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A trip of a lifetime: Tauck's Blue... - Danube River

• Europe    
• Hungary    
• Central Hungary    
• Budapest    
• Budapest - Things to Do    
• Danube River

A trip of a lifetime: Tauck's Blue Danube cruise

We took a Danube River cruise from Budapest to Prague on Tauck last year. It was a superb experience. Top aspects (among many) include top flight tour directors and staff, local guides, an imperial evening in Vienna, a day in Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic, and a finale in Prague. I can't say enough positive about this experience of a lifetime.

In the light of Budapest, a busy city is divided in two by a beautiful big river. I really like the whole environment.

The shores of Buda and Pest are impressive with the high aastle on the one shore and the parlament building on the other shore. This stretch of river must be seen at night, referably on a night cruise as a lot of work has been done to light up and showcase the various buildings.

We did a river cruise at night which was freezing (we did sit outside upstairs!) but definitely worth it so see all the buildings and monuments lit up, especially the Hungarian Parliament. Strangely they all switched off about 10pm - maybe saving money like everyone else!

We did a river cruise on Uniworld Mystery Revealed: Salzburg & the Danube from Salzburg Passau to Budapest. Stopping in Linz, Grein, Durnstein, Bratislava, Vienna and ending in Budapest. Luxury all the way. Wonderful guided tours, special access to attractions, amazing food. The staff can't do enough to make you happy. All inclusive, can’t wait to next cruises.

This is our second visit to Budapest. It is an amazing city situated on the Danube River. The city is divided by the river. Buda on one side and Pest on the other. The city is lit up at night. Beautiful sights.

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TAUCK RIVER CRUISES 12 Days  | The Blue Danube Eastbound

PRAGUE TO BUDAPEST Day 1 | Prague, Czech Republic. Tour begins at 6:00 PM at the Prague Marriott Hotel. A transfer is included from Prague's Ruzyne Airport to the Prague Marriott Hotel, ranked among the Top 100 Best Luxury Hotels of the World. Tauck brings you inside Prague’s soaring cathedrals and city architectural riches with sightseeing hosted by local guides. Begin your amazing Danube river cruise with a royal welcoming reception, tour and dinner at 16th-century Lobkowicz Palace at Prague Castle. Immerse in an evening of classical cultural treasures – music and art played an important role in the aristocratic world of the Lobkowicz family. (D) Day 2 | Prague. Start today's exploration of Prague in the ancient Hradcany (Castle) district, where you'll see 1,000-year-old Prague Castle's complex of palaces, courtyards and gardens. Exquisite European architecture awaits on a guided excursion that takes you to the Hradcany (Castle) district and the magnificent Gothic Cathedral of St. Vitus – an exclusive private tour of the grand libraries of Strahov Monastery is a highlight. Spend time at leisure exploring the courtyards and squares of Prague’s winding cobblestone streets, or join us on a walking tour through ethereal Old Town; see the famous Astronomical Clock, Tyn Church, iconic Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square. Sample the culinary pleasures of Prague with dinner on your own tonight; 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. Tomorrow – your Danube river cruise begins. (B) Day 3 | Regensburg, Germany. Embark. Drive to the quintessential Bavarian town of Regensburg, whose roots stretch back to Roman days. The best way to explore this treasure-trove of history is on foot, as our local guide leads you on a walking tour that includes the Steinerne Brücke, a medieval stone bridge over the Danube; the Gothic Dom St. Peter; the 15th-century town hall; and the remains of the town’s Roman wall. Enjoy lunch on your own – perhaps opting for some of the town's famous Bavarian sausage – before boarding your riverboat in Regensburg to launch your 7-night Danube River cruise. Join your shipmates, the Captain and crew at the Captain's welcome reception and dinner aboard the riverboat tonight. (B,D) Day 4 | Passau. Enjoy the views from your riverboat's sun deck, lounge, or the windows of your outside cabin. Your first port of call on your Danube River cruise is Passau, Germany; accompanied by a local guide whose love for Passau is evident, take a walking tour through the cobblestone streets of this Baroque town renowned for its lovely stained glass and nearly 100 churches. See the Altes Rathaus, the old town hall with 14th-century origins, murals on the façade and a glockenspiel in the tower; and visit St. Stephan's Cathedral, home to a magnificent pipe organ that is one of the world's largest. Return to the riverboat for lunch as Tauck's Danube river cruise continues to Linz, Austria. (B,L,D) Day 5 | Salzburg, Austria or Cesky Krumlov. 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. Salzburg is the hometown of Austria’s beloved composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The setting for The Sound of Music, Salzburg is a parade of beautiful Baroque architecture, painted wrought-iron signage, ornate church towers and grand palaces. You’ll visit Mozart’s birthplace and the very cleverly designed Mirabell Gardens, with some free time in Salzburg before rejoining the riverboat for dinner. Alternatively, travel through beautiful wine-producing country to Cesky Krumlov. This town has earned its place on the UNESCO World Heritage Site roster – and that’s the entire town – due to its incredibly well-preserved medieval heritage. A walking tour includes Krumlov Castle; the many steps are worth it to get a look at the mix of medieval, Renaissance and Rococo designs. Free time precedes your return to the riverboat for dinner; your riverboat stays docked in Linz this evening. (B,L,D) Day 6 | Wachau Valley cruise. Dürnstein. Your Danube River cruise continues through the Wachau Valley, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved medieval landscapes. Dock in Dürnstein for a closer look at its 16th-century Baroque houses and 13th-century Romanesque church on a walking tour along cobblestone streets. If you wish, take 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. Enjoy some free time in this charming riverside town, and sample the fruits of the Wachau Valley vineyards during a wine tasting at an authentic Austrian tavern. Depart early evening for Vienna. (B,L,D) Day 7 | Vienna. Your riverboat arrives overnight in Vienna, Austria, where you'll get an overview of this former capital of the old Habsburg Empire – and one of Europe's grandest cities – on a brief morning sightseeing tour where you'll see the Ringstrasse, the Opera House, City Hall and Parliament. A choice of sightseeing today features a tour of the Habsburgs’ Schönbrunn Palace, an architectural masterpiece and Austrian cultural treasure, or the amazing Imperial Apartments at the Hofburg, Austria’s official presidential residence. Nothing quite compares to the royal treatment – and pageantry – you will experience tonight at our private Imperial Evening in a historic Viennese palace. Welcome cocktails and dinner precede a spectacle of beautiful ball gowns, and a musical performance that celebrates the rich legacy of Mozart... an unforgettable highlight of your Danube River cruise! (B,L,D) Day 8 | Cruise the Danube. Bratislava, Slovakia. Pursue your own interests this morning in glorious Vienna – which boasts over a hundred museums of all kinds, magnificent boulevards, the intriguing Prater – and then return to the riverboat to continue your Danube River cruise to Slovakia. Dinner tonight introduces you to a glimpse of daily life in Slovakia with a taste of regional cuisine and an on-board performance by a talented troupe of Slovakian dancers. (B,L,D) Day 9 | Bratislava. Martin Sloboda, our resident expert, takes you inside contemporary Slovakia and Bratislava for a look at politics, the economy, religion, the social order, preservation and emergence of the arts, and much more prior to a walking tour of this cobblestoned, vehicle-free city. See 17 centuries of history eloquently chronicled in its 13th-century Old Town Hall, Baroque Habsburg-era palaces, the Opera House, Slovak Philharmonic Hall, and St. Martin’s Cathedral, site of the coronation of many Hungarian kings and queens, and sample some of Slovakia’s delectable almond pastry at a local café. After some exploring on your own, return to the riverboat and celebrate your memorable Danube river cruise with the Captain and crew at the Captain's shipboard farewell reception and dinner tonight. (B,L,D) Day 10 | Budapest, Hungary. Disembark. Your extraordinary Danube River cruise ends this morning in Budapest, Hungary, which is split into the sections of Buda and Pest by the Danube River. After disembarking your riverboat and bidding the crew farewell, explore the city's Buda side on a walking tour of Castle Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; see Fishermen’s Bastion with its Neo-Romanesque design, and admire the stained glass windows and centuries of history in Matthias Church (may be closed on some days due to services). After lunch at a local café, spend the rest of the day pursuing what interests you most in Budapest. (B,L) Day 11 | Budapest. The Pest side of the city reveals itself to you today on a visit to Heroes’ Square – bounded by some of the finest architectural works in Hungary – and sightseeing including the spectacular Parliament building and tree-lined Andrassy Avenue. There may be some surprises in store on a special visit to the opulent State Opera House, opened in 1884, with its gilded vaulted ceiling, murals, royal boxes and three-ton chandelier. Conclude your Danube River cruise adventure by spending the afternoon exploring what interests you most in Budapest; you may want to stroll along fashionable Váci Utca, one of the city's grandest boulevards. Budapest has acquired quite an excellent reputation for its cuisine; tonight’s special farewell dinner is at the grand Akademia Club in the Hungarian Academy of Sciences – a fitting finale to Tauck's enriching Danube river cruise. (B,D) Day 12 | Budapest. Tauck's delightful Danube River cruise ends in Budapest, Hungary. Fly home anytime; a transfer is included from the the Budapest Marriott Hotel to Budapest's Ferihegy Airport. Allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in at the airport. (B) NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule you receive with your final documents.

