Vienna to Budapest River Cruise
July 19 thru 26, 2023
Come cruise with us OUTbound as we sail the Blue Danube from Vienna to Budapest and back again. Along the you will discover the historical and cultural treasures of the great capitals along the majestic Danube, from the famous scenes of the Vienna Konzerthaus to the Baroque palaces of Bratislava. We’ll sail the picturesque Wachau Valley to enchanting Dürnstein, visiting the castle ruins where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. We will visit inspiring Budapest, learning tales of its past while proudly looking forward to the future. Finally, we’ll spend two full days in one of our favorite cities, Vienna... touring the famous Ringstrasse to view the city’s marvelous architecture, history and culture.
Come sail with us along the Danube from Vienna to Budapest & back again!
Book today and choose a payment plan that fits your budget! Choose from either convenient quarterly payments or spread your payments out over monthly installments. Either way, OUTbound has a payment plan designed for any budget!
All Included, All Inclusive!
All Meals & Alcoholic Beverages Included
All Shore Excursions Included
MS Douce France
107 Passengers / 1 Suite / 50 Staterooms / 4 Single Staterooms
The MS Douce France is a unique ship specifically designed for more intimate ports of call. A limited number of lucky guests ensures you can spend time enjoying a drink from the extensive bar, reading in the lounge, or relaxing in the spacious and comfortable lounge, with abundant room to roam. All staterooms have twin beds that can be configured as a queen and full picture windows. The Douce France is ready to offer our OUTbounders an unforgettable experience cruising the Danube from Vienna through Melk, Bratislava, Budapest & back again! Mixed drinks, wine, beer, sodas, juices and coffee are all included anytime onboard.
Date | Port | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, July 19 | Vienna | 4:00pm | 8:00pm |
| Thursday, July 20 | Melk | 9:00am | 12:30pm |
| Dürnstein | 2:00pm | 8:00pm | |
| Friday, July 21 | Bratislava | 6:00am | 7:00pm |
| Saturday, July 22 | Budapest | 9:00am | overnight |
| Sunday, July 23 | Day of Sailing | ||
| Monday, July 24 | Vienna | 9:00am | overnight |
| Tuesday, July 25 | Vienna | overnight | |
| Wednesday, July 26 | Vienna | 10:00am | disembark |
Today we’ll start our cruise in Vienna, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. After comfortably settling into your cabins, take some time to explore this fantastic city on your own, or just unwind with a cocktail and get to know your follow OUTbounders up in the lounge. Later in the evening we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail before sitting down for dinner. Late tonight we’ll begin our river cruise and set sail for Melk.
Today we’re in Melk, originally a Roman fortified post called Namare. Melk became home to a castle built to defend the border in 1089. By the 13th century, Melk had become an important market town. The magnificent Baroque structure of Melk Abbey is the focal point of the town, standing proudly on top of a rocky hill. Named as a UNESCO world cultural heritage site, it has a rich history dating back to when it was founded by Leopold II, who gifted it to the Benedictine monks. The building we see today was constructed between 1702 and 1736 and contains some incredible architectural gems both inside and out.
This afternoon we’ll arrive in Dürnstein, a beautiful Austrian town that sits nestled in the Wachau Valley along the Danube. Dürnstein is full of colorful houses, cozy wine taverns, and historic monuments, including the iconic blue tower that is part of the stunning Stift Dürnstein. Here, you’ll have a chance to order a fantastic local wine as the Wachau region produces some of the best Austrian wines. This area is also famous for Marillenlikor, made using fresh apricots. This sweet liquor can be found at a number of shops in town, making for a unique and tasty souvenir.
Discover Bratislava and its delightful scattering of Baroque palaces, Gothic architecture and old city blocks that tell tales of a communist past. Its unique history, rich culture and quality wine make Bratislava an undiscovered gem along the Danube. Bratislava has a fantastic medieval inner city with narrow, winding streets and a hill-top castle overlooking the river. The old town is centered on two squares, Hlavne Namestie (Main Square) and Hviezdoslav Square, named after a famous Slovak poet, yours to discover as we spend the afternoon visiting this charming city.
Welcome to Budapest, a city steeped in history and culture, a city where ancient architecture exists alongside contemporary buildings. Budapest is actually two cities in one... Buda, built in the hills on the west banks of the Danube, and Pest, founded on the flatlands to the east of the river. Over time these two cities grew together to become the now great city of Budapest. Nicknamed the “Queen of the Danube”, Budapest has plenty to see and discover, including the iconic Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square, Fisherman’s Bastion, and the Danube at sunset.
Today we return to Vienna, capitol city of Austria, offering a blend of imperial traditions, music, and endearing charm. A city that inspires with the old and the new alike, and always has a cosy place available in a coffee house or wine tavern. On a trip along the Ringstrasse, you pass the Vienna State Opera, the Parliament, the Burgtheater, and City Hall. In the heart of the city, St. Stephen’s Cathedral casts its shadows through narrow cobblestone streets. The palaces and parks of the Habsburg era, Schönbrunn Palace and the Hofburg palace, give the city an imperial air, enriched by beautiful buildings from the Art Nouveau period.
As one of our favorite cities in the world, we can never get enough of Vienna! So today we’ll treat ourselves to another day exploring this incredible city. The capitol of Austria, Vienna’s artistic and intellectual legacy was shaped by residents including Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud. The city is also known for its Imperial palaces, including Schönbrunn, the Habsburgs’ summer residence. In the Museums Quartier district, historic and contemporary buildings display works by Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt and other artists. It’s all yours to explore and enjoy as we spend our final full day together.
Date | Port | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, July 19 | Vienna | 4:00pm | 8:00pm |
| Thursday, July 20 | Melk | 9:00am | 12:30pm |
| Dürnstein | 2:00pm | 8:00pm | |
| Friday, July 21 | Bratislava | 6:00am | 7:00pm |
| Saturday, July 22 | Budapest | 9:00am | overnight |
| Sunday, July 23 | Day of Sailing | ||
| Monday, July 24 | Vienna | 9:00am | overnight |
| Tuesday, July 25 | Vienna | overnight | |
| Wednesday, July 26 | Vienna | 10:00am | disembark |
Welcome aboard! Today we’ll start our Pride Cruise along the famous Blue Danube. After boarding our ship and settling in to your cabins, we’ll mix and mingle and get to know you and your fellow OUTbounders up in the lounge over drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Later we’ll introduce our crew before sitting to our first dinner together onboard. Our ship will depart this evening and sail west through the night towards our first stop, Melk, Austria.
This morning we’ll visit Melk & the world famous Melk Abbey. Situated at the point where the River Danube enters the Wachau Valley, the picturesque little town of Melk is best known for its massive Benedictine Abbey. This morning we’ll tour this famous Baroque structure. After the original abbey had been damaged several times by fire, the present magnificent Baroque structure was rebuilt between 1702 and 1738. After spending time touring the abbey, we’ll walk back to our ship through the old town center of Melk, which has preserved much of its original charming architectural heritage.
After lunch we’ll arrive in Dürnstein, a small town on the Danube river and one of the most-visited tourist destinations in the Wachau region. Here you’ll have the option of touring the old town & its winding cobblestone streets or, for the more adventurous, hike up the mountain to the castle ruins above Dürnstein where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned by the Austrian King. These ruins, a steep walk from town, provide the perfect viewpoint to admire the many vineyards in the area as well as the picturesque town below.
Today we’ll explore Bratislava on our guided tour of the capital of Slovakia. We’ll see Bratislava Castle, a massive rectangular building with four corner towers that stands on an isolated rocky hill of the Little Carpathians directly above the Danube. Next, we’ll tour a delightful scattering of Baroque palaces, Gothic architecture and city blocks that tell tales of a communist past. We’ll see firsthand the neo-Renaissance glory of the Slovak National Theatre and the Episcopal Summer Palace before having some free time on our own in the city’s main square.
Welcome to Budapest, a city generously steeped in history and culture, where ancient architecture exists alongside contemporary buildings. This morning we’ll enjoy a guided tour touching on many of Budapest’s highlights, including Heroes’ Square and the Buda Castle district, before a walking tour showcases Matthias Church and panoramic views best admired from the Fisherman’s Bastion. See the city that was once two distinct cities, united only in 1873... Buda, on one bank with its rolling hills and valleys and Pest, on the other, with its flatter landscape to the east of the Danube.
This morning we return to Vienna and begin our guided visit of Vienna, starting with Schönbrunn Palace, the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. Next we’ll continue our city tour with stops at St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Hofburg Palace... Vienna’s Imperial Palace and one of the biggest palace complexes in the world. And of course no tour of Vienna would be complete without a visit to the Vienna State Opera, where the works of hometown composers Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johann Strauss can be heard.
