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Delightful Danube

8 Day Cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg

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AARP Members Save on select departures
SAVE UP TO $980
From $3,239
WAS $4,219
Find this price
8 Days
3 Countries

Austria, Germany, Hungary

8 Cities

Budapest, Vienna, Krems, Engelhartszell, Regensburg, Nuremberg, Passau, Emmersdorf an der Donau

21 Meals

5 Dinners, 7 Breakfast Buffets, 6 Lunchs, 1 Welcome Dinner, 1 Farewell Dinner, 1 Continental Breakfast

Comfortable

Mainly 2 and 3 night stays in each location. Comfortable travel days with numerous stops. Requires walking to participate in top sites.

Average group size 120 passengers

Uniworld River Cruises

If all-inclusive, luxury travel is your standard go-to, or are traveling to celebrate a milestone or special occasion, a boutique, luxury river cruise is the perfect choice. The world’s best and most awarded luxury river cruise line, for more than four decades, Uniworld has specialized in providing intimate and in-depth one-of-a-kind journeys for travelers seeking to explore the rivers of the world in exceptional style. On every all-inclusive Uniworld river cruise, you’ll be whisked away to a variety of destinations in one trip onboard a beautiful river ship. Along the way, you’ll enjoy five-star cuisine, unique local experiences, and exceptional service from the longest tenured crew in river cruising.

View all Uniworld River Cruises

River Duchess

The 130-passenger River Duchess is decorated in soft hues of blue and green complemented by soothing earth tones, providing a tranquil and elegant onboard ambiance. Enjoy spectacular and ever-changing views of Europe’s most enchanting waterways in the ship’s stylish Blue Danube Lounge, Palace Restaurant, or the La Motte Sky Lounge.

See Ship

Experience dynamic Budapest and imperial Vienna. Marvel at ravishing scenery as your luxurious ship glides through the Wachau Valley, celebrated as one of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, into Germany and past charming Bavarian villages. Exclusive treasures are plentiful on this delightful journey.

Jewish Heritage Program (select sailings): Our Jewish Heritage Program is the only one of its kind on the rivers and allows you to dive into Central Europe's enduring Jewish legacy with visits to museums, memorials, synagogues and more. Please note: due to site closures during the High Holidays, the Jewish Heritage program will only operate on the following departures: Apr 13, Apr 27, May 11, May 25, Jun 8, Jun 22, Jul 6, Aug 3, Aug 31, Oct 12, Oct 26. Sites may also be closed for inside viewing during Passover or other significant events.

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Average group size
120 passengers
Tour brand
Uniworld River Cruises
Travel style
River Duchess
Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1

Budapest (Embark)

Arrive at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. If your cruise/tour package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.

 Budapest (Embark)
Included Meals Dinner

Day 2

Budapest

Located on opposite sides of the Danube, Buda and Pest each has a distinctive character and allure all its own. Explore this dynamic and multi-faceted city with your choice of excursions—you can see it from a local’s perspective on a walking tour, or cover more ground with a panoramic tour. Or choose our Jewish Heritage excursion offering you a detailed introduction to Jewish Budapest.

In the evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

Budapest
Included Meals Breakfast Buffet, Lunch, Welcome Dinner
Featured Excursions
Budapest Walk with Local Treats

Today your guide will show you how to snack around Budapest like a local, starting with a tram ride to the House of Parliament. Hop off the tram an...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Featured Excursions
Jewish Budapest

On your way into the Jewish Quarter, take a panoramic drive along the UNESCO-designated Andrassy Avenue. Among its beautiful neo-Renaissance archit...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Featured Excursions
Budapest Panoramic Highlights with St. Stephen's Cathedral

This panoramic tour is a wonderful way to get an overview of the city if you have never been here before. It will carry you from Heroes’ Squa...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Day 3

Vienna

The grand dame of the Danube, Vienna was the heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and remains, to this day, the political and cultural center of Austria. Klimt painted here; Beethoven and Mozart composed here; Freud developed his theories here. It’s a treasure trove of splendid architecture, astonishing art collections and inviting cafés—and today it is yours to explore. A city tour will show you the architectural highlights of the Austrian capital as well as the legendary Belvedere Palace. Or, indulge your passion for fine art and fine food with a fascinating and memorable panoramic tour. Or explore Jewish Vienna via our Jewish Heritage excursion.

Vienna
Included Meals Breakfast Buffet, Lunch, Dinner
Featured Excursions
Klimt at the Belvedere

The Belvedere is a Baroque palatial complex commissioned during an immensely productive Habsburg building spree. Originally the summer residence of...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Featured Excursions
Jewish Vienna

Explore the “City of Waltzes” from a Jewish heritage perspective on today’s outing. Beginning at the Judenplatz, you’ll lea...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Featured Excursions
Vienna's Historic Trails and Local Treats

In many ways a must-visit destination for both the art lover and the gourmand, Vienna is full of artistic and culinary treasures. Today’s wal...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Day 4

Krems

You’ll want to find a comfortable seat in the lounge or on the Sun Deck this afternoon as your ship cruises through the Wachau Valley. Over the eons, the Danube cut a gorge through the foothills of the Bohemian mountains, resulting in a 19-mile (30-kilometer) stretch of riverine scenery so beautiful, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Landscape. Castle ruins dominate hilltops; baroque church towers appear on the riverbanks, marking historic villages and splendid abbeys; and apricot orchards and vineyards cling to the rocky slopes. Some of Austria’s finest white wines are produced from grapes ripening on the dry-stone terraces above the river, where grapes have been grown for 2,000 years. Your ship will dock in Krems, midway through this glorious landscape.

Krems
Included Meals Breakfast Buffet, Lunch, Dinner
Featured Excursions
Stetteldorf Castle Visit

Schloss Stetteldorf, also known as Juliusburg Castle, sits right on the edge of the Wagram in Lower Austria. The castle was constructed in 1588 for...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Featured Excursions
Treasures of the Wachau

As you arrive in the attractive town of Spitz, take note of the vine-covered hill rising above the town on your way in. A famous local landmark, th...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Day 5

Engelhartszell, Passau

Your ship cruises through a scenic highlight of the Danube early this morning, the Schlögener Schlinge—a hairpin loop in the Danube that was once very hazardous for ships and is now a lovely, serene stretch of water—and leaves Austria behind today. Your first German port of call is Passau, where three rivers meet—the Inn, the Ilz and the Danube—and three nations almost meet: Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic, making for a fascinating cultural mosaic. Get to know the town and its main claim to fame, Europe’s largest pipe organ, or join an invigorating riverside bike ride.

Engelhartszell, Passau
Included Meals Breakfast Buffet, Lunch, Dinner
Featured Excursions
Let's Go: Scenic Bavarian River Biking

Set off on an invigorating bike ride from Engelhartszell to Passau, led by an experienced professional bike guide. Wind your way through the lovely...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Featured Excursions
Village Day: Passau

You’ll have the opportunity to choose one of four different ways to immerse yourself in this wonderful city today, learning about local peopl...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Day 6

Regensburg

Bavaria’s first capital, Regensburg, owes its impressive historical lineage and rich architectural heritage to 600 years as a Free Imperial City, a fact recognized by UNESCO in 2006. Today, you’ll discover how the beautifully preserved medieval city coexists with a vibrant modern urban center.

A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

Regensburg
Included Meals Breakfast Buffet, Lunch, Farewell Dinner
Featured Excursions
Nights Out: Regensburg Cathedral Choir

This evening, Regensburger Domspatzen will treat you to a private concert in their famous Gothic cathedral. Literally translated to “The Rege...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Featured Excursions
The Giant Sphere of Bavaria

Take a short drive to the Upper Palatinate Lake District to find something entirely unexpected: a giant wooden ball sitting right in the middle of ...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Featured Excursions
Jewish Regensburg

Join your local guide for a walking tour through the delightfully medieval town of Regensburg. Stroll over the Iron Bridge and on to the magnificen...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Featured Excursions
Regensburg Walk with Thurn and Taxis Castle Visit

Begin this three-hour excursion with a visit to the city center of Regensburg’s Old Town, which has much to offer including the Porta Praetor...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Day 7

Cruising the Main-Danube Canal, Nuremberg

Onboard, come out on deck or find a window seat where you can watch the ship navigate a series of locks as it travels across the “continental divide” and through one of the modern world’s greatest feats of engineering—the Main-Danube canal. This evening, you’ll have the opportunity to join us on a special Nights Out private tour of the Faber-Castell factory near Nuremberg. -->

Cruising the Main-Danube Canal, Nuremberg
Included Meals Breakfast Buffet, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Nuremberg (Disembark)

Disembark the ship. If your cruise package includes a group departure transfer or if you purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Nuremberg Airport for your flight.

Nuremberg (Disembark)
Included Meals Continental Breakfast, Breakfast Buffet

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Included Highlights

Top Highlights

Featured Excursions
Budapest Walk with Local Treats

Today your guide will show you how to snack around Budapest like a local, starting with a tram ride to the House of Parliament. Hop off the tram an...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
Jewish Budapest

On your way into the Jewish Quarter, take a panoramic drive along the UNESCO-designated Andrassy Avenue. Among its beautiful neo-Renaissance archit...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
Budapest Panoramic Highlights with St. Stephen's Cathedral

This panoramic tour is a wonderful way to get an overview of the city if you have never been here before. It will carry you from Heroes’ Squa...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
Klimt at the Belvedere

The Belvedere is a Baroque palatial complex commissioned during an immensely productive Habsburg building spree. Originally the summer residence of...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
Jewish Vienna

Explore the “City of Waltzes” from a Jewish heritage perspective on today’s outing. Beginning at the Judenplatz, you’ll lea...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
Vienna's Historic Trails and Local Treats

In many ways a must-visit destination for both the art lover and the gourmand, Vienna is full of artistic and culinary treasures. Today’s wal...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
Stetteldorf Castle Visit

Schloss Stetteldorf, also known as Juliusburg Castle, sits right on the edge of the Wagram in Lower Austria. The castle was constructed in 1588 for...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
Treasures of the Wachau

As you arrive in the attractive town of Spitz, take note of the vine-covered hill rising above the town on your way in. A famous local landmark, th...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
Let's Go: Scenic Bavarian River Biking

Set off on an invigorating bike ride from Engelhartszell to Passau, led by an experienced professional bike guide. Wind your way through the lovely...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
Village Day: Passau

You’ll have the opportunity to choose one of four different ways to immerse yourself in this wonderful city today, learning about local peopl...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
Nights Out: Regensburg Cathedral Choir

This evening, Regensburger Domspatzen will treat you to a private concert in their famous Gothic cathedral. Literally translated to “The Rege...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
The Giant Sphere of Bavaria

Take a short drive to the Upper Palatinate Lake District to find something entirely unexpected: a giant wooden ball sitting right in the middle of ...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
Jewish Regensburg

Join your local guide for a walking tour through the delightfully medieval town of Regensburg. Stroll over the Iron Bridge and on to the magnificen...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
Regensburg Walk with Thurn and Taxis Castle Visit

Begin this three-hour excursion with a visit to the city center of Regensburg’s Old Town, which has much to offer including the Porta Praetor...

See More
Included in Trip

Authentic Dining

All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients

7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners

Welcome and Farewell Gala Dinners

Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions

Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks, and mineral water

Excursions

6 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts

Guided "Let's Go" program

State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions

Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks throughout your cruise

Accommodations

7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the stunning S.S. Beatrice

Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites have handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, high thread count 100% Egyptian cotton sheets and European duvets, and a menu of pillow options

Free Wi-Fi

Experiences

6 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts

Guided "Let's Go" program

State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions

Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks throughout your cruise

Cruise: Western & Central Europe

Dining  

When dining onboard, you’ll be treated to world-class cuisine made from fresh ingredients, locally sourced from the destinations you visit. 

Complimentary Beverages  

All beverages are included during your cruise. Complimentary beverages onboard include wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks, and mineral water.  

Gratuities 

Gratuities for all onboard personnel including the ship staff, crew, and Cruise Manager, are included. 

