1-800-342-0019 Speak to a River Cruise Expert
Hero Image

The Blue Danube - Westbound 2024

From Budapest, Hungary to Prague, Czech Republic
Length: 12 Days - Departs: Mon, May 20, 2024
Operator
Ship
Departure
May 20, 2024
Arrival
May 31, 2024

Please see below brochure cabin pricing

To receive our best value and service, please call us or Click Here For a Free Quote

Special Offers

CALL FOR BEST VALUE!
We have the best value and service on Tauck River Cruises

Tauck's Solo Traveler: No Single Supplement on all European River Cruise

Mention Promo Code: PT1572
Promotion Image

Tauck's Solo Traveler: No Single Supplement on all European River Cruise

Tauck's Solo Traveler: No Single Supplement on all European River Cruise

Promotion Details
Tauck is now offering solo travelers in Category 1 cabins - no single supplement on all European river cruises. Solo travelers also enjoy savings of $1000 per cabin in select categories on select river cruises. (Certain restrictions apply; ask at time of booking).
Must Book By Tue, Dec 31, 2024
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

Contact one of our Tour Specialists for more information. Offer valid on new bookings only. Savings vary per cabin category on select river cruises. Cannot be combined with any other offer, promotion or discount. Capacity controlled and may be removed at any time without notice. Certain restrictions may apply; ask at time of booking.


River Cruise Itinerary

Along the "river of kings"... medieval castles and Gothic cathedrals... charming riverside villages... the Imperial treasures of the Habsburgs... lush Wachau valley vineyards... the music of Mozart...  From Prague to Budapest, castles of all descriptions have watched over the landscape from their royal perches for centuries. On this 12-day journey featuring a 9-night Danube cruise, they remain lasting testimony to kingdoms and culture, ready to welcome you… during a private dinner in Lobkowicz Palace… an exclusive evening of Imperial entertainment at a private Vienna palace... in Baroque Salzburg and atop Budapest's Castle Hill... and exploring Vienna's Hofburg or Schönbrunn Palace. It's a Blue Danube cruise to remember!

  1. Day 1
    Budapest, Hungary
    Mon, May 20, 2024

    Tour begins: 5:00 PM, Budapest. A transfer is included from Budapest's Ferenc Liszt Airport or Keleti train station to your riverboat. Meet your fellow travelers and Tauck Directors, and learn about the upcoming days, ahead at a welcome toast this evening prior to your first dinner aboard ship.


    Meals: Dinner
  2. Day 2
    Budapest, Hungary
    Tue, May 21, 2024

    Budapest is split into "Buda" and "Pest" by the Danube River. This morning, explore the Pest side of the city on a tour including City Park and Heroes' Square – bounded by some of the finest architectural works in Hungary – and a special visit to the opulent State Opera House, opened in 1884, with its royal boxes, gilded vaulted ceiling, exquisite murals and three-ton chandelier. Later, you have a choice of a themed walking tour that focuses on the Hungarian Revolution and includes the Parliament building, the Embassy and St. Stephen's Basilica; or a guided bicycle tour in Budapest. The afternoon is free for you to pursue what interests you most. Budapest has acquired quite an excellent reputation for cuisine; tonight's special welcome cocktail reception and dinner is at the grand Akadémia Club in the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. 


    Meals: Breakfast
  3. Day 3
    Budapest, Hungary
    Wed, May 22, 2024

    Head up to Castle Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking the Danube on the Buda side of the city, for a choice of sightseeing. A guided tour includes Fisherman's Bastion, with its Neo-Romanesque design, the stained glass windows and centuries of history in the 14th-century, late-Gothic Matthias Church (may be closed on some days due to services) and more. Alternatively, visit the famed Szechenyi Bath Spa. Reboard your riverboat this afternoon, and begin to cruise the Danube River, bound for Bratislava, Slovakia.


    Meals: Breakfast
  4. Day 4
    Bratislava, Slovakia
    Thu, May 23, 2024
    Our resident expert takes you inside contemporary Slovakia and Bratislava for a look at the region's politics, economy, religion, social order, preservation and emergence of the arts. After lunch aboard the riverboat, you'll have a choice of exploring Bratislava's cobblestoned, vehicle-free historic city center on a walking tour – seeing 17 centuries of history eloquently chronicled in its 13th-century Old Town Hall, Baroque Habsburg-era palaces, the Opera House, Slovak Philharmonic Hall, and Hviezdosalv Square – or setting off on a bicycling excursion through the city's "Iron Curtain Area." Back on board the riverboat, dinner tonight introduces you to a glimpse of daily life in Slovakia with a taste of regional cuisine and an a performance by a talented troupe of Slovak dancers.
    Meals: Breakfast
  5. Day 5
    Vienna, Austria
    Fri, May 24, 2024

    Your riverboat arrives this morning in Vienna, Austria, where our local guides join you for a choice city sightseeing. A drive along the Ringstrasse is followed by a walking tour of Vienna complimented with samplings of the local cuisine; alternatively, take a guided bicycle ride around the city. An afternoon at leisure lets you explore the city as you please, including outstanding museums, the historic Vienna Prater amusement park, and more. This evening, we invite you to attend our private Imperial Evening in the opulent Palais Pallavicini, a private Baroque palace in Vienna that film buffs may have spotted in the 1940s film noir classic The Third Man. Welcome cocktails and dinner precede an unforgettable evening of musical performance celebrating the legacy of the composers who made Vienna Europe's center of music during the Habsburg era.

    Please Note: To preserve your sightseeing experience in Vienna and maximize our time there, we may rotate our activities on Days 5 and 6 on some departures. Your Tauck Director will advise accordingly.


    Meals: Breakfast
  6. Day 6
    Vienna, Austria
    Sat, May 25, 2024

    A choice of sightseeing this morning features a tour of the Habsburgs' Schönbrunn Palace, an architectural masterpiece and Austrian cultural treasure, or Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, one of the world's most acclaimed art museums located in a palatial building on the historic Ringstrasse. Then, shuttles are at the ready to bring you back to the riverboat before we cruise the Danube River through Austria's Wachau Valley; glide past castles and abbeys to as you set off medieval Dürnstein this evening.


    Meals: Breakfast
  7. Day 7
    Dürnstein, Austria
    Sun, May 26, 2024

    Wake up in Dürnstein for a closer look at its 16th-century Baroque houses and 13th-century Romanesque church on a walking tour along cobblestone streets; you may also choose to tour a local monastery, or take a bicycle ride. Enjoy some free time in this charming riverside town, perhaps taking an invigorating climb up the steps to the ruins of Kuenringerburg, a hilltop castle above the town where Richard the Lionhearted was held for ransom during the Crusades. Sample the fruits of the Wachau Valley vineyards during a wine tasting at an authentic Austrian tavern. Back aboard, you'll continue to cruise the Danube River through the Wachau Valley, Austria's lush wine-growing region that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved medieval landscapes, to Linz; after the Chef's Signature dinner onboard, enjoy a show put on by members of the riverboat crew.


    Meals: Breakfast
  8. Day 8
    Linz, Austria
    Mon, May 27, 2024

    Your boat stays docked in Linz today, with a choice of how you spend your day – full-day excursions to Salzburg (Austria), or Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic, or remaining in Linz. A setting for The Sound of Music, a Salzburg walking tour explores Old Town, Mirabell Gardens, and Mozart's birthplace.; enjoy time on your own to have lunch and experience the sights as you wish. Alternatively, travel to Cesky Krumlov; graced with an incredibly well-preserved medieval heritage and charming ambiance, the town has earned its coveted designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historic importance and physical beauty. A walking tour takes you to part of Krumlov Castle; it's worth climbing the many steps to see firsthand the medieval, Renaissance and Rococo design found inside, along with the stunning views of the town below. Return to the riverboat for dinner followed by an evening performance by the classical trio, Donau 3Klang.


