Esprit, 11 Night The Blue Danube – Westbound ex Budapest, Hungary to Regensburg, Germany

Along the “river of kings”… medieval castles and Gothic cathedrals… charming riverside villages… the Imperial treasures of the Habsburgs… lush Wachau valley vineyards… the music of Mozart…
From Prague to Budapest, castles of all descriptions have watched over the landscape from their royal perches for centuries. On this 12-day journey featuring a 9-night Danube cruise, they remain lasting testimony to kingdoms and culture, ready to welcome you… during a private dinner in Lobkowicz Palace… an exclusive evening of Imperial entertainment at a private Vienna palace… in Baroque Salzburg and atop Budapest’s Castle Hill… and exploring Vienna’s Hofburg or Schönbrunn Palace. It’s a Blue Danube cruise to remember!

Day 1
Tour begins: 5:00 PM, Budapest. A transfer is included from Budapest’s Ferenc Liszt Airport or Keleti train station to your riverboat. Meet your fellow travelers and Tauck Directors, and learn about the upcoming days, ahead at a welcome toast this evening prior to your first dinner aboard ship.

Day 2
Budapest is split into “Buda” and “Pest” by the Danube River. This morning, explore the Pest side of the city on a tour including City Park and Heroes’ Square – bounded by some of the finest architectural works in Hungary – and a special visit to the opulent State Opera House, opened in 1884, with its royal boxes, gilded vaulted ceiling, exquisite murals and three-ton chandelier. Later, you have a choice of walking tours that focuses in Budapest. The afternoon is free for you to pursue what interests you most. After dinner, you can join your Tauck Director for an evening stroll into town to get a taste of Budapest’s vibrant evening atmosphere.

Day 3
Head up to Castle Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking the Danube on the Buda side of the city, for a choice of sightseeing. Enjoy a guided visit to the Hungarian Parliament, the third largest parliament building in the world. Afterward, embark on a themed walking tour with your local guide that focuses on sites and events involved in the 1956 Hungarian Revolution during the Cold War “Iron Curtain” era, including stops at Parliament Square, the Embassy and St. Stephen’s Basilica (Bazilika). Alternatively, visit the famed Szechenyi Bath Spa. Reboard your riverboat this afternoon, and begin to cruise the Danube River, bound for Bratislava, Slovakia.

Day 4
Our resident expert takes you inside contemporary Slovakia and Bratislava for a look at the region’s politics, economy, religion, social order, preservation and emergence of the arts. After lunch aboard the riverboat, you’ll have a choice of exploring Bratislava’s cobblestoned, vehicle-free historic city center on a walking tour – seeing 17 centuries of history eloquently chronicled in its 13th-century Old Town Hall, Baroque Habsburg-era palaces, the Opera House, Slovak Philharmonic Hall, and Hviezdosalv Square – or setting off on a bicycling excursion through the city’s “Iron Curtain Area.” Back on board the riverboat, dinner tonight introduces you to a glimpse of daily life in Slovakia with a taste of regional cuisine and an a performance by a talented troupe of Slovak dancers.

Day 5
Your riverboat arrives this morning in Vienna, where local guides join you for an introductory motor coach ride along the Ringstrasse, the grand boulevard that encircles the historic center and showcases many of the city’s most significant landmarks. Passing stately palaces, museums, and civic buildings, you’ll gain an overview of Vienna’s imperial past before continuing on a choice of guided city walks. These walking tours explore different corners of the city and include a tasting of local specialties, offering a chance to experience Vienna’s culture through both its streets and its cuisine. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. You may choose to visit one of Vienna’s outstanding museums, stroll through historic neighborhoods and cafés, or head to the Vienna Prater, home to its famous Ferris wheel and expansive parkland. Whether you prefer cultural discovery or relaxed exploration, the city offers many ways to shape your time here.
Please Note: To preserve your sightseeing experience in Vienna and maximize our time there, we may rotate our activities on Days 5 and 6 on some departures. Your Tauck Director will advise accordingly.

