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Uniworld River Cruises, Enchanting Danube, River Cruise Vacation Package
Duration : 9 Days / 8 Nights
Priced From : $1,649 Per Person (Cruise Only)
Dates : Mar - Nov (2008)
Ship : River Empress
From : Budapest to Passau
Pay tribute to the Queen of Europe’s great rivers, the Danube
The Danube, through its rich history, has remained timeless and truly enchanting. German poet Friedrich Hölderlin called the Danube “a refreshing, melodious river, sometimes foaming with high spirits, at other times dreaming serenely.” This river has inspired countless musicians, composers, artists and poets throughout the centuries. Perhaps the most famous to capture the Danube was Strauss with his Blue Danube Waltz, forever symbolic of the 19th century and the Viennese waltz.
Waltz through time as you sail past regal cities and hilltop villages
You’ll soon discover the same inspiration that has mesmerized so many for hundreds of years. With a backdrop of the Austrian Alps, enchanting landscapes, lush vineyards giving way to regal cities, and ancient castles and hilltop villages, you may be writing your own waltz or tribute to the Danube. Travel from one captivating city to the next – Budapest, the beautiful “Queen of the Danube,” Bratislava, the “Coronation City of Kings,” and breathtaking Vienna, the “Waltz Capital of the World.”
Experience enchanting Salzburg, the charming village of Dürnstein located in Austria’s lush vineyard-rich Wachau Valley, and Passau with Europe’s largest pipe organ located in its grand cathedral. This is a regal journey full of centuries of intriguing history that will unfold before your eyes.
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart Home Gateway City to Budapest
Day 2: Budapest (embark)
Arrive in Budapest where you’ll be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship. (D)
Day 3: Budapest
Featured Excursion: Budapest city tour
Budapest is an enchanting city with a vibrant mix of East and West, and medieval and modern. Made up of two parts—Buda, the hills, and Pest, the flat lands—it is divided by the Danube and is an architectural dream. Your city tour features the famous Chain Bridge, the UNESCO-listed Castle Hill district, and the 19th-century Fisherman’s Bastion. (BB, L, Captain’s Welcome Dinner)
Day 4: Bratislava
Featured Excursion: Bratislava city tour
A tour through Bratislava will acquaint you with a sampling of the town’s eclectic architecture of gothic, baroque and Art Deco styles. Bratislava has been aptly named the “Coronation City of Kings” and you’ll discover why as you walk along the sidewalks where there are little golden crowns in the pavement identifying the route of the coronation procession of eleven kings and eight royal spouses over the centuries. You’ll also pass the 17th-century palace that now serves as the seat of the Slovakian government, Old Town’s Freedom Square and Peace Square, Mirbach Palace and Primatial Palace. (BB, L, D)
Day 5: Vienna
Featured Excursion: Vienna city tour
Irresistible Optional Tour: Visit Schönbrunn Palace or join the Connoisseur’s Vienna tour, and/or enjoy a classical music performance of Mozart and Strauss.
Vienna is a treasure trove of secular and sacred gems, such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the stately Ringstrasse, the broad thoroughfare surrounded by the many imperial buildings and monuments that give Vienna its wedding cake appearance. Your city tour takes you along the Ringstrasse to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, where Mozart was married. (BB, L, D)
Day 6: Dürnstein, Scenic Cruising Wachau Valley, Melk
Featured Excursion: Melk Abbey tour
Irresistible Optional Tour: Cycling through the picturesque Wachau Valley Vineyards
The tiny baroque village of Dürnstein seems lost in time. It’s perhaps most famous for being where Richard the Lionheart was held captive on his return from the Crusades. Enjoy leisure time exploring this charming village on your own before departing for Melk. Cruise through the heart of the picturesque, vineyard-rich Wachau Valley, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its abruptly rising hills, and nestling baroque villages. As you sail to Melk, you’ll be greeted by the famous Melk Abbey situated high atop the granite cliffs of the Danube. This 900-year old complex is a wonderful example of baroque art and architecture and home to a very famous Benedictine library. (BB, L, D)
Day 7: Linz (Salzburg)
Featured Excursion: Full-day in Salzburg
Today’s adventure will take you out of Linz—through the region known to many as the “smile on the face of Austria.” Upon arrival in Salzburg, the “city of salt,” you’ll enjoy a walking tour of Old Town. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its well-preserved medieval town core and for its musical heritage. See the Mirabellgarten, once featured in the well-beloved film The Sound of Music. Visit the 15th-century Dom Cathedral, representing Faith, Hope and Charity. (BB, D)
Day 8: Passau
Featured Excursion: Walking tour and organ concert
Irresistible Optional Tour: Visit Schärding, one of Austria’s most beautiful baroque towns situated in the bucolic River Inn Valley.
Situated at the confluence of three rivers, Passau’s wealth through trade is reflected in the medieval merchant’s houses that we pass when walking to the baroque St. Stephan’s Cathedral, home to Europe’s largest pipe organ. Passau’s Italian-baroque buildings, erected after the big fire of 1662, match the historic center with its winding little streets and narrow alleyways, which lead us back to St. Stephan’s for an organ concert. (BB, L, Captain’s Farewell Dinner)
Note: Organ concert not available on Sundays or before May 2 or after November 1.
Day 9: Passau (disembark), transfer to airport in Munich
Disembark the ship in Passau and transfer to the airport in Munich for your flight home, or extend your stay in Prague.
Save time, money and stress!
For reservations: Fill out the Uniworld River Cruise vacation planner to be contacted by a Uniworld, Europe River Cruise vacation specialist.
Contact : Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252
11/08
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