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The Danube River featuring Vienna & Budapest
October 19 - 28, 2026
Set sail along the legendary Danube—where music, history, and riverlight weave through Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest. Wander the storybook lanes of Bratislava, feel the timeless heartbeat of Hungary’s Puszta (horseriders), and discover the Old World elegance of Vienna and the vibrant charm of Budapest. Step inside the Sisi Museum, linger in grand cafés, and savor river views that feel lifted from a painting.
Best of all, we’ve made it effortless: every shore excursion is already included, with guided experiences that bring each destination to life. And on board, all meals and drinks are included, so you can simply relax and enjoy—from breakfast as the river wakes to evening toasts beneath illuminated skylines. This isn’t just a cruise; it’s Europe at its most intimate and unforgettable—the kind of journey Defined Destinations designs for travelers who want romance, depth, and ease in every moment. We will be also offering an optional 3 night pre tour package to Prague in early September.
YOUR CRUISE EXPERIENCE: Indulge in an extraordinary journey where all your MEALS, DRINKS & SHORE EXCURSIONS ARE INCLUDED, from delightful beverages at the bar to exquisite drinks paired with refined French cuisine. Upon arrival, experience a welcome cocktail that awaits you, as well as a personal greeting from our captain and crew, ensuring you feel right at home. Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi onboard, and enjoy the convenience of headsets provided for all included excursions. Our itinerary includes a range of onboard activities designed to entertain and delight. This exclusive offer is crafted to provide you with an exceptional and seamless journey, ensuring every moment is as spectacular as the destinations we visit.
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Highlights & Inclusions:
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Optional Airfare included from Minneapolis (rates and times will be available in late November 2025)
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All meals and drinks are included on the ship
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Welcome & Farewell Dinners
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7 Nights on board the MS Vivaldi (Croisi Europe)
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1 Night Pre cruise Hotel in Vienna
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Professional Tour Director
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All Tour Excursions on ship included
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22 Meals Included
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Unlimited Alcoholic and Non Alcoholic drinks on the ship are included in the trip price (except for the special list)
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Scenic Cruise along the celebrated Danube River
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All excursions included
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Vienna – Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, evening concert
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Bratislava – guided city tour, Little Carpathians
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Hungarian Puszta – traditional horse show
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Budapest – guided city tour of Buda & Pest
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Gellért Baths or Budapest Market Halls
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Melk Abbey
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Wachau Valley cruise
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Dürnstein – guided walking tour
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Esztergom – historic city and basilica
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Gala Dinner on board
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Free Wifi on the ship
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Onboard entertainment
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Leisure time throughout the trip
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Prague Pre tour package to come...
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And so much more!
Day 1: October 19
Fly To Vienna, Austria
Depart the USA for an overnight flight to Vienna, Austria. Flights are not yet available (November 2025). All flights from the USA are overnight flights to Europe (arriving on the 20th October). For guests booking our optional Prague Package (details to come) - you will be leaving the USA on October 16 (3 nights in Prague before arriving in Vienna via private motorcoach).
Day 2: October 20
Arrive In Vienna, Austria
Upon arrival in Vienna, we will be welcomed by a local guide who will lead us on an orientation tour of this enchanting city. Wander along elegant boulevards and take in Vienna’s timeless beauty—its grand palaces, graceful architecture, and the spires of St. Stephen’s Cathedral rising above the old town. Feel the romance of a city once home to Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss, where music and history still echo through the streets. After the tour, enjoy some free time to stroll, sip coffee in a traditional café, or simply soak up the Viennese atmosphere before checking into our centrally located hotel. Tonight, join your Tour Director and fellow travelers for an included Welcome Dinner in the heart of the city.
