Delightful Danube & Prague

Budapest Panoramic Highlights with St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Drive along one of the prettiest streets in Budapest, Andrassy Ave, on your way to the St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Andrassy Ave is a broad promenade of breathtaking neo-Renaissance architecture and home to many of Budapest’s must-see sites.

You will get off the coach near St. Stephen’s Cathedral to visit this beautiful Catholic church. St. Stephen’s Basilica, the largest church in Budapest, is dedicated to St. Stephen, the first King of Hungary. Its towers and domes feature prominently in the Pest skyline. The interior of the cathedral is a masterpiece of dramatic arches, marble and liberally applied gilding. Inside you’ll find one of Hungary’s most sacred artifacts, the Szent Jobb—meaning “Holy Right Hand”—is the mummified right hand of St. Stephen.

Budapest Walk with Local Treats

Today your guide will show you how to snack around Budapest like a local, starting with a tram ride to the House of Parliament. Hop off the tram and take a short walk to your first treat: a coffee break at the First Strudel House of Pest. Energized by your cup of coffee, you’ll continue your walk down to St. Stephen’s Basilica—a handsome Neo-Classical building that is one of Budapest’s most significant cultural sites.

From there, we’ll head to the Great Market Hall to sample some traditional Hungarian fare, such as salami, sausages and cheese, while your local expert explains the intricacies of Hungarian cuisine.

Jewish Budapest

On your way into the Jewish Quarter, take a panoramic drive along the UNESCO-designated Andrassy Avenue. Among its beautiful neo-Renaissance architecture are such sites as Heroes’ Square, the Franz Liszt Memorial House, the House of Terror, and the Castle District.

You will get off the coach near the Dohány Synagogue. The Great Synagogue of Budapest (also known as the Central Synagogue) on Dohány Street is a good starting point to learn about Jewish Budapest. The Dohány Synagogue is the largest in Europe and the 2nd largest Synagogue in the world.

“Morning with the Masters” at the Belvedere Palace

The Belvedere is a Baroque palatial complex commissioned during an immensely productive Habsburg building spree. Originally the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy, the complex was acquired by Empress Maria Theresa after his death and turned into an exhibition venue for imperial art collections. In this way, The Belvedere become one of the first public museums in the world.

Today it is one of the finest art collections anywhere, making it an incredibly popular destination for Vienna tourism. Skip the crowds entirely this morning on your early private tour through the Upper Belvedere exhibits with Uniworld. You’ll appreciate the space and time to take in the palace’s expansive collection, including the world’s largest collection of works by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt. His most famous work, “The Kiss” is on display here.

Vienna’s Historic Trails and Local Treats

In many ways a must-visit destination for both the art lover and the gourmand, Vienna is full of artistic and culinary treasures. Today’s walking tour is all about immersing ourselves in that side of this beautiful city.

Our menu for the day includes a stop for coffee and strudel at a local coffee house—a hallmark of Viennese culture—and a glass of Viennese wine from one of the city’s oldest cellars. These treats will fuel our walks to see the Kinsky Palace, the statues of the Heldenplatz, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and more.

Jewish Vienna

Explore the “City of Waltzes” from a Jewish heritage perspective on today’s outing. Beginning at the Judenplatz, you’ll learn about the community’s history and follow in the footsteps of some of the most internationally well-known figures. Your guide will take you by the Shoah Monument and Jewish museum, then stop at the Stadttempel, Vienna’s main temple and the only synagogue to have survived the “Night of Broken Glass”—a pogrom against Jews throughout Nazi Germany, Austria and other areas in the region. This temple dates back to 1826 and is the only synagogue in Vienna built in the simple, yet elegant, “Biedermeier Style.”

Note: The synagogue will not be available for visits on Jewish holidays; if unavailable, we will visit the Vienna Jewish Museum instead.

Masterpiece Collection Excursion –
Schönbrunn with Strudel Show

Embrace the imperial flair of Vienna with a visit to the famous Schönbrunn Palace complex. Arrive to marvel at the massive Baroque building with it’s iconic yellow exteriors and head straight to the East Wing, where you’ll find Cafe Residenz. Housed in the former kitchens for the palace guard, this elegant Viennese coffee shop and restaurant prepares the same traditional strudel recipe once used by the imperial palace bakers. Today, their pastry chef will demonstrate the laborious process of preparing this pastry. To get a perfectly smooth, elastic dough, a particularly rigorous kneading method is required. The dough is then rolled paper thin and topped with apple fling, and the entire pastry is then rolled up to create the characteristic spiral pattern that appears when sliced after baking. You’ll leave this demonstration with your own copy of the original recipe. After the Strudel show, enjoy a guided visit of the palace. Stroll hallways elaborately decorated with golden stucco, rich velvet and stunning frescoes. This palace complex was the primary summer residence of the Habsburgs and features many testaments to their history and extravagance.

Masterpiece Collection Excursions are available a an additional cost

Stetteldorf Castle Visit

Schloss Stetteldorf, also known as Juliusburg Castle, sits right on the edge of the Wagram in Lower Austria. The castle was constructed in 1588 for Count Julius II zu Hardegg. Over the years, his descendants added to the stately residence, beautifying its gardens, adding a fresco to the ballroom, carving a moat, and more. Meet the current residents to see how they are continuing to renovate the castle on a tour that includes a chance to taste some of what they grow in their gardens.

Treasures of the Wachau Valley

Drive from Emmersdorf to the attractive town of Spitz, and take note of the vine-covered hill rising above the town on your way in. A famous local landmark, this hill is the source of much of the town’s grapes. Wine is one of Spitz’s most important local products, alongside apricots. You’ll taste both of these today, starting with a variety of apricot treats upon your arrival.

Visit the shipping and maritime museum in town before meeting a local guide who will take you on a walk through the charming village they call home, during which you’ll get a local’s perspective on life in Spitz and the Wachau Valley.

After the walk, return to Krems, where a local wine expert will be waiting to guide you through a wine tasting onboard.

Let’s Go: Scenic Bavarian River Biking

Set off on an invigorating bike ride from Engelhartszell to Passau, led by an experienced professional bike guide. Wind your way through the lovely countryside, along the Danube’s right side, into the picturesque Danube Valley. These particular landscapes are some of the most beautiful in all of Europe—characterized by expansive vineyards, tree-lined slopes, and castle-dotted hillsides—and seamlessly blend the region’s cultural, historical and natural components together. Pedal onwards toward Passau, past more charming villages, meadows and orchards, rounding out your trip in Passau’s Old Town.

Village Day: Passau

You’ll have the opportunity to choose one of four different ways to immerse yourself in this wonderful city today, learning about local people, trades and pastimes. Your first option, a visit to a berry farm on a mission to provide good work for people with disabilities. There, you’ll be taken on a tour of the farm and enjoy a tasting of its products, such as jams and vinegars.

With another option, you’ll meet a family from Passau as you’re invited into their home. Your host may welcome you with food, drinks and or stories about their life in the city.

At still another, we’ll mingle with people at work around town, including an artist, a pub owner and others.

And finally, you may opt to set out on a hike popular with locals. Take in Passau’s best scenery as you stop at a castle—the Veste Oberhaus—and the Triftsperre nature reserve, then walk along the Ilz river delta.

Regensburg Walk with Thurn and Taxis Castle Visit

Begin this three-hour excursion with a visit to the city center of Regensburg’s Old Town, which has much to offer including the Porta Praetoria Roman ruins, the Old Stone Bridge, St. Peter’s Cathedral, medieval patrician towers and the former Jewish Quarter among many other sights. Next, take a short walk to the Princely House of Thurn and Taxis. The family estate is difficult to miss: at over 1,000 years old, the mansion boasts over 500 rooms complete with chandeliers, gold leafing, incredible art and architectural touches to make it truly a sight to behold. The palace has an incredible history and stands as a tale of revival, endurance and baroque style. What’s even more spectacular? The palace has a long list of celebrities who have stayed within its walls: Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson, Steve Martin, Plácido Domingo and more. These walls may not be able to talk, but if they could they would surely say, “Come see us for yourself!”

