Compare Danube Discovery Cruise by SmarTours 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 | 15 days | 22 days |
| Price From | $ 3,499 | $ 1,694 |
| Price Per Day | $ 233 | $ 77 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | River cruise | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| 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 | 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! |
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: 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: 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!
