Elegant Danube River Cruise & Tour

Elegant Danube River Cruise

Tours Starts: Prague, Czech Republic

Tours Ends: Munich, Germany

Day 1

Depart US for Prague

Overnight in flight

Day 2

Arrive in Prague

If you purchased airline tickets from YMT, a representative will welcome you at the airport and transport you to the hotel. Learn about the days ahead over the included dinner tonight. (D)

Duo Hotel Prague or similar

Day 3

Prague to Nuremburg

Explore this incredible red-roofed city on a guided tour. Founded in the 7th century, Prague played a major part in the Protestant reformation, the Holy Roman empire, the Austro-Hungarian empire, both World Wars, and even the Hapsburg Dynasty. See castles, grand cathedrals, ancient bridges, and Prague’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue on to Nuremberg for a two-night stay. (B)

Park Plaza Nuremburg or similar

Day 4

Nuremberg

Martin Luther once claimed that Nuremberg “shines throughout Germany like a sun among the moon and stars,” a sentiment visitors to this vibrant historic village are certain to agree with. Enjoy an illuminating city tour and see the Nuremberg medieval walls, St. Lawrence Church, Old Town Hall, and Albrecht-Durer-Platz. (B)

Hotel Forsthaus Nuremburg or similar

Day 5

Nuremberg Cathedral and Transfer to Engelhartszell for Embarkation (5:00 PM)

This morning, you’ll have some time to take a self-guided tour of the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg, the symbol of the city. One of the most important imperial castles of the Holy Roman Empire, it is considered to be one of Europe’s most formidable medieval fortifications. Explore the Palace and see the Knight’s Hall, double chapel, and continue to the upper floor for the Imperial Castle Museum and more. Then, transfer to nearby Engelhartszell to board the A-ROSA Donna. (B)

Day 6

Vienna (Arrive 1:00 PM)

After a night and morning of tranquil cruising and navigating the river locks, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy Vienna. You may choose to explore the imperial city on our optional city tour (additional cost). Return to the ship for dinner and perhaps join fellow travelers on an optional outing to a “Heurigen”—a local wine pub with traditional Viennese live music.

Day 7

Vienna and Evening Departure to Esztergom (Depart 6:30 PM)

Enjoy a full day in Vienna! This classical city of music, waltz, and the royal Habsburg dynasty has a lot to offer. Join an optional tour of the Imperial Palace of Schoenbrunn, or if you prefer, venture into town or perhaps take a spin on the famous Ferris wheel at the Prater.

Day 8

Esztergom (8:00 AM – 10:30 AM) to Budapest (Arrive 3:00 PM)

Savor breakfast as the ship docks in Esztergom. One of Hungary’s oldest cities, Esztergom is home to the Basilica, the main Roman Catholic church of Hungary. The Donna will continue to nearby Budapest, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. This World Heritage Site includes the banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter, Andrássy Avenue, Heroes’ Square and the Millennium Underground Railway.

Day 9

Budapest (Depart 6:00 PM)

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Budapest. Perhaps join an optional excursion to the Hungarian countryside, “the Puszta,” to visit a horsebreeding farm and see presentations of the local Hungarian cowboys.

Day 10

Bratislava (12:00 PM – 5:00 PM)

Wake up in Slovakia and spend the day discovering beautiful Bratislava! Join a city tour to the towering castle and Old Town, or walk in the historic town center on your own.

Day 11

Wachau Passage to Melk (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM)

After breakfast, a cruise highlight awaits as the Donna glides through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Wachau region. Surrounded by apricot orchards, marvel at Duernstein where once King Richard Lion Heart was held captive. Then, arrive in Melk for a wonderful view of the monastery that towers over the Danube. Enjoy your last night aboard en route to Engelhartszell.

Day 12

Disembarkation in Engelhartszell (7:00 AM) and Munich Tour

Your final day takes you through Munich, known for its hearty German cuisine, exceptional beers, and the original Oktoberfest; it also has a vibrant art scene and beautifully-preserved architecture. Explore Munich on an illuminating city tour, where you will see the beautiful Baroque Nymphenburg Palace, Marienplatz, the heart of Munich’s Old Town, Munich Residenz, Germany’s largest city palace, Hofgarten, the court garden completed in 1617, and Frauenkirche, a local landmark church famous for its lofty towers.

Leonardo Hotel Munich or similar

Day 13

Munich Leisure Day

Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax and explore this magnificent city at your own pace before the included farewell dinner at your hotel. (B, D)

Leonardo Hotel Munich or similar

Day 14

Depart for Home (B)

Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tours vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights.