28 June-05 July, 2023

Explore classic Europe in style, gliding down the Danube on a luxury river cruise ship. This 7-night cruise offers you the charming Old World highlights of Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, and more. Visit many of Europe’s most gorgeous cities, replete with stunning architecture and fascinating Jewish history, with none of the inconvenience of switching hotels. Savor delicious Kosher cuisine in the ship’s signature panoramic restaurant, paired with unlimited red and white wines from Europe’s finest Kosher vineyards. Enjoy on-shore excursions led by passionate English-speaking guides where you will be engulfed in the rich heritage of the region. Compelling lectures from experts on Jewish culture and European history provide insight into the attractions, exposing you to the hidden gems and narratives of past communities. Visit local synagogues, museums, and timeless landmarks; then settle into your deluxe stateroom or private balcony for rest and relaxation in the evenings. This luxury river cruise is sure to delight history buffs, Jewish heritage visitors, and travelers in search of their dream European jaunt.

DAY 1, WEDNESDAY: PASSAU (DEPART 17:00)

We will meet at the dock in Passua where there will be time to check-in and settle into your cabins. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner with the Captain and our onboard team after your days travel.

DAY 2, THURSDAY: MELK (07:00- 13:00)

 
DAY 3, FRIDAY: VIENNA / BRATISLAVA Vienna (12:00) Bratislava ( 16:00)

This morning we will start with a visit to the First District and a bus tour of the Ringstrasse, Vienna's circular boulevard, which boasts some of the city's most spectacular sights—the Parliament Building, City Hall, the Opera House, palaces, museums, and parks. After the bus tour, we will continue on foot to the elegant Kärntner Strasse and Graben pedestrian areas and visit the majestic St. Stephen's Cathedral.

Vienna was home to a thriving Jewish community in the Middle Ages, one of the largest and most important in Europe. Famous Rabbis taught and worked here, making Vienna an influential center of Jewish knowledge. Unfortunately, this lively and creative environment was forced to an abrupt and violent end in 1420, with the expulsion and murder of the Viennese Jews. The ruins of the then-destroyed Synagogue, excavated under the Judenplatz in 1995, bear witness to the life and destruction of that medieval community.

In 2000, the Museum at Judenplatz was opened as a branch of the Jewish Museum Vienna. The city unveiled the solemn Judenplatz Holocaust Memorial on the square itself: a reinforced concrete cube resembling a library with its volumes turned inside out, designed by British artist Rachel Whiteread. To this day, new sources and scientific and architectural findings are shedding a more detailed light on medieval Jewish Vienna. Our visit to the museum will include an animated virtual tour of Jewish life. Allowing us to walk through a reconstruction of the city and showcasing the Jewish festivals and customs of the time.

As our river ship glides out of the heart of the city via the picturesque Danube River, you'll pass under several stunning bridges and enjoy views of magnificent architecture lining the riverbanks on both the 'Buda' and 'Pest' sides of the city. The Banks of the Danube in Budapest are UNESCO-listed in recognition of their beautifully well-preserved historical landmarks, and when you see wonders such as the awe-inspiring Parliament Building from the deck of your ship, you will soon understand why they are so highly regarded. We will reach Bratislava for lunch and later travel by coach to the Chatam Sofer's Burial. The Chatam Sofer is one of the most influential Poskim and the leader of the prestigious Pressburg Yeshiva.  We will return to the cruise ship to prepare for Shabbat. The chazzan will lead Kabalat Shabbat and Ma'ariv prayers.

DAY 4, SHABBAT: BRATISLAVA

On Shabbat morning, we will join the local Jewish community in Bratislava's Heydukova Street Synagogue, the only Synagogue in Bratislava and only one of four active synagogues in Slovakia. While three other synagogues did survive the Holocaust, they were demolished in the 1960s.

