Embark on an elegant Danube River cruise beginning in Prague, where Gothic spires and cobbled streets set a fairytale tone. In Nuremberg, board your ship and sail through Europe’s heart, passing through sweeping landscapes and storied towns. Discover Vienna’s imperial majestic allure, Bratislava’s charming historic center, and Budapest’s enchanting blend of history and culture. This unforgettable journey blends timeless beauty, vibrant heritage, and captivating atmosphere at every turn.
DAYS 1-2: WELCOME TO PRAGUE!
Following our included overnight flight, we arrive in Prague to meet our Tour Director. We’ll gather for a welcome dinner after checking in at our hotel. D
DAY 3: PRAGUE OLD TOWN
Today will begin with a walking tour of the Old Town area in Prague. As one of the few European capitals to emerge from the World Wars with its core largely intact, the city offers a rare glimpse into generations of architectural evolution. Marvel at the Old Town Square, Town Hall, and the Astronomical Clock — a medieval masterpiece. B, L
DAY 4: PRAGUE CASTLE
Start with a visit to Prague Castle, one of the largest ancient castles in the world with dazzling views of the city and the Vltava River from its hilltop vantage point. Afterwards, escape to the peaceful Wallenstein Garden which is known for its baroque architecture and beautiful greenery. Enjoy free time for lunch and time to explore on your own. We will conclude the day with dinner at a local restaurant. B, D
DAY 5: PILSEN/NUREMBERG/MS AMADEUS STAR
Start your day with a scenic drive to Pilsen, where you’ll have free time to explore the captivating city before enjoying a traditional lunch paired with a classic Pilsner beer. In the afternoon, continue through Nuremberg, where stone paths and half-timbered houses set a romantic tone. It’s a day of rich flavors, renowned beauty, and everlasting European radiance before we board the MS Amadeus Star. B, L, D
DAY 6: REGENSBURG
Discover the appeal of Regensburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved cities, through its remarkably intact Old Town. Stroll past centuries-old churches, famed monasteries, the impressive town hall, and the iconic Stone Bridge — one of Europe’s oldest bridges gracefully spanning the Danube since the 12th century. Your exploration concludes at one of Regensburg’s traditional small breweries where you’ll enjoy a guided tour and a tasting of locally brewed beer. Afterwards, return to the ship with a true taste of Bavarian culture. B, L, D
DAY 7: PASSAU
Enjoy a stunning walk through Passau, the “City of Three Rivers,” known for its winding streets and storied past. At the heart of the city stands St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a baroque masterpiece with a gothic soul and one of the world’s largest pipe organs. After the guided experience, explore the Veste Oberhaus fortress on your own — a vast stronghold overlooking the city. B, L, D
DAY 8: MELK ABBEY/DÜRNSTEIN/VIENNESE CLASSICAL CONCERT
Melk Abbey, a Baroque jewel built in the early 1700s, is one of the world’s most renowned Benedictine monasteries. Highlights we’ll see include the frescoed church, imperial corridor, marble hall, and the grand library filled with medieval manuscripts. This evening, the renowned “Wiener Residenz Orchester” will bring an unforgettable evening of Viennese elegance to life, featuring the graceful rhythms of waltzes, lively polkas, and beloved arias, duets, and operetta pieces. Featuring exceptional opera singers and captivating ballet soloists, the performance is a vibrant celebration of Vienna’s rich musical tradition B, L, D
Option— Dürnstein Tour Explore the picturesque village of Dürnstein in the Wachau Valley, known for its quaint charm and apricot delicacies. Enjoy tastings of local treats as you stroll past landmarks before we set sail for Vienna. Price $89 per person
DAY 9: VIENNA/SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE
Get a perfect introduction to Vienna on this tour highlighting the city’s most iconic sights. Begin with a panoramic drive along the Ringstrasse, passing landmarks like the opera house, parliament, and city hall. Then, enjoy a walk through the iconic center, from the Hofburg Imperial Palace and Kohlmarkt to the famous St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Before returning to the ship, take some free time to explore Vienna at your own pace. B, L, D
Option—Schönbrunn Palace Travel to Vienna’s stunning Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Austria’s most treasured landmarks. Once the imperial residence of Empress Maria Theresia, the palace boasts 1,441 rooms and grand ceremonial halls. Explore several of these opulent interiors, then enjoy a stroll through the beautifully landscaped palace gardens. Price $119 per person
DAY 10: BRATISLAVA/VINEYARD RACA
Explore Bratislava with a scenic journey past key landmarks and a panoramic view from castle hill. Then stroll through the charming town, seeing highlights like Michael’s Gate, the Primatial Palace, and St. Martin’s Cathedral. Enjoy a taste of traditional Pressburger rolls before ending near the Opera House, with free time to explore or return to the ship. B, L, D
Option—Vineyard Raca and the Carpathian Wine Region Escape to the peaceful Raca wine district near Bratislava, where rolling hills and vineyards offer a taste of authentic Slovak village life. Visit a family-owned vineyard to sample the region’s famed Frankovka wine and enjoy stunning sights of Bratislava and the Danube. Then, head to a hidden local cellar for a glass of wine and regional treats with a resident sommelier. Price $119 per person
DAY 11: BUDAPEST/ILLUMINATION CRUISE
Discover Budapest, a city of everlasting grace split by the river into historic Buda and vibrant Pest. Begin by passing the Great Market Hall, the grand Hungarian State Opera, and the iconic Parliament building. Stop at Heroes’ Square for photos before crossing the Danube into Buda. Head up to Castle Hill to visit St. Matthias Church where breathtaking views of the city await. Return to the ship to continue the enrichment of the city with an atmospheric cruise through Budapest which is festively lit up at night. A musical folklore show on board will complete the truly unforgettable experience. B, L, D
Option—Flavors of Budapest Visit Budapest’s historic Market Hall, built in 1896 and famed for Hungarian treats like Tokaji wine, lángos, and paprika. Then travel by bus to City Park to see Vajdahunyad Castle and the iconic Széchenyi Baths. You’ll ride Europe’s second-oldest metro to the city center for coffee and cake at a local pastry shop, before ending your tour at the stunning St. Stephen’s Basilica. Price $99 per person
DAY 12: TRAVEL HOME
After breakfast, disembark in Budapest to catch your flight home. B
Quality Accommodations:
Nights 2-4: Grandior Hotel, Prague, Czech Republic
Nights 5-11: MS Amadeus Star
Dates:
Sep 20-Oct 1, 2026
Price Per Person:
Land only pricing available.