Jewish Regensburg

Join your local guide for a walking tour through the delightfully medieval town of Regensburg. Stroll over the Iron Bridge and on to the magnificent Stone Bridge, and pass by the architectural Gothic masterpiece of St. Peter’s Cathedral. Regensburg is the oldest documented settlement of Jewish people in Germany and your walk through the former Jewish Quarter (Neupfarrplatz) will introduce you to their enduring legacy here. See the Dani Karavan Monument memorializing the original Regensburg Synagogue and visit Oskar Schindler’s house.

Make your way to the New Synagogue for a presentation about Jewish culture and history in Regensburg.

Masterpiece Collection Excursion – Weltenburg Abbey Beer

You’ll find that some of the finest brews and Europe are produced by the humble monks and nuns of the continent’s many abbeys. Visit the Weltenburg Abbey today to learn about monastic brewing at the oldest such establishment in the world. Founded in the year 600, the abbey sits at the mouth of the Danube Gorge, making for a charming locale in which to enjoy a history lesson and a beer.

Masterpiece Collection Excursions are available a an additional cost

Nights Out: Faber-Castell Visit

Faber-Castell, established in 1761, is the world’s leading manufacturer of wood-cased pencils with a varied range of products for writing, drawing and creative design. The Faber-Castell headquarters make for a unique and fascinating expedition, with a collection of factory buildings, mansions and parklands spread out across the expansive property. Our guests will be hosted for a private evening experience, after the headquarters have closed to the public.

Please note: this excursion is only available on the Budapest to Prague and cruise-only Budapest to Nuremberg routes.

Prague Old Town and Charles Bridge Walking Tour

Get an overview of the city with a panoramic tour that carries you past such sights as the State Opera House, the National Museum and Wenceslas Square on your way to massive Prague Castle. Step inside the castle’s protective walls and enter a self-contained city, with courtyards, palaces, towers, churches and gardens designed for kings and emperors, along with housing and workplaces for all those who tended the rulers. Among the highlights are the lofty St. Vitus Cathedral, which took 600 years to finish, and Vladislav Hall, whose complex stone-vaulting system was one of the most advanced engineering feats of the late Middle Ages. After strolling through Golden Lane, a street of quaint cottages where Prague’s 17th-century goldsmiths lived (alas, there’s no truth to the legend that it was named for the royal alchemists), you may reboard the motorcoach for a ride back to the hotel or continue our guided walk through the picturesque Lesser Quarter, the district around the castle, to Charles Bridge. Cross the landmark bridge named for Charles IV, who ordered its construction in 1357; it’s strictly for pedestrians now, so you can pause and look down at the Vltava below you and examine some of the statues that line the bridge, before you head to Old Town Square. This was the original market square; the buildings that surround it form a case study in Prague’s architectural history. You’ll find Prague’s most famous Gothic church, Our Lady Before Týn, there, along with the 14th-century Old Town Hall (which boasts a famous medieval astronomical clock), the beautiful baroque St. Nicholas, the rococo Kinsky Palace and a group of Renaissance houses.

Terezin & Concentration Camp

In 1940, the Nazis turned a former garrison into a ghetto, cramming more than 140,000 Jews into it, where many died of disease or starvation. More, however, were transported to and perished in Auschwitz-Birkenau or other concentration camps. Theresienstadt is particularly well known for the 6,000 drawings made by interned children that were found after the war. You’ll see the Jewish cemetery, ghetto, and crematorium in the Large Fortress, along with the Ghetto Museum and, elsewhere, the central morgue, columbarium, and the Small Fortress; just outside its walls is a cemetery where thousands of political prisoners are buried.

