NavanTravel

An extraordinary journey for aficionados of European history, music and art.

Experience dynamic Budapest, imperial Vienna and exquisitely preserved Prague. Marvel at ravishing scenery as your luxurious ship glides through the Wachau Valley, celebrated as one of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, into Germany and past charming Bavarian villages. Exclusive treasures are plentiful on this delightful journey. Go behind the scenes at a BMW factory to get an up-close view of Germany’s rich automotive heritage. This enchanting voyage provides a variety of ways to enjoy captivating destinations as well as plenty of time to relax onboard as you sail from Budapest to Nuremberg and spend two nights onshore in Prague.

Not only that, but you’ll discover Central Europe’s fascinating Jewish ties as part of our Jewish Heritage program—the only itinerary of its kind offered on the rivers.

Who will enjoy this cruise/tour

Travelers who love history, music and architecture will be able to tailor their travel to their interests along the mighty Danube and in spectacular Prague.

DAY 1: Embark  Budapest

Located on opposite sides of the Danube, Buda and Pest each has a distinctive character and allure all its own. Explore this dynamic and multi-faceted city with your choice of excursions—you can see it from a local’s perspective on a walking tour, or cover more ground with a panoramic tour. Or choose our Jewish Heritage excursion offering you a detailed introduction to Jewish Budapest.

Choice of Budapest panoramic highlights with St. Stephen's Cathedral or Budapest walk with local treats or Jewish Budapest (Jewish Heritage)*
*Our Jewish Heritage Program allows you to dive into Central Europe's enduring Jewish legacy with visits to museums, memorials, synagogues and more.

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

DAY 2: Vienna

The grand dame of the Danube, Vienna was the heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and remains, to this day, the political and cultural center of Austria. Klimt painted here; Beethoven and Mozart composed here; Freud developed his theories here. It’s a treasure trove of splendid architecture, astonishing art collections and inviting cafés—and today it is yours to explore. A city tour will show you the architectural highlights of the Austrian capital as well as the legendary Belvedere Palace. Or, indulge your passion for fine art and fine food with a fascinating and memorable panoramic tour. Or explore Jewish Vienna via our Jewish Heritage excursion.

Choice of "Morning with the Masters" at the Belvedere Palace or A morning in Vienna with food and art or Jewish Vienna (Jewish Heritage)*
*Our Jewish Heritage Program allows you to dive into Central Europe's enduring Jewish legacy with visits to museums, memorials, synagogues and more.

DAY 3: Emmersdorf (Spitz)

You’ll want to find a comfortable seat in the lounge or on the Sun Deck today as your ship cruises through the Wachau Valley toward Emmersdorf and Spitz. Over the eons, the Danube cut a gorge through the foothills of the Bohemian mountains, resulting in a 19-mile (30-kilometer) stretch of riverine scenery so beautiful, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Landscape. Castle ruins dominate hilltops; baroque church towers appear on the riverbanks, marking historic villages and splendid abbeys; and apricot orchards and vineyards cling to the rocky slopes. Some of Austria’s finest white wines are produced from grapes ripening on the dry-stone terraces above the river, where grapes have been grown for 2,000 years. Your ship will dock in Emmersdorf, midway through this glorious landscape.

Choice of Private Artstetten Castle reception with a member of Habsburg royalty or Spitz village visit and meet the former Count of Spitz

DAY 4: Engelhartszell, Passau

Your ship cruises through a scenic highlight of the Danube early this morning, the Schlögener Schlinge—a hairpin loop in the Danube that was once very hazardous for ships and is now a lovely, serene stretch of water—and leaves Austria behind today. Your first German port of call is Passau, where three rivers meet—the Inn, the Ilz and the Danube—and three nations almost meet: Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic, making for a fascinating cultural mosaic. Get to know the town and its main claim to fame, Europe’s largest pipe organ, or join an invigorating riverside hike or bike ride.

Featured Excursion:
“Let's Go” scenic Bavarian river biking
Choice of Passau home hosted visit or "Let's Go" hike along the Ilz River

DAY 5: Regensburg

Bavaria’s first capital, Regensburg, owes its impressive historical lineage and rich architectural heritage to 600 years as a Free Imperial City, a fact recognized by UNESCO in 2006. Today, you’ll discover how the beautifully preserved medieval city coexists with a vibrant modern urban center.

Choice of Regensburg walk with Thurn and Taxis castle visit or BMW factory visit or Jewish Regensburg (Jewish Heritage)*
*Our Jewish Heritage Program allows you to dive into Central Europe's enduring Jewish legacy with visits to museums, memorials, synagogues and more.

DAY 6: Roth, Nuremberg

Nuremberg will forever be associated with the post-WWII Nuremberg trials, but the city’s profound historical and cultural significance stretches back many centuries before that.

Featured Excursion:
Nuremberg city tour with WWII Rally Grounds and Documentation Center visits

Onboard, come out on deck or find a window seat where you can watch the ship navigate a series of locks as it travels across the “continental divide” and through one of the modern world’s greatest feats of engineering—the Main-Danube canal.

A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

DAY 7: Nuremberg (Disembark), Transfer to Prague

Disembark the ship early and set your sights on the “city of a hundred spires” as you transfer to Prague via motorcoach.

DAY 8: Prague

A magnet for generations of artists, writers, scientists and composers, Prague is famous for its dynamic energy and elegant ambiance (and the beers here are pretty amazing too). A thousand years of architecture, from ornate Gothic to fanciful postmodern, has been beautifully preserved here.

Choice of Prague Old Town and Charles Bridge walking tour or Hradčany Castle visit or Prague's Old Jewish Quarter (Jewish Heritage)*
*Our Jewish Heritage Program allows you to dive into Central Europe's enduring Jewish legacy with visits to museums, memorials, synagogues and more.

DAY 9: Depart Prague