contact_supportCall to start your dream trip today!
1800 669 579[+61 (0)7 3040 6697]

  • Home
  • 12 Days European River Cruise Package
  • Every package is a template, a starting point. Submit a booking enquiry and tell us what you would like to add or change. Or you can outline a special trip you have in mind and we'll plan it and price it for you using member benefits. We're 100% flexible. 4 ways we can benefit you...

    Owing to recent flight price increases this package is scheduled for repricing. Submit a booking enquiry to receive up-to-date pricing for your travel plan without obligation.
    12 day European River Cruise package from $11,280pp $8,799pp after Getaway Cash travel credits:
    • First-class European river cruise package
    • All airfares
    • Luxury Danube river cruise with outside cabin
    • 1 night Budapest at one of the world's best hotels
    • 3 nights Prague staying in 5-star accommodation
    • All meals on cruise
    • Hotel breakfasts
    • Airport transfers

    Save up to 29% off standard retail.

    Outside lounge on river cruise ship
    Outside lounge on river cruise ship

    FULL RETAIL VALUE: $11,280pp. YOU PAY FROM $8,699, SAVE UP TO $2,481pp.

    BOOKING ENQUIRY

    Trip Highlights

    Enjoy these highlights*:

    • See magnificent panoramic views of Budapest from atop Fisherman's Bastion
    • Enjoy a city tour of Vienna and view Hofburg Palace, Vienna Opera House and St. Stephen’s Cathedral
    • Tour the historic Benedictine Melk Abbey, one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture
    • Sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles and more
    • Visit Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities
    • Spend three wonderful nights in Prague and use your Lonely Planet Guide to take you on a great adventure

    * Various itinerary options are available. See full itinerary for details. Package price varies according to season and departure city.

    Global Escapes Travel

    In the style of most Global Escapes Independent Traveler itineraries, this is a perfect blend of self-guided adventure and forward-planning to ensure that the main elements are organised in advance allowing for plenty of time to relax and take in each place you visit.

    Package Pricing

    World-wide Savings Guarantee

    Saving Guarantee

    Bring us a competitor quote and let us go to work for you.

    We guarantee to beat any competitor accommodation-only quote or travel package price and/or value by a minimum of 15%. Conditions.

    Upload Competitor Quote

    Saving Guarantee

    World-wide savings Guarantee

    We guarantee to beat any competitor accommodation-only quote or travel package price or value by a minimum of 15% ("price-beat") on the following conditions:

    Note: By requesting a price-beat you are under no obligation to place a booking with us or proceed with the final travel package as the case may be. A non-refundable deposit is required in the case of a tour/travel package price-beat (see below).

    Terms & Conditions

    The following terms and conditions apply to travel plans and accommodation quotes requested from and supplied by Travel Directions Pty. Ltd. trading as Global Escapes Travel, Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club (Australian Escapes) and Kiwi Escapes (the company) and are subject to change without notice. These conditions are to be read in conjunction with our standard booking conditions and conditions applicable to Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club membership as defined in website FAQs.

    1. ACCOMMODATION-ONLY

    There are two main scenarios:

    (1) You request a price-beat on a specific property. Our objective is to provide at least 15% more total value or a price that is 15% lower than a competitor quote supplied to us for the same accommodation property, on the same conditions and with the same inclusions, provided we have access to be able to book the accommodation through our normal supplier channels.

    If we do not have access to member rates that property we will offer an alternative that is of the same or higher standard, as per our hotel rating system and that meets the stated requirements, subject to availability, and subject to the following:

    1. Any price supplied is an estimate only and is subject to our standard booking conditions.
    2. The price beat and inclusion details will be confirmed in a travel plan.

    (2) We propose a property with member pricing: If the "you pay" price we submit is already discounted using GCash travel credits and the lowest available price at the time it was submitted, it does not qualify. Otherwise our objective is to provide at least 15% more total value or a price that is 15% lower than a competitor quote supplied to us for the same accommodation property, on the same conditions and with the same inclusions.

    A price-beat will be deemed successful and this guarantee is therefore met when the applicable objective is achieved.

    2. TRAVEL & TOUR PACKAGES

    Inclusions in travel and tour packages assembled by competitor travel agents, tour companies, wholesalers, online travel promoters will all be different in some way. Packages will typically vary by inclusions, validity, suppliers, component type, standard, terms and conditions, travel date, etc ("package components").

    Our objective in this type of price-beat situation is to assemble a package containing similar and/or higher value package components to that which you present to us. We guarantee to offer at least 15% more total value (through added value) or a price that is 15% lower than the competitor quote ("successful price-beat") subject to the following:

    1. Any package components that are exclusive to specific suppliers to which we do not have access will not be included.
    2. Alternative supplier products of a substantially similar type and standard may be included.
    3. Accommodation may be in a different but similar location.
    4. The price-beat may be based on alternative travel and departure dates.
    5. This guarantee does not apply to flight-only or cruise-only bookings. The booking type must qualify for Getaway Cash travel credits usage (refer to website FAQs).
    6. Added value may include travel services supplied by the company.
    7. Added value may be treated as a price deduction for the purposes of the price-beat.
    8. Any price supplied is an estimate only.
    9. The price beat and inclusion details will be confirmed in a travel plan.

    A price-beat will be deemed successful and this guarantee is therefore met when the above objective is achieved.

    3. GENERAL CONDITIONS

    The price-beat must be requested before you place a booking with any other travel agent, online booking agent or property direct in relation to the subject accommodation or package.

    A price-beat may be requested by providing clear, written evidence of the competitor quote as well as your requirements to an employee of the company who performs a reservations or travel consultant role ("company contact") as follows:

    1. Evidence regarding an accommodation-only price-beat may be supplied by phone or email stating the name of the property and room type, where you saw the price (on what website, in what publication etc.)
    2. Evidence regarding a tour or travel package must be provided to us in the form of a written quotation by the competitor travel agent, sent/forwarded via email to your company contact, or to admin@australianescapes.com.au. Enter your name as the email subject line. Alternatively, upload the quote (PDF or Word doc) via the Competitor Price Beater page. It must be a formal quotation, not an advertisement or website page.
    3. Your exact booking requirements including travel/booking date range(s), number and age of travellers and special requirements if any.
    4. The price-beat request and any subsequent travel plan and/or booking is subject to our standard booking conditions.

    A competitor quote presented under this guarantee must be genuine (not contrived) and must be a final, fixed price, backed by verifiable evidence. A competitor quote that we determine is not genuine or final is excluded. The requested date range(s) for travel/tour commencement as well as for individual package components must be realistic and flexible.

    5. TRAVEL/TOUR PACKAGE DEPOSIT GUARANTEE

    This condition applies to travel/tour packages only. We require up to $900 deposit per person (amount depending on package complexity) as a guarantee that you will proceed with the travel plan after we are successful with the price/value beat. This requirement exists because of the amount of travel consultant time required to price according to a competitor quote.

    1. The deposit amount will be deducted from the price if you proceed.
    2. The deposit amount will be refunded in the event that the proposed travel dates are not within the requested date range(s).
    3. Subject to 5.2, if you do not proceed, the deposit amount will be forfeited.

    5. MEMBERSHIP TO BE CURRENT

    Your Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club membership must be Gold level or above and active and paid up at the time of requesting the price beat.

    FULL RETAIL VALUE

    $11,280pp

    SAVINGS APPLIED

    -$2,481

    YOU PAY FROM*

    $8,799

    SAVING OFF FULL RETAIL VALUE (UP TO): 29%

    Discover the Travel Club Advantage

    Australian Escapes has been saving members money on their holidays now for over 20 years and we can do the same for you. You can start today for FREE!

    • Group buying power

    • Free travel planning services and advice; saves you time and money

    • The experience to help you avoid common and costly travel mistakes

    • Guaranteed savings and value; put us to the test

    • Exclusive travel benefits and free member services

    • No risk free trial, cancel anytime, invest a few dollars to save potentially $'000's.

    Quick Guide | Travel Club Free Trial

    Not yet a member? Submit a booking enquiry and we'll automatically register you for a 90-day free trial account. No obligation to book a trip or to remain as a member. There are no scams and no catches. This is a genuine travel club and you'll quicky discover how professional we are.

