Pastor Steve & Sandy Poe, 06.06.2027

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DANUBE RIVER CRUISE – Pastor Steve & Sandy Poe

Day 1 – June 6 – EMBARKATION – BUDAPEST, HUNGARY:Depart the U.S.A. for a flight into Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, Hungary.Arrive in Budapest, and board your luxurious river cruise ship, the S.S. Maria Theresa. Captain’s Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner. (D)

Day 2 – June 7 – BUDAPEST: 

Select your choice of these carefully curated excursions, which operate at the same time.

Budapest Panoramic Highlights with Franz Liszt Academy Visit: Hungary has been home to a great number of accomplished musicians, including the famousFranz Liszt, who established a university for music in Budapest in 1875. To this day, the Franz Liszt Academy is still a world-famous conservatory, with degree programs in classicalinstruments, singing, conducting, and composing. Take a guided tour of the academy today, culminating in an orchestra performance by some of the current students. Next, we’ll embark on apanoramic drive with scenic stops overlooking the city.

Budapest Walk with Local Treats: Today your guide will show you how to snack around Budapest like a local, starting with a tram ride to the House of Parliament. Hop off the tram and take a short walk to your first treat: a coffee break at the First Strudel House of Pest. Energized by your cup of coffee, you’ll continue your walk down to St. Stephen’s Basilica—a handsome Neo-Classical building that is one of Budapest’s most significant cultural sites. From there, we’ll head to the Great Market Hall to sample some traditional Hungarian fare, suchas salami, sausages, and cheese, while your local expert explains the intricacies of Hungarian cuisine.

Margaret Island Discovery

Budapest Rock Hospital: Dig deep into the history of Budapest’s underground…literally…to uncover the secrets of thesubterranean Hospital in the Rock. Steeped in Cold War mystique, this abandoned hospital wastransformed into a secret nuclear bomb shelter—and hospital/torture chamber for prisoners—during the height of US/Soviet tensions in the 1950s. It was so secret that once it was abandonedin 1970, a single couple continued to live here as caretakers, telling no one what they did. Tourthis cavernous enigma where original hospital equipment and more than 200 wax figuresrepresenting the staff who worked here haunt this site of heroism and horror. Please note: this experience is recommended for children aged 12 and up.  (B,L,D)

Day 3 – June 8 – BRATISLAVA / VIENNA: Your ship sets sail from Bratislava later this morning and heads for Vienna today. You may relax onboard all day, perhaps enjoying a drink on the Sun Deck and taking in the scenery as the ship wends its way along the Danube River. When you arrive in Vienna, you’ll cap off your day with a concert at the House of Strauss.

Select your choice of these carefully curated excursions, which operate at the same time.

Bratislava – Small but Precious Walking Tour: Walk through the loveliest part of Bratislava with your local guide. Starting on the Danubepromenade, you’ll cross the former Coronation Square, pass the Slovak National Theater and St. Martin’s Cathedral. This Gothic church was built into the medieval city’s fortifications, and 19Habsburg rulers were crowned inside it, including Empress Maria Theresa. That’s because Bratislava, then known as Pressburg, became the capital of the Kingdom of Hungary after theOttomans conquered Budapest in 1536, a status it retained until the middle of the 19th-century.

Close to the cathedral you’ll find Michael’s Gate, the last remaining portal of the medieval wall—and your entryway into Bratislava’s Old Town, which blends Gothic, baroque, and art deco structures with some less graceful reminders of the Communist era. The stately 18th-centuryPrimatial Palace, in the center of Old Town, was the site where the Pressburg peace treaty wassigned in 1805, in which Austria ceded a great deal of territory to Napoleon. Another 18th-centurypalace, Grassalkovich, is now the president of Slovakia’s official residence.

Take some time after the tour to browse through the attractive shops in the lovely art decobuildings that line the squares; you can find a wide selection of traditional folk items at the ÚĽUV (Slovak Folk Culture) shop. And you’ll definitely want to sample some of the local delicacies.

Let’s Go: Hike to Bratislava Castle: This brilliantly white, enormous square building takes over the skyline of Bratislava, and from its grounds you’ll find incredible views of the city below. After your hike to the castle, you’ll stroll through the most beautiful part of Bratislava with the local guide. You will be introduced to the Capital of Slovakia, seeing sites like the Presidential Palaceand the unique bridge colloquially known as UFO Bridge (you’ll understand when you see it).

Passing through the historic Old Town, we’ll see the charming House of the Good Shepherd, the pastel tower of the Old Town Hall, and statues like Čumil, the sewage worker leaning out of a manhole in the street to smile at passersby.

Life beyond the Iron Curtain: Take an authentic look into Communist-era Bratislava as you follow a local guide through the city. As you go, listen to real stories about life in the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic: how some locals escaped past the iron curtain, the Prague Spring of 1968, the Velvet Revolution, and more. Following yourtour, you’ll sit with a representative of a local NGO known as Post Bellum. Post Bellum works topreserve history by documenting first-hand accounts of life during World War II andCommunism, interviewing everyone they can find—from resistance members to ex-KGB agents. (This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports Global Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.)

Bratislava Walking Tour with Multium Mirror Gallery: Get to know the sites and legends of historic Bratislava on a walking tour through the smallest capital city on the Danube River. As you explore the highlights of Old Town, and meander narrow alleyways on your way to Michael’s Gate—a remnant of the city’s medieval fortifications—you’ll findyourself immersed in centuries of fascinating stories. Next, you’ll stop at the one-of-a-kind Multium gallery, a mind-bending collection of illusions created using artfully arranged mirrors.

Featured excursions included in your journey

Nights Out: House of Strauss Concert: Step back in time at the last surviving music hall where all four Strauss composers—Johann Strauss I, Johann Strauss II, and the latter’s two brothers, Josef and Eduard—once performed. Composer of “The Blue Danube” and one of Europe’s most celebrated musicians, Johann StraussII captivated audiences at this venue several times during his lifetime. In his day, the building was a hub for Vienna’s socialites. Begin with a brief tour of the exhibits, followed by an immersive audio-visual experience of Strauss compositions. Please note: On the rare occasions that the House of Strauss is unavailable, an alternative concert venue will be arranged. (B,L,D)

Day 4 – June 9 – VIENNA:Vienna is a cultural treasure trove revered for its art and music (and sinfully rich pastries). Experience the “City of Waltzes” with a highlight tour of the city, as well as an expertly led tour of an extraordinary collection of art at the renowned Vienna Art History Museum.

Featured excursions included in your journey

“Morning with the Masters” at the Vienna Art History Museum: The Habsburgs assembled an astonishing collection of artistic treasures over the centuries, whichformed the basis for the works now on display at the Vienna Art History Museum (Kunsthistorisches). The doors open early especially for you as you join an art historian for a tour ofsome of the masterpieces gathered here: View a unique group of works by Pieter Bruegel the Elder,Vermeer’s Allegory of Painting, Raphael’s Madonna in the Meadow, and portraits byRembrandt, Velazquez, Rubens, Titian, Tintoretto, and Van Eyck, among others, in the Picture Gallery. Then move onto the Kunstkammer galleries, where you can see Benvenuto Cellini’slegendary salt cellar (the only gold sculpture he created that has survived to the present day) andhear its remarkable story. Your tour ends in the magnificent Cupola Hall, perhaps the architectural highlight of the splendid building.

Vienna – Imperial City Highlights: Ring Street, the great horseshoe-shaped boulevard lined with many of the city’s major landmarks— Parliament, City Hall, the Vienna State Opera, glorious palaces, and museums—is a mere 150years old, practically an infant for a city of Vienna’s age. It replaced the walls and fortifications that had protected the city for centuries. Its construction was a testament to confidence, forward-thinking, and grand urban planning, and it resulted in a 50-year building spree. You’ll pass mostof these opulent landmarks on your way to the older section of the city, the area the walls onceenclosed. Later, you’ll walk along Kärntner Street, the celebrated pedestrian boulevard that links the StateOpera with St. Stephen’s Cathedral, past the elegant shops on the Graben and the Kohlmarkt. Theneighborhood offers a lively combination of historic architecture, street performances, shoppers’delights, and true Viennese atmosphere.

Select your choice of these carefully curated excursions, which operate at the same time.

Schönbrunn Royal Experience: Learn more about the everyday life of the imperial family at the “Schloss Schönbrunn Experience” Children’s Museum. Dress up as a prince or princess, learn the secret language of fans, play with imperial toys, or set the table for an imperial dinner. Schönbrunn Palace, the former summerresidence of the Habsburg rulers, is a stunning 1,441 room Baroque palace that’s revered as one ofthe most important architectural and historical monuments in the country. Marvel at its over 300 years of history that reflect the changing tastes of former monarchs and wander through its vast gardens.

Magical History Tour: Watch as history comes alive on this exploration of the city at the interactive multimedia venue Time Travel Vienna. Discover Vienna’s eventful history in a unique way; Time Travel Vienna features a 5D cinema, animatronic wax figures, rides, and multimedia shows equipped with extraordinary soundand light effects. After, you’ll embark on a humorous and expertly-led walk around the city thatwill bring you to the historic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. (B,L,D)

Day 5 – June 10 – DÜRNSTEIN / MELK: Dürnstein is a favorite town along the Danube, a lovely place to wander cobblestone lanes, browse quaint shops, and maybe hike up to a ruined castle (with an intriguing tale all its own). You can also opt for a tasting or learn all about the world’s costliest spice from the Wachau Valley’s only saffron grower, or visit a winery for a tasting experience. Later, visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey and its extraordinary baroque-style library and delightful gardens. You have two ports of call in the incredibly scenic valley, and an assortment of delightful ways to explore this lovely region.

Select your choice of these carefully curated excursions, which operate at the same time.

Let’s Go: Biking the Wachau: You’ve likely seen bicyclists pedaling beside the river during your cruise. The Danube bike path isEurope’s most popular bike route; it follows the river between Regensburg and Passau. Take tothe path today and wheel along a particularly scenic 20-mile stretch between Dürnstein to Melk thataffords some of the most impressive views of the famed Wachau Valley. The flat riverbanks makefor easy biking, freeing you to fully enjoy the beauty of the surrounding vineyards, woodedmountains, and charming villages.

Melk Abbey with Library Visit: The Babenbergs, a great medieval ducal family that controlled a wide swath of Austria beforeyielding to the Habsburgs, were the first to erect a castle on the hill above Melk, which theysubsequently gave to Benedictine monks. These monks, some 900 years ago, turned it into afortified abbey—and the greatest center of learning in Central Europe. Their library wascelebrated far and wide (and still is; Umberto Eco paid tribute to it in his best-selling novel TheName of the Rose). Medieval monks there created more than 1,200 manuscripts, sometimesspending an entire lifetime hand-lettering a single volume. Today the library contains some100,000 volumes, among them more than 80,000 works printed before 1800. This beautifulcomplex, completely redone in the early 18th century, is a wonderful example of baroque art andarchitecture, and the views from its terrace are spectacular. As you walk through the abbey’sMarble Hall with your guide, look up at the ceiling fresco painted by Paul Troger: Those classical godsand goddesses represent Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI, allegorically bringing his people fromdark to light and demonstrating the link he claimed to the original Roman Empire.

After your tour of the abbey, you’ll have time to explore Melk on your own, or you can take the motorcoach back to the ship.

Dürnstein Village and Saffron Talk: The first Wachau Valley saffron crocuses were planted at the end of the 12th century, making saffrona valued crop for 700 years—but it disappeared from the terraced hillsides early in the 20th century. It wasn’t until 2007 that an ecologist found mention of it in an 18th-century document atMelk Abbey’s celebrated library. Bernard Kaar, who spent years researching the history of saffronand still more years cultivating the world’s only biodynamically certified saffron, is one of theWachau’s most important producers. Meet Bernard and his wife, Alexandra, for a fascinatingintroduction to saffron—the plant, the spice, its cultural significance, and their farm’s uniquelysustainable methods of producing it.

