River Cruise Itinerary

1. Day 1
   DAY 1, Saturday - Depart for Germany

   Sat, Sep 07, 2024

   Depart for Germany
2. Day 2
   DAY 2, Sunday - Embark in Regensburg

   Sun, Sep 08, 2024

   Arrive in Munich and transfer to the port in Regensburg. The group transfer will operate at approximately 9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM and 3 PM. The port is a 1.5 hour drive from the Munich airport. Embarkation begins at 2 PM. After arrival formalities, time to relax on board. Tonight, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy dinner as it sets the mood for your delightful river cruise
   Overnight: River Cruise
   Meals: Dinner
3. Day 3
   DAY 3, Monday - Regensburg City Tour

   Mon, Sep 09, 2024

   This morning, explore Regensburg, one of Germany's largest and best preserved medieval cities, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The guided walking tour highlights the city's stunning architecture as you view the Old Town Hall, Dom St. Peter and the Porta Praetoria, gateway to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest stone bridges crossing the Danube. Return to the ship for lunch or spend the afternoon at leisure discovering the delights of Regensburg on your own. In the afternoon the ship will set sail for Passau
   Overnight: River Cruise
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4. Day 4
   DAY 4, Tuesday - Morning in Passau

   Tue, Sep 10, 2024

   Dock this morning in 2500-year-old Passau, known for its pastel patrician houses, cafes, cobblestone lanes and riverfront promenade. Passau is a Bavarian town with a mix of Roman, Italian Baroque and Gothic architecture. Explore Passau independently in the morning, or, join the optional full day tour to picturesque Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and setting for the Sound of Music. The walking tour will include some of Salzburg's most historic sites including Mirabell Palace, the Abbey, Salzburg Cathedral, and St. Peter's Cemetery. After lunch at a local restaurant, there will be time to discover Salzburg on your own before returning to the ship. If you choose to remain onboard the ship, continue sailing during lunch and relax this afternoon. In the early evening, all passengers will rejoin the ship and continue sailing for Melk
   Optional: Tour of Salzburg
   Overnight: River Cruise
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5. Day 5
   DAY 5, Wednesday - Melk Abbey

   Wed, Sep 11, 2024

   Disembark in Melk this morning for a guided tour of the historic Benedictine Abbey, considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe. View the Abbot's chambers, the Kaiser's walk and the lavish library. Then, return to the ship and continue cruising through the scenic Wachau Valley. This afternoon, arrive in the village of Durnstein, one of the prettiest towns on the Danube. Free time to stroll this quintessential village in the heart of the Wachau wine district. Walk along medieval cobblestone streets revealing 16th century town houses and wine taverns
   Overnight: River Cruise
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6. Day 6
   DAY 6, Thursday - Vienna City Tour

   Thu, Sep 12, 2024

   Your morning tour of romantic Vienna introduces you to this Imperial city with its legendary opulence and elegance. Drive along the famed Ringstrasse, Vienna's main boulevard lined with magnificent palaces, parks and monuments, as well as the Opera House and the Austrian Parliament. Walk through the lavish Hofburg Palace on the way to St. Stephen's Cathedral. Spend the afternoon at leisure, or, join the optional tour to the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace, once summer residence of the Habsburgs. Visit the gorgeous Baroque apartments and stroll through the world-famous manicured gardens. Tonight, perhaps take the opportunity to attend an evening of Viennese culture in the "City of Music" at an optional recital performance of the classical masterpieces of Mozart and Strauss
   Optional: Schonbrunn Palace Tour (PM)
   Optional: Classical Viennese Recital (PM)
   Overnight: River Cruise
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7. Day 7
   DAY 7, Friday - Bratislava City Tour

   Fri, Sep 13, 2024

   This morning, enjoy the tranquil scenery as you sail along the scenic Danube. At noon, arrive in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, a mix of modern and Baroque architecture. This capital city is among the youngest in Europe, yet retains a rich history dating back more than 2000 years. Walk along the cobblestone lanes of the historic town center; view St. Martin's Cathedral, coronation site of the kings of Hungary, the 13th century Old Town Hall and the Franciscan church. Time to explore this colorful city on your own before returning to the ship for dinner as you sail for stunning Budapest
   Overnight: River Cruise
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8. Day 8
   DAY 8, Saturday - Budapest City Tour

   Sat, Sep 14, 2024

   Begin the tour on the Pest side of the city; view the Parliament, City Park and Heroes Square. Cross to Buda to see the Royal Palace, Matthias Church and the graceful medieval architecture along the cobbled streets. Explore the city's wonderful shops and cafes this afternoon on your own. Tonight, savor a lavish dinner on board
   Overnight: River Cruise
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
9. Day 9
   DAY 9, Sunday - Disembarkation, Timisoara City Tour

   Sun, Sep 15, 2024

   This morning, bid farewell to your Cruise Director and meet your Tour Manager as you disembark in Budapest. Begin your drive to Timisoara in Romania; a vibrant city on the Bega River, built around lavish parks and gardens where the Romanian revolution began in 1989. After free time for lunch, embark on a city tour where you will view the ruins of the Timisoara Fortress, 14th century Hunyadi Castle, and the elegant residential section.
   Overnight: Timisoara
   Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
10. Day 10
    DAY 10, Monday - Depart for Sibiu, Visit Hunedoara en route

