Once upon a time, as you listened to bedtime stories of enchanted castles and magical forests, you dreamed of seeing them for yourself one day. As you grew up, your dreams likely shifted to become a bit more practical, possibly more focused escaping the bustle of daily life and seeing the world.
A river cruise along the Danube River uniquely satisfies those childhood dreams rooted in fairytales and more grown-up visions of getting away to unplug, recharge, and discover magical places in luxurious fashion with the people you love. That’s why Cruise Dreams is planning a one-of-a-kind, hosted Melodies of the Danube Trip of a Lifetime from Budapest to Prague in 2020.
Our Trips of a Lifetime give me the opportunity to share my favorite destinations with special clients. Each trip is carefully curated to include hidden gems, exclusive excursions, and plenty of WOW moments. For the 2020 Melodies of the Danube trip, we’ll charter the AmaMagna, a brand new, state-of-the-art vessel, for a 7-night river cruise paired with two days pre-cruise in Budapest and three days exploring Prague after disembarking. This spacious new ship is all about luxury with beautiful staterooms, full balconies, a sundeck pool, wellness studio, and four fine-dining venues.
Read on for a preview of this amazing Trip of a Lifetime.
Step into history
From the moment you arrive in Budapest, you’ll find yourself in a regal and historic city brimming with both tradition and modern energy. And, like any classic fairytale trip, ours will include a visit to the Buda Castle quarter in Castle Hill, an impressive complex with medieval origins. Rebuilt after World War II, the site preserves the architectural details of past centuries. There’s even a secret labyrinth of caves and caverns hidden beneath the city. Our tour, including a visit to the Great Market Hall, will transport you back in time to explore both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River.
Set sail in luxury
Aboard the luxurious AmaMagna, we’ll be treated to a special illuminations sail past Budapest’s landmark buildings and bridges, all awash in light. Traveling along the Danube, our next destination is Bratislava, Slovakia, which offers a range of exclusive excursions, including a walking tour highlighting Bratislava’s heritage as the “Coronation City of Kings,” a culinary tour featuring Slovakian specialties, or a hike to Bratislava Castle.
On we’ll sail to the “City of Waltzes,” Vienna, Austria. Our tour will explore Vienna’s historic city center, with additional stops at the famed Opera House, the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Or, if you prefer, you can opt to see the sights via a guided bicycle tour along the Danube.
The heart of the Wachau Valley is our next destination, where you can take a walking tour of Durnstein or Weissenkirchen, followed by a visit to the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. We’ll also serve up an option for a special wine tasting hosted by a local vintner paired with a visit to a boutique featuring a tasting of regional apricot treats. That same day, we’ll also sail through the scenic Strudengau Valley to visit the medieval village of Grein, where, of course, there’s a 500-year-old castle – Greinburg Castle – in the neighborhood.
After that, we’ll sail to Linz. Excursions include a day trip to historic Salzburg, including a stop to visit Mondsee and the Basilica of St. Michael, the setting for the wedding scene in The Sound of Music. Other excursion options are a walking tour of Linz and the Mozart House, a bike ride along the city’s Culture Mile on the banks of the Danube, or a picturesque drive through the Austrian Lake District.
Continuing along the Danube, we’ll stop next in the 2,000-year-old city of Passau, Germany, famous for its Gothic and Baroque architecture. Walking, hiking, and biking tour options give you a range of ways to take in this charming city. In the afternoon, we’re sailing to Vilshofsen for an exclusive treat – an authentic Oktoberfest celebration, complete with local beers and Bavarian folk music.
Create memories for a lifetime
We’ll end our trip with three days in Prague, Czech Republic. Steeped in history and known as one of Europe’s most attractive cities, there’s plenty to see, such as Wenceslas Square, Prague Castle, and the Astronomical Clock. But, did you know that Czechs are beer connoisseurs? The first known brewery was founded in 993 in the Czech Republic, and you can guess what has its origins in the Czech city of Budweis. Today, with more than 100 regional breweries serving up a variety of styles, a beer-tasting event is a must.
Planning amazing itineraries like this one is key to sharing my favorite destinations with my clients. But, the best part about our Trips of a Lifetime, like this one coming up in 2020, is they are custom-built, one-of-a-kind trips where you don’t have to do anything but pack and go. Hosted by me, our team handles all the details, adding exclusive excursions, specialty dinners, and surprises all along the way. Our only goal? Delivering the luxury travel experience you’ve been dreaming about.
Please consider joining our Melodies of the Danube Trip of a Lifetime,
October 23 – November 4, 2020. Right now, we have only 5 rooms left, but they’ll be gone soon.
For more information and answers to any questions, call us at (877) 999-4533 or email us at travelplans@cruisedreams.com.
Waves to you and smooth sailings ahead!
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