10-day Danube River Cruise & Budapest Tour - Flights included

Note: your itinerary will change depending upon the day of the week you depart and the ship.

DAY 1, Cruise Embarkation in Passau
Arrive in Munich and transfer to the port in Passau. The group transfer will operate at approximately 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. The port is a 2 hour drive from the Munich airport. Embarkation will begin at 2:00 pm. After arrival formalities, time to relax on board. Tonight, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy a gala welcome dinner as it sets the mood for your delightful river cruise 
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Dinner

DAY 2, Monday - Full Day in Passau
This morning, join a guided walking tour in Passau, known for its pastel patrician houses, cafés, cobblestone lanes and riverfront promenade. Passau is a Bavarian city with a mix of Roman, Italian Baroque and Gothic architecture 
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3, Tuesday - Linz City Tour
Begin the day with a guided city tour of Linz. Founded by the Romans, Linz has cultivated a strong artistic tradition, especially in the field of music. Take in the sites such as St. Mary’s Cathedral, Old Town Hall and Linz Castle. Perhaps, join the optional full day tour to picturesque Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and setting for the Sound of Music. The walking tour will include some of Salzburg's most historic sites including the Mirabell Palace, the Abbey, Salzburg Cathedral, and St. Peter's Cemetery. After lunch at a local restaurant, there will be time to discover Salzburg on your own before returning to the ship
Optional: Full Day Tour of Salzburg
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4, Wednesday - Melk Abbey
Disembark in Melk this morning for a guided tour of the historic Benedictine Abbey, considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe. View the Abbot's chambers, the Kaiser's walk and the lavish library. Then, return to the ship and continue cruising through the scenic Wachau Valley on the way to Vienna, the Imperial city legendary for its opulence and elegance. Tonight, perhaps take the opportunity to attend an evening of Viennese culture in the "City of Music" at an optional concert performance of the classical masterpieces of Mozart and Strauss, two of Vienna's most famous citizens 
Optional: Classical Viennese Concert (PM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5, Thursday - Vienna City Tour
This sparkling city on the Danube has captivated travellers for years with its elegant shops, world-class museums, and beautiful gardens. Drive along the famed Ringstrasse, Vienna's main boulevard lined with magnificent Baroque palaces, parks and monuments. View the lavish Hofburg Palace, and the impressive Vienna Opera House. Continue to majestic St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Parliament building. Enjoy the afternoon at a café sampling the famous Viennese Sacher Torte, or, join the optional afternoon tour to the Imperial Schonbrunn Palace, once summer residence of the Hapsburgs. Visit the opulent baroque apartments and stroll through the world-famous manicured gardens. The ship will remain docked in Vienna this evening
Optional: Schonbrunn Palace Tour (PM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Friday - Bratislava City Tour
This morning, enjoy the tranquil scenery as the ship sails along the scenic Danube. At noon, arrive in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, a mix of modern and Baroque architecture. This capital city is among the youngest in Europe, yet retains a rich history dating back more than 2000 years. Walk along the cobblestone lanes of the historic town centre; view St. Martin's Cathedral, coronation site of the kings of Hungary, the 13th century Old Town Hall and the Franciscan church. Time to explore this colourful city on your own before returning to the ship for dinner as you sail for stunning Budapest
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Saturday - Budapest City Tour
Your morning tour begins on the Pest side of the city, view the Parliament, City Park and Heroes Square. Cross to Buda to see the Royal Palace, Matthias Church and the graceful medieval architecture along the cobbled streets. Explore the city's wonderful shops and cafes this afternoon on your own. Tonight, enjoy a lavish Captain's Dinner on board
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Sunday - Holloko City Tour
This morning, bid farewell to your Cruise Director and meet your local host as you travel to the charming village of Holloko (meaning raven-stone) hidden in the Cserhát hills in northeastern Hungary. Take a walking tour of the historic village, a fine example of a preserved traditional settlement and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Experience the typical rural life of the Palóc people and see craftsmen at work. Spend free time in the village and perhaps try some Palóc dishes for lunch before heading back to Budapest. Tonight, an optional dinner and show in Budapest. Travel to the outskirts of Budapest for a traditional Hungarian Dinner in a scenic forested location. While dining, you'll be entertained by colourfully dressed dancers performing a variety of spirited folk dances accompanied by a group playing live music
Optional: Dinner & Show in Budapest (PM)
Overnight: Budapest
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9, Monday - Full Day in Budapest
Today, enjoy the delights of Budapest independently. Immerse yourself in the heritage of the "City of Baths" and visit a traditional Turkish bath house with its thermal pools and spas or, stroll along the Danube Promenade, a walkway along the Danube that goes from the Elisabeth Bridge to Chain Bridge, offering stunning views of the capital. Another option is to head to Margaret Island, a quite getaway within the city, that serves as a recreational park, located in the middle of the Danube River. Perhaps, join the optional half day Taste of Budapest. Explore the local food scene, at the Hold Street Market Hall, while getting introduced to the history of Hungarian cuisine. Taste local cheeses from family farms around Budapest and salami delicacies, along with Hungarian meats and sausages served with fresh bread and mustard. End the tour with a sweet Budapest pastry - local strudel and a cup of coffee
Optional: Half Day Taste of Budapest (AM)
Overnight: Budapest
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 10, Tuesday - Depart Hungary
This morning, transfer to the airport for your departure flight 
Meals: Breakfast

Not Included: Optional shore excursions.

Pricing based on Cabin C (Outside Cabin with French Balcony)

21 March 2020 - Embarkation, Passau / Ship, Monarch Princess

• Air & Land Twin Share price usually $6,289 pp
• Book by 12 Sep - price from $4,309 pp twin share - Including Airfares!
• Book by 26 Sep - price from $5,539 pp twin share - Including Airfares!

Please call our friendly travel team on freecall 1300 414 198 for pricing and availability on alternative 2020 departure dates.

Monarch Empress - 5 star- Sail the Danube in comfort and style on the all new Monarch Empress.This deluxe river cruise vessel built in 2015/16 sleeps a maximum of 140 passengers, this ship features 70 spacious outside cabins, 58 with French Balcony, each fully air-conditioned with individual climate control and private bathrooms.

Monarch Princess - 4.5 star - The Monarch Princess is a first class river cruise vessel. Built in 2009, with a maximum capacity of 138 passengers, this ship features 67 spacious outside cabins and 2 suites each fully air-conditioned with private bath facilities, shower, telephone and flat screen satellite TV.

Is This Trip Right for You?

This moderately active trip covers a fair amount of ground each day. Expect from three to four hours walking every touring day. The pace is moderate, however you will encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes. There is a potential for a small number of sailings to be impacted by river water levels, or other factors which may impact safe navigation. This may cause part or all of the cruise itinerary to be operated by motor coach and may also involve hotel accommodations.

Know Before You Book - High & Low Water

While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavour to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge.