May 14 - May 24, 2025
Germany/Austria/Czech Republic/Slovakia/Hungary
Sailing the Danube River Through Central Europe
Program No. 23683RJ
Sail through time along the Danube River from Hungary to Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic to study their compelling political and cultural histories with local experts.
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May 14 - May 24, 2025
May 24 - Jun 3, 2025
Sep 10 - Sep 20, 2025
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11 days
10 nights
25 meals
9B 8L 8D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
4
Free time, History of Central Europe
Danube River
7
Melk Abbey
Danube River
At a Glance
Transport yourself back in time in Central Europe, where even the larger cities seem to be frozen in the medieval era, with cobbled streets and historic architecture. As you sail along the Danube River, journey through authentic Europe with local experts eager to show you the secrets of their cities. On explorations of Vienna’s music history, Budapest’s architectural history and Prague’s political history, delve deep into the past while experiencing these cities like a local. Then, learn about the cities’ modern developments to understand fully the progression of Central Europe and immerse yourself in these beautiful countries that seamlessly blend old traditions with contemporary culture.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Participants must be able to stand for two hours at a time and walk 2-4 miles per day.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Learn about classical music in Vienna during a lecture with the talented musicians from the Vienna Philharmonic.
- Delve deep into history as you explore Cesky Krumlov, a small medieval town and UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Czech Republic.
- Study the beautiful architecture of Prague at the Charles Bridge.
General Notes
Please note that on this program, Road Scholar has the entire ship welcoming a maximum of 90 Road Scholars which will be divided into smaller groups, each with their own Group Leader. The small groups may occasionally come together for lectures.
Suggested Reading List
(13 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Sailing the Danube River Through Central Europe
Program Number: 23683
The Radetzky March
Magnificently set against the backdrop of the twilight of the Habsburg Empire, Roth's family saga takes in the sweep of history and empire in Central Europe. The richly textured novel opens at the battle of Solferino, when young Lieutenant Trotta saves the life of the Emperor.
Budapest 1900
Written by a distinguished historian and native son, this richly detailed portrait of the city at its zenith includes hundreds of illustrations.
A Time of Gifts
Fermor effortlessly interweaves anecdote, history and culture in this exuberant account of a walk from Holland, up the Rhine and down the Danube, through Germany, Prague and Austria in 1933. Written not in the moment, but 40 years later, the accumulation of time and experience gives the book particular poignancy.
Lonely Planet Central Europe
With dozens of maps, color photographs and sections on history and culture, this practical guide introduces Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland and their neighbors.
A Nervous Splendor, Vienna 1888-1889
A portrait of Vienna at the end of the 19th century, this book focuses on Crown Prince Rudolph, his devastating suicide and the rich texture of gossip and daily life at the Habsburg Court.
Prague, Capital of the Twentieth Century, A Surrealist History
A survey of Czech culture from 1918 to the end of WWII, a golden age of modernism. Sayer deploys his encyclopedic knowledge by focusing on small details in Czech art, design, architecture, literature and music, ultimately weaving these threads into a vivid tapestry.
A History of Slovakia, The Struggle for Survival
A historian from Bratislava traces his nation's roots from the first arrival on the Danubian Plain to Slovakia's declaration of independence in 1993. A particularly solid discussion of the Communist period and the nation's relationship with the Czechs and Hungary.
Danube
Mixing history, personalities and literature, Magris traces the course of the Danube from its source in the heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire through the Balkans to the Black Sea in this anything but conventional travelogue, first published in 1986.
Mozart, A Life
Challenging myths surrounding Mozart’s health, religion and relationships, biographer Paul Johnson shows the great composer’s lasting impact on the musical world with insight.
Central Europe Map
This colorful regional European map, like the sister map Europe Grand Tour (EUR185), covers from Paris and Amsterdam to Vienna, Prague, Warsaw, Budapest, Rome and Dubrovnik.
Prague, A Traveler's Literary Companion
This anthology of 24 vivid stories by Czech writers, both contemporary and well-known, brings the city, history, spirit and people to life.
The Danube, A Cultural History
Beattie gives a comprehensive overview of the Danube’s role as a vital shipping artery and a uniting thread through the region’s turbulent history.
Vienna, A Traveler's Literary Companion
Organized by neighborhood, these 15 alluring tales introduce both the city and its writers, including Arthur Schnitzler, Robert Musil, Stefan Zweig and even Franz Kafka, who had a long and complicated association with the city.
All itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Weather and water conditions may affect the progress of the ship, and we may miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The operators reserve the right to change the content and duration of excursions without prior notice and so the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Whenever possible, Road Scholar’s published daily schedule will indicate port arrival and departure times. Prior to departure, if there is a major change, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
11 days
10 nights
What's Included
25 meals (
9B, 8L, 8D
)
6 expert-led lectures
7 expert-led field trips
2 performances
An experienced Group Leader
9 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive Budapest, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Budapest
Meals:
D
Stay:
Park Plaza Budapest
Activity Note
Hotel check in from 3:00 p.m. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.
Afternoon:
Hotel check-in is available starting at 3:00 p.m. You may store your luggage and explore the area while you wait for your room to become available. After checking in to the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. Orientation: 5:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar Adventures Afloat program. Port stops and field trips are subject to change as weather and river conditions could affect the progress of the vessel, making it run late and possibly miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The cruise itinerary should therefore be regarded as provisional. The time available in each port is set by the cruise line, which may mean free time in port is limited. The cruise line reserves the right change the itinerary without prior notice. When possible, the Road Scholar daily schedule indicates port arrival and departure times. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
3
Budapest, Folklore & Horses, Embarkation
Location:
Budapest
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
MS Douce France
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 6 miles approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Walking up to 3 miles, approximately 3 hours; uneven sidewalks, cobblestones. Note: Luggage will be transferred from the hotel to the boat separately.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will be joined by a local expert for an introduction to Hungary and Budapest. After the lecture, we’ll board a motorcoach and being our fieldtrip of Buda and Pest. Buda and Pest are two sides of the same city, divided from time immemorial by the Danube River and connected in 1849 by the Chain Bridge. We will start our expert-led drive on the Pest side of the city along Andrássy Avenue with its neo-Renaissance dwellings, embassies, theaters, restaurants and cafés, and boutiques; the Hungarian State Opera; Heroes Square; the Great Synagogue, second-largest in the world. We will stop at the Great Synogogue for an expert-led visit. At the conclusion of this visit, we will re-board our motorcoach and head to the Buda side of the city passing by the Hungarian Parliament building on our way to view the Castle District. Though Castle Hill has changed much since building began in the 13th century, its main streets still follow their medieval paths. Some houses date back to the 14th and 15th centuries, giving us an idea of what they may have looked like back then. Today, Castle Hill is a key element in the UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site, characterized by Gothic arches, 18th century Baroque houses, and cobblestone streets. We will then head to a countryside park for lunch.
Lunch:
At a countryside park.
Afternoon:
During lunch we will enjoy a traditional folklore performance, with live music and dancers, followed by a horseshow. Upon our return to Budapest, we will take a short walk in Heroes’ Square before we go to the dock for embarkation. After completing embarkation procedures and getting your cabin, we will gather in the lounge for a safety briefing and introduction to the ship’s staff.
Dinner:
On board.
Evening:
The remainder of the evening is at leisure. The ship will remain in Budapest overnight.
Day
4
Free time, History of Central Europe
Location:
Danube River
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
MS Douce France
Activity Note
Extent/duration of walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
On board.
Morning:
We will set out on foot with our group leader and walk by the “Whale” to the Main Market Hall. The remainder of the morning is free for independent exploration. The ship will depart for Bratislava at approximately 12:00 p.m.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Enjoy the scenery as we make our way to Bratislava. In the afternoon, we will gather in the lounge for a lecture by our Group Leader on the history of Central Europe.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Bratislava-Slovakia, Life Under Communism
Location:
Vienna
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
MS Douce France
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles, approximately 2 hours; uneven sidewalks, cobblestones.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
After docking in Bratislava, we will step off the ship for a walking field trip in the historical city center. Bratislava became one of the youngest capital cities in Europe after the “Velvet Divorce” of the Czech and Slovakian parts of Czechoslovakia in 1993. Although new as a capital city, the history of Bratislava spans many centuries and during our walk we will see beautifully renovated historical buildings such as the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace, and St. Martin’s Cathedral. We will walk back to the ship after our field trip.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
As we head towards Vienna, we’ll gather for a lecture by the Group Leader about life under communism, followed by a panel discussion with all three group leaders. The remainder of the afternoon is free. The ship will arrive in Vienna at approximately 7:00 p.m.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
We will be joined by a local expert and a principal flautist from the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra for a lecture on Mozart, Schubert, and Strauss. We will learn about the very diverse lives of three of Vienna’s best loved composers. Wolfgang Amadé Mozart — the name he called himself — achieved renown as a child prodigy, brilliant young pianist, and composer, but later struggled financially and suffered from a variety of illnesses. Franz Schubert, whom we revere today for his masterful songs, symphonies, masses, and chamber music, was relatively unrecognized outside his own circle of friends and colleagues, suffered illness, and died penniless. Johann Strauss (the Elder), however, was a leading conductor, composer of popular dance music, and one of the first international superstars of music. They will enhance the presentation with live performance of selected works by all three composers. The ship will remain docked in Vienna overnight.
Day
6
Ringstrasse, Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen, Free Time
Location:
Danube River
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
MS Douce France
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 10 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Walking up to 2 miles, approximately 2 hours. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven sidewalks, cobblestones.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We will step off the ship and board a motorcoach for a motorcoach field trip to take in the elegance of this former imperial capital. We will drive along the famous Ringstrasse and pass by the impressive palaces of the Museum Quarter, the Parliament and City Hall, beautiful Art Nouveau buildings like the Secession Building, and the underground station at Karlsplatz. We end our ride at Schwedenplatz. From there we will set out on foot with our local guide for a walk through the city center to Hofburg Palace. This palace, once the winter residence of the Habsburg family, was originally constructed in the 13th century. Over time it expanded and now has a total floor area of 300,000 square meters. We will enjoy a guided visit through the Imperial Apartments, which served as home to the monarchy until 1918. At the conclusion of this visit, we will walk towards St. Stephen’s Cathedral. From here, you may return to Schwedenplatz to board the motorcoach and return to the ship or remain in the city center to continue to explore on your own.
Lunch:
Aboard ship. You may also choose to stay on shore and dine on your own in Vienna.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity to see and do what interests you most. Shuttle buses will be available for rides between the ship and centrally-located Schwedenplatz.
Dinner:
Aboard ship. You may also choose to stay on shore and dine on your own in Vienna.
Evening:
At leisure. The ship will depart for Melk at approximately 11:00 p.m.
Day
7
Melk Abbey
Location:
Danube River
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
MS Douce France
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach, walking up to 2 miles in 2 hours. Walking over uneven sidewalks or cobblestones.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
This morning we will step off the ship and board a motorcoach for a field trip to Stift Melk — Melk Abbey — where a local expert will lead our exploration through one of the most famous monastic sites in the world. While the monastic community dates back more than 900 years, the magnificent Baroque ensemble we see was built from 1702-1736. We will walk through this huge complex of the Benedictine Abbey dominating the countryside, ending in the impressive library with countless medieval manuscripts. We’ll ride back to the ship after our field trip.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
The ship will depart Melk at approximately 2:00 p.m. Enjoy some free time on board as we sail to Passau. We will gather in the lounge for a lecture in the late afternoon.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for disembarkation and transfer in the morning.
Day
8
Disembark Ship, Cesky Krumlov, Transfer to Prague
Location:
Prague
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Vienna House Andel’s Prague
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 180 miles throughout the day, approximately 5 hours total riding time. Walking up to 2 miles, approximately 1 hour; some bad cobblestones.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We will complete disembarkation procedures and board a motorcoach to begin our journey to Prague. We will arrive at Cesky Krumlov, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. We will take a walk in this medieval town situated on the meander of Vltava River with its mighty castle complex erected on the rock promontory. We will enjoy a guided walk through the town before going to lunch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant in Cesky Krumlov.
Afternoon:
We’ll then continue our transfer to Prague. En route, we will hear a lecture on the European Union. Upon arrival in Prague, we will check in to our hotel and get our rooms. Take some time to freshen up before we meet for dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
9
Architecture, Old Town, Jewish District, Charles Bridge
Location:
Prague
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Vienna House Andel’s Prague
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 6 miles approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Walking up to 3 miles, approximately 3 hours; uneven sidewalks, cobblestones.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will gather in the hotel for a lecture by a local expert on architecture. We’ll then set out on a walking field trip in the Old Town with a local expert.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will continue to explore the Old Town and the Jewish district. We’ll then walk to the Charles Bridge area. This ancient Gothic bridge is decorated with Baroque statues. The remainder of the afternoon is free time to do what interests you most.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
10
Prague Castle, Lobkowicz Palace, Concert, Free Time
Location:
Prague
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Vienna House Andel’s Prague
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 6 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time (depending on traffic). Walking up to 3 miles, approximately 3 hours; uneven sidewalks, cobblestones, unavoidable uneven stone stairs. Note: New safety rules and regulations for entry into Prague Castle require that we show a copy of our passports before entering.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board a motorcoach and ride to Prague Castle, home of Bohemian kings and a textbook of Prague architecture itself. Standing tall amid the magnificent Hradcany District, or Castle District, it is rated as the largest castle complex in the world. During an expert-led exploration, we will see the interiors of St. Vitus Cathedral and privately owned Lobkowicz Palace.
Lunch:
At Lobkowicz Palace.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will enjoy a classical concert at Lobkowicz Palace. The remainder of the afternoon is free. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
11
Program Concludes, In Transit From Program
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers. Hotel check-out by 12:00 p.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
MEALS
25 Meals
9 Breakfasts
8 Lunches
8 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025
- May 14, 2025 - May 24, 2025
- May 24, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025
- Sep 10, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025
- Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 20 Reviews
Sort By:
Despite the weather, Sailing the Danube was quite the experience, even though we didn't "sail!"
— Review left September 26, 2024
Out program could have been disastrous had it not been for the dedication of everyone involved. Memorable experience on every level,in light of a 5000yr Danube river flood situation.
— Review left September 23, 2024
Overall, the trip was quite positive. The boat was comfortable and staff very friendly. Our leader did a great job of organizing and orienting us. Local guides were knowledgeable, although not all were of equal quality.
We would have preferred more time in Vienna to see a range of museums and possibly attend a concert. A high point of the trip was a class/performance on board the ship by a local musicology professor and a principal flautist from the Vienna Philharmonic.
— Review left July 3, 2024
This trip was amazing! We learned so much and met great people, all while enjoying a beautiful cruise down the Danube. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone looking to learn and relax at the same time!
— Review left June 6, 2024
Thank you RS and fellow travelers for a delightful Danube excursion. You were great company allowing me to learn with and from you.
— Review left May 28, 2024
This program covers less well know parts of Europe including some lovely smaller towns and cities in addition to the great cities of Prague, Viena, and Budapest. It is a great way to learn more about this interesting and complicated part of the world. One missed learning opporunity was the food on the ship, it was French instead of cusine of the countries we were traveling through.
— Review left May 27, 2024
This was a wonderful trip to a part of Europe I have never been. The accommodations were very nice and the food top notch! Our guide Robert was great, frequently going above and beyond to make our trip a great experience. The time passed quickly and I would have liked it to continue.
— Review left May 27, 2024
An amazing trip in an area that I knew very little about before the trip. I especially enjoyed the educational aspect of the trip to help me understand the history of this area of Europe.
— Review left October 14, 2023
The program was very informative as well as very strenuous. However, we were told to expect a lot of walking and a lot of stairs. Anyone who has problems with either shouldn't sign up for this program.
— Review left October 9, 2023
I just came back from the Danube river cruise which took in Prague(my favorite ) Budapest and Vienna. Personally, I would have enjoyed a little more independence but overall I loved almost every minute of it. I found the group leaders to be delightful, helpful and informative and my fellow travelers, in the main very enjoyable to be with.
— Review left October 7, 2023
This was our first Road Scholar trip, and we found it was exactly what we wanted. A good balance of structured and free time, extremely helpful and friendly staff and guides, They do everything to make it easy for the traveler. We are active walkers, so we liked the level of activity, which involved a lot of walking each day.
— Review left October 7, 2023
I selected this trip in part because I saw that Croisi was providing the food. I had experienced their food on a previous trip sonducted by the Croisi cruise line. The food on the RS trip was terrific, even better than I had hoped.
— Review left September 27, 2023
If you are interested in learning and seeing an amazing part of the world, the trip on the Danube, along with a visit to Prague, is a must. Road Scholar with a dedicated smaller river boat, made this a wonderful experience.
— Review left September 27, 2023
Sailing the Danube River through Central Europe was an experience of a lifetime. The ship, accommodations and food were all wonderful. Great group leaders and local guides to help you understand Central Europe. Felt safe everywhere and had so many wonderful experiences. So nice you don't need extra money for tips or anything other than items you want to purchase. All inclusive for sure. Highly recommend
— Review left September 19, 2022
Road Scholar provides an informative and delightful experience in their program “Sailing the Danube River”.
If coming from North America, I would suggest arriving a few days early to overcome the jet lag.
The program is well balanced with structured activities as well as free time. As well, the tours of the cities are experienced on the tour bus and walking about to various sites. The Douce France is exceptional in the size of the guest rooms, their French cuisine and the various public areas. Spending the first 3 nights in Prague is a good start as it keeps the cost of a danube river cruise down. The lectures were educational and provided practical information for what we were experiencing. The leaders of the tour and the staff on the ship provided excellent service and attention.
— Review left September 14, 2022
This program is on the go with lots to see and do
— Review left October 15, 2021
Wonderful program for lifelong learners and travelers interested in engaging with new cultures
— Review left October 15, 2021
A wonderful trip for those interested in architecture and history. The Symphonie has amazing French food, and the guides are great teachers, one of whom is a citizen of Budapest.
— Review left October 14, 2021
We have participated in three Road Scholar tours. Each has surpassed our expectations. We are continually delighted with content and scope of these educational tours.
— Review left September 24, 2021
How fascinating to see how the people of former Eastern European countries have progressed and changed their world since 1990. I’ve seen the before (East Germany) and lived under Marxism (Chile). This is a remarkable testament to human resilience.
— Review left September 24, 2021
