Barney & Mary are sailing the Enchanting Danube on Uniworld River Cruises
April 16, 2023
Join us while we discover a showcase of the best of Europe on this captivating journey through four equally breathtaking countries.
Sailing Date:
April 16, 2023
Uniworld River Cruises – Enchanting Danube on S.S. Maria Theresa
From Budapest to Passau: Including Bratislava, Vienna, Durnstein, Melk, Linz and Salzburg.
With optional Pre-Cruise Extension in Budapest – April 14, 2023, for 2 Nights
Plus optional Post-Cruise Extension to Prague – April 23, 2023, for 2 Nights
The shimmering waters of the fabled Danube River flow for thousands of miles through the very heart of Europe, silent witness to centuries of artistic achievement and historical events. This perfectly composed journey provides an immersive cultural tasting menu of four equally beguiling countries—ideal for first-time river cruisers as well as seasoned travelers seeking to experience yet another dimension of these much-loved destinations.
Uniworld’s locally-based destination experts will take you well beyond the “must-sees” of each region, offering fresh takes on classic sites, insider knowledge of delightful under-the-radar locales, and VIP access to places only a privileged few will ever experience—such as a private early-morning viewing of the acclaimed art collection of the Kunstkammer Vienna.
A veritable showcase of the best of Central Europe, this new journey is one any culturally curious world traveler will love, featuring old-world capitals and charming towns and villages.
Uniworld River Cruises Includes the
Most All-Inclusive Amenities and Experiences:
Dining
- All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
- Welcome and Farewell Gala Dinners
- Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
- Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks, and mineral water
Excursions
- 6 days of excursions, including “Choice Is Yours” options, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
- Guided “Let’s Go” and “Morning with the Masters” programs
- State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
- Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks throughout your cruise
Accommodations
- 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom onboard the majestic S.S. Maria Theresa
- Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites have handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, high thread count 100% Egyptian cotton sheets and European duvets, and a menu of pillow options
- Free Internet and Wi-Fi access
Experience
- 4 countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
- 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
- Group Transfers are included on arrival and departure days (please see terms and conditions for transfer guidelines)
- Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour
- Captivating onboard local entertainment
Day To Day Itinerary
DAY 1: Budapest (Embark)
Arrive at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.
Note: For Arrival, Departure, and Transfer details, please visit Uniworld.com/transfers. For Port Location details, please visit Uniworld.com/ports.
DAY 2: Budapest
Budapest is an enchanting city that presents a vibrant mix of medieval and modern.
Choice of Budapest Panoramic Highlights with Franz Liszt Academy Visit or Budapest Walk with Local Treats
In the evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.
DAY 3: Bratislava, Vienna
Your ship sets sail from Bratislava later this morning and heads for Vienna today. You may relax onboard all day, perhaps enjoying a drink on the Sun Deck and taking in the scenery as the ship wends its way along the Danube Bend. When you arrive in Vienna, you’ll cap off your day with a private concert of Mozart and Strauss at a stunning Viennese palace.
Featured Excursion:
Night Out: Private Mozart and Strauss Concert
Choice of Bratislava – Small but Precious Walking Tour or “Let’s Go” Hike to Bratislava Castle
DAY 4: Vienna
Vienna is a cultural treasure trove revered for its art and music (and sinfully rich pastries). Experience the “City of Waltzes” with your choice of tours, as well as an expertly led tour of an extraordinary collection of art at the renowned Vienna Art History Museum.
Featured Excursion:
“Morning with the Masters” at the Vienna Art History Museum
Choice of Vienna – Imperial City Highlights or Vienna’s Music and Composers
You have leisure time after your tour to explore Vienna on your own. You might wish to visit the Albertina Museum, which houses one million old-master prints and an impressive collection of works by 19th- and 20th-century painters, ranging from Renoir to Rothko.
If you’d like to get a little exercise and see a completely different side of Vienna, borrow a bike from the ship and explore Danube Island and Prater Park. (For a wonderful view of the region, ride the Ferris wheel in Prater Park.)
