Cruise the Danube River - Warsaw, Krakow, Budapest & Prague

DAY 1, Friday - Arrive in Warsaw
Arrive in Warsaw, Poland's capital and cultural centre of the country. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Drink and orientation meeting with your tour manager at the hotel at approximately 6pm, followed by a briefing about the journey. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 4pm or earlier.
Overnight: Warsaw 
Meals: Dinner

DAY 2, Saturday - Warsaw City Tour
Today’s introduction to the bustling metropolis of Warsaw includes both banks of the Vistula River. Visit glorious Lazienki Park, built in the 17th century, one of the jewels of the city. Here, view the large bronze statue of Frederic Chopin, the famed Polish composer and virtuoso pianist of the Romantic era, born in a small village 29 miles west of Warsaw. Continue along the beautiful Royal Route with its historic monuments and residences. Arrive at the site of the former Warsaw Ghetto; stop at the inspiring Warsaw Ghetto Memorial, commemorating the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1943. Walk through the Old Town with its cobbled streets to the Market Square. View the Cathedral of St. John and the Royal Castle, a former residence of Polish kings, lovingly restored after its destruction during World War II; its decorations feature salvaged works of art from the old castle. Spend the rest of the day at leisure to discover the Old Town on your own, or join the optional to Wilanow Palace. This former residence of the Polish kings is situated outside Warsaw. It was built at the end of the 17th century for King Jan III Sobieski and is considered one of the most important monuments of Polish culture 
Overnight: Warsaw 
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 3, Sunday - Jasna Gora Monastery
Depart Warsaw and travel south to Czestochowa, known for the famous Pauline monastery of Jasna Gora, home of the Black Madonna painting, a shrine to the Virgin Mary. Every year millions of pilgrims from all over the world come to Czestochowa to visit the shrine as it is said to have miraculous powers. After the visit, continue to Krakow, a former residence of the Polish kings. The afternoon is at leisure, or, join the optional tour to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, one of the oldest in Europe. The mine's historical importance, as well as the amazing works of art carved into the walls by miners, have earned the Wieliczka Salt Mine a place on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list. Return to the hotel in Krakow for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Krakow
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4, Monday - Krakow City Tour & Auschwitz
Morning tour of medieval Krakow begins at the historic 16th century Wawel Royal Castle District. Continue to the former Jewish district, with its ancient synagogues and main square of the former ghetto. View the remaining walls of the ghetto and visit the Ghetto Heroes Square to view the Jewish Ghetto Memorial, called "The Lonely Chairs." Continue to the Old Town and to lively Market Square. Stop at stately St. Mary's Church with its tall brick tower overlooking the square and the Renaissance Cloth Hall where traders offer a variety of wares as their predecessors did many generations ago. This afternoon journey to the town of Oswiecim where the Nazis built Auschwitz, their largest concentration and death camp. The stories of those who were sent there, and who perished in this place, emphasise the scope of Hitler’s extermination efforts. After an introduction and historic film, the solemn visit includes a guided tour of the Auschwitz Concentration Camp Museum. Stop at the former Birkenau Extermination Camp before returning to Krakow 
Overnight: Krakow
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Tuesday - Scenic Drive to Budapest
Today drive through the scenic Tatra Mountains and the wooded countryside of Slovakia before reaching the Danube Valley and the city of Budapest in the late afternoon. Often called “The Paris of the East,” Budapest is one of Europe's most delightful cities. Time to relax before tonight's fun-filled optional tour. 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
Overnight: Budapest
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Wednesday - Budapest City Tour & Embarkation
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. Perhaps participate in the optional tour that explore the local food scene, while getting introduced to the history of the Hungarian cuisine. Sample local delicacies from Hungarian meats to local Budapest pastries. This afternoon, transfer to the port to embark your cruise. 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: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7, Thursday - Bratislava City Tour
This morning, enjoy the tranquil scenery as you sail along the scenic Danube. In the late afternoon, arrive in Bratislava, the 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. This evening, the ship will set sail to Vienna
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Friday - Vienna City Tour
Your morning tour of romantic Vienna introduces you to this Imperial city with its legendary opulence and elegance. 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 leisure, or, join the optional tour to the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace, once summer residence of the Hapsburgs. Visit the gorgeous baroque apartments and stroll through the world-famous manicured gardens. 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
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9, Saturday - Melk Abbey
This morning, arrive in the village of Durnstein, one of the prettiest towns on the Danube. Free time to stroll this quintessential village in the heart of the Wachau wine district. Walk along medieval cobblestone streets revealing 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. Continue cruising late this morning and relax on board as the boat cruises through the scenic Wachau Valley, with lovely storybook views of vineyards, castles, hilltop ruins and monasteries. Later, disembark in Melk 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. The ship will set sail as you dine on board this evening
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10, Sunday - Full Day in Linz
Early this morning cruise into Linz. Founded by the Romans, Linz has cultivated a strong artistic tradition, especially in the field of music. Today is free to explore the city independently, taking in such sites as St. Mary’s Cathedral and Linz Castle, or just relaxing at a café sampling the famous Linzer torte which was named after this quaint city. Alternatively, join the optional full day excursion to Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic. Travel through the picturesque landscape of Southern Bohemia to Cesky Krumlov, a fairy-tale town with its maze of narrow cobbled streets. Declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site in 1992, Cesky Krumlov has earned an international reputation for its State Castle and Chateau, one of the largest in Central Europe, superbly furnished with priceless art, tapestries and richly decorated weapons. The guided walk through town is highlighted by Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance houses once mansions of noblemen families
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11, Monday - Passau City Tour
Dock this morning in 2500-year-old Passau, known for its pastel patrician houses, cafes, cobblestone lanes and riverfront promenade. Passau is a Bavarian town with a mix of Roman, Italian Baroque and Gothic architecture. Alternatively, join the optional full day tour to beautiful Salzburg, 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. In the early evening, all passengers will rejoin the ship and set sail for Regensburg
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12, Tuesday - Regensburg City Tour
Today explore Regensburg, one of Germany's largest and best preserved medieval cities, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The guided walking tour highlights the city's stunning architecture as you view the Old Town Hall, Dom St. Peter and the Porta Praetoria, gateway to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest stone bridges crossing the Danube. Tonight, enjoy a lavish gala dinner on board
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13, Wednesday - Afternoon in Prague
This morning, bid farewell to your Cruise Director and meet your local host as you disembark from the river cruise and drive to the "Golden City" of Prague. The rest of the day is at leisure in Prague, considered one of Europe's most attractive cities; its historic city centre has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site 
Overnight: Prague 
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 14, Thursday - Prague City Tour
Your morning tour of Prague includes a visit to the 1000-year-old Hradcany Castle grounds, former residence of the Bohemian Kings. Enjoy magnificent views of the Charles Bridge and lesser town below and see the elegant courtyards, St. George Basilica and the St. Vitus Cathedral. Continue to the Jewish Quarter, and the Old Town Square to view the world-famous Astronomical Clock and the Town Hall. The rest of your day is at leisure to visit the museums, galleries or wander along the banks of the Vltava River. Or, join the optional tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII concentration camp, now a memorial to those who perished
Overnight: Prague 
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 15, Friday - Full Day in Prague
Today is free to further explore this beautiful city independently. Visit the museums, galleries or stroll along Parizska Street, the city's famous shopping district. This evening, perhaps try traditional Czech cuisine at a popular restaurant. Remember to sample Prague's national treasure - its world-renowned beer
Overnight: Prague 
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 16, Saturday - Depart the Czech Republic
This morning after breakfast, your wonderful tour comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast

Book by 12 September to save on all 2020 Departures!

From price of $5,289 pp twin share based on 19 November 2020 departure.

For prices based on departures from April through to October, please call our friendly travel team on freecall 1300 414 198 for pricing.

Sofitel Warsaw Victoria, Warsaw - This deluxe hotel is located in the city center of Warsaw nearby Pilsudski Square.

Mercure Krakow Stare Miasto, Krakow - This first class hotel is located in the heart of Krakow, just a short walk from the Old Town.

Corinthia Hotel Budapest, Budapest - Close to historical and cultural landmarks and magnificently restored, the Corinthia is one of the grand gems of the Hungarian capital.

Monarch Governess OR Monarch Empress - Both are first class vessels. Each ship has a Bar-lounge, restaurant, sundeck and 24/7 coffee & tea station. Package lead in price based on Category E - Outside cabin with window on lower deck. Upgrades are available, for pricing, please call our travel team on freecall 1300 414 198.
(Ship is determined by departure date)

Hotel Cosmopolitan, Prague - This deluxe hotel is situated in central Prague.

Transfers

Our travel team can arrange airport transfers for you at an additional cost.

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.

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.

Trip Preparation

A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver’s license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip.

Electricity

Australia uses 240 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 240V appliances.
Germany & Austria - The voltage used is 230 volts.
Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia & Hungary - The voltage used is 220 volts.
Monarch Governess  & Monarch Empress - The voltage used is 220 volts.