A great Europe River Cruise
The tour guides on this tour are amazing! and I am offering early bird prices that will blow you out of the water.
River Cruise Package Includes
10 nights accommodations
7 nights outside cabin aboard the Deluxe Monarch Empress
3 nights Prague
River port charges of $190 per person
Cruise & hotel porterage
All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
23 meals: 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
Cruise director & activities host throughout cruise
Local host in Prague
Services of local guides in all major cities
Shore excursions per itinerary
Entrance fees per itinerary
Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring during excursions
Important Dates
A deposit of $600 is payable on booking, balance is due 60 days before departure.
BOOK BY 02 FEB for Super Earlybird Discount Genuine Deal, Book this week and I will apply a $1000 discount per person. Bookings must be made with deposit paid before 5pm 02 FEB 2021 DLDCP1000
Special Features
During your Budapest City Tour, see the Parliament, Heroes Square, Royal Palace and Matthias Church
Tour romantic Vienna with its legendary opulence and elegance
Stop in Durnstein, one of the prettiest towns on the Danube
In Melk, join a guided tour of the historic Benedictine Abbey
Visit Pilsen’s medieval Republic Square and the onion domes of the Great Synagogue
City tour of Prague “The City of a Thousand Spires”
Know Before You Book – High & Low Water
European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It’s a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of a deluxe ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship’s itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. When the option exists, the operator will “swap ships” with another vessel sailing in the opposite direction, retaining the sailing experience. Crew, ship and cabin configuration may differ. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavor to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge.
Add flights with your favourite airline. Go West Travel is an IATA registered travel agency with access to all published fares including all sale fares. A package deal can be quoted before you pay deposit.
2022 Departure Dates and Prices
| Starting In | Countess Deck Outside Cabin with French Balcony | Book By Feb 02 2021 | Book After Feb 02 2021 | Save up to |
| Budapest | Wed, May 11 | $ 3669 | $ 6029 | 39% |
| Prague | Sun, May 15 | $ 3669 | $ 6029 | 39% |
| Budapest | Wed, May 25 | $ 3539 | $ 5899 | 40% |
| Prague | Sun, May 29 | $ 3409 | $ 5769 | 41% |
| Budapest | Wed, Jun 8 | $ 3279 | $ 5639 | 42% |
| Prague | Sun, Jun 12 | $ 3149 | $ 5509 | 43% |
| Budapest | Wed, Jun 22 | $ 3079 | $ 5439 | 43% |
| Prague | Sun, Jun 26 | $ 3019 | $ 5369 | 44% |
| Budapest | Wed, Jul 6 | $ 2889 | $ 5239 | 45% |
| Prague | Sun, Jul 10 | $ 2889 | $ 5239 | 45% |
| Budapest | Wed, Jul 20 | $ 2889 | $ 5239 | 45% |
| Prague | Sun, Jul 24 | $ 2889 | $ 5239 | 45% |
| Budapest | Wed, Aug 3 | $ 3019 | $ 5369 | 44% |
| Prague | Sun, Aug 7 | $ 3019 | $ 5369 | 44% |
| Budapest | Wed, Aug 17 | $ 3019 | $ 5369 | 44% |
| Prague | Sun, Aug 21 | $ 3019 | $ 5369 | 44% |
| Budapest | Wed, Aug 31 | $ 3279 | $ 5639 | 42% |
| Prague | Sun, Sep 4 | $ 3409 | $ 5769 | 41% |
| Budapest | Wed, Sep 14 | $ 3539 | $ 5899 | 40% |
| Prague | Sun, Sep 4 | $ 3669 | $ 6029 | 39% |
Daily Itinerary
This tour starts in Budapest on Wednesdays, it also operates in reverse from Prague on starting on Sundays
DAY 1, Wednesday – Cruise Embarkation in Budapest
Arrive in Budapest, Hungary and transfer to the port. Embarkation will begin at 2 PM. After arrival formalities, time to relax on board. Tonight, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy a gala welcome dinner as it sets the mood for your delightful river cruise
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2, Thursday – 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 before you set sail for Bratislava
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3, Friday – Bratislava City Tour
This morning, enjoy the tranquil scenery as you sail along the scenic Danube. In the late afternoon, arrive in Bratislava, the 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
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4, Saturday – Vienna City Tour
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)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5, Sunday – Melk Abbey
This morning, arrive in the 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 and relax on board as the boat cruises 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
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6, Monday – Full Day in Passau
Today presents a wonderful opportunity to join the optional full day tour to beautiful Salzburg, the 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. If you choose to remain on board, the day is free to explore the 2500-year-old Passau. Well known for its pastel patrician houses, cafes, cobblestone lanes and riverfront promenade, Passau is a town with a mix of Roman, Italian Baroque and Gothic architecture. In the early evening, all passengers will rejoin the ship and set sail for Regensburg
Optional: Full Day Tour of Salzburg
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7, Tuesday – Regensburg City Tour
