Danube River Cruise
Tour Itinerary
Budapest, Hungary
DAY ONE
May 24, 2026
Arrive in the enchanting city of Budapest, where your journey begins. Settle into your room at the five-star, storied Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest, where you’ll step into a world of opulence where Art Nouveau elegance meets Moorish and Gothic grandeur in the heart of the city. Housed in a meticulously restored 19th-century shopping arcade, this five-star hotel features suites adorned with stained glass, intricate mosaics, and a breathtaking crystal dome.
To kick off our trip, enjoy a celebratory welcome reception hosted by our Globe journalists, and meet your fellow guests.
Budapest, Hungary
DAY TWO
May 25, 2026
Today is your opportunity to explore Budapest on one of six well-appointed excursions and discover the many faces of this fascinating city through a rich tapestry of guided experiences. Begin with a comprehensive city tour showcasing the city's iconic landmarks and architectural grandeur, dive deeper into the past with a moving Jewish Heritage tour, exploring the vibrant history and resilience of the local Jewish community; attend a Communist-themed city tour that reveals the stark realities of life behind the Iron Curtain, enjoy a scenic escape to the charming riverside town of Szentendre with it’s interesting art, culture, and quaint cobbled streets or for nature lovers, hike in the Buda Hills that present panoramic views and lush trails just minutes from the city; and finally, immerse yourself in Hungary’s culinary soul with the Ancestry of the Kitchen cooking class, where you’ll prepare traditional dishes while learning the stories behind them. Tonight enjoy dinner on your own and explore some the fantastic cuisine in Budapest.
Budapest, Hungary
DAY THREE
May 26, 2026
On your second full day in the intriguing city of Budapest, once again you have a full day ahead of you while enjoying one of the following excursions; a vibrant market tour, where the colors, flavors, and aromas of Hungarian cuisine come alive among local vendors and traditional specialties; step back in time on a Communist-themed tour that sheds light on life during the Soviet era, delve into Hungary’s rich gastronomic traditions with the Ancestry of the Kitchen culinary class, where cooking becomes a journey through history; for art lovers, a museum and gallery tour reveals the city’s creative spirit, from classical masterpieces to contemporary works; and finally, cap off your adventure with a wine tour and tasting just outside Budapest, where you’ll savor regional vintages in picturesque vineyard settings. This afternoon we embark on the Scenic Opal Ship where the ship’s crew will properly welcome you aboard in comfort. Tonight, enjoy your first dinner onboard the ship
Bratislava, Slovakia
DAY FOUR
May 27, 2026
You’ll wake up this morning in the beautiful city of Bratislava, Slovakia and experience our first daily Globe Insider Breakfast where Globe journalists review the day’s top news stories. After breakfast, choose from one of six different excursions and uncover the charm and character of Bratislava through a diverse blend of cultural, culinary, and historical tours. Excursion options include; a guided city tour that introduces the highlights of Slovakia’s capital, followed by a deeper exploration of its iconic castle and panoramic views, stroll through the cobbled lanes of the Old Town on a walking tour, complete with a relaxing stop at a traditional, charming coffee house steeped in local ambiance; a hands-on culinary class offers a delicious dive into Slovak flavours; while a tasting of regional wines reveals the country’s hidden viticultural gems or venture beyond the city for a wine tour and tasting at the renowned Weingut Hopler, where fine wines and vineyard scenery create an unforgettable experience. Later this afternoon, you’ll enjoy a Globe Talk from one of your favourite journalists. Dinner tonight is onboard our lovely Scenic Opal ship.
Vienna, Austria
DAY FIVE
May 28, 2026
You’ll spend two glorious days in the stunning capital city of Austria, Vienna. After enjoying the daily Globe Insider Breakfast, you will have the choice of attending a daily excursion before attending an afternoon Globe Journalist Talks. Experience the elegance and diversity of Vienna through a series of five enriching excursions that blend imperial history, cultural sophistication, and culinary delight. Your excursion options include; a visit to the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, a former imperial summer residence that offers a glimpse into Habsburg opulence; explore the heart of the city on a guided tour through Central Vienna; for a more active adventure, enjoy a scenic biking tour on Danube Island, offering fresh air and beautiful riverside views; a hands-on culinary class brings Austrian flavours to life and finally a wine tasting at Weingut Wieninger that introduces you to the rich winemaking tradition of Vienna’s vineyards. Tonight, venture out on your own and enjoy one of Vienna’s fabulous restaurants or enjoy dinner on our Scenic Opal ship.