DAY 5: Dürnstein, Melk
Dürnstein is one of our favorite towns along the Danube, a lovely place to wander cobblestone lanes, browse quaint shops and maybe hike up to a ruined castle (with an intriguing tale all its own). You can also opt for a tasting or learn all about the world’s costliest spice from the Wachau Valley’s only saffron grower. Later, visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey and its extraordinary baroque-style library. You have two ports of call in the incredibly scenic valley, Dürnstein and Melk, and an assortment of delightful ways to explore this lovely region.
Featured Excursion:
Melk Abbey with Library Visit
Choice of Dürnstein Wine Estate Visit with Tasting (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences)* or Dürnstein Village and Saffron Workshop (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences)*
*Uniworld’s MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences support sustainable tourism, offering our guests opportunities to directly impact the communities we explore in a positive way.
DAY 6: Linz (Salzburg)
Mozart’s birthplace of Salzburg is nestled in a glorious alpine setting that sparkles like a winter wonderland. Linz may be best known for its famous Linzer torte, but it’s also a hotbed for the arts. See the sights with a local expert and visit a family at their farm in the countryside. Austria’s third-largest city, Linz boasts a long history of trading and textile manufacturing, but these days it is perhaps best known for its electronic arts and annual festival.
Choice of Full-Day in Salzburg with Sound of Music or Linz Town and Country: Linzertorte and Cider Farm Visit (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences)*
*Our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences support sustainable tourism, offering our guests opportunities to directly impact the communities we explore in a positive way.
DAY 7: Passau
Passau is a crossroads in more ways than one, as three rivers meet here and three nations nearly do, making for a fascinating cultural mosaic. Get to know the town and its main claim to fame—Europe’s largest pipe organ—or “Let’s Go” with an invigorating riverside hike or bike ride.
Choice of Passau Three Rivers or “Let’s Go” Bicycle Ride along the Inn River or “Let’s Go” Hike along the Ilz River
In the evening, a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.
DAY 8: Passau (Disembark)
Disembark the ship. If your cruise package includes a group departure transfer or if you purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Munich Airport for your flight home.
Note: The itineraries presented are subject to modification due to water levels, closures because of public holidays, or other uncontrollable factors. Every effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but changes may still be necessary throughout the cruise. This day-to-day schedule is subject to change. Your final day-to-day schedule will be provided onboard on the first day of your cruise.
Your Choice of Luxury Staterooms
with Special Group Pricing
Classic
$2899.00 / per person
Limited Availability
French Balcony
$3899.00 / per person
Sold Out
Deluxe Balcony
$4399.00 / per person
Sold Out
Suite
$6199.00 / per person
Limited Availability
Stateroom prices do not include port charges of $210 per person, optional pre/post cruise extensions in Budapest and/or Prague, airfare, or optional insurance.
These are special group prices and space is limited.
Optional Pre-Cruise Budapest Extension
April 14, 2023 – 2 Nights
- 2 nights at the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest (or similar)
- Breakfast daily and all service charges, taxes, and porterage
- Budapest Walking Tour with Rock Hospital
- English-speaking expert
- All transfers
Price: $739.00/person Dbl Occ.
Single Supplement Upon Request
Budapest Extension Day-To-Day Overview
Day 1: Budapest
Once you’ve cleared customs, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the hotel. After you check in and drop off your bags, you’ll be ready to go out and explore the city on your own. Your Uniworld local host can offer suggestions for your leisure time.
Day 2: 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 3: Budapest
After breakfast, you’ll check out of the hotel. You’ll have some free time to explore on your own before your river cruise adventure begins. Perhaps you’d like to take the funicular from the foot of Chain Bridge up to the top of Castle Hill and visit the castle that gives the district its name. Long ago, it was a royal residence, but these days it houses a museum. In the afternoon you’ll be transferred to the ship to start your incredible journey along the Danube River.
