May 30
Welcome to Hungary! 

Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Riverside beauty and a vibrant cultural scene blend together in Budapest to form one of Europe’s most rewarding cities. Hungary’s enchanting capital straddles the banks of the Danube, with traditional hillside Buda on one side and modern Pest on the other. By day, stunning art nouveau buildings, stalwart castles and grand palaces set the stage for inspiring strolls and long soaks in thermal spas. By night, the shimmering lights of the Parliament building dance across the waters of the Danube, the Chain Bridge uniting it all as a dramatic centerpiece.

Overnight in Budapest

May 31
Budapest

Budapest’s old town is a fascinating medieval patchwork of narrow streets and colorful houses. In the Castle District, the Matthias Church soars in Gothic glory. Adjacent, the expansive wall and seven turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion overlook the Danube, the graceful Chain Bridge and the Pest side of the river. The centerpiece of the district is the sprawling Buda Castle. Constructed in the 13th century and expanded to its current baroque splendor during the 18th century, this edifice was home to Hungary’s kings for almost 700 years.

Included Excursion: Panoramic Budapest Tour
Take in one of Europe’s great cultural capitals and see its iconic sights. Over the last few decades, Budapest has reemerged as one of the continent’s iconic cities, divided by the Danube River and connected by the graceful Chain Bridge. Meet your guide for a panoramic tour, beginning in modern Pest. Along the elegant Andrássy Avenue, admire the National Opera House. Pass Heroes’ Square, a spacious plaza of monuments and statues commemorating the Magyar state. Across the river, explore the more traditional Buda side of the city. Here, visit the Castle District with its massive hilltop castle complex, the turreted Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church. From the heights of Buda Hill, take in views of the famous Chain Bridge. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore the enchanting Buda Hill Castle area at your leisure, before returning to your ship. 

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Scenic Sailing: Danube Bend
Take in the natural beauty of the fabled “Blue Danube” as you pass through the Danube Bend, considered one of the most beautiful sections of the river. Cruising this 40-mile stretch through northern Hungary, you will see peaceful farmland and an ancient castle that once served as hunting grounds for royals and visiting dignitaries. As you sail the passage between the Börzsöny and Pilis Ranges, you will marvel at the steep hills draped with bucolic forests. And delight in the majestic church domes peering at the waterway from inviting villages and historic cities.

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June 1
Vienna, Austria

Renowned as the “City of Waltzes,” Austria’s capital city of Vienna is Europe’s center of classical music. Strauss and Mozart composed many of their finest pieces here. Vienna’s musical history is matched by the elegant, graceful architecture that lines the Ringstrasse, the wide boulevard encircling the Inner City. Baroque, neo-Renaissance, Gothic-Romanesque and other splendidly styled structures, from the Hofburg Palace to the Vienna State Opera, take the breath away with their grand facades. Vienna has a more intimate side too: inviting footpaths lead through green parks and its famed Viennese cafés sweeten any stay with coffee and the city’s delectable Sachertorte.

Included Excursion: Panoramic Vienna Tour
See the magnificent architectural highlights of one of Europe’s most elegant and romantic cultural capitals. Vienna was center of arts and intellect during the reign of the Hapsburgs and beyond. Meet your guide and drive into the city for a motor coach and walking tour, focusing on the splendid buildings on the Ringstrasse, the gracious boulevard laid out on the site of the old city walls during the mid-19th century. Imposing palaces, elegant public buildings and grand residences line this world-famous avenue. See the magnificent Hofburg Palace, winter residence of the Hapsburgs and home of the Spanish Riding School with its Lipizzaner horses. Admire the Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, crowned with a gleaming spire and colorful roof tiles. And view the beautiful Vienna State Opera concert hall, its facade adorned with elaborate frescoes depicting Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute.

Overnight in Austria

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June 2
Vienna, Austria

Full Day at Leisure in Vienna!

Vienna is considered one of Europe’s greatest cultural hubs. Its art scene has long been established with the Hapsburg’s collection of fine art, now housed at the Kunsthistorisches Museum. Today, Vienna’s modern side showcases street art murals that don the side of buildings along the banks of the Danube. Ingrained in local life is the long-embraced tradition of coffeehouses; UNESCO includes Viennese coffeehouse culture on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritages. It is considered one of life’s pleasures to while away an afternoon over an Einspänner coffee and a pastry.

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June 3
Krems, Austria

A small university town at the eastern end of the Danube’s Wachau Valley, Krems is surrounded by terraced vineyards. In its heyday, during the 12th century, Krems held even more importance than Vienna for its iron, grain, salt and wine trade. As to the latter, the city has played a long and celebrated part in the popularity of the Wachau’s wine culture; the valley’s south slopes in Krems are bathed in sunlight all day and create some of the best Riesling and Veltliner wines in the world. The city’s cobblestone streets, taverns, wine bars and coffeehouses have a timeless appeal.