    FFV Valid AUSTRALIAN ESCAPES FREE FLIGHT VOUCHER (FFV) PACKAGES
    USE YOUR FREE FLIGHT VOUCHERS TO SAVE AN EXTRA $100 PER PERSON (YOU PAY FROM $8,699)
    USE YOUR FREE FLIGHTS VOUCHERS TO GET THE LOWEST PRICE! REQUEST PRICING FOR YOUR TRAVEL DATES TODAY...

    * All prices are per-person on a twin-share basis and bookings are subject to availability. The final price and deposit amount varies according to travel date. All prices are estimates only. A firm quote (travel plan) with payment terms will be submitted for consideration prior to agreement to proceed. Full booking terms and conditions are available HERE...

    We're on your side

    Members get the benefit of our expertise and low prices. We work for you so you don't have to try and learn how to be a travel expert overnight. You avoid costly mistakes and get much better value. READ MORE... Submit a booking enquiry to get a free 3-month, Travel Club Trial account.

    Inclusions

    "There simply is no way to tour Europe and not be awestruck by its natural beauty, epic history and dazzling artistic and culinary diversity."

    This exciting European holiday combines luxury Danube river cruising in luxury with great sight-seeing excursions as well as free time to explore Prague on completion of the cruise. This is the ultimate in river cruising.

    This is a first-class travel itinerary that's fully flexible. Want more or fewer days or you want to include a special destination or activity? No problem, we’ll customise a travel plan for you.

    Package inclusions:

    • Return international flights
    • Private car airport transfer in Budapest on arrival
    • 1 night in Budapest staying at one of the world's best hotels
    • 7-night, 8-day Danube River cruise
    • 20 meals on cruise: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
    • Shore excursions with entrance fees
    • 3 nights, 5-star Prague accommodation with breakfast
    • Option of adding 4 days Amsterdam from $850 inc flights and 5-star hotel accommodation

    River cruise features & amenities:

    • Captain's welcome dinner and farewell dinner
    • Unlimited wine and beer with dinners
    • Locally inspired recipes
    • Early riser breakfast in addition to buffet breakfast
    • Complimentary bottled water replenished daily in your stateroom
    • Late night snack
    • Complimentary Wi-Fi access in public areas
    • Self-serve coffee and tea station
    • Lounge serving premium spirits
    • Daily entertainment including an on-board musician
    • Fitness center
    • Non-smoking ship interior
    • Cruise director & activities director throughout
    • Shore excursions conducted exclusively in English by licensed guides

    Dining:

    • 7 breakfasts on cruise
    • 2 breakfasts at hotels
    • 6 lunches
    • 7 dinners

    Other:

    • Add 3 nights, 4-days in Amsterdam from $850 per person incluing 5-star accommodation and airfares
    • Add extra nights wherever you want and pay the lowest member rates
    • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
    • Variety of optional excursions
    • Price includes river port charges of $190 per person
    • Cruise porterage
    • Airport transfers are provided on the first travel day

    All packages include:

    • Lonely Planet guides for Budapest, Prague and Austria
    • No fees to alter the itinerary (you just pay for the adjusted itinerary)
    • Extra nights at industry wholesale price (using GCash travel credits)
    • Google Drive folder with soft copies of all travel documents
    • Comprehensive, printed itinerary
    • Personal travel consultant to help plan and customize your holiday
    • Option for best-in-class travel insurance at member price

    Carefully selected accommodation:

    Hotel standards

    Read about our accommodation rating standards and the methods used to assess quality.

    Fully customisable:

    This itinerary is fully customisable to suit your requirements. Your personal travel consultant is available to discuss changes and additions that will enhance your travel experience.

    Special value:

    Lonely Planet Logo

    Lonely Planet is renowned for its first-hand approach, up-to-date maps and commitment to providing the best information for travelers. Lonely Planet authors are experienced, insightful travel experts. They personally research the places they write about - both in the first and in subsequent editions - and provide essential travel details along with a wealth of insider information and first-hand tips.

    Budapest
    Austria
    Prague

    You will receive these guides to help you gain the most out of your holiday. Recommendation: Take the time to read suggestions for things to see and do before you leave home. Take your Lonely Planet guides with you in your luggage.