Prague Old Town and Charles Bridge walking tour

Get an overview of the city with a panoramic tour that carries you past such sights as the State Opera House, the National Museum and Wenceslas Square on your way to massive Prague Castle. Step inside the castle’s protective walls and enter a self-contained city, with courtyards, palaces, towers, churches and gardens designed for kings and emperors, along with housing and workplaces for all those who tended the rulers. Among the highlights are the lofty St. Vitus Cathedral, which took 600 years to finish, and Vladislav Hall, whose complex stone-vaulting system was one of the most advanced engineering feats of the late Middle Ages. After strolling through Golden Lane, a street of quaint cottages where Prague’s 17th-century goldsmiths lived (alas, there’s no truth to the legend that it was named for the royal alchemists), you may reboard the motorcoach for a ride back to the hotel or continue our guided walk through the picturesque Lesser Quarter, the district around the castle, to Charles Bridge. Cross the landmark bridge named for Charles IV, who ordered its construction in 1357; it’s strictly for pedestrians now, so you can pause and look down at the Vltava below you and examine some of the statues that line the bridge, before you head to Old Town Square. This was the original market square; the buildings that surround it form a case study in Prague’s architectural history. You’ll find Prague’s most famous Gothic church, Our Lady Before Týn, there, along with the 14th-century Old Town Hall (which boasts a famous medieval astronomical clock), the beautiful baroque St. Nicholas, the rococo Kinsky Palace and a group of Renaissance houses.

Hradčany Castle visit

Get an overview of the city with a panoramic tour that carries you along the banks of the Vltava River past such sites as the Prague Castle, Queen Anne’s Summer Palace and the St. Agnes Convent.

Step off the coach to see the lofty St. Vitus Cathedral, which took 600 years to finish, and Vladislav Hall, whose complex stone-vaulting system was one of the most advanced engineering feats of the late Middle Ages. Then take a stroll through Golden Lane, a street of quaint cottages where Prague’s 17th century goldsmiths lived (alas, there’s no truth to the legend that it was named for the royal alchemists).

Here you may reboard the motorcoach for a ride back to the hotel or head out for some free time in the Old Town Square. This was the original market square; the buildings that surround it form a case study in Prague’s architectural history. You’ll find Prague’s most famous Gothic church, Our Lady Before Týn, there, along with the 14th century Old Town Hall (which boasts a famous medieval astronomical clock), the beautiful baroque St. Nicholas, the rococo Kinský Palace and a group of Renaissance houses.

Prague’s Old Jewish Quarter

Situated amid Prague’s Old Town is the best-preserved complex of historical Jewish monuments in all of Europe. The site of the former Jewish ghetto, the Jewish Quarter is home to the Jewish Museum in Prague, comprised of six synagogues, as well as the Jewish Ceremonial Hall and the Old Jewish Cemetery. This area escaped destruction during the Holocaust by becoming the planned site of a Nazi museum, and consequently also housed stolen Jewish artifacts from all over Europe. Visit this district with your guide to see some of the oldest preserved Jewish monuments on the continent and learn about the community’s turbulent past.

Regensburg Walk with Thurn and Taxis Castle Visit

Begin this three-hour excursion with a visit to the city center of Regensburg’s Old Town, which has much to offer including the Porta Praetoria Roman ruins, the Old Stone Bridge, St. Peter’s Cathedral, medieval patrician towers and the former Jewish Quarter among many other sights. Next, take a short walk to the Princely House of Thurn and Taxis. The family estate is difficult to miss: at over 1,000 years old, the mansion boasts over 500 rooms complete with chandeliers, gold leafing, incredible art and architectural touches to make it truly a sight to behold. The palace has an incredible history and stands as a tale of revival, endurance and baroque style. What’s even more spectacular? The palace has a long list of celebrities who have stayed within its walls: Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson, Steve Martin, Plácido Domingo and more. These walls may not be able to talk, but if they could they would surely say, “Come see us for yourself!”

Jewish Regensburg

Join your local guide for a walking tour through the delightfully medieval town of Regensburg. Stroll over the Iron Bridge and on to the magnificent Stone Bridge, and pass by the architectural Gothic masterpiece of St. Peter’s Cathedral. Regensburg is the oldest documented settlement of Jewish people in Germany and your walk through the former Jewish Quarter (Neupfarrplatz) will introduce you to their enduring legacy here. See the Dani Karavan Monument memorializing the original Regensburg Synagogue and visit Oskar Schindler’s house.

Make your way to the New Synagogue for a presentation about Jewish culture and history in Regensburg.

