Sitting poolside can get a tad bit boring and requires so much sunscreen. Ah, but a cruise through Europe’s most gorgeous countryside with its charming villages and historic cities might be just the way to spend a leisurely eight days.
Romantic Danube Cruise* (Value $10,000)
Ah, the romantic blue Danube surrounded by mountains and charming villages has long been fodder for poets and songwriters. No wonder. The second longest river in Europe flows through some of the most beautiful scenery that has fascinated artists throughout the centuries. What a marvelous variety of sites to see. There are Europe’s most cosmopolitan cities that boast magnificent architecture and are steep in historic landmarks like Budapest’s Heroes’ Square and 19th and 20th century mansions; Vienna’s Opera House, Stadtpark and the Habsburgs’ summer “house” Schonbrunn Palace; and Nuremberg’s amazing Main-Danube Canal that was begun by Charlemagne in 793 and completed in 1992, the dramatic Gothic fountain and landmarks of World War II including the Palace of Justice.
But the Danube is also known for its charming Wachau Valley that includes the Benedictine abbey at Melk with its elaborate frescoes and library of medieval manuscripts; Passau’s Oberhaus Fortress and St. Stephan’s Cathedral with its 17,000-pipe organ; and Regensburg, considered to be “Europe’s best-preserved medieval” city with its 13th and 14th century church spires, towers and patrician houses.
To truly enjoy the experience of traveling the Danube, this Art Ball package*** includes an eight-day cruise with Viking Cruises for two. It’s available for a bid online now and at Saturday’s ball.
* Compliments of Viking Cruises
** Photos provided by Dallas Museum of Art's Art Ball
***Restrictions: Cruise in Category D. Airfare, transfers, optional shore excursions, and land extensions are not included and are available for purchase at current brochure fare. Not transferable and may not be exchanged for cash. The certificate is not combinable with air promotions or other promotions. Stateroom upgrade is available for purchase at prevailing rates subject to stateroom availability. Valid on available embarkations for 2014 river sailing season only. Reservations are only accepted within 90 days of departure. Space per sailing is limited and yield controlled. Not applicable for Viking Tours or other Viking products including Viking Ocean. Offer valid for river cruise only. Other restrictions may apply.