Compare Danube River Cruise Biking by Butterfield & Robinson vs The Beautiful Blue Danube from Passau to Budapest by CroisiEurope
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Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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Duration | 8 days | 11 days |
Price From | $ 7,995 | $ 4,438 |
Price Per Day | $ 999 | $ 351 |
Highlights |
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CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
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Trip Style | River cruise | River cruise |
Lodging Level | Luxury | Premium |
Physical Level |
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Travel Themes |
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Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
Activities |
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Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
Description |
Four countries. Three world capitals. Medieval strongholds, modern art museums, towering castle ruins and gorgeous wine country. You'll only have to unpack once as you travel aboard the River Beatrice – among the finest ships in its class – along the Danube from Passau, Germany, to Budapest. Throw in gentle riverside riding on Europe’s longest dedicated bike path, spiced up here and there with a foray into the hills beyond and our trademark culturally immersive events. It’s an incomparable way to discover Mitteleuropa, one of the world’s oldest “exciting new” travel destinations. |
Embark on a cruise to the heart of Germany, Austria and Hungary and take advantage of 11 days to discover cities with historic and authentic cultural treasures. Between the Artsetten Castle and the Gödöllö Palace, enjoy a royal journey that will take you back in time. Visit the Sisi Museum for a peek into her private life highlighted by her poems, and the Imperial Capuchin Crypt. |
Day 1:
Begin riding along the Danube Bike Path towards Passau where we will eventually board the ship that will serve as our floating hotel and spa for the week. Familiarize yourself with the vessel tonight before we regroup for introductory cocktails.
Day 2:
This morning, ride along the Inn River bike path toward the 'Friendship Bridge' linking Germany and Austria. Stop for a mid-morning coffee in true Bavarian style (with whipped cream!). Enjoy a private tour of the Old City in Passau before a special private dinner tonight in the Captain's lounge.
Day 3:
Awake to the sight of Linz! Ride through forests, past family-run farms and into the historic center of Eferding. Stop for lunch on the banks of the Danube, before crossing and returning to Linz through more pastoral landscape.
Day 4:
Pedal in the Wachau, a memorable section of the Danube renowned for its photogenic vineyards. If you’re keen for a workout not involving a saddle, you can have a go at the vigorous climb up to the castle ruins!
Day 5:
Enjoy breakfast at the passenger port of Vienna before riding on Donau Island. Lunch will be back on the ship before we enter the historic centre of Vienna for an informative city walk (and a memorable surprise).
Day 6:
Begin riding along the left bank of the Danube, through the rich reserve of the 'Donau Auen' National Park. Halfway to Budapest, we`ll stop at the Kaiser`s former digs for lunch and a piece of his favourite dessert, the recipe of which was a state secret until it was stolen!
Day 7:
The day begins with breakfast amid an unforgettable backdrop: the cityscape of Budapest floating majestically into view. Enjoy a casual bike tour of the main sights and explore Budapest in the afternoon.
Day 8:
After a final breakfast on the water, we part company this morning. We highly recommend a few more days in dynamic Budapest, but if you must depart immediately, an airport transfer organized by our ship is readily available with prior reservation.
Day 1 PASSAU
Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 4:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins. At 5.00 p.m. we'll set off cruising along the Danube towards the border between Austria and Germany through the attractive region of Engelhartszell. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail and evening.
Day 2 PASSAU - MELK - VIENNA
Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Visit the Melk Abbey. We'll return to the ship and cruise on to Dürnstein. Enjoy some free time exploring this picturesque village, and its Baroque-style church - the most famous in the Wachau region thanks to the legend of King Richard the Lionheart. We'll return on board in the afternoon before cruising on to Vienna. After our arrival, join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Tour the illuminated sights of Vienna by night.
Day 2 PASSAU - MELK - VIENNA
Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Visit the Melk Abbey. We'll return to the ship and cruise on to Dürnstein. Enjoy some free time exploring this picturesque village, and its Baroque-style church - the most famous in the Wachau region thanks to the legend of King Richard the Lionheart. We'll return on board in the afternoon before cruising on to Vienna. After our arrival, join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Tour the illuminated sights of Vienna by night.
Day 3 VIENNA - ESZTERGOM
Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Visit Schönbrunn Palace.Enjoy a free afternoon to explore this marvelous city at your own pace or take part in our optional excursion (not included in packages): Horse-drawn carriage ride though Vienna. We'll return to the ship and cruise to Budapest, passing Bratislava on the way.
Day 3 VIENNA - ESZTERGOM
Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Visit Schönbrunn Palace.Enjoy a free afternoon to explore this marvelous city at your own pace or take part in our optional excursion (not included in packages): Horse-drawn carriage ride though Vienna. We'll return to the ship and cruise to Budapest, passing Bratislava on the way.
