European Pickleball River Cruise Vacation with
post-tour pickleball play in the Balaton Lake region

The Erstwhile Cultural Capital of Linz

The vessel returns this morning for a short stop at the three-rivers city of Passau, lying at the confluence of the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz. In the morning, explore the city on your own or take a guided walking excursion. At St. Stephen’s Cathedral, see an organ with 17,774 pipes and 233 registers, the second largest in the world. Passau is also the starting point for the full day optional excursion to Salzburg with lunch at a local restaurant. For those remaining on board, relax on the Sun Deck and take in the scenery as the vessel moves toward its late afternoon visit to Linz   ̶  the third largest city in Austria. Join the walking tour and stroll on streets squares boasting unique churches, concert venues, and plenty of artists who come to the city to thrive. Time permitting, sample the famous Linzer Torte before returning to the vessel.

The romantic Wachau Valley is one of the most beautiful landscapes of Austria.

This morning presents an opportunity to visit the beautiful Baroque Benedictine Abbey of Melk, which sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. This Baroque jewel is filled with beautiful frescoes created by pre-eminent artists of the 18thcentury, and a magnificent library with priceless manuscripts. During lunch onboard, the ship continues to Dürnstein, a picturesque wine growers’ village located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Wachau Valley. Explore the village with a local guide or choose an excursion to a local vineyard to sample some of the region’s famous Grüner Veltliner wines. The ship arrives in Vienna later this evening and remains overnight.

There is much to see in Imperial Vienna!

Pickleball play or city tour with Palaces, a Museum Quarter displaying works by artists Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt, the historic buildings along the Ringstrasse, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the famous Vienna State Opera among others. This afternoon, choose to venture to Schönbrunn Palace, the sumptuous summer palace and gardens of Empress Maria Theresia and the Habsburg Empire. This evening take the chance to attend the “Sound of Vienna” and listen to the “Alt Wien” orchestra play popular pieces from Vienna’s classical era   ̶  a perfect end to your Vienna experience, before the vessel departs.

In the morning, we call at our next capital city - Bratislava.

Wake up this morning in Bratislava, a jewel on the Danube and the capital of Slovakia. Play Pickleball or explore the city on your own or with a guided optional tour through the city. See the home of the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, the old city walls, the summer residence of the archbishop and the current residence of the president of Slovakia. In the restored old town, view Michael’s Gate, the Primatial Palace and St. Martin’s Cathedral, a former coronation cathedral for Hungarian kings. This afternoon continue to explore the city at your own place or choose between two exciting optional shore excursions. Travel outside the city to the beautiful Schloss Hof Palace and Estate – the Imperial country estate of the Habsburgs acquired by the Empress Maria Theresa. Or explore the history of wine in Hungary along the Little Carpathian wine route, set among the Carpathian mountain range. Visit a local wine cellar and enjoy a tasting of the local wines.

Explore Esztergom and Budapest

Relax on board as the vessel makes its way to Budapest, Hungary. Explore the Hungarian countryside, the optional excursion departs in Esztergom, with its basilica dedicated to Saint Mary, and continues to Szentendre, known for its art galleries and museums. Rejoin the vessel after it docks in Budapest in time for lunch. This afternoon, explore the beautiful Hungarian capital of Budapest on a panoramic tour. The unique Chain Bridge straddles the Danube, connecting the Buda side, with its Fisherman’s Bastion, and the Pest side, with its iconic Hungarian Parliament building. An evening cruise on board your vessel, admiring the illuminated skyline, accompanied by a folklore show of music and dance, is a perfect end to your visit.

Kick off your day with a departure to the pickleball court in Budapest, where you'll engage in lively Pickleball games. Following the games, drive back to the hotel for a satisfying lunch and check-in. In the evening, meet in the lobby with your guide and Zoltán, setting the stage for a warm greeting of passengers with a glass of champagne. Enjoy a delightful dinner together, creating a festive atmosphere that embodies the spirit of the trip. The evening concludes with a leisurely walk back to the hotel, allowing time to reflect on the day's experiences and look forward to the adventures ahead.

Embark on a memorable day-long excursion to Lake Balaton and ANDOCS, filled with scenic beauty, sports, and culinary delights. Your day begins with an individual breakfast at the hotel, followed by a meeting with your guide and Zoltán, where you'll prepare for an afternoon of sports. The journey to Lake Balaton offers picturesque views and a comfort stop, allowing you to explore the lake's serene beauty. Upon arrival at ANDOCS, you'll be treated to a sumptuous lunch at KOMÓLAND, a local favorite. The afternoon is dedicated to Pickleball games, where you can engage in friendly competition and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow travelers. After the games, refresh with a shower before indulging in a traditional Hungarian "pálinka" party and lunch at KOMÓLAND. The experience is capped off with a leisurely drive back to Budapest, reflecting on a day filled with unique experiences and connections.