Enchanting Danube River Cruise – Set departure 15 Oct 2023

Save up to R30 000 per person!

WAS R71 000 per person sharing NOW R41 000 per person sharing for set departure on 15 October 2023. Book by 31 August 2023 to qualify for this special offer.

Pay tribute to the ‘queen’ of Europe’s great rivers, the enchanting Danube. German poet Friedrich Holderlin called the Danube “a refreshing, melodious river, sometimes foaming with high spirits, at other times dreaming serenely.” For centuries, this exquisite waterway has cast its spell on poets, musicians, and artists of all kinds. Now it is your turn to be inspired.

Waltz your way along the Danube, sailing from one captivating city to the next. Discover the plentiful UNESCO World Heritage sites as you visit Budapest, the beautiful ‘Queen of the Danube’, and breathtaking Vienna, the ‘Waltz Capital of the World’. Experience delightful Salzburg, the charming village of Durnstein, and Passau, home to Europe’s largest pipe organ. Stroll through the Old Town of Linz, explore the beautiful countryside, and get a close-up view of the enchanting Danube during a bicycle ride along its tranquil shores. All along the way, delve into the flavours of the region with exclusive events ranging from an organic wine tasting of the Wachau Valley’s world-famous Rieslings to a saffron workshop. Let the enchanting Danube carry you away on this regal journey, as centuries of intriguing history and culture unfold before your eyes.

Who will enjoy this cruise,
Those who love history, grand architecture, graceful music, and exquisite food and wine will discover the best of both Eastern and Western Europe on this enchanting journey.
This is true all-inclusive boutique river cruising:
All gratuities onboard and onshore; unlimited beverages onboard including an extensive selection of distinctive wines, craft and regional beers, spirits, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages; shore excursions with local experts as your guide; free Internet and Wi-Fi; and all arrival and departure day transfers.
Visit 4 countries, 6 days of excursions, including ‘Choice Is Yours’ options, all fully hosted by English- speaking local experts.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Budapest (Embark)

Arrive at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a representative and transferred to the ship.

Day 2: Budapest

Located on opposite sides of the Danube, Buda and Pest each has its own distinctive character and charm. Explore this dynamic and multi-faceted city with your choice of tours—see it on four wheels or on your own two feet.

Day 3: Cruising the Danube River, Bratislava, Vienna

Once hidden from the world behind the “Iron Curtain,” Slovakia retains an air of mystery and intrigue, and its small capital city has an unexpectedly colorful history. Learn more about Bratislava’s past from a local expert, then check out the whimsical street art and sample some only-in-Slovakia treats. Your ship sets sail from Budapest and heads for Vienna today. You may opt to relax onboard all day, perhaps enjoying a drink on the Sun Deck and taking in the scenery as the ship wends its way along the Danube Bend, which is lined with scenic towns—among them are the oldest settlements in the country—nestled at the foot of lovely wooded hills. On the other hand, the ship stops in Bratislava for those who wish to visit the capital of Slovakia. Although it’s not a large city, Bratislava has played a leading role in the politics and culture of the region for many centuries, and it is well worth a visit.

Featured Excursions:

Bratislava – Small but precious walking tour

Mozart and Strauss concert

Day 4: Vienna

Vienna is a cultural treasure trove revered for its art and music (and sinfully rich pastries). Experience the City of Waltzes with your choice of tours, as well as VIP access to an extraordinary collection of art—you’ll have an opportunity to view it in complete privacy, an extra special treat reserved solely for Uniworld guests. The grand dame of the Danube, Vienna was the heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and remains, to this day, the political and cultural center of Austria. Klimt painted here; Beethoven and Mozart composed here; Freud developed his theories here. It’s a treasure trove of splendid architecture, astonishing art collections and inviting cafés—and it’s yours to enjoy.

Featured Excursion:

“Morning with the Masters” at the Vienna Art History Museum

Choice of Vienna – Imperial City Highlights or “Do as the Locals Do” Vienna walking tour

You have leisure time after your tour to explore Vienna on your own. You might wish to visit the Albertina Museum, which houses one million old-master prints and an impressive collection of works by 19th- and 20th-century painters, ranging from Renoir to Rothko.If you’d like to get a little exercise and see a completely different side of Vienna, borrow a bike from the ship and explore Danube Island and Prater Park. (For a wonderful view of the region, ride the Ferris wheel in Prater Park.)

