Expedition Overview
Expedition Overview
SPECIAL OFFERS
- Limited Time Offer – Returning Guests Save on Select Trips!
For a limited time, past National Geographic Expeditions travelers can save on their next exciting trip! Book by May 31, 2023 and save $500 per person on select departures. Take advantage of this special offer by calling (877) 728-7282, contacting your Travel Agent or booking online with code BPORC24.
Available Departures- Jun 24-Jul 1, 2023
- Explore five countries while cruising the Danube with two National Geographic Experts.
- Take a specially arranged tour of Vienna’s renowned Museum of Natural History, and meet with Ludovic Ferrière, the National Geographic Grantee who curated the museum’s meteorite exhibit.
- Delve into Central European traditions, with food and wine tastings, classical concerts, an evening of yodeling and folklore, and a waltz lesson.
- Capture the glorious Wachau Valley at sunrise alongside a National Geographic Photography Expert, and learn tips and techniques as you explore together.
Itinerary
Itinerary
The fabled Danube twists its way through the heart of central Europe, linking spectacular cities like Vienna and Budapest with countryside castles, monasteries, and stunning medieval towns. From the Gothic spires of Budapest to the baroque gems of Passau, take to the blue Danube aboard a luxurious ship, choosing from a variety of excursions at each port of call. Venture into picture-perfect towns like Dürnstein, go biking among terraced vineyards in the spectacular Wachau Valley, sample local delicacies in Bratislava, and experience rich cultures woven together by a mighty waterway.
Arrive in Budapest this morning and transfer to the riverfront to board our ship. After time to relax, join our National Geographic Experts for a captain’s welcome reception followed by dinner. As darkness falls, take a guided walking tour to see the majestic buildings of Budapest illuminated against the night sky.
AmaViola for the entire voyage
Set out on a full-day tour to discover the two distinct sides of the city: the charming cobbled streets of Buda and the grand boulevards of Pest, linked by eight elegant bridges that span the Danube. See the architectural gems of Pest, including the splendid neo-Gothic Hungarian Parliament building; browse the stalls of the Great Market Hall; and stroll Heroes’ Square. Cross the river to Buda and ascend Castle Hill, home to Matthias Church—the exquisite setting for the coronations and weddings of the Habsburg royalty. Take in the sweeping views of the city, known as the “queen of the Danube,” from Fisherman’s Bastion. Enjoy lunch on your own in the city, and then travel to Vác to meet the ship. Alternatively, start the day with a hike up Castle Hill, stopping at viewpoints and landmarks along the way. Have lunch in town or back on the ship and be on board as we sail out of Budapest. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure before gathering for a talk by our expert. After dinner, enjoy a musical performance.
Wake up in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia and, for many years during the Ottoman era, the capital of Hungary. On a guided walk, venture into St. Martin’s Cathedral, a massive Gothic structure built in the 13th century on the site of a Romanesque church. Stroll cobblestoned streets to the Old Town Hall on the picturesque main square, and see Michael’s Gate, the last remnant of the city’s original fortifications. Or you may choose to explore Bratislava on an invigorating hike, climbing to the city’s castle for breathtaking views. Alternatively, set off on a food tour, seeing the sights as you make your way on foot to a local restaurant to sample cheeses, charcuterie, and other traditional delicacies. During an afternoon on the water, relax with a cup of tea, join our expert for a talk, and savor a Viennese favorite: apfelstrudel. Tonight, watch a waltz performance and, if you wish, take a turn on the dance floor to try the steps yourself.
Spend the morning discovering imperial Vienna on foot, from the Hofburg—the Habsburg residence and seat of power for more than 600 years—to the Spanish Riding School, where Renaissance equestrian traditions have been taught for centuries. Or opt to visit the city by bicycle, pedaling to sites like the Secession art museum and the Konzerthaus concert hall. Later, choose between two available excursions: Take a special behind-the-scenes tour of Vienna’s Museum of Natural History led by Ludovic Ferrière, a National Geographic Grantee and curator of the museum’s meteorite exhibit. Or, choose to get a glimpse of the city’s opulent side on a guided tour of the Schönbrunn Palace, the baroque summer residence of the imperial family, and enjoy free time to explore Vienna this afternoon. If you wish, return to the city for a classical concert after dinner on board.
Rise early to join our National Geographic Photography Expert on deck for a sunrise photo shoot as we cruise into Wachau Valley. This rippling landscape, striped with vineyards and dotted with monasteries, castles, and beautiful towns, has been named a World Heritage site. Dock in Weissenkirchen and choose from three excursions. Take a short drive to Dürnstein for a tour of the medieval old town and then visit magnificent Melk Abbey, considered one of the finest examples of baroque architecture in the world. Or choose to ride a bike along the back roads of the Wachau Valley, passing through charming villages on the way to Melk. Alternatively, go on a walking tour of medieval Dürnstein that culminates at Dürnstein Abbey with a tasting of local wines and apricots. Reboard the ship and sail west on the Danube this afternoon, listening to a talk by our experts and enjoying a popular Austrian tart and a refreshing kaiserspritzer. Stop to visit the 15th-century Castle Greinburg, perched on a hilltop overlooking the river, and hear local legends during a wine reception in the castle. Tonight, sit down to a meal specially prepared by the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, an international gastronomic society, followed by a classical concert on board.
Arrive in the port city of Linz, a cultural capital that inspired composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert. Explore the old city on a walking tour or a bike ride, and return to the ship for a leisurely brunch. Travel into Czechia (the Czech Republic) in the afternoon for a visit to Český Krumlov—a labyrinth of cobblestoned streets with medieval, baroque, and Renaissance buildings; lively cafés; and hidden squares. Alternatively, spend the entire day exploring the storybook streets of Salzburg. Venture into the World Heritage–listed old town on a walking tour, and take advantage of free time to get to know the city on your own. Back on board the ship, enjoy a talk by our experts before the captain’s farewell dinner and an Austrian folklore performance.
Set at the scenic confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers, Passau was once an important trading center allegedly considered by Napoleon to be the most beautiful German city. Admire the town’s celebrated baroque architecture on a walking tour, or stretch your legs with a vigorous hike up to Veste Oberhaus, a 13th-century hilltop fortress offering panoramic views of Passau and its rivers. As we sail this afternoon, attend a final talk by our experts. Tonight, toast our Danube voyage at a festive Oktoberfest celebration.
Disembark in Vilshofen and transfer to the airport in Munich to catch your flight home.