Compare Danube Discovery Cruise by SmarTours vs The Beautiful Blue Danube by CroisiEurope
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 15 days | 6 days |
| Price From | $ 3,499 | $ 1,395 |
| Price Per Day | $ 233 | $ 233 |
| Highlights |
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CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
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| Trip Style | River cruise | River cruise |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches and 10 Dinners |
N/A |
| Description |
Embark on a magnificent cruise-tour through some of Europe’s most fascinating landscapes! Your journey starts with a visit to the enchanting lakeside town of Lucerne, surrounded by the majestic Swiss Alps. Journey to the picturesque Tyrol Region of Austria for a stop in Innsbruck and proceed to delightful Salzburg where the film Sound of Music was set. The final stop on the land portion of your vacation is in vibrant Munich, Germany. You’ll then embark on a 7-night deluxe cruise of the romantic Danube River, taking in the captivating countryside vistas. The leisurely cruise includes shore excursions and visits to some of the most charming towns and cities along the river including magnificent Melk Abbey, cosmopolitan Vienna and lively Budapest. All meals aboard the cruise are included as well as free wine with dinner! |
From Budapest to Passau via Bratislava, Vienna and Melk, these cities rich in culture and history will unveil their secrets. Discover the Schoenbrunn Palace and the beautiful Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its wooded hillsides, orchards, small villages, vineyards and monasteries, it is the most picturesque part of the Danube and where the majestic Dürnstein Castle stands. |
Day 1: Depart USA.
Your fascinating river cruise journey begins as you depart on your overnight flight to Europe.
Day 2: Arrive Vienna (Austria).
Meals: Dinner
Arrive in Vienna, the splendid capital of Austria and the center of the Hapsburg Empire. You’ll be met at the airport and embark on a brief introductory drive to the city center enroute to the pier to board your riverboat for your Danube River Cruises. The balance of the day is at leisure to relax and unpack. This evening enjoy a welcome cocktail followed by an orientation briefing and reception and then dinner. MS River Navigator (Cruise Ship A) or MS River Discovery II (Cruise Ship B)
Day 3: Vienna Sightseeing/Set Sail.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today, experience Vienna’s glorious past as you embark on an included panoramic tour taking you along the Ring Boulevard, past Emperor Franz Josef’s Hofburg Palace and the State Opera to the Cathedral of St. Stephen’s. Afternoon at leisure to explore on your own or join an optional excursion to the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace, the baroque summer residence of the Hapsburgs. Your cruise director can assist in arranging tickets for an optional concert or cultural performance. Set sail late tonight.
Day 4: Bratislava (Slovakia).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Welcome to Slovakia! Depart on your morning exploration of the lovely city center, past St. Martin’s Cathedral and the Primate’s Palace. The sightseeing will end with a walk through the Old Town – Michael’s Gate, Michael’s Tower, Main Square, Old Town Hall and Slovak National Theatre. Return to the ship for lunch. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, or participate in one of the optional tours. Dinner is back on board and an evening free to waltz the night away!
Day 5: Budapest (Hungary).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Morning at sail. In the afternoon, your motor coach tour of this lovely city will include the most popular sights: The Parliament Building, St. Stefan Cathedral, the Opera, the Square of Heroes, (the Millennium monument) and the town park with the Vajdahunyad Castle, etc. There will be stops at the Square of Heroes, the Fisherman’s Bastion and Gellert Hill. Prior to dinner enjoy a short live concert of Hungarian Gypsy music performed in the lounge. The rest of the evening is at leisure. You may consider an optional Hungarian Folklore show followed by nighttime views of the beautiful city bridges as they are illuminated.
Day 6:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Full day at leisure for independent exploration. You may want to join your Cruise Director for a wonderful walking tour of downtown Budapest or take an optional excursion to the Puszta, to meet the Hungarian Cowboys! Here you’ll be treated to a spectacular equestrian performance followed by a tasting of local snacks and brandy. This evening set sail.