Day 5: Dürnstein, Cruising the Wachau Valley, Melk

Dürnstein is one of our favorite towns along the Danube, a lovely place to wander cobblestone lanes, browse quaint shops and maybe hike up to a ruined castle (with an intriguing tale all its own). You can also opt for a tasting at Austria’s oldest winery or learn all about the world’s costliest spice from the Wachau Valley’s only saffron grower. Later, visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey and its extraordinary baroque-style library. You’ll want to find a comfortable seat in the lounge or on the Sun Deck as your ship cruises through the Wachau Valley today. Over the eons, the Danube cut a gorge through the foothills of the Bohemian Mountains, resulting in a 19-mile (30-kilometer) stretch of riverine scenery so beautiful, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Landscape. Castle ruins dominate hilltops; baroque church towers appear on the river banks, marking historic villages and splendid abbeys; and vineyards and apricot orchards cling to the rocky slopes. Some of Austria’s finest white wines are produced from grapes ripening on the dry-stone terraces above the river, where grapes have been grown for 2,000 years. You have two ports of call in the incredibly scenic valley, Dürnstein and Melk, and an assortment of delightful ways to explore this lovely region.

Featured Excursion:

Melk Abbey with library visit

Choice of Dürnstein village stroll and saffron workshop or Dürnstein wine estate visit with tasting

Day 6: Linz (Salzburg or Linz)

Salzburg or Linz? Both are equally tantalizing. Mozart’s birthplace of Salzburg is nestled in a glorious alpine setting that sparkles like a winter wonderland; Linz may be best known for its famous Linzer torte, but it’s also a hotbed for the arts. See the sights with a local expert, or go behind-the-scenes at the Linz opera house and taste cider at an apple and pear orchard. Austria’s third-largest city, Linz boasts a long history of trading (especially in salt) and textile manufacturing—not to mention steel—but these days it is perhaps best known for its lively arts and music scene. It is also your gateway to Salzburg.

Choice of Full-day in Salzburg or Linz town and country: opera house and cider farm visit

Day 7: Passau

Passau is a crossroads in more ways than one, as three rivers meet here and three nations nearly do, making for a fascinating cultural mosaic. Get to know the town and its main claim to fame—Europe’s largest pipe organ—or “Let’s Go” with an invigorating riverside hike or bike ride. Three rivers meet in Passau—the Inn, the Ilz and the Danube—and three nations almost meet: Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic. Its central location made it a trade hub for centuries, and with trade came wealth that endowed the town with many beautiful buildings. Spend some time exploring the town itself or get out and about along the Inn or the Ilz with a bike ride or a hike.

Choice of Passau walking tour with St. Stephan’s organ concert or “Let’s Go” bicycle ride along the Inn River or “Let’s Go” hike along the Ilz River

In the evening, a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

Day 8: Passau (Disembark)

Disembark the ship. If your cruise package includes a group departure transfer or if you purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Munich Airport for your flight home.

• 7 nights cruise in a Riverview stateroom on-board the S.S. Maria Theresa
• All scheduled airport transfers on arrival & departure days
• All dining & unlimited beverages on-board including fine wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, specialty coffee & tea & bottled water
• Captains Welcome & Farewell Receptions
• Visit 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites
• 6 days of excursions including “Choice is Yours” options, all fully hosted by English speaking local expert
• Assistance of an English-speaking local expert & experienced Cruise Manager
• Guided “Go Active”, “Do as the Locals Do,” “Village Day,” & “Gentle Walking” programs
• On-board local entertainment
• Cultural enrichment, including a Signature Lecture: “‘Austria’s History in the Context of the House of Habsburg, a European Dynasty”
• Port charges
• All gratuities, both on-board & onshore
• Free internet & Wi-Fi access

Please note: Based on set departure 15 October 2023

Excludes

• International flights
• Taxes
• Visas
• Travel and medical insurance
• Items of a personal nature
• Additional port charges of approx R 3 000 per person