Village Day: Passau

You’ll have the opportunity to choose one of four different ways to immerse yourself in this wonderful city today, learning about local people, trades and pastimes. Your first option, a visit to a berry farm on a mission to provide good work for people with disabilities. There, you’ll be taken on a tour of the farm and enjoy a tasting of its products, such as jams and vinegars.

With another option, you’ll meet a family from Passau as you’re invited into their home. Your host may welcome you with food, drinks and or stories about their life in the city.

At still another, we’ll mingle with people at work around town, including an artist, a pub owner and others.

And finally, you may opt to set out on a hike popular with locals. Take in Passau’s best scenery as you stop at a castle—the Veste Oberhaus—and the Triftsperre nature reserve, then walk along the Ilz river delta.

Nights Out: A Bavarian Evening

Join your fellow guests for a hearty Bavarian evening full of traditional music, best enjoyed with a beer in hand and a fresh pretzel.

Please note: this excursion is only available on the Prague to Budapest and cruise-only Nuremberg to Budapest routes.

Castle Clam Visit

Inhabited by the Counts of Clam for over half a millennium, the Burg Clam is as much a beloved family home as it is a local landmark and attractive castle. The friendly Count will personally welcome you in for a chance to tour the building’s historic halls.

Treasures of the Wachau Valley

Drive from Grein to the attractive town of Spitz, and take note of the vine-covered hill rising above the town on your way in. A famous local landmark, this hill is the source of much of the town’s grapes. Wine is one of Spitz’s most important local products, alongside apricots. You’ll taste both of these today, starting with a variety of apricot treats upon your arrival.

Visit the shipping and maritime museum in town before meeting Spitz’s former count, Ferdinand Kufstein, who will take you on a walk through the charming village he calls home. Learn about his family history and get a local’s perspective on life in Spitz and the Wachau Valley.

After the walk, return to Grein, where a local wine expert will be waiting to guide you through a wine tasting onboard.

“Morning with the Masters” at the Belvedere Palace

The Belvedere is a Baroque palatial complex commissioned during an immensely productive Habsburg building spree. Originally the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy, the complex was acquired by Empress Maria Theresa after his death and turned into an exhibition venue for imperial art collections. In this way, The Belvedere become one of the first public museums in the world.

Today it is one of the finest art collections anywhere, making it an incredibly popular destination for Vienna tourism. Skip the crowds entirely this morning on your early private tour through the Upper Belvedere exhibits with Uniworld. You’ll appreciate the space and time to take in the palace’s expansive collection, including the world’s largest collection of works by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt. His most famous work, “The Kiss” is on display here.

Vienna’s Historic Trails and Local Treats

In many ways a must-visit destination for both the art lover and the gourmand, Vienna is full of artistic and culinary treasures. Today’s walking tour is all about immersing ourselves in that side of this beautiful city.

Our menu for the day includes a stop for coffee and strudel at a local coffee house—a hallmark of Viennese culture—and a glass of Viennese wine from one of the city’s oldest cellars. These treats will fuel our walks to see the Kinsky Palace, the statues of the Heldenplatz, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and more.

Jewish Vienna

Explore the “City of Waltzes” from a Jewish heritage perspective on today’s outing. Beginning at the Judenplatz, you’ll learn about the community’s history and follow in the footsteps of some of the most internationally well-known figures. Your guide will take you by the Shoah Monument and Jewish museum, then stop at the Stadttempel, Vienna’s main temple and the only synagogue to have survived the “Night of Broken Glass”—a pogrom against Jews throughout Nazi Germany, Austria and other areas in the region. This temple dates back to 1826 and is the only synagogue in Vienna built in the simple, yet elegant, “Biedermeier Style.”

Note: The synagogue will not be available for visits on Jewish holidays; if unavailable, we will visit the Vienna Jewish Museum instead.