Day 4 ESZTERGOM - BUDAPEST
Enjoy some time on your own exploring Esztergom, the former capital of Hungary. We'll then spend the afternoon cruising to Budapest. The Hungarian capital lies along the banks of the Danube and is one of the most attractive cities in Europe. Enjoy some free time sightseeing the city before returning to the ship. After dinner, join us for the excursion: Budapest by night.
Day 4 ESZTERGOM - BUDAPEST
Enjoy some time on your own exploring Esztergom, the former capital of Hungary. We'll then spend the afternoon cruising to Budapest. The Hungarian capital lies along the banks of the Danube and is one of the most attractive cities in Europe. Enjoy some free time sightseeing the city before returning to the ship. After dinner, join us for the excursion: Budapest by night.
Day 5 BUDAPEST
Enjoy a day on your own or join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of Budapest.In the afternoon, free time or take part in an optional excursion to discover the Gellert Baths and Spa (not included in the packages) or Budapest Market Halls (1) (not included in the packages). After dinner, enjoy another free evening on your own or join us for an evening of traditional dancing in the city.
Day 5 BUDAPEST
Enjoy a day on your own or join us for on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of Budapest.In the afternoon, free time or take part in an optional excursion to discover the Gellert Baths and Spa (not included in the packages) or Budapest Market Halls (1) (not included in the packages). After dinner, enjoy another free evening on your own or join us for an evening of traditional dancing in the city.
Day 6 BUDAPEST
Enjoy this day as you please (lunch not included) or join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : the Puszta. We'll return to the ship early evening.
Day 6 BUDAPEST
Enjoy this day as you please (lunch not included) or join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : the Puszta. We'll return to the ship early evening.
Day 7 BUDAPEST
Enjoy this morning at leisure in Budapest or join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Tour to Gödöllö Royal Palace, summer residence of Sissi Empress. We'll then return on board and cruising at towards Bratislava. Enjoy an evening of onboard entertainment.
Day 7 BUDAPEST
Enjoy this morning at leisure in Budapest or join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Tour to Gödöllö Royal Palace, summer residence of Sissi Empress. We'll then return on board and cruising at towards Bratislava. Enjoy an evening of onboard entertainment.
Day 8 BRATISLAVA - VIENNA
We'll arrive in Bratislava in the early morning, join us for the excursions proposed:CLASSIC: Guided Tour of Bratislava.DISCOVERY: Hiking in Bratislava: The Little Carpathians. From Devin Castle, we'll take in the splendid view of Bratislava.Our ship will cruise to Vienna.In the evening, join us on an optional CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Concert of Viennese music (optional and subject to availability.)
Day 8 BRATISLAVA - VIENNA
We'll arrive in Bratislava in the early morning, join us for the excursions proposed:CLASSIC: Guided Tour of Bratislava.DISCOVERY: Hiking in Bratislava: The Little Carpathians. From Devin Castle, we'll take in the splendid view of Bratislava.Our ship will cruise to Vienna.In the evening, join us on an optional CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Concert of Viennese music (optional and subject to availability.)
Day 9 VIENNA
Enjoy some free time this morning for individual sightseeing around Vienna, the imperial city, or join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Vienna, the Capuchin Church, and the Austrian National Library. We'll return to the ship. Enjoy a free afternoon, or join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion to Hofburg to visit the former palace of the Habsburgs and admire the crown jewels and splendid imperial apartments.Our ship will cruise to Melk.
Day 9 VIENNA
Enjoy some free time this morning for individual sightseeing around Vienna, the imperial city, or join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Vienna, the Capuchin Church, and the Austrian National Library. We'll return to the ship. Enjoy a free afternoon, or join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion to Hofburg Palace, the Hapsburg's winter residence and its Sisi Museum.Our ship will cruise to Melk.
Day 10 MELK - PASSAU
This morning will be spent cruising along the most beautiful stretch of the Wachau region. Then enjoy some free time in Melk. In the afternoon, join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : to Arstetten Castle, last residence of Archduke Franz-Ferdinand and his wife. We'll return to the ship in Ybbs before cruising off towards Passau. Tonight's our gala dinner and evening.
Day 10 MELK - PASSAU
This morning will be spent cruising along the most beautiful stretch of the Wachau region. Then enjoy some free time in Melk. In the afternoon, join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : to Arstetten Castle, last residence of Archduke Franz-Ferdinand and his wife. We'll return to the ship in Ybbs before cruising off towards Passau. Tonight's our gala dinner and evening.
Day 11 PASSAU
Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.