Today we’re treated to a full day in Vienna and experience the high art of Viennese living... Music and Viennese cafes. We’ll stroll through the city and visit the Konzerthaus concert hall. After our tour, we’ll enjoy a steaming cup of Vienna Coffee and a delicious pastry, just like the locals do.
This afternoon, enjoy some free time exploring this incredible city on your own, or join us on a tour to the Hofburg Palace, the former imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty located in the heart of Vienna. Built in the 13th century, the palace was expanded several times over the centuries and served as the imperial winter residence.
The Panorama Lounge is situated all the way forward on Upper Deck and features floor-to-ceiling windows that allow for spectacular views of the passing scenery... a distinguishing feature of river cruising. Intimate seating areas are peppered throughout the open floor plan, allowing you the choice of going all in with the group or enjoying a little private time between you and a smaller gathering of friends. Enjoy cocktails, dancing, games and entertainment in this picturesque setting.
Enjoy a cocktail at the main bar with us while watching a spectacular sunset together. Located within the Panoramic Lounge, you’ll find originality and innovation, with a new twist on the ol’ purveyors of gin and tonics and buckets of beer. This is the place where you’ll spend an enjoyable evening nursing a cocktail with great friends, old and new! Whether you’re in the mood for a mixed drink or glass of wine, we invite you to join us and enjoy one of best bars on the water with your fellow OUTbounders. Order your favorite festive cocktail to savor after a long day celebrating your Pride in Budapest.
At your service, OUTbounders will find everything they need at the reception desk, located at the heart of the ship on the Upper Deck. It's the perfect place to meet with friends before dinner or ask any questions you may have during our voyage. Here's where you'll leave each morning as we venture OUTbound to Budapest Pride, and where you will return at the end of each day... greeted by a friendly smile and warm drink.
Located on the Upper Deck, the restaurant comfortably seats all our OUTbounders at tables which vary in size with a panoramic view. The atmosphere is casual but elegant. The selection and presentation of the food is outstanding, and you’ll find the quality of service is unmatched.
The food is incredible, every meal every day. You’ll enjoy plenty of fish, fruits and vegetables with every meal and be impressed by how fresh everything is. In fact, the only frozen item is ice cream! You’ll have plenty of healthy choices to choose from, and loads of unhealthy ones, too!
For spectacular views of the passing landscape, head up to the Sun Deck that allows full enjoyment of the view, even when passing under low bridges. The top deck features an all-weather seating area and a walking track for those who want to keep active. It’s the perfect place to visit with old friends and new during the day while enjoying complimentary refreshments with the stunning scenery passing by.
Starting at $4,997 per person
The Upper Deck Suite features two large panoramic windows that let in the perfect amount of light. The Suite can accommodate up to three guests, with a couch that can be converted into a twin bed. A separate seating area and desk gives you even more space in which to relax. Your in-suite bathroom comes complete with a walk-in shower, and there’s plenty of space in the wardrobe and under the bed for storage during your cruise.
Starting at $3,397 per person
Staterooms located on the Upper Deck feature two large panoramic windows that let in the perfect amount of light, welcoming in the summer sun as we sail along the Danube. Enjoy a shower before settling into your two twin beds that can be configured into a single queen as you enjoy your flat screen TV and infotainment system. Storage space includes a full-length wardrobe closet with a safe, and extra room under the bed for suitcases.
Starting at $2,997 per person
Staterooms located on the Main Deck have two large windows that provide unspoiled views of the passing Danube. Each Main Deck stateroom surrounds you with comfortable furnishings and your own full bathroom complete with walk-in shower. Storage space includes a full-length wardrobe closet with a safe, and extra room under the bed for suitcases. The two twin beds can be reconfigured into a single queen if you prefer.
Starting at $4,897 per person
The single occupancy staterooms located on the Upper Deck offer a private space for our solo travelers, with two full picture windows that provide unspoiled panoramic vistas. Lay back in your own stateroom and watch a movie on your flat screen TV and infotainment system. Your luxurious bathroom features a shower complete with toiletries, perfect for unwinding after an unforgettable day OUTbound. Your twin hotel-style bed offers the perfect night’s sleep.
Starting at $4,597 per person
The single occupancy staterooms located on the Main Deck offer our solo traveler a space all their own, with windows that provide unspoiled panoramic vistas of the passing Danube. Lay back in your stateroom and watch a movie on your flat screen TV and infotainment system. Your luxurious bathroom features a full shower, perfect for unwinding after an unforgettable day OUTbound. Your twin hotel-style bed, draped in quality linens, offers the perfect night’s sleep.