WEEK 1: Itinerary & optional Excursions

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Itinerary

(Subject to change)
DAY 1 Vienna Embarkation from 16:00 h
We warmly welcome you to Vienna for embarkation. After boarding, your ship sets sail on your river journey, and you can toast to the start of your trip with a welcome cocktail followed by a gourmet dinner. Your boutique-style Smooth Jazz Festival cruise begins in style that evening, with music led by Eric Darius and featuring stars of the international jazz scene.

Stay Vienna
Departure 20:30 h
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DAY 2 Esztergom > Budapest Queen of the Danube - History and Grandeur Await
In the morning, arrive in Esztergom, the former Hungarian royal and archbishopric city. During a guided city walk, discover the impressive Esztergom Basilica, the largest church in Hungary, whose classical architecture and massive dome dominate the skyline.

After a leisurely lunch, continue to Budapest, the “Queen of the Danube.” This vibrant capital delights with a unique blend of magnificent architecture, lively cultural life, and charming riverside streets. During the afternoon city tour, see the city’s main highlights: the grand Parliament building, the elegant Hungarian State Opera in Neo-Renaissance style, and the imposing Heroes’ Square. Cross the Danube to the Castle Hill, where you visit the splendid Matthias Church and the famous Fisherman’s Bastion, offering panoramic views over the city.

Stay Esztergom
08:30 - 11:00 h
Excursions
Guided Walking Tour of Esztergom

Stay Budapext
Arrival at 15:00 h
Excursions
Budapest - Castle Hill & Historic Wonders
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DAY 3 Budapest Savor Budapest - Flavors, traditions and the iconic taste of Unicum.
Start your day with a visit to the Great Market Hall, an impressive historic building from the late 19th century. Explore the many market stalls offering fresh regional produce, spices, Hungarian specialties, and traditional handicrafts. In the afternoon, visit the famous Unicum Factory, where you gain fascinating insights into the history and tradition of Hungary’s renowned herbal liqueur. The tour concludes with a tasting of this distinctive liqueur before your ship departs Budapest in the evening.

Stay Budapest
Departure at 18:30 h
Excursions
AMADEUS Taste: Visit to Budapest's Great Market Hall
AMADEUS Taste: Visit to the Unikum factory — herbal liqueur with history
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DAY 4 Bratislava Castles, Cobblestones, and breathtaking views.
Enjoy a relaxing morning on board as your ship sails upriver. After lunch, the Slovakian capital Bratislava comes into view. Although relatively small, the city impresses with its charm and diversity. On the guided excursion, pass by St. Martin’s Cathedral and the elegant Grassalkovich Palace, then ascend to the Bratislava Castle. From the viewing terrace, enjoy breathtaking views over the city, countryside, and the Danube.

Stay Bratislava
14:30 - 22:00 h
Excursions
Bratislava - Beauty on the Danube
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DAY 5 Weissenkirchen > Emmersdorf Wachau Wonders - Vineyards, Abbeys, and Panoramic River Vistas
Experience delightful vistas on a panoramic cruise through the UNESCO-protected Wachau Valley, surrounded by vineyards, castle ruins, and the magnificent Melk Abbey. From Weißenkirchen, visit the Benedictine abbey, one of the world’s most famous monasteries and the largest monastic complex in Austria. This baroque jewel impresses with its spectacular library housing over 100,000 volumes, opulent ceremonial rooms, and artistic frescoes. Back on board in Emmersdorf, relax and enjoy the scenery as the Wachau passes by.

Stay Weissenkirchen
13:30 - 15:00 h
Excursions
Melk Abbey - A Baroque Jewel

Stay Emmersdorf
17:00 - 23:59 h
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DAY 6 Linz Historic Streets, Linzer Torte, and Sweeping Cityscapes.
After breakfast, experience the charm of Linz on a leisurely morning walk. Stroll through winding streets and historic gateways, explore the City Square and Mozart House, and savor a slice of the famous Linzer Torte. In the afternoon, take a trip on the historic tram to Pöstlingberg. At the top, enjoy a short walk around the hill, visit the impressive Pilgrimage Basilica, and take in panoramic views over the Danube city, experiencing Linz from a new perspective.

Stay Linz
10:20 - 20:00 h
Excursions
Linz walking tour with Linzer Torte tasting
AMADEUS Active: Hiking on the Pöstlingberg to the Pilgrimage Basilica
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DAY 7 Vienna Imperial Vienna Meets Klosterneuburg
In Vienna, you’ll quickly feel at home. Start with a morning city tour, driving along the famous Ringstraße past grand historic buildings, followed by a walk through the city center to explore the former imperial capital at your own pace.

In the afternoon, visit Klosterneuburg Abbey. During a guided tour, discover its most significant artistic and cultural treasures, followed by a tasting of award-winning wines from the abbey’s own vineyard. This combination of culture and culinary delight offers a perfect introduction to Austria’s rich heritage.

Stay Vienna
Arrival at 09:00 h
Excursions
Vienna - Imperial discovery tour
Klosterneuburg Abbey with wine tasting
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DAY 8 Vienna Disembarkation after breakfast
After one final delightful breakfast on board, we simply say at disembarkation: “Until the next set!”
 
 


 

Optional Excursions

With our tailor-made excursion program you will get to know many different countries and cultures up close. We therefore recommend our carefully put together excursions to all explorers and globetrotters. In your travel documents you will find a precise description of the possible or already booked excursions.