Curated Excursions 

Complementary and comprehensive shore excursions led by local English-speaking experts designed to provide the best possible experiences ashore. 

Scheduled Airport Transfers 

Complementary airport arrival and departure group transfers provided for flights that meet guidelines.

Uniworld sails rivers in several Western & Central European Countries, including Austria, Belgium, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland 

  • Official Languages: Croatian (Croatia), Dutch (Belgium, Netherlands), French (Belgium, France, Switzerland), German (Austria, Belgium, Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Switzerland), Italian (Italy, Switzerland), Luxembourgish (Luxembourg), Portuguese (Portugal), Spanish (Spain), Romansh (Switzerland) 
  • Capital Cities: Vienna (Austria), Brussels (Belgium), Zagreb (Croatia), Paris (France), Berlin (Germany), Rome (Italy), Vaduz (Liechtenstein), Luxembourg City (Luxembourg), Amsterdam (Netherlands), Lisbon (Portugal), Madrid (Spain), Bern (Switzerland).  
  • Time Zones: Western European Time (EET), UTC+0, and Western European Summer Time (EEST), UTC+1, Central European Time (CET) UTC+1, Central European Summer Time (CEST) UTC+2 during daylight saving time. 
  • Currencies: 
    Austria: Euro (EUR) € 
    Belgium: Euro (EUR) € 
    Croatia: Croatian Kuna (HRK) kn 
    France: Euro (EUR) € 
    Germany: Euro (EUR) € 
    Italy: Euro (EUR) € 
    Liechtenstein: Swiss Franc (CHF) CHF 
    Luxembourg: Euro (EUR) € 
    Netherlands: Euro (EUR) € 
    Portugal: Euro (EUR) € 
    Spain: Euro (EUR) € 
    Switzerland: Swiss Franc (CHF) CHF 

All Uniworld river cruises require a passport with at least two blank pages for entry stamps. Must be valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of your trip.  

Visa Requirements: Access the latest entry requirements for all your destinations with our user-friendly Destination Entry Guide. Powered by CIBT, the leading authority in travel visas and US passports; check back as often as you like before your trip to ensure you have everything you need before you depart.  

  • Austria: Austria features a temperate continental climate with cold winters and mild summers. Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, with more rain in the summer months. 
  • Belgium: Belgium has a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild winters and cool summers. Rainfall is distributed evenly throughout the year. 
  • Croatia: Croatia has a varied climate, with continental influences inland and a Mediterranean climate along the coast. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are mild along the coast but colder inland with snowfall. 
  • France: France experiences a variety of climates, ranging from oceanic and Mediterranean to alpine. Generally, it has mild winters and warm summers, but specific regions may have different weather patterns. 
  • Germany: Germany has a temperate seasonal climate with moderate rainfall throughout the year. Winters are usually cold, while summers are mild to warm. 
  • Italy: Italy has a diverse climate, with Mediterranean conditions prevailing along the coast and continental climates in the interior. Summers are typically hot and dry, while winters are mild in the south and colder in the north. 
  • Liechtenstein: Liechtenstein has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Precipitation is moderate throughout the year, with slightly more rain in the summer months. 
  • Luxembourg: Luxembourg has a temperate maritime climate with mild winters and cool summers. Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year. 
  • The Netherlands: The Netherlands has a maritime climate influenced by the North Sea, with mild winters and cool summers. Rainfall is frequent throughout the year. 
  • Portugal: Portugal has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The southern region experiences hotter temperatures compared to the north. 
  • Spain: Spain has a diverse climate, ranging from Mediterranean in the south to maritime and continental in the north. Summers are typically hot and dry, while winters vary from mild to cold depending on the region. 
  • Switzerland: Switzerland has a temperate climate with distinct regional variations. The Alpine region experiences cold winters and cool summers, while the lowlands have milder temperatures with more precipitation throughout the year. 

Baggage Allowance 

Baggage storage space onboard is limited. For their own comfort and convenience, Uniworld requests guests bring one (1) suitcase per person and one (1) carry-on bag per person (excluding purses). Airline baggage restrictions change frequently. Guests should check on the specific air carrier’s website for limitations concerning baggage weight, baggage size, carry-on regulations, and excess or overweight baggage charges.  

