13-Day Adriatic & Danube Discovery: Croatia, Germany, Austria, Slovakia & Hungary

DAY 1 | Tuesday – Depart for Croatia

Start your unforgettable journey through the Adriatic and Danube regions. Fly to Split, Croatia, and prepare for a 13-day adventure combining ancient Roman history, stunning islands, vibrant cities, and a luxury river cruise.

DAY 2 | Wednesday – Arrive in Split

Arrive in Split, Croatia’s vibrant seaside city, and transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Meet your Tour Manager at 6 PM for an orientation and welcome reception.

Overnight: Split

DAY 3 | Thursday – Split Walking Tour

Begin your day with a walking tour of Split, a city rich in Renaissance and Gothic architecture. Highlights include:

• Palace of Diocletian, a 4th-century Roman architectural marvel

• Cathedral of St. Domnius

• Temple of Jupiter with its headless black sphinx
  Enjoy independent exploration in the afternoon, wandering cobbled streets, local shops, and historic plazas.

Overnight: Split | Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4 | Friday – Ferry to Brac Island, Supetar Walking Tour & Wine Tasting

Cross the sparkling Adriatic Sea to Brac Island. Tour Supetar, admire Dalmatian architecture, and visit the Church of St. Peter. After lunch, enjoy a Brac wine tasting in Nerezisca and soak in panoramic views from Vidova Gora, the highest peak in the Adriatic islands. Return by ferry to Split.

Overnight: Split | Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5 | Saturday – Free Day in Split / Optional Dalmatian Experience

Today, explore Split independently or join the optional Dalmatian Experience, featuring:

• Klis Fortress, a medieval stronghold and Game of Thrones filming location

• Dalmatian Ethno Village & botanical garden

• Traditional local lunch with regional specialties

Overnight: Split | Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6 | Sunday – Flight to Munich, Cruise Embarkation in Regensburg

Depart Split for Munich, then transfer to Regensburg to board your Monarch Queen river cruise at 2 PM. Relax on board and enjoy a welcome dinner with the Cruise Director.

Overnight: River Cruise | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7 | Monday – Regensburg City Tour

Explore Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a guided walking tour including:

• Old Town Hall

• Dom St. Peter

• Porta Praetoria, an ancient Roman gateway
  Marvel at medieval churches and one of the oldest stone bridges over the Danube. Afternoon at leisure before sailing to Passau.

Overnight: River Cruise | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8 | Tuesday – Morning in Passau / Optional Salzburg Tour

Dock in Passau, the “City of Three Rivers,” with pastel houses, cobbled lanes, and stunning riverfront views. Explore on a walking orientation or join the full-day Salzburg tour:

• Mirabell Palace & Gardens

• Salzburg Cathedral

• St. Peter’s Abbey & Cemetery

Return to the ship in the evening as it sails to Melk.

Overnight: River Cruise | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9 | Wednesday – Melk Abbey & Durnstein

Tour Melk Abbey, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, including the Abbot’s chambers and imperial library. Cruise through the Wachau Valley, then stroll the charming streets of Durnstein, a picturesque town in the heart of the Danube wine region.

Overnight: River Cruise | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10 | Thursday – Vienna City Tour

Experience Vienna, the imperial Austrian capital. Drive along the Ringstrasse, passing:

• Vienna State Opera

• Parliament & City Hall

• Hofburg Palace
  Walk through St. Stephen’s Cathedral and enjoy free time or join the optional Schonbrunn Palace tour. Optional evening classical recital showcases Mozart and Strauss masterpieces.

Overnight: River Cruise | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11 | Friday – Bratislava City Tour

Sail to Bratislava, Slovakia. Stroll the historic Old Town, seeing:

• St. Martin’s Cathedral

• Old Town Hall

• Franciscan Church
  Explore independently before cruising to Budapest, Hungary.

Overnight: River Cruise | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12 | Saturday – Budapest City Tour

Tour Budapest’s Pest side:

• Parliament Building

• Heroes Square & City Park
  Cross to the Buda side for Royal Palace & Matthias Church, then explore shops and cafes independently. Enjoy your final dinner on board.

Overnight: River Cruise | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13 | Sunday – Depart Hungary

Disembark and transfer to the airport for your departure flight, concluding your Adriatic and Danube adventure.

Meals: Breakfast

Tour Highlights

• Explore Split’s Roman heritage & Diocletian’s Palace

• Cruise to Brac Island, sample local wines, and hike Vidova Gora

• Discover Regensburg, Melk Abbey, and the Wachau Valley

• Vienna city tour & optional Schonbrunn Palace visit

• Stroll Bratislava’s medieval streets and Budapest’s iconic landmarks

• Luxury river cruise amenities with complimentary beer & wine at dinner

Cruise & Package Inclusions

• Flights: New York–Split / Budapest–New York, including Split-Munich connection

• 11 nights First Class accommodations: Split (4), Monarch Queen Cruise (7)

• 24 meals: 11 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners

• Ferry: Split–Brac Island–Split

• River port charges & hotel/cruise porterage

• Modern air-conditioned transport & English-speaking guides

• Shore excursions and sightseeing per itinerary

• Wireless earphones for enhanced touring

• Tips for porters, wait staff, and guides

Cruise Features & Amenities

• Wine & beer with dinner, early riser breakfast, coffee & tea station

• Fitness center, lounge serving premium spirits

• Non-smoking interior, free Wi-Fi in public areas

• Shore excursions in English by licensed guides

Special Features

• Walk Split’s cobbled streets and Roman landmarks

• Scenic ferry ride to Brac Island with wine tasting

• Spectacular views from Vidova Gora, the Adriatic’s highest peak

• Explore Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage city

• Tour Melk Abbey & Durnstein in the Wachau Valley

• Vienna sightseeing including Hofburg Palace & St. Stephen’s Cathedral

• Stroll Bratislava & Budapest, including Parliament & Heroes Square