Included Meals: Welcome Dinner
Day 3: October 21
Vienna & Cruise to Melk
Start your day with free time to explore the charming town of Breisach at your own pace. In the afternoon, join us for an exciting guided tour of the vibrant and colorful city of Colmar, a true gem of Alsatian charm. All ship excursions are included in the trip price! Wander through the romantic Little Venice neighborhood, where picturesque canals and quaint architecture transport you to a fairytale setting. Our tour includes a visit to the renowned Unterlinden Museum, which boasts an impressive collection spanning 7,000 years, from prehistoric artifacts to modern art. The highlight of the museum is the exquisite polyptych by Niclaus of Haguenau and Grünewald, a masterpiece not to be missed. After a day of discovery, join us for a delightful dinner followed by an evening of captivating entertainment. This is a day filled with unforgettable experiences and cultural treasures.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: October 22
Melk & Durnstein
This morning we visit the magnificent Melk Abbey, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture perched high above the Danube. From there, relax on deck as our ship glides through the breathtaking Wachau Valley—an enchanting stretch of the river lined with vineyards, castle ruins, and storybook villages. As we approach Dürnstein, standing on the ship’s deck offers unforgettable views of this medieval jewel and the shimmering Danube. Once ashore, we’ll explore the town’s cobblestone streets, charming squares, and its famous blue-towered abbey before returning on board to continue our voyage toward Bratislava.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: October 23
Slovakia & Bratislava
This morning we arrive in Bratislava, the fairytale capital of Slovakia. Nestled along the Danube and framed by the Little Carpathian hills, the city blends Old World charm with vibrant café culture. On our guided tour, discover the cobblestone streets of the historic old town, the Gothic spires of St. Martin’s Cathedral, and elegant squares lined with pastel façades. In the afternoon, return to the ship and enjoy a leisurely cruise as the landscapes of Slovakia drift by on our way to Kalocsa.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: October 24
Hungarian Horsemen
Today we journey into the heart of Hungary’s legendary Puszta, a vast plain where wide-open skies stretch endlessly and time seems to slow. Experience the beauty of this unique landscape and its remarkable wildlife, brought to life with a dazzling traditional horse show performed by skilled Hungarian horsemen—a tradition passed down through generations. After this unforgettable morning, return to the comfort of our ship and enjoy a relaxing afternoon of cruising. As evening falls, the Danube carries us gracefully toward Budapest, where the glittering lights of Hungary’s capital will welcome us by night. An arrival in Budapest is nothing short of magical—setting the stage for one of Europe’s most breathtaking cities.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: October 25
Budapest
Few cities in Europe are as enchanting as Budapest, where the Danube divides the rolling hills of Buda from the grand boulevards of Pest. Once separate towns, united in 1873, the city today is a dazzling blend of Gothic spires, baroque palaces, and sweeping river views. This morning, enjoy an included guided tour of Budapest, from the storybook streets of Buda Castle Hill to the stately Parliament and vibrant squares of Pest. In the afternoon, you may choose to explore further with optional experiences, such as relaxing in the world-famous Gellért Baths and Spa or browsing the colorful Budapest Market Halls, where stalls overflow with paprika, Tokaji wines, hand-embroidered linens, and Hungarian specialties like lángos. Tonight, we’ll come together for an included evening of traditional Hungarian entertainment, a festive celebration of music, dance, and culture in this most romantic of cities.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: October 26
Esztergom & Danube
Upon arrival, enjoy time at leisure in Esztergom, one of Hungary’s oldest and most historic cities. Often called the “Gateway to the Danube Bend,” Esztergom was once the nation’s capital and remains the spiritual heart of Hungary. Stroll its charming streets or marvel at the city’s crown jewel—the majestic Esztergom Basilica, the largest church in Hungary, perched high above the river with breathtaking views. In the afternoon, relax as we continue our journey, cruising along the Danube toward Vienna. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a festive Gala Dinner on board, a night of fine dining and celebration as our ship sails onward under the stars.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: October 27
Schonbrunn Castle & Concert!
Few cities capture the romance of Old Europe like Vienna, a place where imperial grandeur meets the soul of music and café culture. This morning, step into the city’s golden past with an included guided visit to Vienna’s most treasured sights, a tour of Schönbrunn Palace, the opulent summer residence of the Habsburgs.
In the afternoon, you may join an excursion to the Hofburg Palace, the seat of emperors for over six centuries and home to treasures of the Habsburg dynasty. As night falls, immerse yourself in the city’s musical spirit with an evening concert of Viennese classics (subject to availability)—a perfect finale in the very city where Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss once performed.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner
Day 10: October 28
Fly Home from Vienna
After breakfast, we bid farewell to the enchanting Danube, carrying with us the memories of fairytale villages, grand cities, and the ever-changing beauty of the river’s landscapes. Our journey has been filled with history, music, and unforgettable moments that will linger long after we return home. Today, depart for your flight back, or choose to extend your European adventure. Group flight details will be available in late November.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Tour Price:
UPPER DECK CABIN
Double Rate
$4999
(Based on 2 people in a Cabin
LAND ONLY - AIRFARE IS NOT INCLUDED
AIRFARE PACKAGE
TBA - estimated airfare is $1200 - $1800 per person
AIRFARE WILL BE AVAILABLE IN LATE DECEMBER
UPPER DECK CABIN
Single Rate
$6199
(Based on 1 person in a room)
LAND ONLY - AIRFARE IS NOT INCLUDED
Pre tour Package
PRAGUE ADD ON
We will be offering a Prague 3 night pre tour package available in early September. This pre tour trip to Prague will start 3 days before the trip to Vienna. Details to come!
Trip Deposit
A $500 non-refundable per person deposit is due at the time of registration. After final payment all monies are non-refundable. Travel Insurance is available and HIGHLY ENCOURAGED
Final Payment
June 19, 2026
Trip Photos
