Danube River Cruise

BUDAPEST to VILSHOFEN

8 DAYS FROM $4,495

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore five countries while cruising the Danube with two National Geographic Experts.

• Take a specially arranged tour of Vienna’s renowned Museum of Natural History.

• Experience Central European traditions, from food and wine to classical concerts and folklore.

TRIP TYPE: River Cruise

ACTIVITY LEVEL: Light or Moderate

DAY 1 | BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Arrive in Budapest and board our ship. Join our National Geographic Experts for a welcome reception and dinner. Then take a walking tour to see the majestic buildings of Budapest illuminated at night. AmaViola for the entire voyage | Meals: 1L, 1D

A couple takes in Danube views in Budapest.

DAY 2 | BUDAPEST

Set out on a full-day tour of the two distinct sides of Budapest: the cobbled hills of Buda and the grand boulevards of Pest, linked by eight elegant bridges that span the Danube. See the architectural gems of Pest, including the neo-Gothic Parliament building, and ascend Buda’s Castle Hill. Have lunch on your own in the city, and travel to Vac to meet the ship. Alternatively, hike up Castle Hill, stopping at viewpoints and landmarks along the way. Hear a talk by our experts during a leisurely afternoon of sailing. After dinner, enjoy a Hungarian folklore performance. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

The Danube flows by the capital city of Bratislava and its hilltop castle.

DAY 3 | BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA

Wake up in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. On a guided walk, venture into St. Martin’s Cathedral and stroll cobblestoned streets to the picturesque main square. Or choose an invigorating hike instead, climbing to the city’s castle for breathtaking views. Alternatively, set off on a food tour, seeing the sights and sampling cheeses, charcuterie, and other traditional delicacies along the way. As we cruise this afternoon, join our experts for a talk, and savor a Viennese favorite: apfelstrudel. Enjoy a waltz performance after dinner. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

Austria’s Melk Abbey is one of Europe’s foremost baroque masterpieces.

DAY 4 | VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Explore imperial Vienna on foot, from the Hofburg Palace to the Spanish Riding School. Or tour the city by bicycle, pedaling to sites like the Secession Art Museum and the Vienna Concert Hall. Take a special behind-the-scenes tour of Vienna’s Museum of Natural History led by Ludovic Ferrière, a National Geographic Explorer and co-curator of the museum’s meteorite exhibit. Tour Schönbrunn Palace, the baroque summer residence of the imperial family, and enjoy free time to explore this afternoon. If you wish, return to the city for a classical concert tonight. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAY 5 | DÜRNSTEIN/WACHAU VALLEY

Rise early to join our National Geographic Photography Expert on deck for a sunrise photo shoot as we cruise into the World Heritage– listed Wachau Valley. Tour medieval Dürnstein and the magnificent Melk Abbey, ride a bike through the villages of the Wachau Valley, or go on a walking tour of Dürnstein that culminates with a wine-tasting at the town’s abbey. Cruise west this afternoon, enjoying a talk by our experts and traditional Austrian refreshments. Stop at the hilltop Castle Greinburg to hear local legends during a wine reception. Tonight, sit down to a specially prepared meal followed by a classical concert on board. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAY 6 |LINZ/SALZBURG OR ČESKÝ KRUMLOV, CZECHIA (CZECH REPUBLIC)

Arrive in the port city of Linz, a cultural capital that inspired composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert. Explore the old city on a walking tour or a bike ride, and return to the ship for a leisurely brunch. Travel into the Czech Republic in the afternoon for a visit to the World Heritage site of Český Krumlov— a labyrinth of cobblestoned streets with medieval, baroque, and Renaissance houses; lively cafés; and hidden squares. Alternatively, spend the entire day discovering the storybook streets of Salzburg. Back on board, gather for a talk by our experts before the captain’s farewell dinner and an Austrian folklore performance. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAY 7 | PASSAU, GERMANY

Set at the scenic confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers, Passau was once an important trading center. Admire the town’s celebrated baroque architecture on a walking tour, or hike up to Veste Oberhaus, a 13th-century hilltop fortress offering panoramic views of Passau and its rivers. Tonight, toast our Danube voyage at a festive Oktoberfest-like celebration. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAY 8 | VILSHOFEN/MUNICH

Disembark in Vilshofen and transfer to the airport in Munich to catch your flight home. Meals: 1B

Travelers pedal through the riverside villages of Austria’s UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley.

YOUR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPERT

A National Geographic Expert, a Photography Expert, and local guides will accompany this trip.

Mark Baker, Writer

Prague-based writer Mark Baker has written articles for National Geographic Traveler magazine, BBC World News, and the Wall Street Journal, and authored guidebooks on Eastern and Central Europe for Lonely Planet, Frommer’s, and Fodor’s. Mark was previously a correspondent for The Economist Group, Bloomberg News, and Radio Free Europe. Find the departure(s) Mark will join on our website.

INFORMATION

This trip is operated in collaboration with AmaWaterways. Dates: This expedition is offered in June.

Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and vary by cabin category. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change at any time without notice.

Cover: A spectacular beacon on the banks of the Danube, Budapest’s neo-Gothic Parliament emits a golden glow at dusk.

NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM | CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR YOUR PROFESSIONAL TRAVEL ADVISOR