On all our excursions you will receive the light and wireless AMADEUS audio system from Quietvox. Wearing the receiver comfortably around your neck or in a pocket, the comfortable headphones allow you to hear your experienced guide's commentary live in optimal acoustic quality. So you can enjoy your own individual freedom of movement and still not miss any of the interesting designs.

Please note our general information on excursions:

  • All excursions can be booked in advance or on board.
  • Minimum number of participants for excursions by bus: 30 people.
  • Minimum number of participants for excursions on foot: 20 people
  • The timings of individual excursions can vary due to the volume of traffic in the cities and the opening hours of sites being.
  • We recommend sturdy shoes, comfortable clothes and an umbrella or waterproof jacket for excursions.
  • When exploring on your own, please remember to return to the vessel in time for its scheduled departure. If you arrive at the dock after the ship's departure, you will need to travel to the next port at your expense. The all aboard time is listed in the daily program each day.
  • No refunds for any unused excursions during your cruise.
  • Pre-purchased excursions are not exchangeable onboard.
  • Individual excursions may also be purchased onboard (subject to availability). Itineraries and excursion availability are subject to change.
  • Timetable, excursions and prices are subject to change.


Walking grade:
The following table should be of some help to you in order to be able to estimate the approximate length of the footpath. If you have any questions, you are of course welcome to contact your cruise line directly.

  • Level 1: Minimum walking; excursion by bus with short photo stops.
  • Level 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
  • Level 3: The excursion by bus is followed by a longer walk. You may need to climb several stairs.
  • Level 4: Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
  • Level 5: Considerable walk with longer distances. This may include uneven surfaces and some stairs.
     

Product no.: vsjf26.1-program-pack-a

WEEK 1 | Price per person.
Discounted package rate only available when booked in advance. Individual excursions subject to availability onboard at the unit price.

6 Excursions:
Budapest - Castle Hill & Historic Wonders | 17 October 2026
AMADEUS Taste: Visit to the Unikum factory — herbal liqueur with history | 18 October 2026
Bratislava - Beauty on the Danube | 19 October 2026
Melk Abbey - A Baroque Jewel | 20 October 2026
Linz walking tour with Linzer Torte tasting | 21 October 2026
Vienna — Imperial discovery tour | 22 October 2026

Regular price 375.00 €

319.00 *

Available

Product no.: vsjf26.1-program-pack-b

WEEK 1 | Price per person.
Discounted package rate only available when booked in advance. Individual excursions subject to availability onboard at the unit price.

8 Excursions:
Budapest - Castle Hill & Historic Wonders | 17 October 2026
AMADEUS Taste: Visit to Budapest's Great Market Hall | 18 October 2026
AMADEUS Taste: Visit to the Unikum factory — herbal liqueur with history | 18 October 2026
Bratislava - Beauty on the Danube | 19 October 2026
Melk Abbey - A Baroque Jewel | 20 October 2026
Linz walking tour with Linzer Torte tasting | 21 October 2026
Vienna — Imperial discovery tour | 22 October 2026
Klosterneuburg Abbey with wine tasting | 22 October 2026

Regular price 479.00 €

407.00 *

Available

Product no.: vsjf26.1-program-pack-c

WEEK 1 | Price per person.
Discounted package rate only available when booked in advance. Individual excursions subject to availability onboard at the unit price.

10 Excursions:
Guided Walking Tour of Esztergom | 17 October 2026
Budapest - Castle Hill & Historic Wonders | 17 October 2026
AMADEUS Taste: Visit to Budapest's Great Market Hall | 18 October 2026
AMADEUS Taste: Visit to the Unikum factory — herbal liqueur with history | 18 October 2026
Bratislava - Beauty on the Danube | 19 October 2026
Melk Abbey - A Baroque Jewel | 20 October 2026
Linz walking tour with Linzer Torte tasting | 21 October 2026
AMADEUS Active: Hiking on the Pöstlingberg to the Pilgrimage Basilica | 21 October 2026
Vienna — Imperial discovery tour | 22 October 2026
Klosterneuburg Abbey with wine tasting | 22 October 2026

Regular price 546.00 €

464.00 *

Available

WEEK 1 | Price per person.
Morning | ca. 2 hours | Level 5

25.00 *

Available

WEEK 1 | Price per person.
Afternoon | ca. 3,5 hours | Level 2

65.00 *

Available

WEEK 1 | Price per person.
Morning | ca. 2 hours | Level 5

47.00 *

Available

WEEK 1 | Price per person.
Afternoon | ca. 3 hours | Level 2

92.00 *

Available

WEEK 1 | Price per person.
Afternoon | ca. 3 hours | Level 3

65.00 *

Available

WEEK 1 | Price per person.
Afternoon | ca. 2 hours | Level 3

69.00 *

Available

WEEK 1 | Price per person.
Morning | ca. 2 hours | Level 4

32.00 *

Available

WEEK 1 | Price per person.
Afternoon | ca. 3,5 hours | Walking grade: Active

42.00 *

Available

WEEK 1 | Price per person.
Morning | ca. 3,5 hours | Level 2

52.00 *

Available

WEEK 1 | Price per person.
Afternoon | ca. 3,5 hours | Level 3

57.00 *

Available

*
Prices incl. VAT