a perfect ending to your river cruise adventure. |
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
MUNICH, GERMANY Welcome to MunichSpend free time today by relaxing, exploring, or strolling through the streets of Munich.
Day 2
MUNICH Storybook Villages and Fairytale Castles CLASSIC Take a Guided Excursion to the garden landscape of the Bavarian Alps to visit Neuschwanstein Castle—the historic home of King Ludwig. Continue on to Oberammergau—the storybook Bavarian village famous for its once-a-decade Passion Play. (B)
Day 3
MUNICH– PASSAU (EMBARKATION) Modern Metropolis and Alpine Monarchs CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Tour which will show you the highlights of fascinating Munich. See Nymphenburg Palace—a former residence of Bavarian monarchs, along with the Old and New Town Halls of Marienplatz.This afternoon transfer to Passau to board your Avalon Suite Ship®OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PASSAU (B,D)
Day 4
PASSAU Go for Baroque in Passau—with Treasures Both Grand and Quaint CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk in Passau to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers” where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers meet.Sail through the Schlögener Schlinge—named the Natural Wonder of Austria, carved by the power of the river into a dramatic landscape—to Linz.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ (B,L,D)
Day 5
LINZ, AUSTRIA Fall in Love with Legendary Art, Music, and the Linzer Torte!CLASSIC Take a Guided Walk through the city’s historic and beautiful sites along the shore of the Danube and see Hauptplatz—Austria’s largest medieval square—and the towering whitemarble Trinity Column.Alternatively, take a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart—or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Český Krumlov.Cruise to Grein this afternoon or meet your ship after your excursion GREIN Dramatic Castle Views and the Oldest Theater in Austria Explore on your own this attractive country resort, nestled at the foot of a bluff in the shadow of its castle.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN GREIN(B,L,D)
Day 6
MELK Ornate Architecture and Scenic SplendorsCLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Melk’s 11th-century Benedictine Abbey. Explore its frescoes, statues, library, and spectacular pipe organ in the monastery’s lofty perch above the Danube.You may stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Dürnstein. DÜRNSTEIN Vistas and Vineyards Beyond the Blue Stiftskirche CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour, and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart—who was imprisoned during the Crusades in the castle above the village.DISCOVERY Enjoy the flavors of the Wachau Valley at a Wine Tasting this afternoon.After dinner enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN DÜRNSTEIN(B,L,D)
Day 7
VIENNA Strauss, Schnitzel, Strudel, and Sachertorte DISCOVERY Visit Austria’s largest art museum, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, including the Kuntskammer’s remarkable collection of more than 2,100 valuable objects, which were collected through the centuries by the emperors and archdukes of Habsburg, OR:CLASSIC Venture into the Habsburg empire with a morning Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the historic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.You may decide to take a Guided Optional Excursion to opulent Schönbrunn Palace—the former imperial summer home and vast gardens with a history spanning 300 years of the Habsburg monarchy.Enjoy a free afternoon by strolling through Kärntnerstrasse—the most famous shopping avenue in central Vienna. Take a bike ride through the city and stop in a local café to enjoy authentic Austrian confections of Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel.Later this evening, you may choose to attend an Optional Royal Waltz Concert to hear quintessential Viennese music in an elegant concert hall.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA(B,L,D)
Day 8
VIENNA (DISEMBARKATION) Your vacation ends this morning with breakfast.(B)
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!
