Czech Republic/Germany/Austria/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 fascinating political and cultural histories with local experts
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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.
What You'll Learn
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Meals
25 Meals
9 Breakfasts
8 Lunches
8 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Low Fat, Low Salt, Vegetarian
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
- Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025
- Sep 11, 2024 - Sep 20, 2024
- Sep 21, 2024 - Sep 30, 2024
- May 14, 2025 - May 24, 2025
- May 24, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025
- Sep 10, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025
- Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025
3 nights
Prague
Vienna House Andel’s is located in the popular Andel district. The hotel is known for it’s design and modern architecture. While it is surrounded by trendy shops and restaurants, it is still located within walking distance of the Old Town.
5 nights
Strasbourg
Built in 1997 and renovated in 2017, Croisi Europe’s well-appointed MS Douce France sails on the Rhine River. Between its upper and main deck, this river boat accommodates 106 passengers in 55 cabins. All cabins feature a TV, safe and independent air-conditioning. Visit the sun deck in the mornings for a group fitness class or to simply relax and take in the views. Enjoy dinner in the restaurant or unwind in the lounge all while savoring panoramic views of the river.
3 nights
Prague
Vienna House Andel’s is located in the popular Andel district. The hotel is known for it’s design and modern architecture. While it is surrounded by trendy shops and restaurants, it is still located within walking distance of the Old Town.
5 nights
Strasbourg
Built in 1997 and renovated in 2017, Croisi Europe’s well-appointed MS Douce France sails on the Rhine River. Between its upper and main deck, this river boat accommodates 106 passengers in 55 cabins. All cabins feature a TV, safe and independent air-conditioning. Visit the sun deck in the mornings for a group fitness class or to simply relax and take in the views. Enjoy dinner in the restaurant or unwind in the lounge all while savoring panoramic views of the river.
1 night
Budapest
The four-star Continental Hotel Budapest is built on the site of the former legendary Hungária Spa and the historical Continental Hotel in Budapest’s city center. The nearby Jewish Quarter with its atmospheric streets, market and cultural legacy, including Europe’s largest synagogue and the Jewish Museum, together with the area’s restaurants and retro bars evoke a special mood that cannot be experienced anywhere else in the world.
5 nights
Strasbourg
Built in 1997 and renovated in 2017, Croisi Europe’s well-appointed MS Douce France sails on the Rhine River. Between its upper and main deck, this river boat accommodates 106 passengers in 55 cabins. All cabins feature a TV, safe and independent air-conditioning. Visit the sun deck in the mornings for a group fitness class or to simply relax and take in the views. Enjoy dinner in the restaurant or unwind in the lounge all while savoring panoramic views of the river.
3 nights
Prague
Vienna House Andel’s is located in the popular Andel district. The hotel is known for it’s design and modern architecture. While it is surrounded by trendy shops and restaurants, it is still located within walking distance of the Old Town.
1 night
Budapest
The four-star Continental Hotel Budapest is built on the site of the former legendary Hungária Spa and the historical Continental Hotel in Budapest’s city center. The nearby Jewish Quarter with its atmospheric streets, market and cultural legacy, including Europe’s largest synagogue and the Jewish Museum, together with the area’s restaurants and retro bars evoke a special mood that cannot be experienced anywhere else in the world.
5 nights
Strasbourg
Built in 1997 and renovated in 2017, Croisi Europe’s well-appointed MS Douce France sails on the Rhine River. Between its upper and main deck, this river boat accommodates 106 passengers in 55 cabins. All cabins feature a TV, safe and independent air-conditioning. Visit the sun deck in the mornings for a group fitness class or to simply relax and take in the views. Enjoy dinner in the restaurant or unwind in the lounge all while savoring panoramic views of the river.
3 nights
Prague
Vienna House Andel’s is located in the popular Andel district. The hotel is known for it’s design and modern architecture. While it is surrounded by trendy shops and restaurants, it is still located within walking distance of the Old Town.
1 night
Budapest
The four-star Continental Hotel Budapest is built on the site of the former legendary Hungária Spa and the historical Continental Hotel in Budapest’s city center. The nearby Jewish Quarter with its atmospheric streets, market and cultural legacy, including Europe’s largest synagogue and the Jewish Museum, together with the area’s restaurants and retro bars evoke a special mood that cannot be experienced anywhere else in the world.
5 nights
Strasbourg
Built in 1997 and renovated in 2017, Croisi Europe’s well-appointed MS Douce France sails on the Rhine River. Between its upper and main deck, this river boat accommodates 106 passengers in 55 cabins. All cabins feature a TV, safe and independent air-conditioning. Visit the sun deck in the mornings for a group fitness class or to simply relax and take in the views. Enjoy dinner in the restaurant or unwind in the lounge all while savoring panoramic views of the river.
3 nights
Prague
Vienna House Andel’s is located in the popular Andel district. The hotel is known for it’s design and modern architecture. While it is surrounded by trendy shops and restaurants, it is still located within walking distance of the Old Town.
1 night
Budapest
The four-star Continental Hotel Budapest is built on the site of the former legendary Hungária Spa and the historical Continental Hotel in Budapest’s city center. The nearby Jewish Quarter with its atmospheric streets, market and cultural legacy, including Europe’s largest synagogue and the Jewish Museum, together with the area’s restaurants and retro bars evoke a special mood that cannot be experienced anywhere else in the world.
5 nights
Strasbourg
Built in 1997 and renovated in 2017, Croisi Europe’s well-appointed MS Douce France sails on the Rhine River. Between its upper and main deck, this river boat accommodates 106 passengers in 55 cabins. All cabins feature a TV, safe and independent air-conditioning. Visit the sun deck in the mornings for a group fitness class or to simply relax and take in the views. Enjoy dinner in the restaurant or unwind in the lounge all while savoring panoramic views of the river.
3 nights
Prague
Vienna House Andel’s is located in the popular Andel district. The hotel is known for it’s design and modern architecture. While it is surrounded by trendy shops and restaurants, it is still located within walking distance of the Old Town.
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