Bratislava's Synagogue also houses the Bratislava Jewish Community Museum. The Museum is a Slovak National Cultural Monument. Following morning services, a community leader will give us a private tour of the museum located on the upper level of the Synagogue and share with us the fascinating history of Bratislava's Jewish community, home to the prestigious Pressburg Yeshiva and whose pre-World War II Jewish population accounted for 12% of the city's residents. This museum's remarkable collection of Judaica and religious objects, many formerly hidden, were collected and preserved by the Jewish community. Finally, we will return to the ship for the Shabbat meal.

After the Shabbat meal, we will have some time to rest. In the afternoon, we will hear a lecture and enjoy tea and cake, followed by a lecture, Seudah Shlishit, and singing lead by the chazzan. After Havdallah the ship will start cruising.

DAY 5, SUNDAY: BUDAPEST (09:30 - 16:00)

Discover the magical city of Budapest with a guided bus & walking tour. As the capital of Hungary, Budapest is often called the "Paris of the East" and is a highlight for travelers worldwide. The time will not only give you a sense of Budapest's colorful history but also give insight into how the city's division by the Danube river has played such an essential role in society over the centuries - one side known as "Buda" and the other "Pest." Our first stop will be at the famous Neolog Synagogue, the Dohanny Synagogue, which is Europe's largest.

Designed in oriental style, the Synagogue can seat some 3,000 people. Its central location on a leafy boulevard serves as a complex for the Synagogue, Heroes Temple, Memorial, and Jewish Museum and graveyard. Built on the site of Herzl's home, it is no surprise that the 13-year-old Theodor celebrated his Bar Mitzvah here.

Our next stop is the Jewish Museum. From there, we will continue towards the famous monuments located on Andrássy Út street, including the exquisitely designed Opera House, Hero's Square, the famous Great Market Hall, St. Stephen's church, and the Parliament, which strikingly resembles the British Parliament building with nearly 20 km of corridors! We will return to the ship for lunch.

In the afternoon, our tour continues as we cross the famous chain bridge towards Buda Castle, where the coronation of Sisi and her husband as Hungarian Hapsburg rulers took place. You'll have an opportunity for an unforgettable view of Budapest and take in the exotic Fisherman's Bastion, where you can enjoy the city at your fingertips.

DAY 6, MONDAY: VIENNA (16:30 - 22:00)

We will visit the Schönbrunn Palace. The palace is the summer residence of the Habsburg family and notably Empress Elisabeth. The history of the palace and its vast gardens spans over 300 years, displaying the changing tastes, interests, and aspirations of the Habsburg monarchs. Today it is mainly in its original condition and is quite a sight to see!

This evening you are welcome to join us for an optional visit to Vienna's Concert. The German name still suggests that the "Kursalon Palace" was initially intended as a spa resort. However, over time, this magnificent building has quickly grown into a vibrant hotspot in the heart of Vienna, promoting the very essence of what Vienna is famous for classical music. In the same place where Johann Strauss himself used to direct his orchestra from the position of the first violin, Vienna's classical music scene can once again be experienced in modern times.

DAY 7, TUESDAY: DURENSTEIN (05:00: 12:00)

his morning we will dock in Dürnstein, located on the bank of the Danube River in the Wachau Valley. Known as the Pearl of the Wachau Valley, it is surrounded by luscious vineyards. In addition, we will visit the ancient 12th-century castle, famous for the imprisonment of the King of England, Richard the Lionheart, which is also connected to the city of Akko.

This guided walking tour takes you through the charming center, from where you will have a fantastic view of the surrounding valley and castle ruins. Then, return to the ship for lunch while we sail to Melk. Scenic cruise along the Wachau Valley, a picturesque valley between Krems and Melk and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Wachau has inspired romantic legends for centuries, and the castles are full of tales of love and heartbreak, particularly from the medieval days.

Tonight, we will gather for a Farewell dinner with the Captain and crew.

DAY 8, WEDNESDAY: PASSAU - DISEMBARKATION (09:30)

After breakfast, make your way to the aiport to catch your flight home.