Day 6
A choice of sightseeing this morning features a tour of the Habsburgs’ Schönbrunn Palace, an architectural masterpiece and Austrian cultural treasure, or Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, one of the world’s most acclaimed art museums located in a palatial building on the historic Ringstrasse. After an afternoon at leisure to explore Vienna as you wish, join us this evening, we invite you to attend our private Imperial Evening in the opulent Palais Pallavicini, a private Baroque palace in Vienna that film buffs may have spotted in the 1940s film noir classic The Third Man. Welcome cocktails and dinner precede an unforgettable evening of musical performance celebrating the legacy of the composers who made Vienna Europe’s center of music during the Habsburg era. Tonight, your ship charts a course toward Durnstein.

Day 7
Wake up in Dürnstein for a closer look at its 16th-century Baroque houses and 13th-century Romanesque church on a walking tour along cobblestone streets; you may also choose to tour a local monastery followed by a wine tasting at an authentic Austrian tavern, or take a bicycle ride. Enjoy some free time in this charming riverside town, perhaps taking an invigorating climb up the steps to the ruins of Kuenringerburg, a hilltop castle above the town where Richard the Lionhearted was held for ransom during the Crusades.Back aboard, you’ll continue to cruise the Danube River through the Wachau Valley, Austria’s lush wine-growing region that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved medieval landscapes, to Linz; after the Chef’s Signature dinner onboard, enjoy a show put on by members of the riverboat crew.

Day 8
Your boat stays docked in Linz today, with a choice of how you spend your day – full-day excursions to Salzburg (Austria), or Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic, or remaining in Linz. A setting for The Sound of Music, a Salzburg walking tour explores Old Town, Mirabell Gardens, and Mozart’s birthplace.; enjoy time on your own to have lunch and experience the sights as you wish. Alternatively, travel to Cesky Krumlov; graced with an incredibly well-preserved medieval heritage and charming ambiance, the town has earned its coveted designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historic importance and physical beauty. A walking tour takes you to part of Krumlov Castle; it’s worth climbing the many steps to see firsthand the medieval, Renaissance and Rococo design found inside, along with the stunning views of the town below. Return to the riverboat for dinner followed by an evening performance by the classical trio, Donau 3Klang.

Day 9
Wake up this morning in Engelhartszell, a pretty town on the Danube in Upper Austria. After a visit to a local private home (and a taste of local cake, sweets and coffee), you’ll have a choice of a walking tour of town including 18th-century Engelhartszell Abbey and Danube World, through which ships navigate through the Wachau Valley (please note, there may be ongoing renovations in progress). Following lunch aboard the riverboat, you may, if you wish, join us for an optional bicycle excursion along the Danube (a fairly rigorous bike ride, for experienced cyclists only). Take in the views from the sun deck, lounge, or the windows of your outside cabin as your riverboat glides into Germany, bound tonight for your final destination, Vilshofen; enjoy a farewell toast followed by dinner onboard this evening.

Day 10
Disembark your ship in Vilshofen for a choice of excursions. One brings you to the Bavarian town of Regensburg for a walking tour led by a local guide that visits the Steinerne Brücke (a medieval stone bridge over the Danube), towering Dom St. Peter, and the remains of the town’s Roman wall before venturing to Prague. Alternatively, journey to Prague for a visit to one of its hidden gems – the Strahov Monastery! Your time here also includes a short walk through Hradcany Castle, the largest ancient castle in the world. Following your excursion, enjoy a light lunch and check into your hotel in Prague, capital of the Czech Republic and the “City of 100 Spires.” The remainder of the day is free; the city’s many fine restaurants and cafés feature a wide range of cuisines… and some of the best schnitzels, goulashes, strudels, dumplings and beer the region has to offer.