Packing Tips for a River Cruise 

Packing for a river cruise will vary depending on the duration of the trip, the time of year, and the activities planned. Here is a general packing list to help you get started: 

  • A valid and current passport
  • A copy of your travel insurance and any necessary travel documents. 
  • Your Cruise Travel Companion, easily accessible should you need to reference it. 
  • Prepare for a variety of weather conditions, depending on your travel season and the regions through which you will be cruising. Layering clothing items is always your best bet, as this allows you to adjust to most temperatures, by removing or adding items throughout the day.  
  • Comfortable, sporty, smart-casual daywear is fine both onshore and onboard. Everyday slacks, khakis, walking shorts and everyday skirts/dresses are recommended. For warmer months, bring lightweight clothing that can be layered. For early spring and late fall departures, heavier cotton or wool tops and long-sleeved shirts, and pants are perfectly suitable. 
  • Comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support. You will participate in a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your time ashore.  
  • A lightweight waterproof jacket (preferably a hooded one) for all seasons, and a heavier weight jacket for colder temperatures and destinations.  
  • Evening wear: Resort-type wear is perfectly suitable. Men may want to bring a sport jacket for dressier venues and for special events onboard such as the Captain’s Welcome and Farewell festivities. Women may wish to bring a cocktail dress or two for finer dining or entertainment experiences.  

Laundry Services Onboard 

A launderette containing a self-service washing machine, dryer, and iron is available for your use while aboard the ship. The ship also provides washing, drying, and ironing services for a fee. There are no dry-cleaning facilities. 

Electrical Currency on European Ships 

Electrical current is 220V, the European standard. To accommodate guests’ needs, each stateroom or suite has one 110V outlet.  

Using a Hair Dryer Onboard 

Every stateroom or suite bathroom is stocked with a hair dryer, bath and body products, and a luxurious bathrobe for each guest. 

Air Conditioning  

Every stateroom and suite has an individual thermostat for air-conditioning and/or heat.  

Connecting to the Internet & Wi-Fi 

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available.  

From visiting a museum without the crowds to an after-hours tour of a famous landmark, these included, once-in-a-lifetime experiences are arranged privately for Uniworld guests. All shore excursions are carefully coordinated to the ship’s daily schedule. Each motorcoach or walking group has its own English-speaking local expert.  

Masterpiece Collection (Additional, Optional Experiences) 

Uniworld’s curated Masterpiece Collection of optional excursions go above and beyond the included experiences and are available for an additional charge. 

We highly recommend having travel insurance that covers medical expenses while abroad. 

Spa Treatments & Massages While Cruising* 

Spa treatments and massage services are available onboard the ship. 

Special Dietary Needs 

Please notify GET or Uniworld if you have special dietary concerns or considerations that need to be considered while traveling. Uniworld staff will do their best to ensure that your request is accommodated, but GET cannot guarantee that requests can be met in all cases.  

Mobility Concerns 

Passengers must advise GET at time of booking of any physical, medical, or other special needs that require accommodation.  

Uniworld does not employ staff nurses or doctors onboard its ships, nor can they provide personal medical or mobility devices (such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, or prescription eyeglasses) or services of a personal nature (such as pushing a wheelchair or assistance in eating, toileting, or dressing). A companion capable of providing such assistance must accompany any passenger who requires services of a personal nature. Please note, embarkation/disembarkation facilities may not be navigable using wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, or the like. As well, excursions often include rough terrain, extensive walking over cobblestone streets, uneven pavement, or stairs. 

Traveling with Medications 

In accordance with international laws, no over-the-counter medications are available on Uniworld ships. Pack a plentiful supply of any medication you may need while on vacation. Click the link to learn more about traveling with medications 

*Available on select ships. Additional fee for spa services.  

Gratuities for all onboard personnel including the ship staff, crew, and Cruise Manager, are included during your cruise. 

Local Specialists & Coach Drivers 

It is customary to show appreciation for the insights, stories, and know-how shared with you by the Local Specialists, and we suggest a gratuity of €1-2 (Euro) per person per half day.

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