The Blue Danube Eastbound

Escorted tour details, a 12-day tauck tours tour starting from $5,990.00.

Dates & Prices

• What's Included

Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation.

Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability and are quoted in U.S. Dollars. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.

Escorted Tour Highlights

Austria, Czech Republic, Danube River, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia

See Description

Sightseeing Highlights

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

Wind your way past medieval landscapes aboard Tauck's ms  Savor  or ms  Joy  to explore five European countries, visit castles and cathedrals, embark on locally guided sightseeing and spend special evenings in two private palaces. Enjoy two nights each at centrally located hotels in Prague and Budapest.

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!

Year Round Offers

• Special Savings for Single Travelers
• Seasonal Price Savings for specific dates
• Special Savings for Groups of 8, 10++

Tour begins: 5:30 PM, Prague Mariott Hotel. A transfer is included from Václav Havel Airport Prague or the Praha Hlavni Nadrazi train station to the Prague Mariott Hotel in the heart of the city. Begin your amazing Blue Danube river cruise adventure early this evening with a Tauck Exclusive – a royal welcoming reception, tour and dinner at 16th-century Lobkowicz Palace at Prague Castle. Immerse in an evening of classical cultural treasures – music and art played an important role in the aristocratic world of the Lobkowicz family.

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 , Salzburg is enticing with Baroque architecture, painted wrought-iron signage, ornate church towers, and grand palaces. Our walking tour explores Old Town, Mirabell Gardens, and Mozart's birthplace with time on your own to have lunch and experience the sights as you wish. Alternatively, travel with us through beautiful landscapes to Cesky Krumlov, which has been called a living gallery of elegant Renaissance-era buildings with a well-preserved medieval heritage and charming ambiance. 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. Your riverboat overnights in Linz.

Your riverboat arrives overnight in Vienna, Austria, where an introductory tour of this former capital of the old Habsburg Empire – and its grand boulelvard, the Ringstrasse – precedes a walking tour focusing on medieval Vienna and complimented with various samples of the local cuisine, alternatively, enjoy a bike ride through the city concluding in the Old District. The afternoon is yours to explore this famous city as you please. Later, nothing compares to the royal treatment and pageantry you'll experience tonight at our private Imperial Evening in the Palais Pallavicini, an opulent, private Viennese palace that played a role in the 1940s film noir classic The Third Man . Welcome cocktails and dinner precede an unforgettable spectacle of beautiful ball gowns and a musical performance celebrating the legacy of Mozart.

Begin the day with a Tauck Exclusive – a presentation by our local guide that takes you inside contemporary Slovakia and Bratislava for a look at politics, the economy, religion, the social order, preservation and emergence of the arts, and more. Then, it's your choice of a walking tour of this cobblestoned, vehicle-free city, where you'll see 17 centuries of history eloquently chronicled in sites including its 13th-century Old Town Hall, Baroque Habsburg-era palaces, the Opera House, Slovak Philharmonic Hall and St. Martin's Cathedral – or a guided bicycle excursion through the "Iron Curtain Area" of Bratislava. Back aboard ship, get ready to celebrate tomorrow's arrival in Budapest.

Begin the day by exploring Buda. 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, learn about the city's historic thermal water springs on a visit to the famed Szechenyi Bath Spa. Following a free afternoon with time to explore as you please, join us for a final night aboard the riverboat, beginning with a farewell toast and dinner.

Tour ends: Budapest, Hungary.  Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the riverboat to Budapest Ferenc Liszt Airport or the Keleti train station; allow a minimum of three hours for check-in at the airport.

Tauck Tours

All gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director

All private Tauck shore excursions – $3,245 Value

Choice in Vienna: Schönbrunn Palace or the Imperial Apartments at the Hofburg

Choice of a full day in Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov

Evenings of local performing artists and classical music aboard the riverboat

Unlimited complimentary beverages aboard ship include regional wine, beer and premium spirits in addition to specialty coffee, water and soft drinks

Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted

30 meals; select meals in local restaurants; service charges, taxes, porterage, and applicable fuel surcharges

No current offers.

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The Blue Danube

Tour description:.

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!

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All fares are in US dollars, per person, based on double occupancy, and reflect promotional savings, are for new bookings only, are subject to availability, and must be booked by September 1, 2019. Promotional savings in categories F-B on the December 21st sailing and categories C-D on the December 27th sailing only. *Included roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles or San Francisco is based on availability in class of service. Offer may be combined with applicable 3rd guest in stateroom offer but may not be combinable with other offers. Port, security, and handling charges of $149 per person are additional. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Call for details. Ship’s registry: Bahamas.

Docking Locations on a River Cruise: What to Expect

How do I find out where my river cruise docks for embarkation and debarkation? Might the cruise line change the docking site of a published river itinerary?

You'll receive the information for your embarkation and debarkation berth when you get your cruise documents. But keep in mind that even what's in your booklet might change.

That's because the local harbor authorities -- and not the cruise lines themselves -- set the berthing positions. Viking and AmaWaterways, for example, offer pier addresses on their websites, in some cases even estimating taxi fare. These berthings can change, however, which is why on their berth page, Avalon notes that all passengers should confirm the location with the cruise director on embarkation day. (Avalon also has passengers meet at a central hotel for transfer, as opposed to showing up at the ship.) A phone number for the ship and the cruise director is also included in your cruise documents.

If all of this sounds like a lot of work and you want to know berth information before you book, you can check with previous cruisers on the Cruise Critic River Forum. Keep in mind that the dock can change, however, at any time.

Do all river cruises dock in the middle of town? How can I find out where the ship docks for shore excursions?

Although the advertisements and brochure photos make it look like you can step right off your ship into the historical center of the city or town a riverboat is visiting, you can't actually do this in many European cities. Sometimes bridges are too low for river cruise ships to make it into the heart of town. Other factors that can influence where a ship docks include its size -- the Viking Longships are too big to dock in central Paris, for example -- and the agreement that the line has (or doesn't have) with the local harbor authorities.

Again, your best bet to figure out where your ship docks is to ask the line itself or survey passengers from previous cruises on the Cruise Critic message boards. Study the day-by-day itinerary breakdown carefully and look for key phrases such as "motorcoach tour" and unscheduled free time. If a port visit has the latter, you're usually able to return to the ship at your leisure because it's close to the town center. If it's the former, the town itself where you're docked might be more of a landing and less of a destination; if you take the coach tour, you might not have a lot of free time.

Does the ship's docking location influence how long you'll have in town for excursions?

Definitely. If getting to the historic center takes an hour or more, that means you'll have less time to see the sights. In Moscow, for example, river cruise ships usually dock about 45 minutes away from Red Square. (Regular shuttles are available, but it's often faster and more efficient to take the subway, which is still a walk from the pier.) Meanwhile, in Budapest, the river cruise ships line up near the Chain Bridge on the Pest side of the river, so it takes no time at all to walk into that area of town. (Getting up to hilly Buda, on the other side, however, can be a hike if you do it on your own.)

If my embarkation pier is outside of town, how do I get there? What about debarkation?

Some river cruises, such as Tauck, Scenic, Emerald and Uniworld, include airport transfers in their fare. For others, such as Viking, Vantage and Grand Circle, free transfers are only offered to passengers who book a pre-cruise stay or buy their airfare through the company; these lines all allow you to buy a transfer for a reasonable fee.

If you've bought your flights independently, you'll want to check your cruise documents and see where the cruise pier is, then take a taxi or public transportation to the dock. Most European river cruise ships ask you to board sometime between noon and 4 p.m.

On the way home, you should arrange a transfer to the airport with the ship's concierge, if you haven't purchased it already, or arrange one independently.

If your river cruise includes a land tour portion -- as you'll find on more exotic itineraries such as the Yangtze in China, the Mekong in Vietnam, various rivers in Russia and the Nile in Egypt -- you'll probably meet up with the group at either the airport or the designated hotel.

Will my river ship dock next to other river ships?

River cruising has grown in Europe over the years, but the berthing slots have not. That's why it's not uncommon for river cruise ships to tie up next to each other, particularly in smaller European cities, as well as on the Nile River and in Moscow. It's one reason why it doesn't matter which side of the river ship you book your balcony or view cabin; your view might be blocked anyway.

When your ship is docked next to another, it is possible to see into the cabins of your neighbors at night -- so make sure you close those curtains! It's not really as annoying as it sounds, to be honest. River cruise ships have other outdoor public areas where you can get good views; with so many activities and shore excursions, you'll rarely be in your cabin.

Will I have to walk through other river ships to get to shore?

Yes, if your river cruise ship ties up next to another ship, you might be led on an elaborate walk up the stairs of your ship and across the deck of another before you reach shore. It's one reason why river cruises aren't necessarily the best vacations for people with disabilities. The river cruise lines make sure that when you do walk through another ship -- or when a group walks through yours -- that they are only coming through public areas and do not have access to passenger cabins.

How can I find out more about docking on a river cruise?

What to Expect on a River Cruise: Low River Water Levels, High River Water Levels and Weather Issues

What to Expect: Dining on a River Cruise

The What to Expect on a River Cruise series is a resource guide, written by Cruise Critic editors and contributors, where we answer the most common questions about river cruises, including dining, cabins and suites, service and onboard activities.

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Holiday Magic: Danube Family River Cruise

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Uniquely Tauck

Experience with Tauck

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – An evening at a private Viennese palace – with dinner, entertainment, and a waltzing lesson

Tauck Value Includes

Gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors, and Tauck Cruise Director

Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $2,065

Visit to Oberndorf, birthplace of the carol "Silent Night"

Time to explore Mozart's Baroque, alpine hometown of Salzburg on your own

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Guests should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.

Moderately paced, and may include some early morning hotel departures, one or two on-tour flights, and extended motor coach travel.

World Travel. Family Discovery.

Both the young and young at heart delight aboard a weeklong Danube river cruise filled with European holiday festivities onboard and ashore...

Oberndorf, home of "silent night", visit the town where "silent night" was born.

Legend has it that one of the world's most famous songs came to be because on Christmas Eve 1818, the organ of the church of St. Nicola in Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria, was broken. Father Joseph Mohr, a young priest of the parish, approached the organist and local schoolmaster Franz Xaver Gruber with the words of a Christmas poem he had written two years before, and asked him if he could put the song to music for guitar, solo voices and choir. And so, the Christmas carol Stille Nacht (Silent Night) – with lyrics by Mohr and a melody by Gruber – was first performed at services that evening… an event you'll learn more about on your family's visit to Oberndorf and the memorial chapel that now commemorates the events of that famous Christmas Eve.

Making Gingerbread and Marzipan

Holiday gingerbread & marzipan making at passau's café simon.

Baking gingerbread… it's one of the best aromas of the holidays! Four generations of the Simon family have perfected the art of making gingerbread, and they'll show you how it's done during a lively demonstration at their Café Simon in riverside Passau. And Marzipan is a sweet candy confection – traditionally made from sugar or honey and ground almonds, and often formed into pastries or shapes – that can be found around the world. You'll also discover Germany's love affair with this sweet concoction with a demonstration at Café Simon that lets you try your hand at making your own tasty tidbit in the shape of a face... very popular in this "city of three rivers."

Bratislava's Old Town

Scavenger hunting and more in bratislava's fascinating old town.

Slovakia's capital city, Bratislava, is old... really old... but also very cool, with a pedestrian-only Old Town that has more than 17 centuries worth of stories to tell! On your family's visit, you'll enjoy some time-tested games that go back to the city's medieval days. And you'll embark on a interactive walking tour and scavenger hunt in the city, discovering fun facts about Bratislava's rich history on plaques adorning centuries-old buildings, and amidst some of the whimsical, modern bronze statues that seem to pop up in the city's streets where you least expect them – on benches or postal boxes... on the corners of buildings... even out of manholes!

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Diamond Deck

(Note: All Category 7 cabins are three-guest capacity suites with a pull-out couch)

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About Booking This Tour

Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally , you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into Germany, Slovakia, Hungary and Austria. You are not required to obtain a visa for the short duration of this cruise.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally , you should contact an embassy or consulate of Germany, Slovakia, Hungary and Austria to determine what travel documentation is required.

International maritime security guidelines require that your passport information be provided to us prior to your embarkation. You need to provide this information to us as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied. Once you board the riverboat, your passport will be held by the purser until you disembark.

Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your cabin while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents or cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN:  If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $900 per person

Final Payments:

Final Payment is due to Tauck  60  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Cruise Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection

Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. It must be purchased within 10 days of your initial deposit. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON and Tauck will  reduce the regular cancellation fees outlined herein, provided we are notified of cancellation before your cruise departs. Certain terms and restrictions apply (see below*).

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.  Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  Should you cancel for covered reasons, the plan reimburses cancellation fees imposed, up to your total trip cost. 
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection is:   $659   per person

This plan provides cancellation coverage for your trip and other insurance coverages that apply only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Cruise and Event Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included in initial payment. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your reservation. Cruise and Event Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit

Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees.

If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit

Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply for this tour.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan:

120 days or more before departure: Loss of cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection fee per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 25% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person 59 – 1 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan: 120 days or more before departure: $900 per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person 59 - 1 days before departure: Loss of 100% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

Tour Interruption Fees

If you have to interrupt your tour en route, you may be entitled to a refund for the unused land portion if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less a fee of $40 per person per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses.

Partial Room Cancellation

A person who cancels or leaves a tour while a roommate remains constitutes a cancellation of one type of accommodation and rebooking of another type of accommodation. The price charged to the remaining person is the new, higher price for the new accommodation.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation and transfer terms outlined herein. Note: All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage ― General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much stricter in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage ― General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or large items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small and is designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece and to carry only those items you need handy during the day such as purses, make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or in the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may not allow for access during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Your riverboat is registered in Basel, Switzerland. Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and inform us at time of booking.

