Grand Danube
Tour Description
Spend fourteen nights cruising on a Travelmarvel river ship from Munich to Bucharest. Immerse yourself in Bavarian festivities and learn about life in Serbia with a visit to a local family’s village.
Spend fourteen nights cruising on a Travelmarvel river ship from Munich to Bucharest. Immerse yourself in Bavarian festivities and learn about life in Serbia with a visit to a local family’s village.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Munich, Passau, Embark Ship
Arrive in Munich, where you will be met and transferred to your river ship, docked on the enchanting Danube River. Meet your Cruise Director and fellow passengers at a Welcome Reception.
Day 2: Passau
In the beautiful city of Passau, enjoy a guided walking tour, taking in the historic sites as you roam the cobblestone lanes of the Altstadt. This evening, a special Insider Experience awaits.
Insider Experience – Aldersbach Brewery
Travel by coach to nearby Aldersbach brewery founded in 1268, where you’ll be welcomed by local musicians and taken on a tour of the brewery. Afterwards, enter the festival hall to enjoy locally brewed beer with tastings of some local food, all in the spirit of Oktoberfest, with live music and singing.
Day 3: Linz
Today, you can choose to join an optional tour to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic or visit Salzburg. Alternatively, enjoy time at leisure in Linz.
Enhance Your Journey – Český Krumlov Visit
Enjoy a fascinating day excursion to the city of Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, home to more than 300 historical buildings.
Enhance Your Journey – Salzburg Sights
Take a trip through the stunning scenery of Austria. Visit Mondsee, where you may recognise the famous Wedding Church from ‘The Sound of Music’. Continue to Salzburg and be guided through the town Mozart called home. Enjoy some free time to explore explore at your leisure before returning to your ship.
Day 4: Melk, Dürnstein
Join a local guide to see Melk Abbey, an active Benedictine monastery since 1089. Cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley, then continue to Dürnstein, where you have a free afternoon to explore. Perhaps join an optional tour to taste some of the region’s wine.
Enhance Your Journey – Wine Tasting
Visit Dürnstein Abbey, where you’ll savour a glass of the local Grüner Veltliner or riesling produced in the region, as well as delicious brandy.
Day 5: Vienna
Embrace the elegance of Vienna as you drive around the Ringstrasse, taking in some of the city’s most famous buildings. On arrival in the centre, a walking tour will provide an insider’s view of sights such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Graben and Hofburg Palace. Afterwards, perhaps visit the Naschmarkt and browse the stalls. This evening, you could enjoy an optional concert.
Enhance Your Journey – Mozart and Strauss Concert
Enjoy a Mozart and Strauss concert in one of Vienna’s palaces or concert venues, followed by an evening drive around the Ringtrasse.
Day 6: Bratislava
Today, discover Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, on a walking tour through the Old Town where you will see St Martin’s Cathedral, Primatial Palace and Main Square. You’ll also visit the only surviving example of the original four entrances to the city, Michael’s Gate. Tonight, celebrate the end of your river cruise with a Captain’s Farewell Dinner.
Day 7: Budapest
Awake to views of one of the Danube’s most enchanting cities this morning. Disembark and learn the vibrant history of Budapest as your local guide takes you to a host of impressive sights, including Heroes’ Square and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Enjoy free time this afternoon to explore Budapest at your leisure, or perhaps join our fascinating optional excursion.
Enhance Your Journey – Hospital in the Rock
Tour this museum, once a World War II hospital, located in the caves beneath Buda Castle.
Day 8: Budapest
We have set aside a full day for you to explore more of this fascinating city at your leisure.
Day 9: Budapest
After breakfast, join a local guide to explore the city. Tonight, delight in a Gala Welcome Dinner on board before your ship sets sail. Marvel at the sight of Budapest as its famous monuments are illuminated, creating a mesmerising spectacle around you.
Day 10: Mohács, Pécs
From the sleepy port town of Mohács, history buffs will delight in the chance to travel to the ancient city of Pécs. As Hungary’s fifth-largest city, this World Heritage site offers plenty in the way of sightseeing. Be sure to check out the copper domes of the Mosque of Pasha Qasim, as well as the 11th-century Pécs Cathedral. With the afternoon at leisure, you may wish to join an optional tour to Hungary’s renowned wine region in Villány for a wine tasting.
Enhance your Journey – Villány Wine Tasting
Travel to Hungary’s renowned wine region in Villány, known for its red and rosé varieties. Pay a visit to a local winery for a tour and tasting.
Day 11: Osijek
Begin a captivating exploration of Osijek, a vibrant city with a rich history. Wander through its picturesque cobblestone streets, where the well-preserved 18th-century architecture offers a glimpse into the past. Discover key landmarks such as the iconic Holy Trinity Square and the stunning St. Michael’s Church. Later, continue to Vukovar, where you’ll enjoy a tasting of regional delicacies. Reboard your ship for a leisurely afternoon cruise towards Serbia.
Day 12: Belgrade
In Serbia’s capital, embark on a guided tour of Belgrade. Visit the historic Belgrade Fortress, which offers stunning views over the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of Saint Sava, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. Immerse yourself in a traditional Serbian way of life during your Insider Experience, gaining insight into the local culture and customs.
Insider Experience – Village Farm and Slivovitz Tour
Visit a local family’s village, taking a tour of their home and barn to meet the resident farm animals. Stroll through the family’s fruit orchards to learn about the brewing process of ‘slivovitz’. This plum brandy is the national drink of choice.
Day 13: Iron Gates
Get ready to witness nature at its finest today as your ship cruises through the Iron Gates, a stunning natural wonder of lush forests, towering cliffs and rugged landscapes. This spectacular series of gorges connects Serbia and Romania and makes for an unparalleled cruising experience.
Day 14: Ruse
Go ashore in Ruse, one of Bulgaria’s most elegant cities. Embark on a walking tour to admire the city’s Belle Époque architecture and beautifully manicured garden squares, which evoke the charm of Vienna. Along the way, you’ll pass Liberty Square, the courthouse, the Ruse Opera House, and Alexander Battenberg Square. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure. You may choose to visit the Regional Museum of History, the National Transport Museum, or the ancient ruins of Sexaginta Prista Fortress.
Day 15: Giurgiu, Depart Bucharest
After breakfast, disembark your ship and be transferred to Bucharest airport for your flight.