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Overview

An awe-inspiring journey

Fifty years ago, Stanford adventurers were among the pioneers of alumni-based educational travel, reveling in the joy of heading to far-flung destinations in the company of outstanding faculty and fellow alums. Our Danube River programs back then were the hottest tickets in town. In fact, at one point, the waiting list was two years long! 

We’re delighted to bring back this perennial favorite, updated on a sleek, 5-star river vessel that features a heated pool with a retractable roof. Cruise from Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna through Hungary’s Great Plain and the vineyard-blanketed hills of Austria’s Wachau Valley to Dürnstein, Passau, and Regensburg. Sample local flavors and dive into European history!

Dates

April 19–28, 2024

Duration

10 days

Price

From $10,295 per person

Trip size

40 participants

Minimum age

18 years
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Faculty leader

A different kind of classroom

With renowned Stanford faculty and scholars leading the way, every Travel/Study trip is a one-of-a-kind educational experience.

Roberto D’Alimonte

LUISS Guido Carli University, Rome

A professor of political science and a noted political journalist, Roberto brings his unique understanding of modern European politics to Stanford travelers.

Roberto was a real expert on the political history of the region, overall brilliant, and very approachable."

—Stuart Ockman, MS ’68

Itinerary

Journey from Budapest to Regensburg

From medieval castles and gothic cathedrals to world-famous art and music, you’ll find yourself immersed in the architecture, history, and culture of the region. Take in the scenic Wachau Valley and picturesque riverside towns as we explore four countries along the Danube River from the comfort of our luxurious river vessel.

  • Budapest, Hungary

    Upon arrival in Budapest, transfer to our hotel, located in the very center of the city and steps from the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Andrássy Avenue. The evening is free to relax and rest from traveling.

    Accommodations:

    Kempinski Hotel Corvinas

  • Budapest, Hungary

    Embark on a full day exploration of the Hungarian capital. Begin with a guided walk along the traditional pedestrian streets of Pest, including stops in St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Great Market Hall, the city’s largest and oldest indoor market, and a historic tram ride to the iconic 19th-century Hungarian Parliament. This evening, travel to historic Buda for cocktails at Fisherman’s Bastion with its panoramic views, followed by our welcome dinner.

    Accommodations:

    Kempinski Hotel Corvinas

    Included meals: Breakfast and dinner
  • Budapest, Hungary

    This morning, visit the ancient Jewish district where the Dohany Street Synagogue, Europe's largest, is located. Tour the Great Synagogue and its onsite Jewish Museum and Memorial Tree, a work of art resembling a weeping willow with the names of 400,000 Hungarian Jews taken by the Nazis. Then embark on a Hungarian food tour during a "progressive lunch," visiting three different restaurants. Late this afternoon, settle into the Emerald Star and enjoy dinner on board followed by a Hungarian folklore show.

    Accommodations:

    Emerald Star

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Danube Bend—Esztergom, Visegrád, and Szentendre

    Disembark the ship for a full-day adventure to the Danube Bend, a string of small riverside towns just north of Budapest in the Hungarian countryside. Begin with an exploration of Esztergom, the former capital of Hungary, and home to Hungary’s largest church. Continue to Visegrád, known for its medieval citadel offering a beautiful panorama of the Danube Bend. In the afternoon, spend time in the charming little artist village of Szentendre, with its colorful houses and narrow alleyways, art galleries, and handicraft shops. Return to the ship and depart for Bratislava.

    Accommodations:

    Emerald Star

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Bratislava, Slovakia

    As our riverboat cruises through Slovakia, stop at its capital, Bratislava, a city influenced by many cultures and religions. Take a guided walking tour of the city’s historic center, visiting St. Martin’s Cathedral, notable for its stark Gothic lines and coloring, and the classical Primatial Palace, whose holdings include a rare collection of English tapestries from the 17th century. Before returning to the ship, visit one of the city’s oldest bakeries to sample traditional Slovakian sweets.

    Accommodations:

    Emerald Star

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Vienna, Austria

    Enjoy an introductory city tour, starting with Vienna’s magnificent Ringstrasse, followed by a walk through the historic city center to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, with its distinctive roof composed of more than a million colorful tiles. Next, visit the Belvedere Palace, home to one of Austria’s most valuable art collections, including The Kiss, Gustav Klimt’s famed work. Enjoy free time this afternoon. Following dinner, travel to Liechtenstein City Palace for a concert performed by members of the Vienna Philharmonic.

    Accommodations:

    Emerald Star

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Krems and Dürnstein, Austria

    Stop today in Krems to visit the Göttweig Abbey, one of Austria's most important Benedictine abbeys. Back onboard the ship, enjoy the beautiful scenery as we cruise through the stunning Wachau Valley, known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and fortresses. Continue to Dürnstein for a walking tour and to Weissenkirchen for a wine tasting.

    Accommodations:

    Emerald Star

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Passau, Germany

    After a morning of sailing, arrive in Passau, which lies at the junction of the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz Rivers. Enjoy a walking tour of the city center and an organ demonstration at St. Stephan’s Cathedral, performed on the second-largest organ in the world. Also view the city’s large glockenspiel in the Old Town Hall, and if the timing is right, hear its melodious chime.

    Accommodations:

    Emerald Star

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Regensburg, Germany

    Disembark this morning in one of the region’s most important medieval cities, Regensburg. Walk the narrow, cobbled lanes and marvel at the tall façades that help to define the character of this Bavarian city. Stroll over the 12th-century Stone Bridge, step inside 13th-century St. Peter’s Cathedral, and enjoy a festive Bavarian lunch in the former Bishop’s Palace. This afternoon, enjoy time to explore Regensburg independently or take an e-bike tour to the Walhalla Monument, which towers high above the Danube. Celebrate the culmination of our journey tonight with a farewell dinner and traditional Bavarian band performance.

    Accommodations:

    Emerald Star

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Munich, Germany / Home

    After breakfast, transfer to the Munich Airport for flights home.

    Included meal: Breakfast

Trip details

Start preparing for the trip of a lifetime

From top to bottom, we’ve taken care of all the details, so you can enjoy a no-stress, worry-free travel experience.

Pricing

Secure your spot today

The price of your trip covers a comprehensive educational program in addition to meals, accommodations, tours and excursions. Continue reading for a full list of what’s included.

Category D

Emerald Stateroom on the Riviera Deck with one queen bed or two twin beds and a picture window. (162 sq. ft.)

  • Double: $10,295 per person

  • Single: $13,295 per person

Category C

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite on the Vista Deck with one queen bed or two twin beds, and indoor balcony with an open-air system featuring a floor-to-ceiling window. (180 sq. ft.)

  • Double: $11,295 per person

  • Single: $15,295 per person

Category B

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite on the Vista Deck with one queen bed or two twin beds, and indoor balcony with an open-air system featuring a floor-to-ceiling window. (180 sq. ft.)

  • Double: $11,595 per person

Category A

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite on the Horizon Deck with one queen bed or two twin beds, and indoor balcony with an open-air system featuring a floor-to-ceiling window. (180 sq. ft.)

  • Double: $12,595 per person

Category S

Emerald Grand Balcony Suite on the Horizon Deck with one queen bed or two twin beds, sliding glass door, and private balcony with an open-air system featuring a floor-to-ceiling window. (210 sq. ft.)

  • Double: $12,995 per person

Category SA

Owners’ One-Bedroom Suite on the Horizon Deck with one queen bed or two twin beds, walk-in closet, separate lounge, and private balcony with an open-air system featuring a floor-to-ceiling window.  (315 sq. ft.)

  • Double: $13,895 per person

Join us on the Danube

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