Grand Highlights of the Danube

Pricing is based on departure date: 1 August 2027

The diverse wonders of the great Danube River unfold on this comprehensive journey from west to east.

This itinerary is a combination of Enchanting Danube and Highlights of Eastern Europe.

Select departure dates available in July, August and October 2027.

Become an expert on the Danube River’s many wonders as you admire the swirling colors of Passau’s famous confluence, pedal past the vineyard-lined banks of the Wachau Valley, and listen to the melodic sounds of “The Blue Danube” waltz echo through a historic Viennese concert hall during a private evening of classical music arranged just for Uniworld guests.

 Continue on to explore the UNESCO-designated architecture of Budapest, cruise through the magnificent Iron Gates, and enjoy a homecooked meal with a local family in rural Croatia.

What’s included with your vacation:

Dining

• All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
• 16 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 14 dinners
• Captain's Welcome and Farewell Receptions
• Welcome and Farewell Gala Dinners
• Unlimited beverages onboard the S.S. Marlene including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks, and mineral water

Excursions

• 13 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
• State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
• Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks

Accommodations

• 14-night cruise in a riverview stateroom onboard the S.S. Marlene
• 2 nights in Bucharest at The Marmorosch Bucharest hotel (or similar) with breakfast
• Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites on the cruise have handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, custom cotton sateen sheets and European duvets, and a menu of pillow options
• Free Wi-Fi

Experiences

• 8 countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia
• 6 UNESCO World Heritage sites
• Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
• Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour
• Captivating onboard local entertainment
• Cultural enrichment

Itinerary Map

Itinerary Highlights

Passau, Germany
Explore the “City of Three Rivers,” where the Danube, Inn and Ilz converge. Wander through its historic centre, admire the rivers from Kloster Mariahilf or hike along the scenic Ilz River.

Linz & Salzburg, Austria
Travel to Salzburg to explore its baroque squares, Mozart heritage and The Sound of Music locations. Alternatively, discover Linz, sample its famous Linzer torte and enjoy lunch with locally produced cider at an organic countryside farm.

Melk & Dürnstein, Austria
Visit the magnificent 900-year-old Melk Abbey and its extraordinary baroque library. Continue through the Wachau Valley to cycle between vineyards, taste organic Austrian wines or learn about the region’s sustainably grown saffron.

Vienna, Austria
Admire Vienna’s imperial architecture and celebrated landmarks along the Ringstrasse. Enjoy an exclusive early visit to the Art History Museum and attend a private classical performance at the House of Strauss.

Bratislava, Slovakia
Walk through Bratislava’s atmospheric Old Town to see St. Martin’s Cathedral, Michael’s Gate and the Primatial Palace. Alternatively, hike to Bratislava Castle for panoramic views across the city and Danube.

Budapest, Hungary
Explore the contrasting neighbourhoods of Buda and Pest, visit the Franz Liszt Academy and enjoy a performance by its students. Sample Hungarian specialties at the Great Market Hall, discover the city’s communist history or visit the magnificent Dohány Street Synagogue.

Osijek & Vukovar, Croatia
Discover the historic streets and distinctive architecture of Croatia’s Slavonia region. Share a traditional meal with a local family before visiting the archaeological Vučedol Museum or the 18th-century Eltz Manor.

Belgrade, Serbia
Experience one of Europe’s oldest capitals with visits to Kalemegdan Fortress and the royal grounds of the Karadjordjevic Dynasty Palace. Explore by walking tour or bicycle before enjoying a private evening concert at the fortress.

Golubac & the Iron Gates, Serbia
Explore the remarkably preserved Golubac Castle and the prehistoric settlement of Lepenski Vir. Hike to the Kovilovo Viewpoint for sweeping views before cruising through the dramatic cliffs of the Iron Gates.

Vidin & Belogradchik, Bulgaria
See the extraordinary red rock formations of Belogradchik and visit medieval Baba Vida Fortress. Alternatively, sample locally produced wines during a tasting at the boutique Dos Alamos estate.

Ruse, Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanassi, Bulgaria
Visit Veliko Tarnovo’s historic fortress and the frescoed churches of Arbanassi, followed by a traditional Bulgarian lunch with live folk music. Alternatively, explore elegant Ruse and the UNESCO-listed rock monasteries of Ivanovo and Basarbovo.

Bucharest, Romania
Tour Romania’s energetic capital and discover its turbulent history, grand boulevards and restored pre-war architecture. Step inside the immense People’s Palace, one of the world’s largest administrative buildings, with time to explore the city independently.

Your Ship: S.S. Marlene (brand new)

Launching in 2027, the 154-guest S.S. Marlene pays tribute to German-born actress and singer Marlene Dietrich. Inspired by her Old Hollywood glamour and later career as a cabaret performer, the ship’s distinctive interiors will reflect her bold, sophisticated style.

Elegant Accommodation
Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites feature custom cotton sateen sheets, European duvets and a choice of pillows. Accommodation ranges from comfortable Classic staterooms to spacious French Balcony cabins and luxurious suites.

Luxurious Suites
Grand Suites offer generous living space, marble bathrooms and premium amenities, including butler service, in-room breakfast, a fully stocked minibar and complimentary laundry. A Grand Suite can also connect with the adjoining Deluxe French Balcony to create a spacious two-bedroom suite.

Dining, Relaxation & Wellness
Enjoy refined cuisine in elegant surroundings, unwind in the ship’s inviting social spaces or maintain your wellness routine in the onboard fitness centre while cruising through Central Europe.

Intimate River Cruising
Carrying just 154 guests and supported by 57 staff members, S.S. Marlene combines glamorous design with Uniworld’s attentive and personalised service

Passau, Linz (Salzburg), Melk, Durnstein, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Batina, Vukovar, Belgrade, Golubac, Cruising the Iron Gates, Vidin, Ruse, Giurgiu, Bucharest.

All fares are displayed in AUD, and pricing is per person based on twin share occupancy unless stated otherwise. Although all due care is taken to keep information as up-to-date as possible, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice: due to varying timing schedules of supplier automated update processes; currency fluctuations; fuel surcharges or government tax & fee changes and may not be guaranteed until paid in full. Gratuities may be an additional onboard charge depending on particular cruise line selected. Please ask your cruise consultant for any clarification of Terms & Conditions.