Romantic Danube Hosted by: Gregory Barnett
CITIES & SIGHTS
Vilshofen : Passau : Linz : Salzburg : Cesky Krumlov Weissenkirchen : Melk : Krems : Vienna : Esztergom : Budapest Those longing for the romance of Old World Europe will get to travel into the very heart of the continent, where empires were built, kings and queens were crowned and some of the world’s greatest music was composed and performed by the likes of Mozart and Beethoven. Visit one of Austria's greatest wineries, Schloss Gobelsburg, which has a documented viticulture history dating back to the 12th century. Grand European cities like Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest forever remain timeless. Admire the beauty of Salzburg and the Czech Republic’s charming mountain town, Ceský Krumlov. From grand abbeys and fortresses perched high above the Danube to plentiful iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, be romanced by the Danube with all her regal and romantic splendor. |
Extra Included Features on this cruise:
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For More Information, Contact:
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NOV 4: Vilshofen embarkation
Exclusive Oktoberfest
Embark your cruise in Vilshofen and attend an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration with traditional beer and Bavarian folk music and dancing (D)
Embark your cruise in Vilshofen and attend an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration with traditional beer and Bavarian folk music and dancing (D)
NOV 5 Vilshofen/passau
VILSHOFEN Free Time
PASSAU “City of Three Rivers” walking tour
OR Passau Castle hike
OR River Inn Bike Tour
Explore Vilshofen’s beautiful old town before cruising to Passau, known as the “City of Three Rivers.” Join a walking tour or if you prefer to be more active, hike high into the hills for a visit to the “Veste Oberhaus,” Passau’s Castle Hill; or go on a guided bike tour to Wernstein. (B,L,D)
PASSAU “City of Three Rivers” walking tour
OR Passau Castle hike
OR River Inn Bike Tour
Explore Vilshofen’s beautiful old town before cruising to Passau, known as the “City of Three Rivers.” Join a walking tour or if you prefer to be more active, hike high into the hills for a visit to the “Veste Oberhaus,” Passau’s Castle Hill; or go on a guided bike tour to Wernstein. (B,L,D)
NOV 6: LINZ
LINZ “UNESCO City of Media Arts” walking tour
OR “Cultural Mile” bike tour
OR Full day Salzburg excursion
OR Cesky Krumlov excursion*
The ship arrives in Linz where you’ll have several choices of excursions. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg where you’ll tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. En route to Salzburg, stop at Mondsee, home of the famed Basilica St. Michael and site of the wedding scene in The Sound of Music. Alternatively, you can join a morning walking tour through Linz’s old city center and by the Mozart House; or go on a guided bike tour along the city’s famed “Culture Mile” and the Danube. You can also choose to visit the charming mountain town, Český Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D)
OR “Cultural Mile” bike tour
OR Full day Salzburg excursion
OR Cesky Krumlov excursion*
The ship arrives in Linz where you’ll have several choices of excursions. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg where you’ll tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. En route to Salzburg, stop at Mondsee, home of the famed Basilica St. Michael and site of the wedding scene in The Sound of Music. Alternatively, you can join a morning walking tour through Linz’s old city center and by the Mozart House; or go on a guided bike tour along the city’s famed “Culture Mile” and the Danube. You can also choose to visit the charming mountain town, Český Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D)
NOV 7: wachau valley scenic cruising through Strudengau and UNESCO Wachau Valley
WEISSENKIRCHEN Durnstein Fortress hike & wine tasting
OR Durnstein walking tour and wine tasting
Cruise through the Strudengau and Wachau valleys to Weissenkirchen, gateway to Dürnstein. Once here, you can choose to join a walking tour in Dürnstein along its cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, Dürnstein’s famed church cloister tower, considered the most beautiful of its kind in all of Austria. For the more active adventurer, you can venture high above the town for a visit to the majestic ruins of Kuenringer Castle, or “Dürnstein” (dry stone) castle from which Dürnstein derives its name. After free time in Durnstein, you will leave for a special wine tasting in Weissenkirchen, nestled in the Wachau Valley. Wines from the Weissenkirchen region tend to have a pronounced freshness, spiciness, finesse and complexity. Locally grown Rieslings and Grüner Veltliners are renowned around the world and you will get to sample a few. (B,L,D)
OR Durnstein walking tour and wine tasting
