Day 1 Arrive in Budapest, Hungary
Welcome to Budapest, Hungary’s lively capital! The remainder of the day is free to start exploring Eastern Europe’s most cosmopolitan metropolis.

Day 2 Budapest
Budapest straddles both banks of the Danube, with seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connecting ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with FISHERMEN’S BASTION and the Matthias Church is among the many sights your Local Guide will show you. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika. (Breakfast)

Day 3 Budapest, Hungary (Embarkation)
This morning you can explore this vibrant city at your own pace. In the afternoon, transfer to your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4 Bratislava, Slovakia
A morning to relax on board and marvel at the beautiful scenery on both banks of the Danube. As you cruise upriver, Hungary is on your left and Slovakia is on your right. The two countries share the Danube for a 58-mile stretch, with the border in the middle of the river. Situated at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, Bratislava is the dynamic capital of Slovakia. The charming Old Town with its Town Hall and Mirbach Palace as well as gothic ST. MARTIN’S CATHEDRAL should not be missed. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5 Dürnstein, Austria–Melk
This morning our first stop is Dürnstein, known for the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade, lying right in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Above town are the ruins of the castle where England’s King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. Explore this picturesque little town on your own or choose from a number of optional excursions. Melk’s magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town from its commanding hill site, and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6 Linz–Grein
Linz, Austria’s third-largest town, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. Culture is an important part of life in Linz. The composer Anton Bruckner lived here and Mozart’s Linzer Symphony was composed in the city. Choose from a variety of optional activities today. In the late afternoon, arrive in the attractive country resort of Grein, which is nestled at the foot of a bluff in the shadow of its castle. Time at leisure to enjoy the small town atmosphere. The turreted houses on the main square make excellent photo material. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7 Vienna (Disembarkation)
Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna has much to offer: lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will enjoy during your city tour. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse or simply savor the atmosphere of the “City of Music” while enjoying a slice of Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel. (Breakfast)

Day 8 Vienna
A full day at leisure in this fascinating city! (Breakfast)

Day 9 Vienna
Your vacation ends this morning. (Breakfast)

Fall in love with the Danube—with its charming small towns, scenic beauty, and exciting cities—on this river cruise vacation. Begin your vacation with a 2-night city stay in the vibrant Hungarian city of Budapest and discover its various offerings. Shop for paprika at the Central Market Hall, explore the massive castle complex, visit its many museums, and savor Hungarian cuisine. Then, board your ship and discover Slovakia’s vibrant capital of Bratislava, explore the quaint town of Dürnstein with its baroque Stiftskirche, visit Melk’s awe-inspiring Benedictine Abbey, visit the cultural city of Linz and bask in the natural beauty of Austria’s Wachau Valley. Your vacation ends in Vienna, the “City of Music,” where you’ll disembark and spend an additional two nights. In Vienna, visit one of the many lavish museums, explore St. Stephen’s Cathedral, shop in the Kärntnerstrasse, or relax in a local café while enjoying a slice of the famous Sachertorte. All of this and more awaits you on this marvelous cruise vacation.

• Included shore excursions with Local Guide.
• Headsets for shore excursions.
• Premium coffees, cappuccinos and lattes.
• Daily early- and late-riser breakfast.
• Full buffet breakfast with sparkling wine.
• Complimentary juices with breakfast.
• Complimentary soft drinks with lunch.
• Chef-inspired regional recipes.
• Complimentary regional wines at dinner.
• Free soft drinks or beer with dinner.
• English-speaking crew.

• CRUISE: 4-night cruise from Budapest to Vienna in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds
• BUDAPEST: Guided sightseeing, visit Fishermen’s Bastion; Welcome reception.
• BRATISLAVA: Guided sightseeing, visit St. Martin’s Cathedral
• DÜRNSTEIN: See the Stiftskirche
• MELK: Guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey
• LINZ: Guided walk
• VIENNA: Guided sightseeing

Budapest: InterContinental, or similar
Cruising: outside cabin onboard the Avalon Affinity or Avalon Panorama
Vienna: InterContinental, or similar

To see our key for hotel ratings, click here.

• Cabin upgrades are available.
• In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.
• Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.
• Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
• Port charges: $72.
• Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.

* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines.