Sail along the majestic Danube for an unforgettable journey from Vienna to Nuremberg. You’ll discover one beautiful gem after another – the imposing 900-year-old baroque abbey of Melk, the old wine villages of the Wachau Valley, and the UNESCO Old Town of Regensburg. Vibrant cities, enchanting medieval villages, and picturesque countryside define the Danube.
Experience the historical showcase for Europe’s finest music, art and architecture while in Vienna. Walk through an archetypal German medieval city with more than a thousand years of history during your stay in Nuremberg. Visit Passau, a baroque gem with a touch of Italian elegance and energy, and while there attend an organ concert at St. Stephan’s Cathedral, home to Europe’s largest pipe organ.
And of course, all along the way, savor the flavors of the region. Indulge in the rich, delectable pastries and distinctive coffee to be found in Vienna, and taste the delicate apricot-scented wines of the Wachau Valley. For seven nights discover wonder after wonder in an endless parade of beauty and splendor.
Vienna to Nuremberg
DAY PORT
Days 1–2 Vienna (embark)
Day 3 Vienna, Krems
Day 4 Krems,
Cruising the Scenic Wachau Valley, Melk
Day 5 Passau
Day 6 Regensburg
Day 7 Nuremberg
Day 8 Nuremberg (disembark)
Note:
Ask for information on our pre- and post-cruise extensions.
Cruise Date Ship Cruise Price Only Per Person
Apr 29
RC $2,529
May 20*
RC $2,529
Jul 14
RC $2,379
Aug 4*
RC $2,379
Sep 28
RC $2,479
Oct 19*
RC $2,479
Oct 26
RC $2,099
Nov 16*
RC $2,099
- Port Charges: $98 Ship:
RC=River Countess
- Prices shown above include cruise in Cat. 5, Moselle Deck
- A limited number of singles are available in Cat. 1, 2 and 3 for an additional supplement.
* On these dates cruise operates in reverse from Nuremberg to Vienna.
To upgrade to a higher category, add the following per person price:
Category 4 $175
Category 1 $825
Category 3 $425
Suite $1,200
Category 2 $625
Vienna to Bucharest 15 Days
From the emergence of city-states to the decline of civilizations, the history of Europe is best revealed along her rivers. You’ll cruise to seven countries: Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, and visit five capitals: Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Belgrade and Bucharest. You’ll see sights that you won't forget, immerse yourself in new cultures, meet new friends, and delight in new types of food and drink.
Celtic fortifications, medieval towns, Turkish baths, 19th-century neoclassical architecture, Roman ruins, and modern resorts make this one of the most extraordinary voyages in the world. Not to mention the natural beauty of pastoral landscapes, the Danube’s famed Iron Gates, Bulgaria’s Black Sea shores, and towns such as Veliko Turnovo and Arbanassi that would look right at home in the Italian countryside.
DAY PORT
Days 1–2 Vienna (embark)
Day 3 Vienna, Bratislava
Days 4–5 Budapest
Day 6 Batina (or Vukovar)
Day 7 Belgrade
Day 8 Belgrade, Kostolac
Day 9 Kostolac,
Scenic Cruising Iron Gates, Vidin
Day 10 Vidin (Belogradchik)
Day 11 Rousse
Day 12 Rousse (Varna and the Black Sea)
Day 13 Rousse, Giurgiu (disembark)
(Transfer to Bucharest)
Day 14 Bucharest
Day 15 Bucharest
Cruise/Tour Date Ship Per Person
Apr 5
RC $3,949
Apr 15*
RC $4,149
May 15
RD $4,399
May 25,* 27
RD-RC $4,859
Jun 6*
RC $4,859
Jul 2, 12*
RD $4,629
Aug 19
RD $4,629
Aug 29*
RD $4,749
Sep 4, 14*
RC $5,099
Oct 6, 16*
RD $5,099
- Port Charges: $168 Ships:
RC=River Countess, RD=River Duchess
- Prices shown above include cruise in Cat. 5, Moselle Deck
- A limited number of singles are available in Cat. 1, 2 and 3 for an additional supplement.
* On these dates cruise/tour operates in reverse from Bucharest to Vienna.
To upgrade to a higher category, add the following per person price:
Category 4 $225
Category 1 $1,125
Category 3 $725
Suite $1,850
Category 2 $925
Note: Ask for information on our pre- and post-cruise extensions.