Day 7: Osijek (Croatia).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast this morning head up to the sun deck to observe the beautiful vistas as you sail into the Drava River toward Osijek, Croatia’s 4th largest city. After entry formalities, depart for a tour of the Old Town, including Tvrdja (Citadel), the best-preserved and largest ensemble of baroque buildings in Croatia. Then, enjoy a refreshing drink and some snacks in the garden of the Franciscan Monastery accompanied by live music featuring popular Croatian songs. Then some free time to explore the city at your leisure before returning to the ship for dinner.
Day 8: Novi Sad (Serbia).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Welcome to Serbia! When you wake up this morning, you’ll say hello to Novi Sad, Serbia’s lively university town. You will be delighted with this pedestrian-friendly town as you are led on a walking tour through the town center and the Petrovaradin Fortress, referred to as the “Gibraltar on the Danube.” Built in the 18th century over 116 hectares, the fortress has four levels and more than 16km of underground tunnels. After the tour enjoy free time to explore the many charming streets lined with small shops and inviting outdoor cafes. This evening continue sailing towards the “White City”, Belgrade, Serbia’s vibrant capital.
Day 9: Belgrade.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Witness the “new” Belgrade today as it rebuilds and once again warmly welcomes Western visitors.Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is located on a hill at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. This ancient city, dating back to the Roman Empire, was destroyed and rebuilt several times during its tumultuous history. A tour of the city highlights includes the Kalemegdan Fortress, the imposing St. Sava Cathedral and the cobblestone bohemian quarter of Skadarlija. Afternoon at leisure to explore vibrant Belgrade on your own or join an optional visit to an authentic Serbian home. After dinner, you’ll be entertained by a local folklore ensemble featuring dancers and musicians dressed in colorful costumes.
Day 10: Sailing through the Iron Gates (Serbia).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
This morning, savor the beautiful vistas while learning about the fascinating history of the Balkans. After lunch, enjoy one of the highlights of your voyage: passage through the impressive Iron Gates Gorge and the gigantic Djerdap Lock where the Danube surges down from the Carpathian Mountains. The views along the two-mile long gorge are spectacular! Arrive Vidin, Bulgaria in the evening where you will overnight.
Day 11: Vidin (Bulgaria).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
On arrival, embark on a walking tour of this delightful Bulgarian river port highlighted by a visit to the 13th century fortress named “Baba Vida” (“Grandma Vida”) the best preserved medieval fortress in the country. Then enjoy some free time for strolling and shopping or take the optional Belogradchik Rock excursion. Tonight prepare for your Captain’s Farewell Dinner!
Day 12: Disembark/Bucharest (Romania)/Dracula’s Castle Extension.
Meals: Breakfast
Dock at the Romanian port of Turnu Magurele and journey to nearby Bucharest, the capital of Romania, founded in 1459 by order of Prince Vlad Tepes, the original “Dracula”. Over the years, it has gone from times of greatness to periods of grief but especially flourished in the early 20th century when it was known as “Little Paris”. The influence of French architecture is still evident throughout, from the Arc de Triomphe to the Enescu Museum and the wide, tree-lined boulevards throughout the city. A panorama tour includes Revolution Square, the National Theater and the imposing Palace of Parliament, the second largest building in the world. Leisure time this afternoon for independent exploration or head to the scenic Carpathian Mountains for the Dracula’s Castle Extension. Please see the “Extension” tab for more detail about the Dracula’s Castle Extension itinerary. Novotel Hotel or similar for travelers not going on the extension.
Day 13 Main Tour: Bucharest/USA.
Meals: Breakfast
Board your return flight after ending your Danube River cruises. Your fascinating voyage ends as you arrive New York later today.
Day 12 Extension: Bucharest/Sinaia/Brasov.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Disembark and depart by road for Sinaia and visit the magnificent Peles Castle, a former summer residence of the Romanian Royal Family. Continue to Brasov, a medieval resort town set high in the scenic Carpathian Mountains. Aro Palace Hotel or similar.