    * All prices are per-person on a twin-share basis and bookings are subject to availability. Price and deposit amount varies according to travel date. If flights are shown as included then a flight cost provision (allowance) applies and is based on travel from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. Travel can be arranged from any other major centre and for any number of people. All prices shown are estimates only. A firm quote (travel plan) with payment terms will be submitted for consideration prior to agreement to proceed. Total price after member discount (using Getaway Cash travel credits and Australian Escapes Free Flights Vouchers if applicable) is generally payable as follows: Deposit on booking, balance 120 days prior to departure. Packages can be priced for families and groups on request. Standard price and full retail value comparisons are with similar packages offered elsewhere or what we estimate would be payable by a non-member for the same or similar package and may include a value we define for specialty travel agency services. Travel insurance if included is a provision only and may be declined on requestTravel insurance pricing if stated is based on comprehensive travel insurance for two travellers aged 69 years or less as at the date of departure from Australia. No recommendations or advice are given in regard to travel insurance suitability. Travel Directions Pty Ltd (t/as Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club) standard booking terms and conditions apply to all booking enquiries and bookings and are available here to view (or visit our website and go to either the "Booking Enquiry" or "About Us" menu item.)

    Your Itinerary

    Embark on an all-inclusive journey taking you down some of the world's most famous waterways, discovering the hidden gems of Europe and experiencing moments that recreate the wonder of years past.

    "A person susceptible to "wanderlust" is not so much addicted to movement as committed to transformation." - Pico Iyer

    DAY 1: ARRIVE BUDAPEST (1 NIGHT PRE-CRUISE)

    Welcome to Budapest. You are met on arrival and taken to the beautiful Prestige Hotel.

    After check-in spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the city.

    DAY 2: BUDAPEST FREE TIME - JOIN CRUISE


    Budapest

    Today after breakfast take your time to uncover some of the treasures of this beautiful city not covered on Day 3. Budapest is paradise for explorers. Keep your senses primed and you'll discover something wonderful at every turn. Cruise embarkation will begin at 3 pm. After arrival formalities there's time to relax on board. Tonight, a gala welcome dinner sets the mood for your delightful river cruise.

    DAY 3: BUDAPEST - CITY TOUR

    Your morning tour begins on the Pest side of the city, view the Parliament, City Park and Heroes Square. Cross to Buda to see the Royal Palace, Matthias Church and the graceful medieval architecture along the cobbled streets. Explore the city's wonderful shops and cafes this afternoon on your own. Set sail to Bratislava in the evening.

    DAY 4: BRATISLAVA


    Cruise along the Danube

    This morning, enjoy the tranquil scenery as the ship sails along the scenic Danube. In the late afternoon, arrive in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, a mix of modern and Baroque architecture. This capital city is among the youngest in Europe, yet retains a rich history dating back more than 2000 years. Walk along the cobblestone lanes of the historic town center; view St. Martin's Cathedral, coronation site of the Kings of Hungary, the 13th century Old Town Hall and the Franciscan church. Time to explore this colorful city on your own before returning to the ship for dinner. This evening, the ship will set sail to Vienna.

    DAY 5: VIENNA

    Your morning tour of romantic Vienna introduces you to this Imperial city with its legendary opulence and elegance. Drive along the famed Ringstrasse, Vienna's main boulevard lined with magnificent Baroque palaces, parks and monuments. View the lavish Hofburg Palace, and the impressive Vienna Opera House. Continue to majestic St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Parliament building. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, or, join the optional tour to the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace, once summer residence of the Hapsburgs. Visit the gorgeous baroque apartments and stroll through the world-famous manicured gardens. Tonight, perhaps take the opportunity to attend an evening of Viennese culture in the "City of Music" at an optional concert performance of the classical masterpieces of Mozart and Strauss, two of Vienna's most famous citizens.
    Optional: Schonbrunn Palace Tour (PM)
    Optional: Classical Viennese Concert (PM)

    DAY 6: MELK ABBEY


    Melk Abbey

    This morning, arrive in the Bavarian village of Durnstein, one of the prettiest towns on the Danube. Free time to stroll this quintessential village in the heart of the Wachau wine district. Walk along medieval cobblestone streets revealing 16th century town houses and wine taverns. Continue cruising late this morning through the scenic Wachau Valley, with lovely storybook views of vineyards, castles, hilltop ruins and monasteries. Later, disembark in Melk for a guided tour of the historic Benedictine Abbey, considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe. View the Abbot's chambers, the Kaiser's walk and the lavish library. The ship will set sail as you dine on board this evening.