Vienna, Austria
DAY SIX
May 29, 2026
For your second full day in Vienna, Austria you will enjoy a Globe Insider Breakfast and then choose from one of six curated excursions including; uncover the city’s hidden intrigue on a Vienna Spy Tour, revealing Cold War secrets and espionage tales woven into its elegant streets; an architecture tour showcases Vienna’s striking blend of imperial grandeur, modern design, and art nouveau elegance, a visit to the Belvedere offers not only baroque beauty but also a world-class collection of Austrian art, including Klimt’s The Kiss; or enjoy Austria’s culinary heritage with a hands-on cooking class, or choose between a relaxing bike ride along the Danube Island’s tranquil paths, or finally, savour a wine tasting at Weingut Wieninger. This afternoon we host a Globe Journalist Talk and onboard dinner before departing for Liechtenstein Palace, a magnificent Baroque residence in Vienna, showcasing opulent interiors and one of the world’s finest private art collections for a classical concert.
Durnstein & Melk, Austria
DAY SEVEN
May 30, 2026
Today you will spend your day in the lovely locations of Durnstein and Melk, Austria. Once again, you’ll enjoy a morning Globe Insider Breakfast and an afternoon Globe Journalist Talk. You’ll explore the scenic beauty and rich heritage of Austria’s Wachau Valley through four captivating excursions options including; a guided tour of the stunning Melk Abbey, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture perched above the Danube, offering breathtaking views and centuries of monastic history; for a more active adventure, cycle along the river to the storybook town of Dürnstein, known for its charming streets, medieval ruins, and connection to Richard the Lionheart; or delve into imperial history with a visit to Artstetten Castle, the former residence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, surrounded by peaceful gardens and poignant legacy; or finally, enjoy a wine tour and tasting at the renowned Prager winery, where the region’s signature Grüner Veltliner and Riesling are crafted with elegance and precision. Tonight, enjoy dinner onboard our Scenic Opal ship.
Brandstatt, Austria
& Passau, Germany
DAY EIGHT
May 31, 2026
Today you’ll wake up in the Austrian town of Brandstatt and finish your day in Passau, Germany. You’ll enjoy your daily Globe Insider Breakfast where Globe journalists review the daily headlines and an afternoon Globe Talk delivered by one of your favourite Globe journalists. Immerse yourself in the charm and cultural richness of Central Europe with four unforgettable excursions including; in Salzburg, enjoy a guided tour tracing the life and legacy of Mozart, exploring the composer’s birthplace, favorite haunts, and the city’s vibrant musical heritage; or for film lovers, a Sound of Music-themed tour brings iconic movie scenes to life against Salzburg’s picturesque backdrop of gardens, hills, and historic landmarks or venture into the Czech Republic for a visit to the fairytale town of Český Krumlov, where cobbled streets, a majestic castle, and baroque beauty await and finally for those seeking outdoor adventure, a scenic bike ride along the River Inn offers a peaceful journey through alpine landscapes, charming villages, and riverside paths. Tonight, enjoy dinner onboard your Scenic Opal ship.
Regensburg, Germany
DAY NINE
June 1, 2026
This morning we arrive in the city of Regensburg, Germany, the final stop on our Globe Danube River Cruise. You’ll enjoy your daily Globe Insider Breakfast where Globe journalists review the daily headlines and an afternoon Globe Journalist Talk. Discover the historical and cultural treasures of Bavaria with four enriching excursions based in Regensburg, including: a guided tour of Regensburg itself, a beautifully preserved medieval city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Gothic spires, ancient stone bridges, and lively squares tell centuries of stories; a journey along the Danube to Weltenburg Abbey, one of the world’s oldest monastic breweries, set in a dramatic gorge and offering both spiritual and culinary delights; a day trip to Nuremberg, a city steeped in imperial history and WWII significance, with its impressive castle, old town, and thought-provoking museums or finally for a more active experience, bike the scenic route to the Walhalla, a neoclassical temple perched high above the river, offering panoramic views and a striking tribute to Germanic legends and luminaries. Enjoy your dinner onboard the Scenic Opal ship.
Regensburg, Germany
DAY TEN
June 2, 2026
Your time aboard The Globe and Mail Danube River Cruise comes to an end in Regensburg. Bid adieu to your fellow travelers this morning before disembarking and transferring to the Munich airport for your departure home.
Or extend your stay for an additional two days in the spectacular city of Prague, Czech Republic. Click here for details.
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