Magical Danube Extended

Upon arrival at Munich airport, transfer to Passau pier on your own. Check-in begins at 15:00hrs. The cruise departs at 17:00 hrs for Vienna. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception with the captain and crew.


Overnight on board

Enjoy breakfast onboard as the cruise sails towards the historic town of Ybbs, located at the confluence of Ybbs  and Danueb rivers, it held great economic importance during Middle Ages. Continue cruising through the beautiful region of Wachau towards Vienna, often referred to “The City of Music”. Apart from Music, the city is known for its rich heritage, impressive imperial palaces, interesting museums and its coffee house culture. Afternoon is at leisure to enjoy on board services, perhaps you can choose to disembark and take one of the many optional tours available to explore Vienna. Perhaps you can take the Walking city tour of Vienna or you can experience one of the best chamber orchestras of the city. Enjoy your dinner as the ship sails towards your next destination.


Overnight on board



Optional: Visit of Maria Taferl:  Only Bookable onboard



On the north bank of the Danube, just a short bus ride away, lies the most important pilgrimage site in Lower Austria: Maria Taferl. The pilgrimage basilica of the same name, the Lower Austrian national shrine of the Sorrowful Mother of God, is enthroned on a hill. The sacred building was built around a wayside shrine of the Virgin Mary. This is also the origin of the name \"Maria Taferl\". According to tradition, two miraculous healings took place at this place as early as 1633. In the following years, miracles and apparitions of angels were reported again and again at this place. After visiting the pilgrimage church, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Niebelungengau. Back in Ybbs, visit the old ship master's house, which today houses the art gallery \"Atelier an der Donau\". Marvel at paintings and sculptures by artists from all over the world. You are welcome to try your hand at the printing press. The tour ends with a walk through the small alleys of the old town of Ybbs, where you can still see the wealth from earlier times.



Optional: Visit of the hydropower plant Ybbs- Persenbueg:  Only Bookable onboard



Ybbs-Persenbeug is the oldest and, in terms of output, the fourth most powerful Danube power plant in Austria. Completed in 1959, the main purpose of the power plant is to generate electricity from hydropower. However, the construction of the plant also made the Danube safer for navigation. Whirlpools and shallows have been a thing of the past ever since. Experience the functions of the individual components up close during an impressive guided tour. Seeing hydroelectric power generation up close is not only something for technology enthusiasts. During the walk over the dam wall to the lock chambers, the dimensions become visible. During the tour of the lock facility (weather permitting), you will learn details about navigation, the lock process, and the duties of the lock supervisors.



Optional: Heurigen Excursion :  Only Bookable onboard



In Vienna, cosiness is still very important, so it is not for nothing that anyone who comes to Vienna must plan time. Experience it for yourself at a typical Heurigen evening in Vienna. By bus you go to a famous Heurigenort, where you can spend the evening in a cozy atmosphere in a typical Heurigen. \"Heurigen\" refers to both the rustic taverns and the young wine. The Heurigen musicians provide the right atmosphere. The excursion price also includes a drink.



Optional: Trip to the Prater with Ferris Wheels :  Only Bookable onboard



Adventure, tradition, and Viennese charm at once - no other place radiates so much energy and joie de vivre as the Vienna Prater. A fascinating world awaits visitors and guarantees entertainment for both young and old. Full of turbulent roller coasters, spooky ghost trains and attractions of all sorts, this amusement park, officially bearing the name of Wurstelprater, is also known for its landmark: the Ferris wheel. It attracts visitors with a great view of the city. Enjoy the ride and look forward to the magical panorama of the metropolis on the Danube.

A day of countless opportunities to explore the beautiful city of Vienna on own. Cruise remains stationed for the day, only to start sail towards the evening. You can choose to enjoy the onboard facilities or perhaps you can disembark and take one of the many optional tours available.


Overnight on board



Optional: Walking city tour of Vienna: Price is Part of the Excursion package                   



Explore the traditional Danube metropolis of Vienna. From the pier, it goes past the \"New Vienna\" with the Uno-City and the Danube Island. See impressive, magnificent buildings such as the State Opera, the Burgtheater, the Hofburg, the Parliament, the Town Hall and the Votivkirche while driving along the well-known Ringstraße. Experience this charming city and its world-famous \"Viennese schmäh\" up close. Enjoy a short free time, before your drive past the Praterstern to return to your ship.



Optional: Excursion Biedermeier town Baden :  Only Bookable onboard



Enjoy an excursion far off the beaten track. The charming town center of Baden is especially captivating with its charming Biedermeier buildings from the 19th century. The climatic health resort is located in the thermal region in the Vienna Woods and was already appreciated by emperors and kings. During a guided tour you can let the special atmosphere take effect on you.



Optional: Ebike Vienna :  Only Bookable onboard



Experience Vienna far away from the well-known tourist paths on an e-bike. Explore together with your bike guide one of the most popular recreational areas in Vienna: the Danube Island. Learn interesting facts about life in the Austrian Danube metropolis from your guide along the way. Of course, a small refreshment break is not to be missed.



Optional: Helicopter flight Vienna for 02 Pax  :  Only Bookable onboard



During this exclusive helicopter sightseeing flight for two you will experience the Danube metropolis Vienna in a completely new way. A transfer will take you from the ship to the Vöslau-Kottingbrunn airfield. For about 40 minutes you fly along the Danube and see not only Vienna but also the vineyards of the thermal region and the Vienna Woods from a bird's eye view.

Today sail through the waters of the Danube to Budapest, the Hungarian capital is one of the most beautiful cities of Europe and is not without reason nicknamed the “Queen of the Danube”. Commanding both sides of the Danube, with the Chain Bridge connecting Hilly Buda with Flat Pest, this enchanting citys skyline is dominated by magnificent domes and spires, 18th-century homes, bridges and lampposts dominate its streets. The day is free to explore the charms of Budapest. Perhaps you can join for an optional walking tour of Budapest or can enjoy a typical evening, experiencing the impressive performance of a Hungarian folklore group with its spirited music and colorful costumes.


Overnight on board



Optional: Walking city tour of Budapest: Price is Part of the Excursion package



Budapest is certainly one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and is not without reason nicknamed the \"Queen of the Danube\". The Danube divides the Hungarian metropolis into the districts of Buda and Pest. Your first drive through the city center and enjoy the flair of the city. The castle district, together with the Buda Castle, the fisherman's basket and the Matthias church, still testifies to the fame of bygone times. Afterward, you continue to the Gellertberg, where you have the opportunity to enjoy the impressive view of the Danube and the buildings on the banks of the Danube, as well as the numerous bridges of Budapest.



Optional: Budapest by Night with folklore :  Only Bookable onboard



Experience the impressive performance of a Hungarian folklore group with their spirited music and colorful traditional costumes at this evening event typical of the country. You will be served a typical Hungarian goulash soup and Hungarian wine. Afterward, you will drive back to the ship through the nocturnal Budapest, past the brightly lit magnificent buildings, such as the Parliament, Fishermen's Bastion, Matthias Church, Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge and the Gellert Hill.



Optional: River ride in Budapest :  Only Bookable onboard



An experience of a special kind offers you the ride with the amphibious bus River ride. Enjoy the impressive sea of lights of the city first during a ride through the illuminated streets of Budapest, before the bus continues its tour on the water. The bus driver becomes the captain and the \"floating\" bus gives you a special view of magnificent buildings, such as the Parliament, the Fishermen's Bastion and the Castle, which radiate a very special glow in the spotlight.

Explore more of Budapest in the morning, perhaps opt for one of the various optional tours available or choose to relax and enjoy onboard cruise facilities. Later in the day set sail towards Bratislava.


Overnight on board



Optional: Puszta excursion from/to Budapest :  Only Bookable onboard



The drive to Lajosmizse takes you south of Budapest towards the Hungarian lowlands, the Puszta. Upon arrival at Tanya-Cszárda, you will be welcomed in the typical way of the country with schnapps and salty pastries. You will visit the stud farm and then you can take part in a short carriage ride across the vast plain of the Puszta. Afterward, the Csikos (Hungarian horse herders) invite you to a special kind of horse show. You will learn about the Hungarian horse traditions and get to know the habits of the former Csikos because in former times the horse was the best friend of the man in the Puszta. After the presentation, you will have the opportunity for a short walk through the stables of the Cszárda. Here you will also be served a small snack of Hungarian specialties and wine. In the boutique, you will have the opportunity to buy Hungarian souvenirs, salami, paprika products, wine and brandy.



Optional: Budapest Impressions :  Only Bookable onboard



Experience Budapest today from a different perspective and up close. The famous St. Istvan Basilica and the Opera House are just a few stops on your unique discovery tour on foot and by train through the Hungarian capital. Continue on a nostalgic journey through time on the oldest subway of the European continent. Walk on one of the most famous squares of Budapest and enjoy the special flair of the city.



Optional: Ebike Budapest :  Only Bookable onboard



Do you want to enjoy a bit of nature away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Budapest? Then this is the right excursion for you! Together with your bike guide, you will go on an e-bike to Margaret Island, a green oasis of peace in the middle of the Danube. There you will also have a short refreshment break. On the way, you will experience the Hungarian Danube metropolis from a different perspective on your ride along the Danube.

Your return journey towards Passau starts with the sail to Bratislava, lying in the fertile Danube plains, south of the little Carpathians, this Slovak capital is a mosaic of illustrious history, a medieval and Gothic old town dominated by the crowning castle, rebuilt to renaissance finery interspersed with communist-era blocks and a futurist bridge. Enjoy the day at leisure, perhaps you can enjoy the city tour of Bratislava driving past the embassy district and visiting the impressive fort.


Overnight on board



Optional: City tour of Bratislava: Price is Part of the Excursion package



In the immediate vicinity of the border with Austria and Hungary, Bratislava lies in the fertile Danube plain south of the Little Carpathians. As \"small, but fine\" one could aptly describe the Slovak capital. With great attention to detail, the old town has been magnificently renovated. When visiting Bratislava, you first drive through the embassy district to the castle (Hrad), which towers high above the city and is considered a landmark of the city. There you will make a photo stop and can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view over the city. Here you will also find more detailed information about the eventful history of the castle, which was the residence of numerous Hungarian kings for a long time before Maria Theresa settled there and the castle experienced its heyday. Then continue the drive to the old town and start the tour. On the common walk through the old town of Bratislava, you will see the Redoubt, the National Theatre, the Town Hall and some baroque palaces and the city gates that testify to the k.u.k. monarchy. Among other things, you will also get to know the most famous man in Bratislava, the Gullimann Cumil.

Cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Wachau, known for its visual landscape, it showcases many intact and visible traces of its continuous, organic evolution since prehistoric times in terms of architecture, urban planning, or agricultural use showcased by its monasteries, castles and ruins, towns, villages and the cultivated fields of vines and apricots. Arrive at Melk, a town dominated by the 11th century Melk Abbey, an impressive monastery built high above the ground. Perhaps you can choose to visit the impressive Abbey, the baroque Benedictine monastery, which contains the remains of several members of the House of Babenberg, Austria's first ruling dynasty.


Overnight on board



Optional: Visit Melk Abbey: Price is Part of the Excursion package             



The baroque Benedictine monastery of Melk is impressively enthroned above the city at the entrance to the Wachau Danube. For more than 1,000 years, Melk has been a spiritual and cultural center of the country. The monastery has become literarily known, among other things, through Umberto Eco's novel \"the name of the rose\". The imposing Baroque building is a visible expression of the importance of the monastery in the Baroque period. A guided tour through the monastery impressively conveys the former importance of the monastery. Afterward, you can explore the outdoor facilities yourself before the bus picks you up again and brings you back to the ship.