Call 800-640-4899 for extra discounts
DAY 1:
Grand European Explorer Basel To Bucharest 29 Days
Depart Home Gateway City to Basel
DAY 2:
Basel (embark)
Arrive in Basel Airport where you’ll be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship. (D)
DAY 3:
Strasbourg, Speyer
Featured Excursion: Strasbourg canal cruise
Situated halfway between Paris and Prague, the Alsatian town of Strasbourg is known as the “Crossroads of Europe.” It is home to a magnificent gothic cathedral, beautiful half-timbered houses and also the seat of the European Parliament. See Strasbourg in the way it has been seen through the centuries—on a canal cruise. You’ll also see Petite France, the picturesque old quarter that seems as if it has been lifted from the pages of a fairy tale with its timberland houses adorned with flower boxes. (BB, L, D)
DAY 4:
Speyer (Heidelberg), Rüdesheim
Featured Excursion: Full-day tour of Heidelberg, Gondola ride to Niederwald Heights
Irresistible Optional Tour: Dinner, wine and entertainment at a local restaurant in Rüdesheim
Heidelberg, home of Germany’s oldest university and forever immortalized by Sigmund Romberg’s operetta The Student Prince, is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. Your tour of Heidelberg takes you to the romantic ruins of the courtyard of Heidelberg Castle and through Old Town. Rüdesheim is one of the most scenic wine towns of the Rhine Valley. Upon arrival, board a mini-train for the short trip to the Niederwald Gondola. During the ride and once on top, you will be stunned by scenic vistas of Rüdesheim, the vineyards of the Rheingau and the Niederwald monument, a symbol of German unity, perched on top of the heights. (BB, D)
DAY 5:
Aschaffenburg
Featured Excursion: Aschaffenburg Old Town stroll
Relax this morning as we cruise the peaceful Main River before docking right in the heart of Aschaffenburg. King Ludwig I called it his “Bavarian Nice” due to its Mediterranean flair. The imposing landmark, the mighty castle “Schloss Johannisburg” and the “Pompeiianum” – a Roman villa rebuilt on plans discovered in Pompeii – are only two of the many examples of the long and rich history of this town which we will discover during our guided Old Town stroll. (BB, L, D)
DAY 6:
Miltenberg
Featured Excursion: Miltenberg walking tour
Miltenberg, nestled tightly below wooded hills on a bend of the Main River, enjoys a wonderfully photogenic setting. Explore the “Pearl of the Main River” with your local guide. See the half-timbered houses that give the town its fairy tale feel, along with the Crooked House and the famous Royal Inn which has been preparing meals without interruption since the 15th century. (BB, L, D)
DAY 7:
Würzburg
Featured Excursion: Würzburg Residenz and wine tasting
Visit Germany’s immaculate example of baroque architecture, the stunning Würzburg Residenz, dating back to 1744 and another breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site. This magnificent baroque palace with its magnificent gardens is one of the largest and most beautiful in Germany. It was built and decorated in the 18th century by an international team of architects and painters, including Tiepolo, sculptors and stucco-workers. Your tour will be capped off with a tasting of fabulous Franconian wines in the historical Residenz cellar. (BB, L, D)
Awake in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bamberg in the morning. Endowed with one of Europe’s largest intact Old Town centers, you will see the imperial cathedral, the four-winged New Residence, the Town Hall lapped by the River Regnitz and the fisherman’s village, “Little Venice,” on your walking tour. (BB, L, D)
DAY 9:
Nuremberg
Enjoy a day at leisure, exploring this fascinating city at your own pace.
DAY 10:
Nuremberg
Featured Excursion: Nuremberg city tour
Today’s tour takes you through Nuremberg, an archetypal German medieval city encircled by mighty defensive walls and red-roofed buildings. The second largest city in Bavaria is the birthplace of Albrecht Dürer and home to world-famous gingerbread and the pocket watch. It is also where the infamous Nazi rallies were held during World War II, and its courthouse (Room 600) held the memorable trials after the war. Discover the sights of Nuremberg during your panoramic tour before exploring the walled Old Town on foot. (BB, L, D) Note: Access to courtroom 600 cannot be guaranteed
DAY 11:
Regensburg
Featured Excursion: Regensburg walking tour
Regensburg, one of the finest medieval towns in Europe, captures 2000 years of living history with outstanding manmade monuments like the 12th-century stone bridge and the towering gothic cathedral. Our walking tour explores the architectural treasures of Old Town as well as the Cathedral of St. Peter, with magnificent stained glass windows dating back to the 14th century. Genuine Bavarian hospitality adds to the vibrant mix of art and culture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. (BB, L, D)
DAY 12:
Passau
Featured Excursion: Passau walking tour and St. Stephan’s organ concert
Irresistible Optional Tour: Venture through the Bavarian forest to the Bavarian Village Museum, or spend an afternoon cycling along the Inn River
Passau boasts a delightful layer of Italian style on quintessential German foundations. Explore the well-preserved town and visit St. Stephan’s Cathedral, home to Europe’s largest pipe organ, and site of your organ recital. (BB, L, D) Note: Concert not available before May 2 and after November 1 or on Sundays.
DAY 13:
Melk
Featured Excursion: Melk Abbey
Upon arrival in Melk, be greeted by the 900-year-old Benedictine abbey situated high atop the granite cliffs of the Danube. The beautiful complex is a masterpiece of baroque art and architecture. During your tour through the abbey complex, the guide will bring history to life as you discover one work of art after another. (BB, L, D)
DAY 14:
Cruising Wachau Valley, Krems, Vienna
Featured Excursion: Krems wine experience
Start the day with a scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape representing one of the most beautiful stretches of river valleys in Europe, en route to Krems. Today, we invite you on a different kind of journey to discover the fascination of wine. We’ll take you to the best traditional and state-of-the-art wine domain where you’ll experience a treat for all the senses, from the vineyards to the cellars. See, feel, smell the wines on a walk through the estate and taste the noble juice of the vine. (BB, L, D)
DAY 15:
Vienna
Featured Excursion: Vienna city tour
Irresistible Optional Tour: Enjoy a classical music performance of Mozart and Strauss
Vienna’s compact historic city center is an exciting array of cafés and grand places, culminating at the magnificent gothic cathedral. Your city tour will take you along the stately Ringstrasse to the most beloved architectural wonder in all of Vienna, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, where Mozart was married in 1782. On the way you’ll pass Figaro House, where Mozart once lived and wrote The Marriage of Figaro. (BB, L, D)
DAY 16:
Vienna
Enjoy the day at leisure exploring this beautiful city at your own pace. (BB, L, D)
DAY 17:
Vienna
Featured Excursion: Schönbrunn Palace
Irresistible Optional Tour: Vienna Woods
From former hunting lodge to stunning palace rivaling Versailles, Schönbrunn Palace is a must see on any visit to Austria. Our visit will concentrate on the Imperial rooms and the era of Franz Joseph and his beloved Empress Sissi, whose popularity throughout Europe through the Gilded Age was unmatched by any before her. Mozart, Austria’s most famous citizen was at the height of his creative powers when he lived here, writing perhaps his most famous works: The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, and Eine Kleine Nachtmusik. (BB, L, D)
DAY 18:
Bratislava
Featured Excursion: Bratislava city tour
During your tour through the “Coronation City of Kings,” get acquainted with a sampling of the town’s eclectic architecture. Pass the 17th-century palace, Old Town’s Freedom Square, Peace Square, Bratislava Castle, Mirbach Palace and Primatial Palace. (BB, L, D)
DAY 19:
Budapest
Featured Excursion: Budapest city tour
Irresistible Optional Tour: Half-day Szentendre
Your tour features the famous 19th-century Chain Bridge, the Great Synagogue, the Opera House, St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Parliament Building, the Castle Hill district, and the 19th-century Fisherman’s Bastion. (BB, L, D)
DAY 20:
Budapest
Irresistible Optional Tour: Visit to a horse farm in the Puszta with show
Enjoy the day at leisure in Budapest or take an optional excursion to the countryside where you’ll see the Hungarian horsemanship of the Puszta. (BB, L, D)
DAY 21:
Vukovar (Osijek)
Featured Excursion: Osijek with home-hosted lunch
Tour the Croatian university town of Osijek. After your tour, we’ll have lunch hosted by local Croatians who will share their culture with the help of interpreters. (BB, L, D)
DAY 22:
Belgrade
Featured Excursion: Belgrade city tour
We start our tour with a panoramic drive through Belgrade, which means “White City” as it was destroyed 40 times and resurrected as many times. We will see Republic Square and the Belgrade Fortress in Kalemegdan Park. We’ll cap things off with a visit to St. Sava Cathedral. (BB, L, D)
DAY 23:
Belgrade, Kostolac
Featured Excursion: Viminacium Archeological Site
Explore the archeological site of Viminacium, a former Roman city with luxurious villas and an amphitheater. Over 32,000 unearthed artifacts and well-preserved structures show their former grandeur. (BB, L, D)
DAY 24:
Scenic Cruising Iron Gates, Vidin
Relax onboard as we cruise the Iron Gates, a spectacular 80-mile long Danube gorge. (BB, L, D)
DAY 25:
Vidin (Belogradchik)
Featured Excursion: Visit Baba Vida Fortress and the spectacular Belogradchik Rock Formations
We will visit the Baba Vida Fortress before driving to Belogradchik, a fairy tale world made of weathered red sandstone. (BB, L, D)
DAY 26:
Rousse (Veliko Turnovo and Arbanassi)
Featured Excursion: Veliko Turnovo and Arbanassi
In Veliko Turnovo, see the Tzarevetz Fortress and enjoy a traditional Bulgarian lunch. After lunch, tour the Nativity Church in Arbanassi. (BB, L, Captain’s Farewell Dinner)
DAY 27:
Silistra (Varna, Balchik and Black Sea Cruise)
Featured Excursion: Balchik, Varna & Black Sea
Enjoy the Balchik Botanical Gardens. Visit Varna’s Archeological Museum, savor Bulgarian cuisine during lunch at a local restaurant, and enjoy an exclusive cruise on the Black Sea. (BB, L, D) Note: Navigation on the Black Sea may at times be closed by maritime authorities due to adverse weather conditions.
DAY 28:
Oltenita (disembark), transfer to Bucharest
Featured Excursion: Bucharest city tour
Disembark the ship in Oltenita and travel to Bucharest via motorcoach. Enjoy a Bucharest city tour with a visit to the Palace of Parliament, the second largest building in the world, before checking into your hotel. (BB, L)
DAY 29:
Bucharest
Irresistible Optional Tour: Transylvania Tour with visit to Bran Castle and Snagov Island
Spend your last day at leisure or go on an optional tour to Transylvania, the legendary “Dracula’s Castle,” and Snagov Island. (BB)
DAY 30:
Bucharest, transfer to airport (return flight)
Transfer from the hotel to the airport in Bucharest for your flight home
Pricing Details Per Person
Dept Date
Cruise Only From†
Ship Name
Apr 15, 2008*
$6,969
River Countess
May 13, 2008
$7,999
River Countess
Sep 14, 2008*
$7,999
River Countess
*On these dates cruise operates from Bucharest to Basel. Prices shown above include cruise in Category 5, Moselle Deck. †Prices exclude additional port charges of $312 and a cruise fuel surcharge of $182 and are per person, cruise-only, based on double occupancy.
To upgrade to a higher category, add per person the following prices below:
Category 4
$500
Category 3
$900
Category 2
$1,400
Category 1
$1,900
Suite
$3,100
A limited number of singles may be available in certain categories on certain vessels for an additional supplement.
Also Available: Vienna to Bucharest16 days. April-October Base rates from $3,999-$4,399 per person Amsterdam to Bucharest 28 days. June-October Base rates from $6,999-$7,799 per person
To upgrade to a higher category, add per person the following prices below:
Category 4
$450
Category 3
$850
Category 2
$1,300
Category 1
$1,750
Suite
$2,950
A limited number of singles may be available in certain categories on certain vessels for an additional supplement. Please inquire. 800-640-4899
Many people believe that by dealing directly with the cruise line, they cut out the expense of a middleman. But when it comes to cruising, this is never the case. The cruise lines depend on travel agents to sell their product, and so it is the cruise lines who pay the agent's commission, not the customer. The lines also offer agents various extra incentives, bonus commissions and value-added perks, giving the travel agents more pricing leverage and the ability for us to offer you: Prices always lower than the cruise lines .
There are many superb and well-trained travel agents, but there are also many who know little to nothing about river cruising. They may have been wonderful to work with when planning your business travel, or land vacations, but the might not have the specialized knowledge about river cruising to supply you with equally good service in that area.
We have sailed the ships, slept in the beds, taken the shore excursions and eaten the food. Our prices are lower than the cruise lines for the cruise, air fares and insurance!
