Danube & Mediterranean: Twin Cruise Experience
From the romantic waterways of the Danube to the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean, Van Loon and Princess Cruises unite for an extraordinary twin-cruise holiday.
Begin in Budapest, the striking Hungarian capital straddling the Danube, then embark The Gentleman for a river cruise through the heart of Europe, calling at storybook towns and historic cities along the way. Sail past Vienna’s palatial skyline, wander the fairytale villages of the Wachau valley, and drift into Passau, where Baroque spires rise above the riverbanks, its Old Town glowing at the water’s edge.
A stay in Rome follows, where storied ruins and cobbled piazzas invite unhurried exploration, before you embark Sun Princess for a Mediterranean voyage steeped in island charm. From whitewashed Santorini to the timeless landmarks of Athens, sail through some of the Mediterranean’s most captivating coastline before your journey draws to a close in vibrant Barcelona.
Includes airfares from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne or Perth
- Inside / Standard from $10,999 per person twin share*
- Oceanview / Premium from $12,999 per person twin share*
- Balcony / Deluxe from $14,999 per person twin share*
- Mini Suite / Suite from $16,999 per person twin share*
* Please note: prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and may change or be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Fly Overnight to Budapest
Begin your holiday with an overnight flight from Australia to Budapest.
Day 2 – Budapest: Hotel Stay
Arrive in Budapest and settle into your hotel for an overnight stay in Hungary’s captivating capital.
Day 3 – Budapest: Embark Ship & Overnight in Port
Embark the luxurious The Gentleman, a beautifully crafted vessel showcasing exceptional Dutch design and premium materials. Settle into its elegant surroundings and enjoy the intimate yacht-style atmosphere.
Day 4 – Budapest
Spend a further day in Budapest at leisure, exploring the city’s historic streets and riverside sights or relaxing on board.
Day 5 – Bratislava – Hainburg – Vienna: Overnight in Port
Cruise onward from Budapest and join a walking tour of Bratislava. Continue through Hainburg’s riverside scenery before arriving in Vienna.
Day 6 – Vienna
Explore elegant Vienna, with its magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, Baroque streets, famous coffeehouses and rich classical music traditions.
Day 7 – Dürnstein – Melk
Sail through the scenic Wachau Valley, visiting Dürnstein and Melk. Admire terraced vineyards and the magnificent Melk Abbey overlooking the Danube.
Day 8 – Linz
Discover Linz on a walking tour, experiencing its blend of Baroque architecture, contemporary arts and riverside attractions.
Day 9 – Passau: Overnight in Port
Explore Passau’s historic Old Town, with highlights including Veste Oberhaus fortress, St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Gothic Town Hall and the New Bishop’s Residence.
Day 10 – Passau: Disembark Ship & Rome Hotel Stay
Disembark in Passau and fly to Rome, transferring to your hotel for a two-night stay.
Day 11 – Rome: Hotel Stay
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Rome, exploring ancient ruins, grand piazzas, historic streets and renowned Italian cuisine.
Day 12 – Civitavecchia: Embark Ship
Transfer to Civitavecchia and embark Sun Princess® for your Mediterranean cruise.
Day 13 – Naples
Explore Naples at leisure, with the opportunity to discover its historic centre, waterfront and nearby attractions such as Pompeii and Capri.
Day 14 – Relax At Sea
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea aboard Sun Princess®, making the most of the ship’s facilities, dining and entertainment.
Day 15 – Chania
Discover Chania in Crete, wandering its Venetian streets, picturesque harbour and atmospheric Old Town.
Day 16 – Relax At Sea
Spend another leisurely day at sea, enjoying the facilities and entertainment on board.
Day 17 – Kuşadası
Explore Kuşadası on Turkey’s Aegean coast, with the ancient ruins of Ephesus nearby.
Day 18 – Mykonos
Discover Mykonos, famous for its whitewashed houses, iconic windmills, charming boutiques, waterside tavernas and beautiful beaches.
Day 19 – Piraeus
Dock at Piraeus, the gateway to Athens, and explore the city’s ancient landmarks, lively markets and famous Acropolis.
Day 20 – Santorini
Experience spectacular Santorini, with its dramatic caldera views, whitewashed villages and iconic clifftop scenery.
Day 21 – Relax At Sea
Relax aboard Sun Princess® and enjoy another day cruising through the Mediterranean.
Day 22 – Bar
Discover Bar on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, exploring its historic Old Town ruins, olive groves and surrounding hills.
Day 23 – Corfu
Explore Corfu’s elegant Old Town, shaped by Venetian, French and British influences, or enjoy its olive-covered hills and turquoise coves.
Day 24 – Messina
Visit Messina in Sicily, discovering its historic cathedral and waterfront while Mount Etna rises in the distance.
Day 25 – Relax At Sea
Enjoy a final relaxing day at sea aboard Sun Princess® as you cruise towards Barcelona.
