Danube River Cruise
Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary
Passau, Germany
After arriving in Munich, Germany, transfer to Passau, one
of Germany’s oldest cities situated at the confluence of the
Inn, Ilz and Danube rivers. Passau is a beautiful and
fascinating fairytale town with a history dating back more
than 2,000 years. During an included city tour, admire
graceful arcades, cobblestone streets and see the
breathtaking Baroque cathedral of St. Stephan which contains
the largest pipe organ in the world with 17,000 pipes. Enjoy
an organ concert in the Cathedral and then some free time.
 Linz,
Austria
In the 2nd century, Roman soldiers built a fortified camp on
the riverbank, and in the 15th century, Emperor Frederick
III built a castle high above the river. Today the city’s
history is told through its Baroque architecture which
surrounds an ancient market square. From Linz, you may
choose to join an optional full-day excursion to Mozart’s
Salzburg where in the Old Town you can walk the famous
Getreidegasse shopping lane, past Mozart’s birthplace.
Melk and Dürnstein, Austria
Arriving early in the morning in Melk, join an optional
excursion to visit the glorious and magnificent 900-year-old
Benedictine Abbey (UNESCO World Heritage Site). This
1,000-year-old golden abbey perched high above the Danube
boasts a breathtakingly opulent Baroque interior. See the
Marble Hall and Library with its thousands of identically
bound books and also its terraced gardens, which command
breathtaking views over the river. Later return to your
cruise ship and sail to the pretty medieval town of
Dürnstein “The Pearl of the Wachau” set in Austria’s
spectacular vine-terraced Wachau valley. Dürnstein with its
cobblestone streets and old burgher houses is dominated by
the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade
and the ruined hilltop Kuenringerburg Castle, which served
as a prison to England’s Richard the Lionhearted in 1193.
Vienna, Austria
For over 600 years, the magnificent baroque capital city of
Vienna was the seat of the mighty Habsburg Emperors, a
heritage that has bestowed it with many dazzling palaces and
monuments: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna
Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse. The capital is also
known as the “City of Music” for having once been the home
of composers such as Beethoven, Schubert, Mozart and Johann
Strauss. On an optional excursion, see the famous
Kärtnerstrasse pedestrian street as well as the magnificent
St. Stephen’s Cathedral, noted for its Gothic edifice. Next
see the Mozart House, where Mozart lived and wrote his most
important works, including The Marriage of Figaro. Continue
on foot to the Hofburg Complex and the Treasury.Old
Vienna is ideal for exploring independently. Or choose an
optional excursion to the summer Palace of Schonbrunn with
its magnificent interiors and landscaped gardens. We will
stay overnight in Vienna so that the following morning you
can explore more of the city on your own.
 Bratislava,
Slovakia
Enjoy the views as your river ship sails to Bratislava,
Slovakia’s capital (formerly known as Pressburg and for more
than three centuries during the Middle Ages, capital of
Hungary.) On an included panoramic tour of the city see the
imposing Bratislava Castle built more than 1,000 years ago,
the National Slovakian Theatre and Blumental Church. After
passing through the Vienna Gate, discover Bratislava’s
charming old quarter on foot, admiring St. Martin’s
Cathedral, the coronation site of 11 Hungarian monarchs, and
quaint central square with its fairytale Town Hall.
Esztergom, Hungary
The striking skyline of 1,000-year-old Esztergom is
dominated by the massive dome of the Basilica. This
magnificent cathedral is reminiscent of St. Peter’s in Rome.
Budapest, Hungary
Be on deck for a breathtaking morning cruise into Budapest,
one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. The city straddles
both banks of the Danube linked by seven bridges, including
the famous Chain and Elizabeth Bridges. An included morning
sightseeing tour presents you with a fantastic opportunity
to become acquainted with Hungary’s beautiful capital. Enjoy
a photo stop at Gellert Hill, see historic Buda Castle,
500-year-old Matthias Church, St. Stephen’s Basilica, the
distinctive Fisherman’s Bastion and the marvelous Royal
Palace.Enjoy
some time in the afternoon to explore on you own and shop
for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain and
paprika. In the afternoon join an optional excursion to
visit the Parliament with its lace-worked stone façade, the
Opera House and Heroes Square. In the evening enjoy a
Farewell Dinner on board followed by a Hungarian Folklore
show.Your
wonderful cruise comes to an end in the Hungarian capital of
Budapest.
 MS
Swiss Diamond - Your Floating Hotel
The 123-passenger fully air-conditioned MS Swiss Diamond is
a delightful river cruise ship with an elegant touch. The
interior is decorated with wood and brass furnishings and
its warm colors and comfortable furniture offer a very
inviting atmosphere. All cabins onboard are
spacious and offer excellent outside views and convert from
a sitting room by day to a bedroom at night. Each
first-class cabin is fully equipped with comfortable
furnishings which include private bathroom with shower, hair
dryer, radio, color television, mini-bar, individual
heating/air conditioning controls, safe and telephone.
All Meals Included on Board
Three meals daily are served graciously at one leisurely
single seating in the exquisite dining room. While enjoying
a fine variety of culinary delights, and complimentary wine,
you can enjoy the splendid views of the passing Danube
scenic landscapes through the large picture windows.
Ample Public Spaces
The classic and inviting Panorama lounge furnished with
large sofas and a cozy bar has floor to ceiling windows
which guarantee gorgeous views of the passing river scenery.
It is one of the many ideal places where passengers may
choose to enjoy this unique river cruise. A piano player
will entertain thus enhancing the classic environment and
the relaxed atmosphere. Also enjoy the open sundeck where
one can enjoy panoramic views of the ever-changing scenery.
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& availability
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