Cruise through the Strudengau and Wachau valleys to Weissenkirchen, gateway to Dürnstein. Once here, you can choose to join a walking tour in Dürnstein along its cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, Dürnstein’s famed church cloister tower, considered the most beautiful of its kind in all of Austria. For the more active adventurer, you can venture high above the town for a visit to the majestic ruins of Kuenringer Castle, or “Dürnstein” (dry stone) castle from which Dürnstein derives its name. After free time in Durnstein, you will leave for a special wine tasting in Weissenkirchen, nestled in the Wachau Valley. Wines from the Weissenkirchen region tend to have a pronounced freshness, spiciness, finesse and complexity. Locally grown Rieslings and Grüner Veltliners are renowned around the world and you will get to sample a few. (B,L,D)
NOV 8: Weissenkirchen/krems
WEISSENKIRCHEN Melk Abbey visit
OR Wachau Valley bike tour
KREMS Schloss Gobelsburg cellar tour and tasting
Visit the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey (Stift Melk), one of Europe’s largest and most revered Baroque monasteries. Within these walls, you will find frescos painted by Johann Michael Rottmayr and Paul Troger, as well as a famed collection of musical manuscripts. After your tour, enjoy free time exploring the picturesque village of Melk, one of Europe’s great cultural heritage sites. Or for the more active cruise, take a guided bike tour through the picturesque Wachau Valley. Sail to Krems, where you will enjoy a special wine tasting at Schloss Gobelsburg, formerly a Cistercian monastery, one of the oldest wineries in Austria. Visit this beautiful castle and have the opportunity to tour their cellars, learning more about the traditional methods drawn from historical wine-making practices, as well as tasting some traditional Austrian wines. (B,L,D)
OR Wachau Valley bike tour
KREMS Schloss Gobelsburg cellar tour and tasting
Visit the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey (Stift Melk), one of Europe’s largest and most revered Baroque monasteries. Within these walls, you will find frescos painted by Johann Michael Rottmayr and Paul Troger, as well as a famed collection of musical manuscripts. After your tour, enjoy free time exploring the picturesque village of Melk, one of Europe’s great cultural heritage sites. Or for the more active cruise, take a guided bike tour through the picturesque Wachau Valley. Sail to Krems, where you will enjoy a special wine tasting at Schloss Gobelsburg, formerly a Cistercian monastery, one of the oldest wineries in Austria. Visit this beautiful castle and have the opportunity to tour their cellars, learning more about the traditional methods drawn from historical wine-making practices, as well as tasting some traditional Austrian wines. (B,L,D)
NOV 9: VIENNA
VIENNA “Imperial Vienna” tour
OR Vienna bike tour
Traditional Viennese wine and music evening
The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems and your city tour showcases them, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace. Your tour concludes in the historic city center with a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Or if you prefer a more active tour, take a guided bike ride through Vienna. In the evening, enjoy wine and live music at a traditional Austrian Heuriger (wine tavern). (B,L,D)
OR Vienna bike tour
Traditional Viennese wine and music evening
The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems and your city tour showcases them, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace. Your tour concludes in the historic city center with a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Or if you prefer a more active tour, take a guided bike ride through Vienna. In the evening, enjoy wine and live music at a traditional Austrian Heuriger (wine tavern). (B,L,D)
nov 10: esztergom/budapest
BUDAPEST “Queen of the Danube” tour
OR Budapest Castle Hill hike
Esztergom is your gateway to Budapest. Your city tour begins at Budapest’s Great Market Hall, where you’ll discover plenty of delicious food and shopping. Afterwards, you’ll visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. You’ll see the 19th-century Chain Bridge, which connects the Buda district with Pest; and the UNESCO-designated Castle Hill district, which contains some of Budapest’s most important medieval monuments and museums. As an alternative choice, you can hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city below. (B,L,D)
OR Budapest Castle Hill hike
Esztergom is your gateway to Budapest. Your city tour begins at Budapest’s Great Market Hall, where you’ll discover plenty of delicious food and shopping. Afterwards, you’ll visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. You’ll see the 19th-century Chain Bridge, which connects the Buda district with Pest; and the UNESCO-designated Castle Hill district, which contains some of Budapest’s most important medieval monuments and museums. As an alternative choice, you can hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city below. (B,L,D)
nov 11: budapest disembarkation
Disembark the ship as you prepare for your flight home. (B) Note: The Great Market Hall is closed on Sundays.