Masterpiece Collection Excursion – Schönbrunn with Strudel Show

Embrace the imperial flair of Vienna with a visit to the famous Schönbrunn Palace complex. Arrive to marvel at the massive Baroque building with it’s iconic yellow exteriors and head straight to the East Wing, where you’ll find Cafe Residenz. Housed in the former kitchens for the palace guard, this elegant Viennese coffee shop and restaurant prepares the same traditional strudel recipe once used by the imperial palace bakers. Today, their pastry chef will demonstrate the laborious process of preparing this pastry. To get a perfectly smooth, elastic dough, a particularly rigorous kneading method is required. The dough is then rolled paper thin and topped with apple fling, and the entire pastry is then rolled up to create the characteristic spiral pattern that appears when sliced after baking. You’ll leave this demonstration with your own copy of the original recipe. After the Strudel show, enjoy a guided visit of the palace. Stroll hallways elaborately decorated with golden stucco, rich velvet and stunning frescoes. This palace complex was the primary summer residence of the Habsburgs and features many testaments to their history and extravagance.

Masterpiece Collection excursions  are offered at an additional cost

Budapest Panoramic Highlights with St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Drive along one of the prettiest streets in Budapest, Andrassy Ave, on your way to the St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Andrassy Ave is a broad promenade of breathtaking neo-Renaissance architecture and home to many of Budapest’s must-see sites.

You will get off the coach near St. Stephen’s Cathedral to visit this beautiful Catholic church. St. Stephen’s Basilica, the largest church in Budapest, is dedicated to St. Stephen, the first King of Hungary. Its towers and domes feature prominently in the Pest skyline. The interior of the cathedral is a masterpiece of dramatic arches, marble and liberally applied gilding. Inside you’ll find one of Hungary’s most sacred artifacts, the Szent Jobb—meaning “Holy Right Hand”—is the mummified right hand of St. Stephen.

Budapest Walk with Local Treats

Today your guide will show you how to snack around Budapest like a local, starting with a tram ride to the House of Parliament. Hop off the tram and take a short walk to your first treat: a coffee break at the First Strudel House of Pest. Energized by your cup of coffee, you’ll continue your walk down to St. Stephen’s Basilica—a handsome Neo-Classical building that is one of Budapest’s most significant cultural sites.

From there, we’ll head to the Great Market Hall to sample some traditional Hungarian fare, such as salami, sausages and cheese, while your local expert explains the intricacies of Hungarian cuisine.

Jewish Budapest

On your way into the Jewish Quarter, take a panoramic drive along the UNESCO-designated Andrassy Avenue. Among its beautiful neo-Renaissance architecture are such sites as Heroes’ Square, the Franz Liszt Memorial House, the House of Terror, and the Castle District.

You will get off the coach near the Dohány Synagogue. The Great Synagogue of Budapest (also known as the Central Synagogue) on Dohány Street is a good starting point to learn about Jewish Budapest. The Dohány Synagogue is the largest in Europe and the 2nd largest Synagogue in the world.

Day 1: Budapest
FEATURED EXCURSION: Budapest walking tour with Rock Hospital
Explore the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum, a former emergency hospital and nuclear bunker located underneath Buda Castle Hill. This museum pays homage to the almost six-mile stretch of interconnected caves and cellars that date back to World War II. After, take the elevator up to the Castle District for a stroll around. Enjoy panoramic views of Pest across the way, and walk along famed museums and attractions, like Matthias Church. Marvel at its breathtaking architecture, beautiful stained-glass windows, and golden frescoes.

Day 2: Budapest
MASTERPIECE COLLECTION EXCURSION (Extra Cost): Hungarian cooking class
The Great Market Hall is a foodie destination in and of itself, but seeing it with a local chef adds a special touch to your visit. The ground floor offers produce and butcher stands, while the upper levels provide prepared food, liquor, and souvenirs—but your chef guide will take you into the basement, where you’ll find a plethora of pickled foods. Pick out your paprika and other ingredients, then head to the modern-yet-cozy Chef Parade kitchen. You’ll prepare a traditional Hungarian soup, learn the secret of making featherlight dumplings to go with your main course (whether it’s chicken paprikash or pork pörkölt, it will require ample amounts of Hungarian paprika), and try your hand at making a typical Hungarian dessert. It’s a delicious way to discover classic Magyar cooking.

Day 3: Budapest
It’s time to check out of the hotel and head to the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport for your trip home. We hope you will enjoy the memories you’ve made for years to come.