    Meals: Breakfast
  9. Day 9
    Engelhartszell, Austria
    Tue, May 28, 2024
    Wake up this morning in Engelhartszell, a pretty town on the Danube in Upper Austria. After a visit to a local private home (and a taste of local cake, sweets and coffee), you'll have a choice of a walking tour of town including 18th-century Engelhartszell Abbey and Danube World, through which ships navigate through the Wachau Valley (please note, there may be ongoing renovations in progress). Following lunch aboard the riverboat, you may, if you wish, join us for an optional bicycle excursion along the Danube (a fairly rigorous bike ride, for experienced cyclists only). Take in the views from the sun deck, lounge, or the windows of your outside cabin as your riverboat glides into Germany, bound tonight for your final destination, Vilshofen; enjoy a farewell toast followed by dinner onboard this evening.
    Meals: Breakfast
  10. Day 10
    Regensburg, Germany
    Wed, May 29, 2024

    Disembark your ship in Vilshofen for a choice of excursions. One brings you to the Bavarian town of Regensburg for a walking tour led by a local guide that visits the Steinerne Brücke (a medieval stone bridge over the Danube), towering Dom St. Peter, and the remains of the town's Roman wall before venturing to Prague. Alternatively, journey to Prague for a visit to one of its hidden gems - the Strahov Monastery! Your time here also includes a short walk through Hradcany Castle, the largest ancient castle in the world. Following your excursion, enjoy a light lunch and check into your hotel in Prague, capital of the Czech Republic and the "City of 100 Spires." The remainder of the day is free; the city's many fine restaurants and cafés feature a wide range of cuisines... and some of the best schnitzels, goulashes, strudels, dumplings and beer the region has to offer.


    Meals: Breakfast
  11. Day 11
    Prague, Czech Republic
    Thu, May 30, 2024
    Start today's exploration of Prague this morning with a choice of walking tours through Prague's ethereal Old Town, choosing between a one-hour introductory tour; a "walk through the centuries" (note: this excursion has two versions, with one being shorter and less requiring less walking); or the city's poignant Jewish sites in Josefov, the historic Jewish Quarter (ask at booking about dates that cannot visit inside the Jewish Heritage sites as they are closed Saturdays and on Jewish holidays; in those cases, alternate sightseeing will be offered). Tonight, cap a memorable trip with a truly royal evening that's another Tauck Exclusive; join us for a farewell reception, tour and dinner at 16th-century Lobkowicz Palace at Prague Castle. Immerse in an evening of classical cultural treasures – and see for yourself how music and art played an important role in the aristocratic world of the Lobkowicz family.
    Meals: Breakfast
  12. Day 12
    Regensburg, Germany
    Fri, May 31, 2024
    Tour ends: Prague, Czech Republic. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Andaz Prague to Praha Hlavni Nadrazi train station or Václav Havel Airport Prague. Please allow a minimum of 3 hours for check-in.
    Meals: Breakfast

Rivers Visited

Danube

OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-342-0019

Inclusions

Along the "river of kings"... medieval castles and Gothic cathedrals... charming riverside villages... the Imperial treasures of the Habsburgs... lush Wachau valley vineyards... the music of Mozart... From Prague to Budapest, castles of all descriptions have watched over the landscape from their royal perches for centuries. On this 12-day journey featuring a 9-night Danube cruise, they remain lasting testimony to kingdoms and culture, ready to welcome you… during a private dinner in Lobkowicz Palace… an exclusive evening of Imperial entertainment at a private Vienna palace... in Baroque Salzburg and atop Budapest's Castle Hill... and exploring Vienna's Hofburg or Schönbrunn Palace. It's a Blue Danube cruise to remember!

  • TAUCK EXCLUSIVE - Private Imperial Evening at a palace in Vienna featuring a gala dinner and Viennese performers
  • TAUCK EXCLUSIVE - Private aperitif and dinner in Prague at Lobkowicz Palace, Prague Castle
  • TAUCK EXCLUSIVE - A private tour of Prague's Baroque libraries, Strahov Monastery
  • All gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director
  • All private Tauck shore excursions - $3,307 Value

OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-342-0019

Ship Information

Loading...

Cabins

Loading...

Life on Board

Loading...

Questions & Answers

Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?

Yes, the river cruise itineraries may change due to reasons such as inclement weather or unforeseen events. Your safety is the number one concern aboard and all precautions necessary will be taken in order to ensure passenger safety, including changing itineraries. Please note that when itineraries do change, the ship staff will do their best to substitute any missed port with an alternative destination.

Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?

