A Dreamy Danube River Cruise
- Alicia at Evening Star Travel
- Apr 11
- 4 min read
Budapest to Prague in 12 Days
Ever dreamed of waking up in a new European city every morning—without repacking your suitcase? That’s exactly what you can experience on a Danube River cruise! From sipping coffee while gliding past fairytale castles to wandering cobblestone streets in centuries-old towns, this journey delivered one unforgettable moment after another. Let me take you along for the ride—you might just find inspiration for your next great adventure.
Here’s a day-by-day look at a sample 12-day Danube River Cruise itinerary—complete with a pre-stay in Budapest and a post-stay in Prague.
Day 1 – Welcome to Budapest, Hungary
Often called The Queen of the Danube, Budapest is the perfect place to begin your journey. Upon arrival at the airport, a shuttle will whisk you to your hotel, where you’ll meet your tour guide.
After getting settled, take a stroll through the city and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Tomorrow is an early day, so you’ll want to turn in early.
Day 2 – Hidden Treasures & Thermal Baths
After breakfast, your guide will introduce you to “hidden Budapest”—the lesser-known gems that locals love. In the afternoon, you’ll have time to explore on your own. One of my personal favourites? The Gellért Thermal Baths with its ten pools. It’s a blissful way to unwind.
Enjoy dinner at a charming restaurant, then pack your bags—it’s embarkation day tomorrow!
Day 3 – All Aboard!
After breakfast, you'll transfer to your river cruise ship, where the captain and crew will be waiting to welcome you.
Get acquainted with your stateroom and explore the ship. Don’t forget to stop by the front desk—many river cruise lines will mail a complimentary postcard for you. Maybe even book a massage at the onboard spa.
Your first dinner on board will be something special.
Day 4 – Culture & Castles in Budapest
Today’s excursion takes you to Castle Hill in Old Town Budapest, home to some of the city’s most important historic sites. After a guided hike, enjoy a picnic lunch with breathtaking views.
Back on board, raise a glass at the cocktail reception and enjoy dinner and dancing as the ship begins its journey.
Day 5 – Bratislava, Slovakia
Welcome to The Coronation City of Kings! Eleven Hungarian kings were crowned in this charming capital.
Today’s options include:
A hike up to Bratislava Castle for panoramic views
A relaxed walking food tour for culinary explorers
No matter your choice, you’ll have great stories to share over dinner.
Day 6 – Vienna, Austria: City of Waltzes
Get ready for an elegant day in Vienna. This morning’s guided tour includes highlights like:
The majestic Vienna Opera House
The former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs
In the afternoon, you’re free to explore. Take a bike from the ship for a self-guided tour or attend a classical concert in the evening. If you can catch a real Viennese waltz performance, it’s an unforgettable experience.
Day 7 – Dürnstein Delights
Welcome to Dürnstein, one of the prettiest towns in the Wachau Valley.
Choose from:
A bike ride to Melk Abbey
A walking tour with apricot schnapps tastings
A hike up to the ruined castle where King Richard the Lionheart was once held captive
In the afternoon, enjoy the scenic cruise to Melk and visit its famous Abbey—one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe.
Day 8 – Linz and Salzburg
Today you dock in Linz, Austria. You’ll have the option to visit Salzburg on a full-day tour—home of Mozart and The Sound of Music! Highlights include:
Mirabell Gardens
Old Market Square
Residenzplatz
On the way back, stop at St. Michael’s Basilica. Prefer a slower pace? Stay in Linz and visit the Mozart House nearby.
Day 9 – Passau
Wake up in Passau, Germany. Options today include:
A guided walking tour of the town’s Gothic and Baroque treasures
A guided bike ride along the Danube to Vilshofen
Tonight is your last evening aboard. The chefs will prepare a special Farewell Dinner—be sure to join your fellow travelers for one final evening of great food and stories.
Day 10 – Disembarkation & Onward to Prague
After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to the ship—but not the journey. En route to Prague, stop in the lovely town of Regensburg for a stroll and a slice of Black Forest cake.
Once in Prague, check in to your hotel, freshen up, and head out for dinner. Your tour guide can recommend some local favourites.
Day 11 – History & Beer in Prague
Today you’ll explore the historical heart of Prague, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, enjoy a Czech beer tasting—there are over 100 breweries in the country, so it’s a perfect place to raise a glass!
Tip: Be sure to get organized for tomorrow before indulging too much.
Day 12 – Farewell, Europe
It’s time to head home, full of memories, photos, and maybe even a few bottles of apricot brandy or Czech pilsner.
Let’s Plan Your Danube Cruise
If this itinerary has you dreaming of river cruising through Europe, I’d love to help bring it to life! There are several different river cruise lines that have an itinerary just like this - but each has different features and advantage. Whether you want to follow this route or look at something a bit different, I’m here to make the planning easy and stress-free.
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To book your next dream vacation - when the time is right to travel - reach out to me through email at Alicia@EveningStarTravel.ca, or by calling 587 772 2525. I am located in Sherwood Park, Alberta (a suburb of Edmonton), and am a Travel Advisor specializing in River Cruising, Beach Escapes, and Custom Vacations. I am the owner/operator of Evening Star Travel, and I book travel for clients all across Canada.
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