Day 11
Your explorations of Prague start this morning with a choice of walking tours through Prague’s ethereal Old Town. You’ll have the option to choose between either a longer tour featuring the Charles Bridge and longer stops at the Old Town’s numerous historical sites; an abbreviated version of that same tour, ending in the the Old Town Square for time to explore the city on your own or, you may choose to embark on a walking tour of the city’s poignant Jewish sites in Josefov, the historic Jewish Quarter (ask at booking about dates that cannot visit inside the Jewish Heritage sites as they are closed Saturdays and on Jewish holidays; in those cases, alternate sightseeing will be offered). Tonight, cap a memorable trip with a truly royal evening that’s another Tauck Exclusive; join us for a farewell reception, tour and dinner at 16th-century Lobkowicz Palace at Prague Castle. Immerse in an evening of classical cultural treasures – and see for yourself how music and art played an important role in the aristocratic world of the Lobkowicz family.

Day 12
Tour ends: Prague, Czech Republic. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Andaz Prague to Praha Hlavni Nadrazi train station or Václav Havel Airport Prague. Please allow a minimum of 3 hours for check-in.

One of our Jewel-class riverboats, ms Esprit and her sister ships accommodate no more than 118 guests, while similar-sized riverboats average about 160. Guest amenities inside her 14 lush 300-square-foot suites include brocade upholstery, roomy walk-in closets with built-in drawers, spacious marble baths with full-size tubs, and two French balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows that open to idyllic riverscapes. She also sports seven 183-square-foot cabins, similarly furnished. Standard cabins (150 square feet) are cozy and comfortable and are similar in décor and style to our larger suites. 85% have floor-to-ceiling windows with real French balconies that open on to a balcony in the fresh air; all have in-room movies, minibar, adjustable heating and cooling, private bathroom and shower with Molton Brown toiletries.

Inspirational cruising… and the promise of fun. Cruise travel at its best.

What makes Tauck’s Small Ship Cruising and River Cruising unique is our focus on the destination – in scenic ports of call that connect you with people and places… moving, compelling and heart-warming experiences onboard and ashore… inspiration through Tauck’s cruise travel. We cast anchor in pristine bays, off island beaches and at docks accustomed to personal yachts… in small towns and villages along the great rivers of Europe… and in some of the world’s favorite cities. Our time ashore is enriched by in-depth cultural exploration and insider access that ensures up-close-and-personal connections with the locals and daily life. Our cruise travel adventures include guided sightseeing with local experts such as naturalists, historians, and accomplished lecturers. You’ll dine on regional cuisine on land at aboard ship that showcases specialties of the destination. And after a day of extraordinary sightseeing, we welcome you back onboard our hand-picked vessels for warm camaraderie and lively conversation that’s inherent on every Tauck cruise travel experience. The stories are endless, the memories are timeless and the connections priceless.

Select the Deck to view detail.

Esprit - Emerald Deck

Esprit - Ruby Deck

Esprit - Diamond Deck

Esprit - Sun Deck

Select the Cabin to view detail.

Category 7 - Suite

14 luxurious 300-square-foot Category 7 suites on the Diamond Deck boast two floor-to-ceiling French balconies with sliding door and large marble baths with full-size tubs.

Suite Features:
Elegantly designed 300 sq. ft. suites
Bed size: 62 inches X 77 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration)
400 thread count cotton linenswhite duvets and pillows of mako cotton with hypoallergenic 90% down filling
Two floor-to-ceiling French Balconies, each 98 inches wide x 75 inches high each with one sliding door that opens
Quad cabin made possible by pullout couch (only for children)
Large bathroom with marble bath and separate shower and bathtub
Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive
Terry-cloth bathrobe plus slippers
Coffee maker plus mini-bar stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks replenished daily
32” LED TV
Breakfast room service
Iron plus ironing board
220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom
Pull-out couch, two club chairs & coffee table, a desk and a TV credenza
Walk-in closet and dresser
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Telephone, safe and individual climate control
Onboard wi-fi available

Category 6 - Cabin

Four 183-square-foot Category 6 cabins, each featuring a floor-to-ceiling French balcony with one sliding door, are situated in the fore and aft corners of the Diamond Deck.