Later walk along the town’s narrow streets, past 16th-, 17th-, and 18th-century houses; it’s an up-close look at over 300 years of architecture. Considering its diminutive size, the village of Dürnsteinoffers much to explore. The famous blue baroque tower of the abbey church is doubtless its best-known landmark, but the ruined castle above the town provides its most romantic tale. ThereRichard the Lionheart was imprisoned until he was found by his faithful bard, Blondel, and ransom could be raised— or so the legend goes. (This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports Global Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.)

Dürnstein Wine Estate Visit with Tasting: There’s no better way to conclude your visit to the Wachau Valley than with a special tasting oforganic wines at Nikolaihof, perhaps the oldest winery in Austria. The location itself is fascinating:One may encounter remnants of the first buildings on the site—an ancient Roman fort—and tastewines in a deconsecrated 15th-century chapel. Owned by the Saahs family, Nikolaihof is both oldestwinery in Austria and the country’s oldest inhabited house, producing some of the world’s best Riesling and Vetliner varietals; in fact, the 1995 Riesling Vinothek, bottled in 2012, actually scored 100 points in The Wine Advocate, the first Austrian wine ever to rank that highly. It is also one of thefirst wineries in the world to produce biodynamically certified wines. No herbicides, fertilizers, pesticides, or synthetic sprays are used in the vineyards. The grapes are harvested by hand, fermented without artificial yeast, and stored in Austrian oak casks for up to 20 years. Furtheringtheir environmentally-friendly mission, Nikolaihof even produces a cosmetics line out of the waste product from the wine production. The antioxidant-rich skincare products are the world’s firstbiodynamically certified grape cosmetics.

After your visit, discover Dürnstein on a stroll through town before returning to the ship. Considering its diminutive size, the village of Dürnstein offers much to explore. The famousblue baroque tower of the abbey church is doubtless its best-known landmark, but the ruinedcastle above the town provides its most romantic tale. There Richard the Lionheart wasimprisoned until he was found by his faithful bard, Blondel, and ransom could be raised—or sothe legend goes. Walk along the town’s narrow streets, past 16th-, 17th-, and 18th-century houses; it’s an up-close look at over 300 years of architecture. (This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports Global Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.)

Icons of Dürnstein: Besides its vineyards, the pretty Wachau Valley town of Dürnstein is famous for a couple things:the ruins of a castle that once detained King Richard the Lionheart, and the powder blue tower thatdefines its skyline. Start with an invigorating hike to the castle, where you can catch incredible viewsof the valley below, then head to the tower—also known as Stift Dürnstein. There’s another greatview to be found here, but it’s up to you to decide which is best.

Melk Abbey & Gardens: Looking at the gigantic, pastel yellow building crowing the hilltops of Melk, you’d think you were admiring a palace—you’d probably never guess that it’s actually home to an order of Benedictine monks. On your tour of Melk Abbey today with a family guide, you’ll explore the beautiful gardens, admire their famous library, and more. (B,L,D)

Day 6 – June 11 – LINZ, SALZBURG: Mozart’s birthplace of Salzburg is nestled in a glorious alpine setting that sparkles like a winter wonderland. Linz may be best known for its famous Linzer torte, but it’s also a hotbed for the arts. See the sights with a local expert and visit a family at their farm in the countryside. Austria’s third-largest city, Linz boasts a long history of trading and textile manufacturing, but these days it is perhaps best known for its electronic arts and annual festival.

Select your choice of these carefully curated excursions, which operate at the same time.

Full-Day in Salzburg with Sound of Music: Not only is Salzburg famously the shooting location for the 1965 film, The Sound of Music, but it isalso the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Today, we’ll dive into the city’s deep musical heritage with a walking tour through its picturesque squares and baroque architecture. Visit Maria’s church in the nearby town of Mondsee, as well as the Viennese gardens around which sheand the children sang “Do Re Mi.” See the house where Mozart was born and take a lift up the Mönschberg mountain for an excellent view of the city.

