8 Days Enchanting Danube | Budapest to Passau - S.S. Maria Theresa

A veritable showcase of the best of Central Europe, this is a journey any culturally curious world traveler will love.

The shimmering waters of the fabled Danube River flow for thousands of miles through the very heart of Europe, silent witness to centuries of artistic achievement and historical events. This perfectly composed journey provides an immersive cultural tasting menu of four equally beguiling countries—ideal for first-time river cruisers as well as seasoned travelers seeking to experience yet another dimension of these much-loved destinations.

Our locally-based destination experts will take you well beyond the “must-sees” of each region, offering fresh takes on classic sites, insider knowledge of delightful under-the-radar locales, and VIP access to places only a privileged few will ever experience—such as a private early-morning viewing of the acclaimed art collection of the Kunstkammer Vienna.

DAY 1 BUDAPEST (EMBARK)

Arrive at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.

DAY 2  BUDAPEST

Budapest is an enchanting city that presents a vibrant mix of medieval and modern.

In the evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

DAY 3  BRATISLAVA, VIENNA

Your ship sets sail from Bratislava later this morning and heads for Vienna today. You may relax onboard all day, perhaps enjoying a drink on the Sun Deck and taking in the scenery as the ship wends its way along the Danube Bend. When you arrive in Vienna, you’ll cap off your day with a private concert of Mozart and Strauss at a stunning Viennese palace.

DAY 4  VIENNA

Vienna is a cultural treasure trove revered for its art and music (and sinfully rich pastries). Experience the “City of Waltzes” with a highlight tour of the city, as well as an expertly led tour of an extraordinary collection of art at the renowned Vienna Art History Museum.

You have leisure time after your tour to explore Vienna on your own. You might wish to visit the Albertina Museum, which houses one million old-master prints and an impressive collection of works by 19th- and 20th-century painters, ranging from Renoir to Rothko.

If you’d like to get a little exercise and see a completely different side of Vienna, borrow a bike from the ship and explore Danube Island and Prater Park. (For a wonderful view of the region, ride the Ferris wheel in Prater Park.)

DAY 5  DÜRNSTEIN, MELK

Dürnstein is one of our favorite towns along the Danube, a lovely place to wander cobblestone lanes, browse quaint shops, and maybe hike up to a ruined castle (with an intriguing tale all its own). You can also opt for a tasting or learn all about the world’s costliest spice from the Wachau Valley’s only saffron grower. Later, visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey and its extraordinary baroque-style library. You have two ports of call in the incredibly scenic valley, Dürnstein and Melk, and an assortment of delightful ways to explore this lovely region.

DAY 6  LINZ (SALZBURG)

Mozart’s birthplace of Salzburg is nestled in a glorious alpine setting that sparkles like a winter wonderland. Linz may be best known for its famous Linzer torte, but it’s also a hotbed for the arts. See the sights with a local expert and visit a family at their farm in the countryside. Austria’s third-largest city, Linz boasts a long history of trading and textile manufacturing, but these days it is perhaps best known for its electronic arts and annual festival.

DAY 7 PASSAU

Passau is a crossroads in more ways than one, as three rivers meet here and three nations nearly do, making for a fascinating cultural mosaic. Get to know the town and its main claim to fame—Europe’s largest pipe organ—or “Let’s Go” with an invigorating riverside hike.

In the evening, a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

DAY 8  PASSAU (DISEMBARK)

Disembark the ship. If your cruise package includes a group departure transfer or if you purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Munich Airport for your flight home.

OPTIONAL EXTENSION  BUDAPEST PRE-CRUISE EXTENSION  (ADD-ON)

Bisected by the Danube, Budapest combines old and new, East and West with vibrant and inviting grace. Made up of two parts—Buda, on the east side of the river, and Pest, on the west—the city offers dazzling architecture, welcoming cafés and startling reminders of both recent and long-ago history.

• 2 nights at the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest (or similar)
• Breakfast daily and all service charges, taxes, and porterage
• Budapest Walking Tour with Rock Hospital
• English-speaking expert
• All transfers

OPTIONAL EXTENSION PRAGUE POST-CRUISE EXTENSION (ADD-ON)

Visiting the “City of Spires” is the perfect way to begin or end your enchanting cruise. Prague has been a center of arts, commerce, and politics for a thousand years, and it offers a stunning array of medieval, baroque, and art nouveau architecture.

• 2 nights at the Cosmopolitan Hotel (or similar)
• Breakfast daily and all service charges, taxes, and porterage
• Prague Old Town & Castle District
• English-speaking expert
• All transfers