A Taste of the Danube (Budapest to Vienna) 2011
Overview
Danube cruise holidays take in the picturesque towns of Dürnstein, Melk and Linz and the lively capitals of Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna. Danube cruise ships sail an attractive stretch of river, from Hungary’s capital to Austria’s Wachau Valley. Add a stay in Budapest or Vienna, or both, to make the most of your Danube river cruise experience.
Itinerary
Day 1 (Wed) Budapest. Fly to Budapest where you will be met and transferred to your cruise ship for four nights. (D)
Day 2 (Thu) Bratislava. A morning to relax on board ad marvel at the beautiful scenery on both banks of the Danube. As you cruise upstream, Hungary is on your left and Slovakia is on your right. The two countries share the Danube for a 58 mile stretch, with the border in the middle of the river. Situated at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, Bratislava is the dynamic capital of Slovakia. The charming Old Town with its Town Hall and Mirbach Palace as well as the gothic cathedral of St. Martin should not be missed. (B,L,D)
Day 3 (Fri) Dürnstein – Melk. This morning your first stop is Dürnstein, known for the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade, lying right in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Above the town are the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. Explore this picturesque town on your own or choose from a number of optional excursions. Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey dominates the town from its commanding hilltop site and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking. (B,L,D)
Day 4 (Sat) Linz - Grein. Linz, Austria’s third largest town, lies across both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. Culture is an important part of life in Linz. The composer Anton Bruckner lived here and Mozart’s ‘Linzer Symphony’ was composed in the city. Choose from a variety of optional activities today. In the late afternoon, arrive in the attractive country resort of Grein which is nestled at the foot of a bluff in the shadow of its castle and see the highlights with a local guide.
Day 5 (Sun) Vienna. Disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
Map
Cruise Highlights
Included Highlights
BUDAPEST EXTENSION: Guided sightseeing; visit Fisherman’s Bastion; services of a Local Host
BRATISLAVA Guided sightseeing, visit St Martin’s Cathedral
DÜRNSTEIN Stiftskirche
MELK Guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey GREIN Guided sightseeing
GREIN Guided Sightseeing
VIENNA EXTENSION: Guided sightseeing; services of a Local Host
WELCOME RECEPTION, CAPTAIN’S RECEPTION AND FAREWELL DINNER
Included in the Price
Accommodation 4 night cruise from Budapest to Vienna in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds, nights at the InterContinental Hotel, Vienna and at the InterContinental Hotel, Budapest (Vienna and Budapest extensions only).
Meals & Drinks All meals on board daily, featuring full breakfast (B), lunch (L) and dinner (D), quality wines from Europe’s most famous wine regions with every dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements. Vienna & Budapest extensions: Buffet breakfast (B).
Services of a professional Cruise Director
Sightseeing with Local Guides
On board lectures, activities and nightly piano music
Door-to-door home pick-up service by private car
Flights
Transfers between overseas airports, hotels and cruise ship
All local port and airport taxes
Holiday Extensions
Budapest: 2 extra nights before your cruise
Day 1 (Mon) Budapest. Fly to Budapest where you will be met and transferred to the InterContinental Hotel, Budapest for two nights. The rest of the day is yours to start exploring this beautiful city.
Day 2 (Tue) Budapest. Budapest straddles both banks of the Danube, with seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connecting ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with Fishermen’s Bastion and Matthias Church is among the many sights your Local Guide will show you. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain and paprika. (B)
Day 3 (Wed) Budapest. This morning you can explore this vibrant city at your own pace. In the afternoon, transfer to your cruise ship and join day 1 of the Budapest to Vienna cruise itinerary. (B)
Days 4 to 7 (Thu - Sun) Budapest – Vienna. As per days 2 to 7 of the Budapest to Vienna cruise itinerary. (B)
Vienna: 2 extra nights after your cruise
Days 1 to 4 (Wed – Sat) Vienna. As per days 1 to 4 of the Budapest to Vienna cruise itinerary.
Day 5 (Sun) Vienna. Once the centre of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard, and awe-inspiring St Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will enjoy during your included tour. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse or simply savour the ‘City of Music’ while enjoying a slice of Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel (B)
Day 6 (Mon) Vienna. A full day at leisure in this fascinating city. (B,D)
Day 7 (Tue) Vienna. Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
Budapest & Vienna: 2 extra nights before and 2 extra nights after your cruise
Day 1 (Mon) Budapest. Fly to Budapest where you will be met and transferred to the InterContinental Hotel, Budapest for two nights. The rest of the day is yours to start exploring this beautiful city.
Day 2 (Tue) Budapest. Budapest straddles both banks of the Danube, with seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connecting ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with Fishermen’s Bastion and Matthias Church is among the many sights your Local Guide will show you. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain and paprika. (B)
Day 3 (Wed) Budapest. This morning you can explore this vibrant city at your own pace. In the afternoon, transfer to your cruise ship and join day 1 of the Budapest to Vienna cruise itinerary. (B)
Days 4 to 6 (Thu – Sat). As per days 2 to 5 of the Budapest to Vienna cruise.
Day 7 (Sun) Vienna. Once the centre of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard, and awe-inspiring St Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will enjoy during your included tour. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse or simply savour the ‘City of Music’ while enjoying a slice of Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel (B)
Day 8 (Mon) Vienna. A full day at leisure in this fascinating city. (B,D)
Day 9 (Tue) Vienna. Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
Dates and Prices
| Tapestry (WBV9Q) | CAT E | CAT B | CAT A | CAT P | Junior Suite | + Budapest (add) | + Vienna (add) | + Budapest & Vienna (add) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22-Jun | £1205 | £1364 | £1379 | £1411 | £1585 | £185 | £178 | £366 |
| 10-Aug | £1189 | £1348 | £1363 | £1395 | £1569 | £185 | £178 | £366 |
| 12-Oct | £1165 | £1324 | £1339 | £1371 | £1545 | £185 | £178 | £366 |
Prices are in £’s per person.
- If you would like to make your own travel arrangements to the first hotel/ship, there will be a reduction of £205.
- Single Supplement from £323.
- Extra nights can be booked in Budapest (not available on Cruise Only) from £80 per person per night adn Vienna (not available on Cruise Only) from £89 per person per night based on a twin room.
- Please call for details.
Prices are based on flights from Heathrow with British Airways. Flights are also available at a supplement from Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff, Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
| Fly From | Via | Airline | Supps From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow | Direct | British Airways | Nil |
| Bristol | Direct* | klm | £100 |
| Birmingham | Direct* | klm | £90 |
| Manchester | Direct* | klm | £90 |
| Cardiff | Direct* | klm | £110 |
| Newcastle | Direct* | klm | £100 |
| Glasgow | Direct* | klm | £100 |
| Edinburgh | Direct* | klm | £100 |
| The flight duration from Heathrow to Vienna is approximately 2½ hours non stop The flight duration from Heathrow to Budapest is approximately 2½ hours non stop *Flight operates via Amsterdam Flight prices and timings vary by departure airport. Flight upgrades are also available, please call for details. |
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