Linz Town and Country: Linzertorte and Cider Farm Visit: Get to know Linz on foot with a local expert who will take you by all the major sites in town, from Mozart’s apartment to the old Jesuit Cathedral. You’ll stop for a bite at Konditorei Jindrak, homeof the Original Linzer Torte. Enjoy a cup of coffee alongside this thin, buttery pastry made withground nuts, filled with fruit preserves and topped with a lattice crust.

Next, the group will split in two, each half heading out to a countryside cider farm. There, you’ll be treated to a lunch of local specialties and house-made cider—an excellent way to immerse yourself in rural Austrian life and scenery, while also supporting local farmers. Both farms are entirelyorganic and give special care to the quality of the ingredients they produce, from the carefulcultivation of their bountiful orchards to the livestock they keep in large grazing pastures. This typeof farming produces less waste and—as you’ll see during your lunch there—better food. (This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports Global Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.)

Salt Mine Adventure: Journey deep into the heart of a mountain as you explore the oldest working salt mine in Germany. Board an open-air train to enter a subterranean world where fascinating light displays, thrillingwooden slides, and more await you.

After, return to the surface for a relaxing afternoon by the scenic lake, where you can find a local restaurant to enjoy lunch, browse the souvenir shops, and take in the fresh mountain air. (B,L,D)

Day 7 – June 12 – PASSAU: Discover the city of Passau, a crossroads in more ways than one, as three rivers meet here and three nations nearly do, making for a fascinating cultural mosaic. Get to know the town and its main claim to fame—Europe’s largest pipe organ—or “Let’s Go” with an invigorating riverside hike.

Select your choice of these carefully curated excursions, which operate at the same time.

Let’s Go: Hike along the Ilz River: Put on your hiking boots, grab a windbreaker and a bottle of water, and head out with a local hiking guide and nature expert to explore the banks of the Ilz River. This small but rushing tributary of the Danube originates deep in the Bavarian Forest, near the Czech border, and is just 40 miles (65 kilometers) long. Its upper stretch is a premier whitewater rafting location, but you’ll be hiking alongthe lower, serene end of the river. Your starting point is Hals-Hochstein, where you’ll pick up a naturetrail that follows a curve of the river and then climbs a steep hill, where you have a great view of theriver and woodlands. You will cross the river repeatedly, once by way of a dam and again toward the end of your four-mile (6.5-kilometer) hike, as you loop back to the Hals.

Passau Three Rivers: Passau is built upon the meeting point of three rivers: the Danube, the Inn, and the Ilz. Sprawlingacross the riverbanks, the city has a particularly charming setting, which you’ll get to appreciate on a walking tour of its top sites. After walking around Passau, we’ll drive to a beautiful natural habitat on the Ilz, where you can take a short walk and relax in the scenic environment before reboarding the coach for atrip up to the Kloster Mariahilf to see the three rivers from above.

Treasure Hunt Trek: Join a local geocaching guide on a unique discovery of Passau’s historical and hidden spots. Pay close attention to clues and hints as you make your way from one station to the next, uncovering important historical information about your current location. Each station also includes a special activity for kids.

Passau Scavenger Hunt: No easy walk around town awaits you today. Instead, you and your fellow travelers will be tasked to uncover the secrets of Passau for yourself! Follow a series of clues, puzzles, and photo challengesthrough the “City of Three Rivers” to discover historic sites and picture-worthy streets. Along theway, your local guide will always be on hand to share fascinating stories about the city they call home. 

In the evening, a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Gala Dinner.(B,L,D)

Day 8 – June 13 – DISEMBARK PASSAU, PRAGUE– HOME: Disembark the ship.  Travelers who did not select the Prague extension will disembark and catch their flights, at Munich Aiport returning home with wonderful memories to last a lifetieme! (B)