Compare Budapest, Vienna and Prague by SmarTours vs The Beautiful Blue Danube by CroisiEurope
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 11 days | 6 days |
| Price From | $ 2,599 | $ 1,349 |
| Price Per Day | $ 236 | $ 233 |
| Highlights |
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CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
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| Trip Style | Group tour | River cruise |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
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| Description |
During this escorted Prague, Vienna and Budapest tour package from the U.S., we’ll visit three UNESCO World Heritage listed capital cities (of Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary, respectively), and awe-inspiring towns and areas along the way. It’s a popular combination of some of Eastern Europe’s most enthralling destinations, rich in centuries of history, arts and culture. You can relax and simply appreciate the best of these awe-inspiring stops, as the smarTours® guide by your side imparts context, dining ideas and customized tips for spending free time. |
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 from the U.S.
Your fascinating journey to Eastern Europe begins this evening with an overnight flight to Budapest, Hungary. Your tour includes round-trip airfare from the U.S.
*Passengers who did not purchase flights will join the tour in Budapest on Day 2.
Day 2: Arrive In Budapest, Hungary
Meals: Dinner
Landing late morning in this delightful Hungarian capital, we’ll be met and escorted to our centrally located, upscale hotel. This evening, our Tour Director hosts a welcome dinner and briefing.
Up Hotel Budapest or similar
Day 3: Budapest City Tour and Budapest at Leisure
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, your guide will introduce you to Budapest’s fascinating history and sights. Enjoy a breathtaking, panoramic view from the lookout terraces of the Fisherman’s Bastion, located on Castle Hill. We’ll also see the Citadel on Gellért Hill and Matthias Church, which was used for centuries for the coronations of Hungarian kings. In the afternoon, set sail with a leisurely 1-hour cruise on the romantic Danube River to take in city views from the water. Two drinks per person included.
Day 4: Danube Bend Excursion and Budapest at Leisure
Meals: Breakfast
Embark on a morning excursion to the scenic Hungarian countryside. We’ll journey to the artist’s town of Szentendre, a gem at the gateway to the picturesque Danube Bend river region. You’ll have free time to explore its cobblestoned streets and Baroque charms. Then, return to Budapest, where you can revel in its fine arts and architecture at your own pace.
Day 5: Budapest/Vienna, Austria
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Next, we bring you across the border into Austria and drive to Vienna for sightseeing in the heart of the Habsburg Empire. Tour along the Ring Boulevard, encircling the city center, past the Hofburg (official residence of the President of Austria), Vienna State Opera, and Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Finish your day with dinner at the hotel.
Parkhotel Schönbrunn or similar
Day 6: Vienna
Meals: Breakfast
Today brings us to the Imperial Palace of Schönbrunn—with its 18th-century architecture, interiors, and vast gardens, it’s among the most impressive baroque structures in Europe. In the afternoon, Vienna is yours to explore with some free time.
Day 7: Vienna
Meals: Breakfast
Embrace all the Vienna has to offer with a full day of independent exploration—you can discover more popular attractions and even take in some of the culture with stops at cafes and shops along the way.
Day 8: Vienna/Prague, Czech Republic
Meals: Breakfast
Today, take a leisurely scenic drive through rich farmlands to the rolling hills of Moravia. You’ll first visit the quaint town of Dürnstein before continuing over the Czech Republic border, stopping to see the charming buildings and beautiful surroundings of Telč along the way. Later in the day, we’ll reach Prague, one of Europe’s most vibrant and colorful cities.
Vienna House Diplomat or similar
Day 9: Prague
Meals: Breakfast
Beautiful Prague, the “City of a Hundred Spires,” once served as the capital of the Holy Roman Empire and is now the Czech Republic capital. This morning, tour the impressive Hradčany castle and the Old Royal Palace, one of the oldest parts of Prague Castle, dating from 1135. You’ll also see the 14th-century Charles Bridge, Old Town, and more. The afternoon is at leisure to explore more.
Day 10: Prague
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Enjoy a day of free time to unwind at an outdoor cafe, shop the bustling markets, or delve into more of Prague’s intriguing sights. You might also opt to book a tour of the fascinating Jewish Quarter. See Optional Tours for details. Tonight, celebrate this great trip with your fellow travelers at a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 11: Depart Prague/Arrive in the U.S.
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, end this captivating European adventure with a transfer to the airport for your non-stop flight back to the U.S.
*The tour will end for passengers who did not purchase flights today in Prague.
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.
