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

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

Day 1

Arrive at Munich Airport. If you have arranged a Uniworld arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.

Day 2

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.

In the evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

Day 3

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.

Day 4

This morning, visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey and its extraordinary baroque-style library.

Later, you will head to Dürnstein, 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. 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.

Day 5

Vienna is a cultural treasure trove revered for its art and music (and sinfully rich pastries). Experience the “City of Waltzes” with a highlight tour of the city, as well as an expertly led tour of an extraordinary collection of art at the renowned Vienna Art History Museum.

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 6

Your ship sets sail from Vienna and heads for Bratislava 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 Austrian Danube toward Bratislava. Although it’s not a large city, Bratislava has played a leading role in the politics and culture of the region for many centuries, and it is well worth a visit.

If you opt for the walking tour today, you may choose to leave the ship by bus in Vienna and start your excursion early. This would give you time for lunch on your own in town, as well as some additional free time to enjoy Bratislava after your tour ends.

Day 7

Budapest is an enchanting city that presents a vibrant mix of medieval and modern.

In the evening, a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

Day 8

Enjoy a full day in Budapest at your leisure, perhaps stopping by the famous thermal baths, grabbing a drink at a ruin bar, or visiting one of the city’s many museums.

Day 9   Located on opposite sides of the Danube, Buda and Pest each have their own distinctive character and allure. Explore this dynamic and multifaceted city with your choice of excursions, you can see it from a local’s perspective on our walking tour, or cover more ground with a panoramic tour. Vibrant Budapest, Hungary’s capital, offers an enchanting combination of East and West.   Day 10

Welcome to Croatia! This ancient country, which has made a remarkable recovery from a brutal civil war, is noted for its beautiful countryside and thriving folk traditions, as well as simple, delicious local rustic food.

Day 11

Belgrade, the modern-day capital of Serbia, is one of Europe’s oldest cities, dating back some 7,000 years. Signs of its tumultuous history are visible everywhere, juxtaposed with the city’s vibrant modern-day present.

Day 12

Head ashore to explore a Paleolithic site and an extraordinarily well-preserved medieval fortress. All along the way, history lines the banks of the river. Keep an eye out for Trajan’s Plaque, which the ancient Romans erected to commemorate the road they anchored in the steep cliffs above the water, and Golubac Castle, built in the 14th century and attacked successively by the Serbs, Magyars, and Turks.

Unwind onboard as you cruise the breathtaking Iron Gates, an 83-mile-long (134-kilometer-long) stretch of scenic gorges that were cut through the Carpathian and Balkan mountains over eons by the Danube River. These gorges, which act as a natural border between Serbia and Romania, are among the most dramatic and beautiful sights in all of Europe. This was one of the swiftest and most dangerous stretches of the river before two dams were built: Iron Gate I and Iron Gate II. Construction on the dams began in 1964 and took 20 years to complete; they have dramatically altered the area’s landscape, raising the water level by 114 feet (35 meters) and drowning several islands and villages.

Day 13

Vidin is a port town on the Danube that once played an important role in medieval Bulgarian politics, as the great fortress Baba Vida attests. It’s your base for an unusual excursion today, a visit to the fascinating Belogradchik rock formations. Or you can indulge in a tasting at a local winery.

Day 14

Bulgaria’s foremost Danube port, Ruse is sometimes called “Little Vienna” for its elegant 19th-century mansions and public buildings.

Day 15

This morning, you’ll disembark the ship in Giurgiu and drive through the countryside to Bucharest, where you’ll enjoy a panoramic city tour and a visit to People’s Palace. Tonight, you’ll relax in the comfort of a luxury hotel located in the heart of the city, Romania’s capital and its cultural and economic center.

Day 16

Get to know the bustling heart of Romania's capital city with a full day to explore Bucharest on your own.

Day 17

Check out of your hotel this morning. If you have arranged a Uniworld departure transfer, you will be transferred to Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport for your flight home.

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

Sailing through the waterways of Central Europe, the S.S. Marlene is an homage to German-born actress and singer Marlene Dietrich. Launching in 2027, the ship is sure to impress travelers with Dietrich’s distinctive flair, drawing inspiration from her time as an old Hollywood film star and, later, a cabaret artist.

• Luxurious riverview stateroom (194 - 227 sq ft / 18 - 21 sq m) with a French balcony
• Built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center
• Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

 

 

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.