    Mon, Sep 16, 2024

    The drive this morning takes you to the region of Transylvania. Visit the mythical 14th century Hunedoara Castle built on old Roman fortifications with huge pointed towers, a massive drawbridge and soaring battlements. This fortress, transformed many times over the years, became the castle of Matthias Corvinus, known as the "Raven King." Then, drive to the charming town of Sibiu, with its maze of cobbled streets and baroque squares. This cultural center of Europe attracted many musicians in the 19th century and today is the center of Romania's major music festivals. Tonight, dinner is at a local restaurant
    Overnight: Sibiu
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
11. Day 11
    DAY 11, Tuesday - Tour Sibiu & Sighisoara, Travel to Brasov

    Tue, Sep 17, 2024

    A guided walking tour begins the day in the bohemian Old Town that still retains the grandeur of its earlier days with a medieval wall guarding the historic area where narrow streets pass by steep-roofed 17th century buildings. View Great Square, Little Square and the Evangelical Cathedral. At the Bridge of Lies, the first forged iron bridge in the country, view decorations of rosettes and geometric motifs. Then depart to Sighisoara, the best-preserved medieval city in Southeastern Europe with fortified walls, cobblestone lanes and 16th century gingerbread houses. Tour the town's famous Clock Tower Museum; view the workings of the magnificent clock with its moving wooden figurines. Then head south to Brasov, nestled at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. Tonight, enjoy dinner together
    Overnight: Brasov
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
12. Day 12
    DAY 12, Wednesday - Tour Bran Castle, Brasov City Tour

    Wed, Sep 18, 2024

    Travel south to fabled Bran Castle, surrounded by an aura of mystery and legend, commonly known as "Dracula's Castle." Perched high atop a 200-foot-high rock, Bran Castle owes its fame to the commanding towers and turrets as well as to the myth created around Bram Stocker's character, Count Dracula. Tour the castle, that now serves as a museum displaying art and furniture collected by Queen Marie. Return to Brasov for a walking tour of this lovely city famous for its Town Hall Square filled with ornately trimmed Baroque structures and the first Romanian school with its collection of rare books. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure
    Overnight: Brasov
    Meals: Breakfast
13. Day 13
    DAY 13, Thursday - Peles Castle & Sinaia Monastery en route to Bucharest

    Thu, Sep 19, 2024

    This morning, head to Sinaia. Here, you'll truly be enchanted by a visit to romantic Peles Castle, former summer residence of Romania's first royal family. The castle is a masterpiece of German Neo-Renaissance architecture. Its 160 rooms are decorated with the finest examples of European art. Afterward, proceed to the 17th century Sinaia Monastery in the Prahova Valley, named after the great St. Catherine's Monastery on Mount Sinai. Take a tour of the monastery and its grounds. The museum of Sinaia Monastery is the first religious museum in the country and houses invaluable worship objects. Arrive in the Romanian capital of Bucharest with its lovely parks, gardens, wide boulevards and avenues shaded by centuries-old trees
    Overnight: Bucharest
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
14. Day 14
    DAY 14, Friday - Bucharest City Tour

    Fri, Sep 20, 2024

    Morning tour in Bucharest, named the "Paris of the East," takes you to the replica of the French Arc de Triomphe, built in 1935 to commemorate the bravery of Romanian soldiers who fought in WWI. Visit the gigantic Parliament Palace, second-largest building in the world after the Pentagon in the U.S. See the Romanian Athenaeum, the Opera House, the National Military Club, and the Military Academy. In your free time this afternoon, stroll down Victory Avenue, a historic street lined with shops, museums, cafes and elegant homes. Bid farewell to your Tour Manager and share wonderful memories at tonight's dinner and festive folklore show
    Overnight: Bucharest
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
15. Day 15
    DAY 15, Saturday - Depart Romania

    Sat, Sep 21, 2024

    Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
    Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions

Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.

River Cruise Package Includes

Special Features

River Cruise Features & Amenities

Know Before You Book - High & Low Water

European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It's a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of a deluxe ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. When the option exists, the operator will "swap ships" with another vessel sailing in the opposite direction, retaining the sailing experience. Crew, ship and cabin configuration may differ. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavor to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge.

†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Not Included:
Optional shore excursions and gratuities.

Additional Information:
Cruise only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.

Monarch Queen: Passengers arriving to Munich on day 2 should select flights that arrive no later than 2 PM.

Due to physical constraints and space limitations, wheelchairs and walkers are not allowed on motor coaches and/or river cruises. Kindly refer to our Terms for additional information.

While sailing with Monarch Cruises, passengers are subject to the cruise's Terms & Conditions which can be viewed at: .

Know Before You Book - High & Low Water

European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It's a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of a deluxe ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. When the option exists, the operator will "swap ships" with another vessel sailing in the opposite direction, retaining the sailing experience. Crew, ship and cabin configuration may differ. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavor to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge.

Please note that the following inclusions may contain items that are only applicable when you purchase Land & Air. The brochure prices below are for Land Only - call us for our best deal.

Ship Information

Cabins

Life on Board

Questions & Answers