EXCLUSIVE CELEBRATION OF WINE RIVER CRUISE
Whether you are a wine novice or a self-described oenophile with your own wine cellar, we invite you to indulge in one of our more than 60 exclusive “Celebration of Wine River Cruises” through Europe’s most celebrated wine regions. These thrilling wine-themed European sailings provide a unique and delicious dimension to already enticing itineraries—with enhanced epicurean experiences included in the price of the cruise.
Each of our Celebration of Wine River Cruises is hosted by an enthusiastic wine professional who leads you through tastings and interactive discussions, accompanies you on select shore excursions to vineyards and cellars, and helps curate a special food and wine pairing dinner on board. Guided by their passion and expertise, you’ll delight in discovering one of the world’s most perfect trifectas: travel, wine and elegant cuisine.
INCLUDED WITH YOUR FARE
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WINE HOST BIO
Gregory Barnett: Owner & Winemaker of NABU Wines NABU Wines has been an amazing adventure for Greg Barnett. After taking a 3-year break from making wine in Paso Robles in 2012, Greg was fortunate to pick from local vineyards in the Santa Monica Mountains within the Malibu Coast AVA and later harvest in the NAPA Valley to begin his new venture. If you haven't figured it out, this is why the winery is called NABU. Since his first harvest, Greg's main focus in Malibu has been producing Red Blends due to the small yields of varietals harvested from the surrounding vineyards from the ocean to the highest ridges in the mountains. In Napa, NABU is based in St. Helena and produces wine up and down the valley and now in Mendocino county and will return to producing wine from Paso Robles in harvest 2023. NABU was voted Best Winery and Wine Tasting in 2022 by the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Daily News, and The Ventura County Star. |
Cruise starting from $2,599 per person (was $3,599)
Book by June 30, 2023 to get this Savings
Optional Pre-Cruise Land Packages:
1. Three Nights Prague Package: ($900 per person - double occupancy)
Enjoy the vivacious culture, hearty cuisine and historical architecture of the Czech Republic when you extend select Danube River journeys with our optional land package in Prague!
Nov 1: Arrive in prague and check-in
Arrive in Prague and check-in to your hotel. Nov 2: prague
Experience the wonders of Prague and its historic city center that is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site on your city tour or you can hike to the grand castle. See Rudolfinum and the Hundertwasser Dancing House. Visit the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle and St. Vitus before walking over the romantic Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square, where you will find the capital’s famous Astronomical Clock. (B) Nov 3: prague
Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic with the first brewery known to have existed in 993. Pilsner Urquell was created in 1842, being the first pilsner ever made, whilst Budweiser came into being in the city of Budweis. Beer is a core part of the country’s national identity, so much so the Czechs are the biggest consumers of beer in the world. The country is home to more than 100 breweries with a combination of big names and micro establishments offering a huge range of styles, so join a Czech beer tasting and discover for yourself what makes the Czech’s beer some of the very best in the world. (B) *Czech beer tasting may take place on Day 2 or Day 3 of this itinerary Nov 4: Prague - regensburg - embarkation vilshofen
Depart from Prague via motorcoach and enjoy a stop in Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you’ll discover on a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria. After touring Regensburg, continue your journey on to Vilshofen, where you will board your luxury cruise ship. Cap the day off with an exclusive festive Oktoberfest celebration. (B,D)
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2. Two Nights Munich Package: ($940 per person - double occupancy)
There is no doubt that Munich, Germany boasts a natural beauty. Bordering the Bavarian Alps and nestled along the River Isar, the city features views of breathtaking landscapes. The posh city also shows off its man-made wonders with designer stores, Baroque churches, and shiny BMWs lining its streets. Walk amongst these highlights on our optional land package in Munich before your Romantic Danube sailings departing from Vilshofen, Germany.
nov 2: arrive in munich and check-in
Arrive in Munich and check-in to your hotel. Nov 3: munich
This morning you will tour Munich, the capital of Bavaria and one of Germany’s largest cities, as well as the undisputed beer capital of the world. Enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town through the city ending at the famous Glockenspiel, with its 43 bells and 32 life-size figures that portray historic scenes, such as a wedding celebration. You will also see Frauenkirche, the “Cathedral of Our Dear Lady.” Later in the day, do like the Bavarians do, and go to a Bavarian Beer Hall for the famous beer and pretzels. This is the cradle of Bavarian tavern culture, and the origin of tradition, “gemütlichkeit” and hospitality. (B) nov 4: munich - embarkation vilshofen
Check out of your hotel and transfer to Vilshofen where you will board your luxury ship. Later in the day, attend an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration with traditional beer and Bavarian folk music and dancing. (B,D)
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