Day 26 – Barcelona: Disembark Ship
Disembark Sun Princess® in Barcelona and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Day 27 – Fly Home
Arrive home after your European river and Mediterranean cruise adventure.
* Please note that cruise itineraries are subject to change at any time by the cruise company and are not guaranteed
Highlights
- Unlimited drinks, Wi-Fi and included excursions on the all-inclusive river cruise
- Two overnight port stays in Budapest and Vienna for extended exploration
- Small-ship river cruising with just 172 guests followed by the modern Sun Princess
From the romantic waterways of the Danube to the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean, Van Loon and Princess Cruises unite for an extraordinary twin-cruise holiday.
Begin in Budapest, the striking Hungarian capital straddling the Danube, then embark The Gentleman for a river cruise through the heart of Europe, calling at storybook towns and historic cities along the way. Sail past Vienna’s palatial skyline, wander the fairytale villages of the Wachau valley, and drift into Passau, where Baroque spires rise above the riverbanks, its Old Town glowing at the water’s edge.
A stay in Rome follows, where storied ruins and cobbled piazzas invite unhurried exploration, before you embark Sun Princess for a Mediterranean voyage steeped in island charm. From whitewashed Santorini to the timeless landmarks of Athens, sail through some of the Mediterranean’s most captivating coastline before your journey draws to a close in vibrant Barcelona.
Inclusions
All-Inclusive River Cruise
- Experience a new era of luxury river cruising on board The Gentleman
- Included excursions
- Unlimited drinks, including specialty coffee, soft drinks, beers, wines and spirits
- Unlimited Wi-Fi (subject to availability) to keep in touch with loved ones
- Overnight in port in Budapest and Vienna
Included Excursions
- Budapest Highlights
- Walking Tour of Bratislava
- Stroll Through History: The Heart of Linz and Pöstlingbergbahn
- The Splendours of Vienna: A Scenic Experience
Full-Board Ocean Cruise
- 14-night full-board cruise on board Sun Princess®
Hotel Stays
- 1-night five-star hotel stay in Budapest at InterContinental Budapest, including breakfast
- 2-night four-star hotel stay in Rome at Best Western Plus Hotel Universo, including breakfast
All Flights, Taxes & Transfers
- Overnight flights
- All applicable taxes and transfers
Exclusions
- Travel insurance
FAQs
Sun Princess
Launching in 2024, this next-generation cruise ship offers 1,500 balconies, more than any other Princess cruise ship. Seemingly endless options of places to unwind are available on board, ranging from the calming two-level Lotus Spa, swimming pools and hot tubs, to the beautiful Sea View Terrace. The selection of entertainment is truly remarkable, with the very best in live shows and music on hand.
The Gentleman
Launched in 2024, this 135-metre vessel accommodates up to 172 guests across 86 elegantly appointed cabins, including spacious suites and panoramic staterooms. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a generous sun deck invite guests to fully appreciate Europe’s scenic waterways, while stylish interiors showcase Dutch craftsmanship and high-end materials.
How long is the European Icons holiday?
The holiday is 26 nights, including hotel stays, the Danube river cruise, Mediterranean ocean cruise and overnight flights.
When does the holiday depart?
The scheduled departure is 22 September 2027.
What cruises are included?
The holiday combines an all-inclusive river cruise aboard The Gentleman with a 14-night full-board Mediterranean cruise aboard Sun Princess®.
What is included on the river cruise?
The river cruise includes all-inclusive dining and drinks, unlimited Wi-Fi subject to availability, included excursions and overnight stays in port in Budapest and Vienna.
Which excursions are included?
Included excursions feature Budapest Highlights, a walking tour of Bratislava, a Linz walking tour including the Pöstlingbergbahn, and a scenic Vienna experience.
What drinks are included on The Gentleman?
Unlimited drinks are included, including specialty coffee, soft drinks, beers, wines and spirits.
Are hotel stays included?
Yes. The package includes one night at the InterContinental Budapest, or similar, with breakfast, and two nights at the Best Western Plus Hotel Universo in Rome, or similar, with breakfast.
Which destinations are visited?
The itinerary includes Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Dürnstein, Melk, Linz and Passau on the Danube, followed by Rome and Mediterranean ports including Naples, Chania, Kuşadası, Mykonos, Athens, Santorini, Bar, Corfu and Messina, finishing in Barcelona.
Are flights included?
Yes. Overnight flights from Australia, along with applicable taxes and transfers, are included in the holiday package.
Provided by: Imagine CruisingFine Print
All prices are shown in AUD and are per person, based on two adults sharing an Inside/Standard Stateroom. Prices include flights from Sydney, with regional flights available at a supplement.
Prices are correct at the time of print and are subject to change. Offer applies to new bookings only. Named hotels are based on availability and are subject to change without notice. Alternative hotels will always be of equal or higher star rating.
Holiday duration includes overnight flights when applicable and is subject to change.
Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.
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