Included Excursion: Göttweig Abbey
Experience a Benedictine abbey where monks work and worship during an exclusive visit to Göttweig Abbey. A scenic drive will take you to the abbey, located on a hilltop overlooking the splendid Wachau Valley and the Danube River. Your host and guide will welcome you at the cellar entrance with a glass of sparkling apricot wine produced in the region. Then, enjoy a private viewing of a short film about monastic life and learn what it takes to run a monastery today. Step through the church’s neoclassical portal to admire its colorful and ornate interior. Continue into the abbey’s museum, which chronicles its 900-year history as a center of religious life and its role as a monastic retreat. Climb the Imperial Staircase, crowned by one of the largest and most spectacular ceiling frescoes in the world. The adjoining princely and imperial rooms showcase splendid artwork from the abbey’s own collections.

Scenic Sailing: Wachau Valley
Sail through a serene tapestry of terraced vineyards, forested slopes, charming towns and castle ruins in Austria’s Wachau Valley, celebrated as perhaps the most scenic stretch of the Danube. Journey 18 miles through this vast UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the river courses through picturesque hillsides. Gaze upon the prolific grapevines and quaint wine-producing villages hugging the shores—the legacy of vintners that stretch as far back as Celtic and Roman times and an echo of the more than 30 monasteries that served as vineyards in Renaissance days.

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June 4
Passau, Germany

Founded by the Celts over 2,000 years ago, Passau is one of Bavaria’s oldest cities. Known as the “City of Three Rivers,” it rests at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube rivers. The city has long enjoyed its strategic position and grew to great economic and political power because of it. The legacy of its past prosperity lives on in graceful arcades, colorful houses with rococo facades and the glorious baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral, home to one of Europe’s largest pipe organs. Passau is also where two nations meet; it is here that the German-Austrian border begins.

Included Excursion: Passau Walking Tour
Stroll the Italianate-style streets of Passau, where three European rivers converge. Meet your local guide and begin your walking tour through delightful old-world streets, taking in a pastel rainbow of building facades as you stroll. You will see the impressive Bishops’ Residenz from which powerful prince-bishops ruled secular and religious life for hundreds of years. Continue past the 14th-century Rathaus, or Town Hall, built on the site of a former fish market on the Danube. Conclude your walk at the magnificent 17th-century St. Stephen’s Cathedral. This baroque wonder houses Europe’s largest pipe organ, with more than 17,000 pipes, and inspired Franz Liszt to write his Hungarian Coronation Mass. Enjoy free time to explore more of the city on your own before returning to your awaiting ship.

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June 5
Regensburg, Germany

Having escaped major damage during World War II, the picturesque town of Regensburg is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities, the oldest city along the Danube and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Old Stone Bridge, constructed in the 12th century, is a masterpiece of medieval engineering with its 16 arches. St. Peter’s Cathedral is widely considered Bavaria’s best Gothic architectural work. The old town’s Neupfarrplatz square is a cross section of history—it was once a thriving Jewish quarter, a bustling marketplace and the site of Nazi book burnings.

Included Excursion: Regensburg by Foot
Witness a true medieval city almost untouched by WWII bombing and rich in architectural splendor.

Overnight in Regensburg

June 6
Farewell

Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining the post-cruise extension to Prague!

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* Ground transfers are included with Viking Air purchase.

Safe travels! Thank you for selecting Pineapple7! 

Romantic Danube European Cruise  
May 30 - June 6, 2026

Pineapple7 Small Group Hosted Cruise 
Viking Gullveig | Ship Deck Plans
 

Includes:

• 8-day cruise visiting 3 countries with a river-view stateroom

• 5 guided tours

• Visit 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

• All on-board meals included regional specialties

• Culture Curriculum: Destination Performances & concerts; attend lectures on the European Union; Viennese coffeehouses & Mozart; learn how to make apple strudel

• Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

• Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

• Port taxes and fees

• On-site Host for duration of our cruise

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​Investment:

5,999 USD per person for shared Veranda (2 adults per room)

5,299 USD per person for shared French Balcony (2 adults per room)

3,299 USD per person for shared standard room 

​​​Travel Insurance Add-On:

Travel Insurance is strongly recommended for this international trip. If you opt for insurance, I will provide a price quote for your consideration.

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$50 non-refundable deposit required to reserve your space. Balance is due on January 30, 2026   

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Reserve your space today! Fill out the secure credit card authorization form or contact Grace for more details.

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Cancellation Policy per person:
No refunds will be made for unused services or pre purchased events. Prepaid theater/event tickets are forfeit and non-refundable.
119 to 90 days prior to departure  (30-Jan-26 to 28-Feb-26) 20% of full fare
89 to 70 days prior to departure (01-Mar-26 to 20-Mar-26) 35% of full fare
69 to 50 days prior to departure (21-Mar-26 to 09-Apr-26) 50% of full fare
49 to 30 days prior to departure (10-Apr-26 to 29-Apr-26) 75% of full fare
29 days or less prior to departure 100% of full fare

Additional Options available:

• International Airfare

• 3-Night post-cruise extension in Prague

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See you in the Budapest!

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