Haydn Stern Double - $6,549
Haydn Stern Single- $9,049
Haydn Forward Double - $6,649
Haydn Forward Single - $9,149
Strauss Stern Double - $7,099
Strauss Stern Single - $10,599
Strauss Mid Double - $7,199
Strauss Mid Single - $10,699
Strauss Forward Double - $7,299
Strauss Forward Single - $10,799
Mozart Stern Double - $7,399
Mozart Stern Single - $10,899
Mozart Mid Double - $7,499
Mozart Mid Single - $10,999
Mozart Suite Double - $8,349
Mozart Stern Single - $12,849
Plus $165 in port taxes and fees (per person). This tour is NOT eligible for Travel More, Save More discounts.
Enjoy this exclusive Early Booking discount pricing until March 31, 2026!
Book before March 31, 2026 and receive this amount off your trip:
- Hayden Staterooms - $250.00 off
- Strauss Staterooms - $500.00 off
- Mozart Stern or Mid Staterooms - $500.00 off
- Mozart Suite - $750.00 off
Pre/Post-Tour Hotel: $299/night
Depart/Return: Chicago, IL
Arrival Time
Available about 90 days prior to departure.
Departure Time
Available about 90 days prior to departure.
Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Our pre and post hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport. Free parking can be offered during the tour with a pre or post night booked. Please let us know ahead of time if you desire this service.
Walking Distance
To fully enjoy your vacation, you should be in good physical health and understand there are times when a good deal of walking is involved in our tours. Those who have difficulty walking may not want to take this trip or should discuss their personal situation with their doctor before deciding. You should be able to walk at a steady pace up to a mile at a time for a daily total of three to four miles per day and be able to manage steps to board/de-board the motorcoach several times a day. In addition, many US and European airports require lengthy walks to get from ticketing counters to your departure gate and moveable walkways are not common throughout European Airports as they are in the United States.
Due to the lack of proper facilities at some of the farms, ranches, and off-the-beaten-path sites we often visit, we are unable to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.
We are finding that larger European cities are closing their historic districts to motor traffic. This, of course, adds to the amount of walking involved when visiting a city (sometimes on uneven and/or cobblestone walkways). In addition, please know you may be expected to exit the motorcoach at each stop because local law requires mandatory motorcoach driver breaks.
Average Temps
High of 75°F, low of 50°F
Currency
Euro, Hungarian Forint
Time Zone
GMT+2
Hotel Amenities
The hotel during the land portion of the tour is equipped with a safe, coffee/tea maker, Wi-Fi, hairdryer, and air conditioning. The property also features a fitness center, spa, on-site restaurant, and laundry services available for a fee.
All AMADEUS ships have an elevator that operates between the Mozart, Strauss, and Haydn decks. The sun deck is not accessible by elevator.
Wi-Fi is available aboard the ship and the price is fully covered by CTD. We will travel in rural river landscapes, meaning the Wi-Fi connection at times can be limited.
All cabins and suites are equipped with high-quality care products, such as soap, shampoo, body lotion, and shower gel. You will also find a hair dryer in your cabin. Laundry is available onboard for a small fee.
Breakfast and lunch are lavish meals, with evenings featuring chef’s specialties and regional dishes. In addition, a light breakfast and lunch are offered in the Panorama-Bar. There is always a vegetarian option for all meals on board.
Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.
Dress on tour is casual. Evening dinners aboard the ship will be a more elegant occasion, so we welcome you to dress in a business casual manner. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, visors, and comfortable walking shoes will add to your enjoyment of this tour. Toward the end of the cruise, a Captain’s Dinner will be held. For this dinner, we suggest (for the women) dress pants or skirt along with a blouse or sweater, or possibly a dress, and (for the men) dress pants along with a collared long-sleeved shirt or sweater, and possibly a blazer of some sort (blazer not required).
An outlet converter that adapts to European outlets is needed. You can find these at many stores, including Amazon and Walmart.
Travel Protection Available?
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.
