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From Strauss’s The Blue Danube to Mozart’s Linz Symphony, the Danube River has inspired countless musicians throughout the centuries. Their famous melodies are carried on the river’s current, which you’ll follow through some of the most spectacular capitals – Budapest, Hungary; Bratislava, Slovakia; and Vienna, Austria – where they lived, composed and performed, as well as to cities such as Salzburg, Austria, where Mozart was born. Along the way, you will be treated to a variety of live performances by renowned musicians that are sure to fill your heart with love for the Danube throughout the ages. Whether you are a musician yourself, a classical music connoisseur or simply a discerning traveler seeking a nuanced and immersive experience, let the Danube River be your melodious muse on this incredible classical music themed journey.
| TRAVEL DATE | PRICE | TYPE |
|---|---|---|
| June 8, 2024 | from $5,674 CAD | Per Person |
| DAY | DATE | PLACE |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sat Jun 8 | Budapest |
| 2 | Sun Jun 9 | Budapest |
| 3 | Mon Jun 10 | Bratislava |
| 4 | Tue Jun 11 | Linz |
| 5 | Wed Jun 12 | Linz |
| 6 | Thu Jun 13 | Melk |
| 7 | Fri Jun 14 | Vienna |
| 8 | Sat Jun 15 | Vienna |
Day 1 – Budapest
Arrive in Budapest and board your luxurious river cruise ship.
Day 2 – Budapest
Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. Your city tour begins with going to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. You’ll see Heroes’ Square and Castle Hill, home to the Fisherman’s Bastion and Mattias Church. If you prefer venturing off the beaten path or are returning to the city for a repeat visit, join our “Hidden Budapest” tour to discover some fascinating sites lesser-known to the average traveler. Whether heading to an underground church or exploring Roman ruins, this excursion is sure to surprise and delight you. If you prefer an active excursion, you can hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city below. Later in the day, celebrate the joy of music when visiting the Opera House, followed by a reception and small performance. You will then visit the Liszt House and museum, previously home to one of Hungary’s greatest composers and virtuoso pianists. Immerse yourself into the history of music as you will see a collection of pianos, portraits and personal objects of an influential pianist of the 19th century.
Day 3 – Bratislava
Take in the breathtaking scenery along the Danube River from your balcony or while up on the Sun Deck and even catch a glimpse of the gleaming Bratislava Castle on your way into the city. Host to the crowning ceremonies of 11 Hungarian kings and queens between 1536 and 1830, Bratislava certainly has earned the title “Coronation City of Kings,” as you’ll discover during your walking tour. Plus, enjoy a surprise musical performance as part of this included excursion. Or join a special “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city or enjoy a guided bike tour, pausing to take photos with some of the celebrated statues in Old Town.
Day 4 – Linz
Revel in a morning scenic cruise before your ship arrives in Linz, where you’ll have several choices of excursions. For those who love The Sound of Music, enjoy a full-day excursion to Salzburg and tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. En route to Salzburg, stop at Mondsee, home of the Basilica St. Michael, where the famous wedding scene in the movie was filmed. You may also choose to join a full-day excursion to the charming Czech mountain town of Český Krumlov, where you can stroll its cobblestone streets; marvel at the city’s picturesque Baroque and Renaissance-style buildings; and tour Krumlov Castle, one of Europe’s largest castle complexes. Following these full-day excursions, you may also choose to take a brief walking tour in Linz. Alternatively, join a walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House; or bike along the city’s famed “Cultural Mile” and the Danube.
Day 5 – Linz
Enjoy a morning cruise through Austria’s beautiful Wachau Valley before sailing into Melk. Explore the city known for its magnificent Benedictine Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s largest and most revered monasteries. Within these walls you will find frescoes painted by Johann Michael Rottmayr and Paul Troger, as well as a famed collection of musical manuscripts. You will also enjoy the incredible acoustics of the abbey during a beautiful live choral performance. Later in the day, if you prefer a more active adventure, hike up to the Melk Abbey and then visit this magnificent Baroque monastery or join a guided bike tour to Melk.
Day 6 – Melk
Sail from Melk to the grand capital of Vienna on a morning scenic cruise. Once there, the “City of Waltzes” offers a wealth of gems and your city tour showcases its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude your tour in Vienna’s historic city center and visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or discover Vienna by bike. Alternatively, visit a traditional café to experience a true Vienna specialty with its very own national holiday and a unique history to match: the rich chocolate sachertorte – and savor this treat with a piping hot Viennese coffee. In the evening, join us for a very special live classical performance at a renowned local concert hall.
Day 7 – Vienna
Visit the UNESCO-designated Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens, the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers, on your included tour. Built in the 18th century as an imperial summer residence, this magnificent 1,441-room Baroque palace is one of the most important architectural, cultural and historical monuments in Austria. Alternatively, pedal along the scenic Danube River and through charming neighborhoods to the nearby town of Klosterneuberg and its majestic 12th-century Augustinian monastery overlooking the Danube River. During the afternoon, explore the city of music while following in the footsteps of world-renowned composers, such as Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert, from their past residences to museums to grand monuments. Or enjoy leisure time to further explore this iconic city.
Day 8 – Vienna
Bid farewell to Vienna and prepare for your flight home.
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