Day 13 Extension: Dracula’s Castle Excursion.
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a morning tour of Brasov including Town Square and the renowned Black Cathedral. Proceed to the nearby town of Bran where the highlight of the visit is a tour of the mystical Vlad Tepes Dracula’s Castle. Afternoon is at leisure to explore lovely Brasov independently.
Day 14 Extension: Brasov/Bucharest.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
After breakfast it’s time to check out of your hotel and board your bus for the leisurely 2 hour ride back towards Bucharest for a half day city tour prior to checking in to your hotel. Tonight enjoy a wonderful farewell dinner with live entertainment at one of the city’s renowned restaurants. Novotel Hotel or similar
Day 15 Extension: Bucharest/USA.
Meals: Breakfast
Board your return flight. Your fascinating voyage ends as you arrive New York later today.
Day 1 BUDAPEST
Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. Dinner will be served on board. In the evening, join us on an excursion : Evening of traditional entertainment in Budapest.
Day 1 BUDAPEST
Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. Dinner will be served on board. In the evening, join us on an excursion : Evening of traditional entertainment in Budapest.
Day 2 BUDAPEST - BRATISLAVA
Join us on an excursion: Guided tour of Budapest.The afternoon will be spent cruising to Bratislava.
Day 2 BUDAPEST - BRATISLAVA
Join us on an excursion: Guided tour of Budapest.The afternoon will be spent cruising to Bratislava.
Day 3 BRATISLAVA - VIENNA
We'll arrive in Bratislava in the early morning. Join us for the excursions proposed: Guided Tour of Bratislava.Hiking in Bratislava: The Little Carpathians. From Devin Castle, we'll take in the splendid view of Bratislava.Our ship will cruise to Vienna. Enjoy a free evening or join us on an optional excursion : Concert of Viennese music (subject to availability.)
Day 3 BRATISLAVA - VIENNA
We'll arrive in Bratislava in the early morning. Join us for the excursions proposed: Guided Tour of Bratislava.Hiking in Bratislava: The Little Carpathians. From Devin Castle, we'll take in the splendid view of Bratislava.Our ship will cruise to Vienna. Enjoy a free evening or join us on an optional excursion : Concert of Viennese music (subject to availability.)
Day 4 VIENNA
Join us on an excursion : Visit Schönbrunn Palace, former summer residence of the imperial family, and tour of part of Vienna.Afternoon, join us on an excursion : Tour Hofburg Palace, an imperial march through history, art and luxury.Our ship will cruise to Melk.
Day 4 VIENNA
Join us on an excursion : Visit Schönbrunn Palace, former summer residence of the imperial family, and tour of part of Vienna.Afternoon, join us on an excursion : Tour Hofburg Palace, the Hapsburg's winter residence and its Sisi Museum.
Day 5 MELK - PASSAU
Early in the morning, we'll cruise along the most beautiful section of the Wachau Valley before arriving in Melk. Join us on an excursion : Visit Dürnstein, the fortified village where Richard the Lionheart was once held prisoner. In the afternoon, join us on an excursion : Visit the Melk Abbey. Originally a Baroque-style palace built between 1702 and 1736, it is now a Benedictine monastery that hosts a prestigious coed school with more than 900 students. We'll return on board in Ybbs.In the evening, we'll begin to cruise to Passau. Tonight is our gala evening and dinner.
Day 5 MELK - PASSAU
Early in the morning, we'll cruise along the most beautiful section of the Wachau Valley before arriving in Melk. Join us on an excursion: Visit Dürnstein, the fortified village where Richard the Lionheart was once held prisoner. In the afternoon, join us on an excursion: Visit the Melk Abbey. Originally a Baroque-style palace built between 1702 and 1736, it is now a Benedictine monastery that hosts a prestigious coed school with more than 900 students. We'll return on board in Ybbs.In the evening, we'll begin to cruise to Passau. Tonight is our gala evening and dinner.
Day 6 PASSAU
Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.
