Description

Day 1 :
Vienna, Austria (overnight)
Layered and elegant, with elements of cozy and grand, musical and visual might be the best way to characterize Vienna—or one of many ways, as this imperial city surely can inspire endless lines of poetic descriptions. Once the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and forever known for its distinguished roster of composers who either were born or lived and worked here—including Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Schubert, both Strausses, Liszt and Brahms—Vienna finds itself at the very center of European culture, even as it sits near the border of the Czech republic, Slovakia and Hungary. Turn to a blank page to memorialize your own impressions of this grand city, remarking on its manicured gardens, ornate architecture—especially that of the famed Ringstrasse—intimate bistro pubs called beisln and a certain flourish that can only be called Vienna.

Day 2 :
Vienna, Austria

Day 3 :
Crossing the scenic Wachau Valley    

Melk, Austria    
Best known for its fortified baroque Benedictine monastery, Melk Abbey, the town of Melk boasts an assortment of smaller gems. Among them, the city’s riverside location, serene and regal with a ribbon of wooded groves giving way to the lovely village. Cobbled lanes and a petite size make for a pleasant stroll with a chance to discover its 16th-century Town Hall, or Rathaus, in the center of town, and Haus am Stein, or House at the Rock. Built in the 15th century, the vine-covered abode is Melk’s oldest building.

Day 4 :
Linz, Austria (overnight)
Named the European Capital of Culture in 2009 and added to the roster of UNESCO Creative Cities as a City of Media Arts in 2014, Linz embraces the present and future, even as it remains reverential to its past. There is much to be proud of: Here on the gentle curve of the Danube, Linz rose to power as a political and economic hub for the Holy Roman Empire. Trade and influence extended in all four directions, from Hungary and Germany to the east and west and Poland and Italy to the north and south. Later, Linz sparkled as a city of the Habsburgs, the last home to German Emperor, Friedrich III. The city’s layout reflects its history, with an ancient medieval center encircled by neoclassical, neo-baroque and neo-Renaissance neighborhoods, a kind of tree-rings of age and architectural styles. Highpoints of old traditions and impressive landmarks include the Linzer torte, dating to 1653 and thought to be the oldest cake in the world, and St. Martin’s church, the oldest church in Austria.  

Day 5 :
Linz, Austria

Passau, Germany (overnight)
At the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, Passau is also situated at a meeting of cultures. The town began as a Roman settlement, enjoying the rising tide of influence as the largest bishopric in the Holy Roman Empire and enduringly vibrant as a hub for various trade and manufacturing pursuits, including salt, swords and ideas. Experience Passau’s charm as you the wander the cobbled streets of Old Town, gaze upon arched bridges and Italianate manses and encounter magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the New Bishop’s Residence.

Day 6 :
Passau, Germany

Day 7 :
Vilshofen an der Donau, Germany    
A skyline graced by the spire of a historic church and the arch of a more modern bridge reveals the essence of Vilshofen’s appeal: A meeting of past and present. The meeting of three rivers—the Vils, the Wolfach and the Danube—deepens that appeal. This small city is as attractive as it is accessible, inviting cycling expeditions on its pretty paths and hikes in the neighboring Bavarian forest. Vilshofen respects its centuries-old past as it preserves old, cobbled lanes and such landmarks as its tower, located on the town square, and the Church of Saint John. A staging of spectacular annual events, including the floating Christmas market and “Donau in Flammen,— or “Danube in Flames,— the exciting fireworks display that bursts over the riverside promenade in July, brings a celebratory spirit to the city. Some would say that a festive spirit persists no matter the season, thanks to not only the calendar of events but the daily chance to experience the city’s parks, museums and eateries. 

Day 8 :
Krems, Austria

Day 9 :
Danube Scenic Cruising

Bratislava, Slovakia
Slovakia’s capital city may be the country’s buzzing political and economic center, but it is also a historic gem that stirs the imagination. A maze of narrow, cobblestone streets wind around colorful 18th-century buildings, and shade-covered sidewalk cafes beckon weary—or simply hungry—travelers to linger over a meal and enjoy people watching. Museums, cathedrals and palaces are edifying locales to spend some time, while photography buffs will want to snap images of the medieval castle that looms over the city with a majestic grace. For those looking for more contemporary sights, Bratislava boasts a pulsating modern art scene, as well as some outstanding examples of Communist-era architecture. 

Day 10 :
Vienna, Austria (overnight)

Day 11 :
Vienna, Austria

Inclusions

• 2 nights at the Intercontinental, Vienna or similar (1 night pre- and 1 night post-cruise)
• Private return airport - hotel - port transfers with an English speaking driver
• 10 nights aboard Crystal Mozart in a Catergory W2 stateroom with a large picture window
• All meals, soft drinks and selected premium beverages
• Choice of complimentary curated Crystal Adventures shore excursions in every port
• Destination-focused entertainment and enrichment program, including onboard lecture series
• Gratuities included for all shipboard staff throughout the River Yacht including housekeeping, bar, dining staff and butlers

Hotel Description

Service. Space. Quality. Choices. From The World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line, Crystal Cruises, comes an unrivalled new way to explore the legendary capitals and enchanting landscapes of Europe’s majestic waterways…introducing Crystal Mozart. Completely reimagining the European river experience with the most spacious, state-of-the-art, all-suite river yacht, boasting exceptional design and unparalleled all-inclusive amenities, including butler service for every suite, extraordinary personal attention and service with the highest staff-to-guest ratio in all of European river cruising, with some of the most elegant and spacious suites of any river vessel.

Dates

Cruise departure:
3 December 2017

Basic Conditions

• Standard terms and conditions apply
• Price is based on 2 people travelling together at all times and sharing in a double or twin room
• Normal 3rd passenger and child rates are applicable for additional guests
• Prices advertised exclude all domestic and international flights
• Prices advertised exclude any services, meals, drinks, tips, surcharges, levies and other costs not mentioned in the inclusions
• Prices advertised are correct at time of publishing and subject to increase or decrease without prior notice should the currency fluctuate or tariffs alter
• All travel offers are capacity controlled and are thus subject to availability at the time of reservation
• All advertised prices for the travel offers vary by date, departure city, and availability
• All advertised prices are on a per person sharing basis unless otherwise specified
• All travel offers are capacity controlled and are thus subject to availability at the time of reservation
• All travel offers are governed by specific terms and conditions of sale, which include advance purchase restrictions, minimum stay requirements, block-out travel periods and peak season surcharges
• Booking, change and cancellation conditions apply
• Passport & visa costs (if applicable) & items of a personal nature are also not included in the advertised price, unless otherwise stated
• Travel insurance is not included in the advertised price but is strongly recommended
• Extra nights may be required at passenger expense due to flight schedules