Arrive in Regensburg this morning, 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, the 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. Return to the boat or spend the afternoon at leisure discovering the delights of Regensburg on your own. The ship will remain docked in port this evening as you enjoy your final night on board
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, Wednesday – Pilsen
This morning, bid farewell to your Cruise Director and meet your local host as you disembark from the river cruise and drive to the “Golden City” of Prague. On your way, stop in the city of Pilsen for a delightful city tour of where you will visit Republic Square, one of the largest medieval squares in the Czech Republic, and gaze upon the gothic style of St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral & Old Town Hall. View the onion domes of the Great Synagogue before your free time to explore Pilsen on your own. Tonight, mix with the locals at Wenceslas Square, shop for local handicrafts, enjoy one of the many charming cafes or dine at a world-class restaurant
Overnight: Prague
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9, Thursday – Prague City Tour
Discover Prague this morning with a city tour. Visit the 1000-year-old Hradcany Castle grounds, former residence of the Bohemian Kings and enjoy breathtaking views of the Charles Bridge and Lesser Town below. Walk though the elegant courtyards and see St. George Basilica and the St. Vitus Cathedral. Continue to the Jewish Quarter, and the Old Town Square to view the world-famous Astronomical Clock and the Town Hall. This afternoon, join the optional tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII concentration camp, now a memorial to those who perished
Optional: Terezin (PM)
Overnight: Prague
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10, Friday – Full Day in Prague
Today is free to further explore this beautiful city independently. Visit the museums, galleries or stroll along Parizska Street, the city’s famous shopping district, or perhaps join the optional tour of Malá Strana, also known as Lesser Town, one of Prague’s most historic districts. Explore this enchanting part of Prague, filled with important cultural landmarks such as the Charles Bridge with its 30 Baroque statues of various saints, and beautiful Kampa Island which is full of quaint restaurants and a lovely park. This evening, perhaps try traditional Czech cuisine at a popular restaurant. Remember to sample Prague’s national treasure – its world-renowned beer
Optional: Mala Strana Tour (AM)
Overnight: Prague
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11, Saturday – Depart the Czech Republic
Ask me about booking a transfer to the airport for your departure flight , home or onward for more of Europe?
Meals: Breakfast
Cruise Ship and Hotel
Hotel Cosmopolitan, Prague
This deluxe hotel is situated in central Prague.
Monarch Empress
Sail the Danube in comfort and style on the Monarch Empress by Gate 1 Travel. The MS Monarch Empress is a deluxe river cruise vessel operated by Gate 1 Travel. Built in 2015/16, maximum capacity of 140 passengers, this ship features 70 spacious outside cabins, 58 with French Balcony, each fully air-conditioned with individual climate control and private bathrooms.
Ship Amenities
Bar-Lounge, restaurant, aft lounge, sundeck, putting green, fitness center, basic wi-fi throughout ship and 24/7 coffee/tea station
Cabins Include
Flat screen TV, direct dial telephone, built-in safe, individual climate control, hairdryer, mini-fridge
Optional Tours
Add these on now or book with your guide while on the tour. Prices are per person and twin share bookings do not need to have both people booked together.
Day #5 $96
Experience a delightful evening of Viennese culture in the “City of Music.” Attend a concert featuring the classical masterpieces of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johann Strauss, two of Vienna’s most famous citizens. The musicians will bring to life the passionate strains of Mozart, a child prodigy who blossomed into one of history’s greatest composers and Strauss, the Waltz King, who composed the Blue Danube, the world’s most famous waltz. The chamber orchestra is accompanied by a professional dance performance, recalling the golden age of the 19th-century Viennese ballrooms.
Day #7 $140
Tour of Salzburg
Enjoy a full-day excursion to beautiful Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and inspiration for the Sound of Music. The walking tour will include some of Salzburg’s most historic sites including Mirabell Gardens and a stop outside the house where Mozart lived. Lunch is included at a local restaurant, and then there will be time to explore the streets of Salzburg on your own before returning to the boat.
Approximate tour duration is 9 hours.
Travel Insurance General
You must be insured for the duration of your trip. You need comprehensive travel insurance to cover cancellation, health requirements, luggage and additional expenses. Insurance policies rarely cover for loss of cash. If you choose to activate a policy as part of your credit card, it is important to confirm that the policy is activated and understand what is covered and what is not covered. I always recommend you contact your credit card provider and get the current policy wording and ensure that the policy meets your needs. If you choose to travel without insurance, you cannot claim losses against Edward Law trading as Go West Travel except to the extent of Australian consumer law.
