Danube Explorer

Fly overnight to Budapest to begin your Central European adventure.

Welcome to the Pearl of the Danube. Met at the airport and transferred directly to the ship, you'll have time to settle into your comfortable cabin before enjoying a welcome dinner with your fellow guests and a scenic evening aboard.Meals: D

Discover Budapest, one of Europe's most captivating capitals, where grand architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture come together beautifully. Your day begins with a guided coach tour through the UNESCO-listed city center — elegant boulevards, historic landmarks, and stunning riverside views at every turn. Your expert guide shares the stories and flavors of Hungary along the way, concluding at the Grand Market Hall, Budapest's largest indoor market, where you can browse local delicacies, paprika, wines, and handcrafted souvenirs. For active guests, a guided walk to Gellért Hill offers breathtaking panoramic views across the Danube and both sides of the city. This evening, your ship sails through Budapest after dark — the city transformed by thousands of lights, with glowing bridges and an illuminated skyline creating a magical farewell from this extraordinary destination. Meals: B, L, D

Note: The specific departure time for the afternoon or evening can vary based on exact schedule and itinerary year and is subject to change based on conditions and local requirements.

This morning, relax onboard as you sail into Bratislava, the elegant capital of Slovakia. Since gaining independence in 1993, this charming city has blossomed into a vibrant cultural center while preserving the rich history and character of its Old World past. Upon arrival, join your local guide for a delightful walking tour through the heart of the ancient town center, where romantic cobblestone lanes, hidden squares, and centuries of history await around every corner. Along the way, you'll see the beautiful Slovak National Theater as well as an impressive blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau architecture that gives Bratislava its unique charm. For guests seeking a more active experience, an optional guided hike leads to the iconic Bratislava Castle, perched high above the city and the Danube. Whether strolling the enchanting old town or taking in the views from the castle heights, Bratislava offers a memorable blend of history, beauty, and warm European charm. Meals: B, L, D

Welcome to Vienna — one of Europe's greatest cities and the world capital of classical music. The grandeur of the Habsburg Empire lives on in magnificent Baroque palaces, graceful boulevards, and a timeless elegance that fills every street and square. Your included city tour begins with a coach drive along the famous Ringstrasse, Vienna's grand boulevard flanked by its most celebrated landmarks. A guided walking tour through the UNESCO-listed historic center follows — taking in the iconic St. Stephen's Cathedral and the magnificent Hofburg Palace, once the imperial heart of the Habsburg dynasty. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace — attend a classical concert, linger over coffee in a grand Viennese café, browse the elegant Naschmarkt, or simply stroll the beautifully illuminated streets after dark. Few cities in the world match Vienna for sheer beauty, culture, and atmosphere — and with a full evening to enjoy, you'll have time to truly feel it. Meals: B, L, D

Today brings you into one of the Danube's most picturesque regions. Weißenkirchen is among the most beloved villages of Austria's famous Wachau Valley wine region — sun-kissed hillsides, world-class vineyards, and timeless charm in every direction. Active guests can join the Activity Manager for a guided hike through town and the surrounding countryside, with beautiful views of rolling hills and vineyards, while others enjoy a scenic bike ride along the river. Relax onboard as the ship sails through the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley — storybook medieval villages, terraced vineyards, and historic castles drifting past the windows. In Melk, a guided visit to the magnificent Melk Abbey awaits — a UNESCO World Heritage Site perched dramatically above the river. Originally a grand castle, it was gifted to Benedictine monks in the 11th century and transformed into the splendid Baroque masterpiece seen today. Inside, marvel at ornate halls, stunning frescoes, and priceless medieval manuscripts considered among the most important in the world. Meals: B, L, D

Today takes you to Český Krumlov — a UNESCO World Heritage town and one of Europe's most beautifully preserved medieval treasures. Its dramatic 13th-century castle, winding river, red-roofed skyline, and maze of cobblestone alleyways make it feel as though time has simply stood still. Join your local guide for a walking tour through the heart of the old town — winding lanes, colorful medieval buildings, and a warm atmosphere unlike anywhere else. Highlights include the iconic Český Krumlov Castle overlooking the town and river, and the striking 15th-century Gothic St. Vitus Church. For guests wishing to explore farther afield, an optional excursion visits Salzburg — the elegant Austrian city famed for its Baroque beauty, musical heritage, and alpine setting. A truly memorable alternative. Meals: B, L, D


**Included tour and both Optional add-ons operate simultaneously; only 1 can be selected. Lunch is included on the ship.

Welcome to Passau — the charming "City of Three Rivers," where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz converge in one of Bavaria's most picturesque settings. Narrow cobblestone streets, pastel-colored buildings, and a relaxed Old World atmosphere make this riverside town a genuine delight. Today's included excursion takes you into the Bavarian countryside to visit a welcoming local farm. Meet the farmers, learn about traditional rural life passed down through generations, and sample homemade regional specialties freshly prepared from local ingredients — warm, genuine Bavarian hospitality at its best. For active guests, an alternative guided hike to the hilltop fortress of Veste Oberhaus rewards with sweeping views over the three rivers and the rooftops of Passau below — one of the finest panoramas in all of Bavaria. Meals: B, L, D

After breakfast, bid a fond farewell to your Captain and crew as you disembark and travel by comfortable motorcoach to the magnificent city of Prague, one of Europe's most beloved capitals. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. With its fairy-tale skyline, graceful bridges, and centuries-old architecture, Prague is a city best savored at your own pace. Meals: B

This morning, discover Prague on foot with an included guided walking tour. Your guide brings centuries of history to life as you take in the magnificent Old Town Square — where elegant façades and lively cafés surround the famous Prague Astronomical Clock, a medieval marvel that has mesmerized visitors for generations. You'll also cross the iconic Charles Bridge, lined with statues and offering unforgettable views over the Vltava River and Prague's fairy-tale skyline. The afternoon is yours — perhaps an optional visit to Terezín Memorial for a deeply moving historical perspective, or simply more time wandering Prague's picturesque lanes, hidden courtyards, and elegant shops at your own pace. Few cities reward slow exploration the way Prague does. Meals: B