The river cruise will be conducted in English only.

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
4.5
Accommodations
4.8
Itinerary
4.5
Professional Staff
4.5
Repeat with Operator
4.4
Value for Money
4.1

Ratings based off 17 reviews - currently showing 5 reviews with comments only

Tauck is incredible. I would recommend them to anyone. They think of details I would never have imagined... down to the coins it takes to use a restroom at one of the Christmas markets in Salzburg.

While this trip was nice, it was a little bit boring. We had day trips in the morning. One of the excursions took us to a small town in Austria. It took 1 hour 45 minutes to get there and return. We had a 45 minute tour. Then there was lunch but there wasn\'t much else to do. We left at 9 a.m. and returned at 5 p.m. When we went to Vienna there were great tours in the morning but not enough time to do an on our own tour in the afternoon because of the bus schedule. If you like to do nothing in the afternoon or eat or drink or read then you will like this tour. If you are an adventure traveler, River cruising isn\'t great. The food was mediocre. The service was great.

Tauck was very professional and offered a high quality of a travel experience albeit for a premium price.

Tauck was fabulous -- ship was beautiful and the staff was above and beyond in every area!! Food and drinks were great!! Loved the Itinerary -- we went 2 days early and stayed 2 after and Tauck made sure all was taken care of -- picked up upon arrival and car to airport upon departure. Local guides were great with a fun sense of humor.

I loved the fact that everything was included(drinks, tips, etc.) It is always an undue burden to have the right amount of tip money for all at each guided tour and end of trip. Tauck also gave many extras that although may not have been a great expense(ice cream and or a drink), it was appreciated. Great company. will definitely travel with them again.

You May Also Like

  • Ship Image
    Cruise Line
    AmaWaterways
    Ship
    AmaSonata
    Starts
    Budapest
    Ends
    Prague
    Days
    13
    From
    $5,459
  • Ship Image
    Cruise Line
    Viking
    Ship
    Viking Ullur
    Starts
    Budapest
    Ends
    Bucharest
    Days
    11
    From
    $4,999
  • Ship Image
    Cruise Line
    Emerald
    Ship
    Emerald Luna
    Starts
    Budapest
    Ends
    Bucharest
    Days
    11
    From
    $9,560
  • Ship Image
    Cruise Line
    Avalon Waterways
    Ship
    View
    Starts
    Budapest
    Ends
    Prague
    Days
    11
    From
    $4,547

AffordableTours.com is a travel agent for Tauck. Brochure Price is based on the itinerary's highest brochure price. Our price reflects our base price for the same departure as Brochure Price. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time. All prices are USD per person and based on double occupancy. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. All prices change frequently and our website prices are not guaranteed until a deposit has been received by us. The prices on our website are intended to serve as a guide only and may not accurately reflect current prices. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in these prices until a booking has been confirmed by one of our agents. Please call us toll free at 1-800-342-0019 to confirm current prices and availability. Prices listed are per person, cruise only, and based on double occupancy.

Call Us Now 1-800-342-0019

How It Works

Vacationing has never been easier or cheaper with the help of a dedicated travel consultant from AffordableTours.com

Freq Quote 1. Free Quote

Find your perfect trip on our website and simply request a free quote. Need to speak to a live person? Call us 7 days a week at 1-800-342-0019. No robots here!

Dedicated Travel Consultant 2. Dedicated Travel Consultant

Your personal travel consultant will reach out and be your point of contact for your entire travel experience from start to finish. Did we mention you'll be working with an award winning team? Sweet!

Low Price Guaranteed 3. Lowest Price Guaranteed

Because we're one of the largest sellers of travel, we're able to give you a discount on your vacation package. No one beats our prices!

Stress Free Travel 4. Stress Free Travel

Knowing you got the best deal, all that's left is for you to pack your bags and enjoy your vacation!


AffordableTours.com BBB Business Review

Better Business Bureau

AffordableTours.com is a proud recipient of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) awards 2006-2022 with A+ Rating.

It Pays To Refer! Earn Up To $200!

It's simple: Sign up your friends, family, and anyone to us and when they book you will receive an American Express gift card worth up to $200 in the mail for simply referring.

Read More

Get discounts by Email!