Optional MASTERPIECE COLLECTION EXCURSION*: 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. Your chef guide will take you into the basement, where you’ll find a plethora of 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 feather-light 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.
*Masterpiece Collection are optional experiences that go above and beyond our daily selection of included excursions and can be booked for an additional fee. Masterpiece Collection excursions may not operate if they occur on a holiday or if they require a minimum number of participants and that minimum is not met.
Optional Post-Cruise Prague Extension
April 23, 2023 – 2 Nights
- 2 nights at the Cosmopolitan Hotel (or similar)
- Breakfast daily and all service charges, taxes, and porterage
- Prague Old Town & Castle District
- English-speaking expert
- All transfers
Price: $939.00/person Dbl Occ.
Single Supplement Upon Request
Prague Extension Day-To-Day Overview
Day 1: Prague
Once you disembark the ship, you will be transferred to Prague by motorcoach. Upon arrival at the hotel, you’ll be greeted by a Uniworld representative who will help you check-in. This evening, you can choose to relax at the hotel or go out and explore the city. Your local host will be happy to offer additional suggestions.
Day 2: Prague
FEATURED EXCURSION: Prague Old Town & Castle District
After breakfast, begin a magical tour of the city of Prague. Prague enjoyed a golden age in the 14th century, under the rule of Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, and many of the buildings in the UNESCO-designated city core date to that era.
Prague Castle dates back even earlier. Construction on the oldest parts of the complex began in the 9th century. A drive across the Vltava River (you might know the Vltava as the Moldau, the namesake of the beautiful tone poem by beloved Czech composer Bedřich Smetana) brings you to the sprawling complex of towers, halls, cathedrals, courtyards, and houses, where kings, emperors, and presidents have had their offices for almost a millennium.
After visiting St. Vitus Cathedral and the Old Royal Palace, you can choose between re-boarding the motorcoach for a ride back to the hotel or continuing your guided walk through the picturesque Lesser Quarter to Charles Bridge, one of the city’s most famous landmarks. The walking tour will end in Old Town Square, which is surrounded by majestic buildings, including the Church of Our Lady before Týn and Prague’s City Hall, which boasts a famous medieval astronomical clock.
MASTERPIECE COLLECTION*: Terezín & Concentration Camp, or Czech beer tour with tasting
Terezín & Concentration Camp: Terezín is a fortress built by the Enlightenment ruler Josef II. Although the building, named for his mother Maria Theresa, was supposed to be used for defense, it became infamous first as a prison and later, during World War II, as a Jewish ghetto and concentration camp.
Czech beer tour: Visit two different, authentic hospody (Czech beer pubs), each reflecting a different facet of Prague. The first is styled after a traditional beer hall of the 1800s, the second has a medieval atmosphere. You will learn about how Budweiser and Pilsner are Czech inventions, and how climate and water make Prague’s beer so special.
Day 3: Prague
After breakfast at the hotel, your extraordinary journey will draw to a close and you’ll be transferred to Václav Havel Airport Prague for your flight home. Though your Uniworld journey is over, we know the memories will last for years to come.
Reservations, Payments, and Miscellaneous Info
To Book Your Space – Call or email us to let us know you’re sailing the Danube with us, and we’ll get your stateroom reserved.
Barney – barneykaminsky@gmail.com (262-389-0659)
Mary – maryemmer@gmail.com (262-389-0658)
Deposit – A deposit of 10% of the cruise-tour fare (cruise plus port charges plus pre/post extensions) per person is required within 72 hours of booking your stateroom. If you are purchasing Uniworld’s insurance (Travel Protection Plan), this is also due at the same time as the deposit. If you are purchasing Uniworld’s air, a $450 per person air deposit is due at this time as well.
Final Payment – Due 120 days prior to departure.
Airfare – The cost of air will vary depending on when you purchase your tickets and whether you’re doing the pre/post extensions in Budapest and Prague. We’ll be happy to quote your air cost as soon as you let us know you’re interested in joining us on this journey of culture and fun.