    DAY 7: LINZ

    Early this morning cruise into Linz. Founded by the Romans, Linz has cultivated a strong artistic tradition, especially in the field of music. Today is free to explore the city independently, taking in such sites as St. Mary’s Cathedral and Linz Castle, or just relaxing at a café sampling the famous Linzer torte which was named after this quaint city. Alternatively, join the optional full day tour to beautiful Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and setting for the Sound of Music. The walking tour will include some of Salzburg's most historic sites including the Mirabell Palace, the Abbey, Salzburg Cathedral, and St. Peter's Cemetery. After lunch at a local restaurant, there will be time to discover Salzburg on your own before returning to the ship. In the early evening, all passengers will rejoin the ship and set sail for Passau.
    Optional: Full Day Tour of Salzburg

    DAY 8: PASSAU & REGENSBURG


    Passau

    Dock this morning in 2500-year-old Passau, known for its pastel patrician houses, cafes, cobblestone lanes and riverfront promenade. Passau is a Bavarian town with a mix of Roman, Italian Baroque and Gothic architecture. Return to the ship for lunch before departing by coach to explore Regensburg, one of Germany's largest and best preserved medieval cities, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The guided walking tour highlights the city's stunning architecture as you view the Old Town Hall, Dom St. Peter and the Porta Praetoria, gateway to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest stone bridges crossing the Danube. Tonight, enjoy a lavish Captain's Dinner on board.

    DAY 9: VILSHOFEN - PRAGUE (3 NIGHTS)

    This morning, after disembarking form your cruise and saying your "see-you-laters" to new-found friends, you'll take a train to Prague where you'll stay for three nights. This afternoon head into the old town centre. One of the first things you should do is take in the views from the Charles Bridge. This is an unforgettable experience that will doubtlessly stay with you for years to come. The famous Charles Bridge spans the Vltava river and connects Old Prague Center to Mala Strana. The bridge is protected by imposing three Gothic towers and is home to thirty Baroque-style statues and statuaries.

    DAY 10: PRAGUE FREE TIME


    Streets of Prague

    Prague is the equal of Paris in terms of beauty. Its history goes back a millennium. And the beer? The best in Europe. Prague's maze of cobbled lanes and hidden courtyards is a paradise for the aimless wanderer, always beckoning you to explore a little further. Just a few blocks away from the Old Town Square you can stumble across ancient chapels, unexpected gardens, cute cafes and old-fashioned bars with hardly a tourist in sight. One of the great joys of the city is its potential for exploration – neighbourhoods such as Vinohrady and Bubenec can reward the urban adventurer with countless memorable cameos, from the setting sun glinting off church domes, to the strains of Dvorak wafting from an open window. Refer to your Lonely Planet guide for things to do each day in this marvellous city.

    DAY 11: PRAGUE FREE TIME

    Here are a few suggestions for your stay in Prague starting with St Vitus Cathedral. Built over a time span of almost 600 years St Vitus is one of the most richly endowed cathedrals in central Europe. Prague Castle is Prague’s most popular attraction. Looming above the Vltava's left bank, its serried ranks of spires, towers and palaces dominate the city centre. The National Gallery's collection of 'Art of the 19th, 20th and 21st Centuries' is spread out over four floors and is a strong contender for Prague's best museum. Beer Geek, one of the most successful of a new generation of multi-tap pubs in Prague to offer the best beers from local Czech producers as well as brewers from around the world.

    DAY 12: PRAGUE - BUDAPEST

    Today you'll return to Budapest and then back to Australia after your unforgettable European holiday.
    Optional: Extend your overseas holiday with a trip to Amsterdam for 3 nights or longer.

    Show More...

    Show More...

    Top

    Search All Packages

    When you start typing your destination into the search box, you will see a list of possible matches. Click on the closest match if any. Then click the "Search" button.

    My Accommodation Short-list
    Product Date Added Potential Saving Order of Preference Action
    Order Sort
    No records
     

    Hello , You currently have 0 items in your short list. Return to package search.

    Thank you for your interest!

    The full package itinerary is available to members only. You can access full details by logging in if you are a member or by joining now.

    A free trial is available and we offer special full membership upgrades from time-to-time. Thank you for visiting Australian Escapes.