Cabin Features:

Elegantly designed 183 sq. ft. cabins
Bed size: 62 inches X 77 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration)
400 thread count cotton linenswhite duvets and pillows of mako cotton with hypoallergenic 90% down filling
One floor-to-ceiling French Balcony (98 inches wide x 75 inches high) with one sliding door that opens
Marble bath with shower
Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive
Terry-cloth bathrobe plus slippers
Refrigerator stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks replenished daily
32” LED TV
220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom
Two chairs plus a desk
Built-in closet with drawers
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Telephone, safe and individual climate control
Onboard wi-fi available

Category 5 - Cabin

Set forward on the Ruby Deck, two spacious, well-appointed Category 5 cabins measure 183 square feet and sport one floor-to-ceiling French balcony with one sliding door.

Cabin Features:

Elegantly designed 183 sq. ft. cabins
Bed size: 62 inches X 77 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration)
400 thread count cotton linenswhite duvets and pillows of mako cotton with hypoallergenic 90% down filling
One floor-to-ceiling French Balcony (98 inches wide x 75 inches high) with one sliding door that opens
Marble bath with shower
Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive
Terry-cloth bathrobe plus slippers
Refrigerator stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks replenished daily
32” LED TV
220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom
Two chairs plus a desk
Built-in closet with drawers
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Telephone, safe and individual climate control
Onboard wi-fi available

Category 4 - Cabin

Thirty 150-square-foot Category 4 cabins, all located on the Ruby Deck, feature one floor-to-ceiling French balcony with one sliding door for superior views.

Cabin Features:

Elegantly designed 150 sq. ft. cabins
Bed size: 62 inches X 77 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration)
400 thread count cotton linenswhite duvets and pillows of mako cotton with hypoallergenic 90% down filling
One floor-to-ceiling French Balcony (98 inches wide x 75 inches high) with one sliding door that opens
Marble bath with shower
Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive
Terry-cloth bathrobe plus slippers
Refrigerator stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks replenished daily
32” LED TV
220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom
Two chairs plus a desk
Built-in closets with drawers
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Telephone, safe and individual climate control
Onboard wi-fi available

Category 3 - Cabin

Two 150-square-foot Category 3 cabins, located on the Ruby Deck, feature one floor-to-ceiling French balcony with one sliding door for superior views.

Cabin Features:

Elegantly designed 150 sq. ft. cabins
Bed size: 62 inches X 77 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration)
400 thread count cotton linenswhite duvets and pillows of mako cotton with hypoallergenic 90% down filling
One floor-to-ceiling French Balcony (98 inches wide x 75 inches high) with one sliding door that opens
Marble bath with shower
Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive
Terry-cloth bathrobe plus slippers
Refrigerator stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks replenished daily
32” LED TV
220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom
Two chairs plus a desk
Built-in closet with drawers
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Telephone, safe and individual climate control
Onboard wi-fi available

Category 2 - Cabin

One spacious, elegantly appointed Category 2 cabin is located forward on the Emerald deck, measuring 183 square feet and featuring a roomy marble bath with shower.

Cabin Features:

Elegantly designed 183 sq. ft. cabin
Bed size: 62 inches X 77 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration)
400 thread count cotton linenswhite duvets and pillows of mako cotton with hypoallergenic 90% down filling
Marble bath with shower
Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive
Terry-cloth bathrobe plus slippers
Refrigerator stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks replenished daily
32” LED TV
220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom
Two chairs plus a desk
Built-in closet with drawers
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Telephone, safe and individual climate control
Onboard wi-fi available

Category 1 - Cabin

Situated on the Emerald deck, eight 150-square-foot Category 1 cabins each feature a marble bath with shower with Molton Brown toiletries, a Tauck Exclusive.

Cabin Features:

Elegantly designed 150 sq. ft. cabins
Bed size: 62 inches X 77 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration)
400 thread count cotton linenswhite duvets and pillows of mako cotton with hypoallergenic 90% down filling
Two 2’ x 3’ windows
Marble bath with shower
Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive
Terry-cloth bathrobe plus slippers
Refrigerator stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks replenished daily
32” LED TV
220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom
Two chairs plus a desk
Built-in closet with drawers
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Telephone, safe and individual climate control
Onboard wi-fi available