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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Participant Reviews
Based on 22 Reviews
SHOWING
River cruising is so unlike ocean cruising in that the pace is more leisurely and you don't get seasick!
— Review left May 25, 2025
This was my first Road Scholar trip and it was very lovely I enjoyed the experience of being on a river cruise, however, the rainy cool weather prevented us from taking full advantage of the sun deck. The inside lounge was quite comfortable as were the cabins. The food was mostly very good and nicely prepared except that most of the cuts of meat were chewy or dry. The guides were excellent and most of the lectures were very informative except the one about architecture, which didn’t seem relevant. The excursions were very well chosen, worthwhile and interesting. We all felt a bit short changed having only 1 day in Vienna and that was on a Monday when several of the museums are closed.
Overall I would give this tour 8 out of 10 points.
— Review left May 25, 2025
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
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
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