VACCINATIONS  

If you are a resident of the U.S. , no other vaccinations are currently required for travel to Germany, Slovakia, Hungary or Austria. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Info Center at 800-232-4636/800-CDC-INFO (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC Internet website by clicking here .

If you are a resident of another country , please contact an embassy or consulate of Germany, Slovakia, Hungary and Austria to determine what additional vaccination(s) may be required for your travel.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

While a cruise on the Danube is very relaxing and the pace leisurely, to enjoy all the cruise has to offer, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, as some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. There is a moderate to significant amount of walking during our excursions, often along cobblestone streets, and at many sites there are multiple stairs or steps. For the most part, however, the amount of walking you do is at your discretion.

The riverboat has four decks: Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, and Sun. The elevator connects the Diamond, Ruby, and Emerald decks; there is no elevator to the Sundeck. There is no chair lift between any of the decks.

Because you will be cruising on a river and not on the open sea, you are never far from land and, therefore, there is no doctor on board. In case of emergency we can easily dock the boat and call for an ambulance or medical assistance.

PLEASE NOTE: We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters. Likewise, we regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

On board the riverboat, smoking is permitted in a limited area of the Sun deck. Smoking is not permitted in any cabin, the restaurant, the lounge or any other interior space. This policy includes e-cigarettes.

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate service animals on any river cruise for medical and legal reasons.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list  here.

Weather and Travel Gear

The climate in December in Germany and Austria is seasonably cold. The average high and low temperatures are 38/28 °F (3/-2 °C). The amount of precipitation is approximately 1.25 in (31.75 mm).

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov .

We have partnered with New Headings, an experienced online provider of travel gear, to assist you in selecting the appropriate gear for this destination. Their Tauck-exclusive website is accessible at necessarygear.com . Please note that while Tauck has an affiliation with New Headings, this is only one option for travel gear. You may wish to look into other outfitters for your travel needs.

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with New Headings who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is flexible and allows for layering. Expect cold weather; a thick coat and sweater for the sun deck and touring is recommended. comfortable yet sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in, as many of the sites visited were built centuries ago and have uneven surfaces, some steep inclines and many steps.

During evenings aboard the riverboat, dress is resort casual. Items such as slacks and collared shirts are appropriate for men. For women, slacks, a dress or a skirt and blouse are suitable. For dinner and throughout the evening, guests should refrain from wearing shorts, t-shirts, sandals, flip-flops or sneakers. Your journey also includes one or two special occasion dinners, where a sport coat and tie for gentlemen and a dress/pantsuit for ladies are suggested. (Your Tauck Director will advise you prior to those evenings.)

Bathrobes, slippers and hairdryers are provided in each riverboat cabin.

Valet laundry service is available on the riverboat for a fee. There is no valet dry cleaning available on the riverboat. Ironing facilities are available on the riverboat by request to the front desk. Category 7 suites feature their own irons and ironing boards.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed. Due to local legal restrictions, no medications, even "over-the-counter," are sold on board the riverboat.

We recommend you pack the following items for your cruise on the Danube:

• Flat, rubber-soled walking shoes for onboard
• Warm, sturdy but comfortable walking shoes that have already been broken-in for onshore
• Casual daytime wear – slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
• A warm winter coat
• An optional jacket and tie for men
• Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm function (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
• Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Reusable zipper-lock bags or other waterproof bags
• Daypack for camera equipment
• Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your ship cabin while traveling

Each child 17 and under will be sent a complimentary backpack from Tauck Bridges! If the child resides in the continental United States, the backpack will be sent to his or her home approximately two weeks prior to the cruise departure date (please note backpacks cannot be sent to P.O. boxes). If the child resides outside of the continental U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska, the backpack will be waiting on arrival at the first hotel on your itinerary.

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