DETAILS
Join eminent thinkers, change-makers, and historians from both continents for an in-depth examination of the relationship between Western Europe and the United States at this pivotal moment in history. Amidst gala receptions and dinners in landmark venues, leaders and guest speakers will explore key moments of the past that serve as incisive lenses for evaluating future global prospects and challenges. The speaker series—combined with the unparalleled service, exceptional cuisine, emphasis upon sustainability, health, and wellness, and customized touring offered aboard the privately chartered, 100-guest Transcend Evolve riverboat—makes this gathering a world-class Danube cruise unlike any other.
- Pricing from
- $15,990
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International River Voyages
- Departure Dates
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Oct 13, 2027 - Oct 23, 2027
Transcend Evolve is a next-generation luxury river vessel scheduled for completion and launch in 2026. Constructed by Den Breejen Shipyard in the Netherlands and designed with a focus on sustainability, modern Scandinavian-inspired interiors, and highly adaptable onboard spaces, Transcend Evolve carries a crew of approximately 54 staff. The ship features 60 identical oversized staterooms, each about 210 sq ft, many with floor-to-ceiling “infinity” windows and walk-in closets. A signature design element is that all staterooms are built in interconnecting pairs, enabling any two adjacent cabins to transform into a spacious two-room suite with a living area, bedroom, and two full bathrooms. This configuration allows Evolve to operate with 60 staterooms or 30 suites, or any hybrid setup, offering exceptional flexibility. Evolve stands out with its expansive multi-deck wellness complex, which includes a fitness center, yoga studio, river-view sauna, and outdoor walking track—amenities rarely found on river vessels. Its public areas are equally flexible, featuring a two level Forum theater, a versatile Studio space, and a restaurant that can accommodate all passengers at one seating.
Berlin Hotel – Adlon Kempinski
Passenger Cancellations & Refunds Upon payment of a deposit, all reservations are subject to the cancellation provisions set forth below and by which the passenger agrees to be bound. Cancellations shall not be effective until they are received in writing and confirmed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Deposits are refundable (less a $250 per person admin fee) if written notice of cancellation is received within 30 days of booking; after that, deposits are 100% nonrefundable. After May 20, 2026 final payment deadline: All payments are 100% nonrefundable, regardless of booking date. For this reason, we strongly urge participants to purchase trip cancellation insurance. No refunds will be made for any part of this program on which you choose not to participate. NOTE: Neither the National Trust for Historic Preservation not Criterion Travel, the tour operator, accepts liability for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of nonrefundable tickets. Travel Insurance National Trust Tours strongly recommends the purchase of trip cancellation insurance, which is available for coverage of expenses in conjunction with cancellation due to covered illness or accident. In the event that you must cancel your participation in a travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. USI Travel Insurance Services offers a plan designed specifically for National Trust Tours travelers, providing coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical, and more. Plus, you can upgrade your plan with Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage for the utmost flexibility. CFAR allows you to cancel your trip for ANY reason at all and be reimbursed up to 75% of your pre-paid, nonrefundable trip costs (conditions apply, see plan for details). To purchase travel insurance today, call: (866) 322-9975.
ITINERARY
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day 1
Depart U.S.
Overnight flight to Berlin, Germany
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day 2
Berlin, Germany
Arrive Berlin; Reception and Dinner
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day 3
Berlin, Germany
Welcome lecture followed by menu of excursion options in Berlin, including an expert-led art tour including private collection viewings, history of East Berlin including chance to drive a vintage Trabant, guided tour and lunch in the iconic Reichstag with visit to dome. Keynote address and Gala Dinner with privileged access to a landmark venue.
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day 4
Vilshofen, Germany
Private charter flight from Berlin to Munich; Drive to Vilshofen with lunch in Regensburg; embarkation.
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day 5
Passau
Morning walking tour Passau to view Roman artifacts and Europe’s largest organ in St. Stephans Cathedral. Afternoon scenic cruising and onboard lecture program.
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day 6
Linz
Morning lecture; full day at port in Linz with excursion options include full-day excursion to enchanting medieval Czech town of Český Krumlov or bucolic old Salzburg.
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day 7
Grein, Austria Wachau Valley
Morning lecture followed by walking tour of Grein, including tour of Schloss Greinburg and the oldest theater in Austria. Afternoon Melk options include Arstetten Castle with Hohenberg family member, Melk Abbey and Old Town, and active options by eBike. Evening cruise through Wachau Valley.
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day 8
Vienna
Vienna touring options to include Imperial Schonbrunn Palace & Royal Carriage Museum, eBike adventure among lakes and waterways of “Old Danube Island”, Jewish heritage of Vienna; afternoon at leisure; private evening gala reception and concert by a Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra string quartet in the impressive Liechtenstein Palace.
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day 9
Bratislava, Slovakia
Morning cruising with lecture program; mid-afternoon excursion options in Bratislava include culinary walking tour with bakery visit and demonstration and visit to Mayor’s Residence.
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day 10
Budapest, Hungary
Full day of excursion options in Budapest, likely to include exterior and interior visits to the Hungarian Parliament Building; culinary tasting tour; an exquisite display of horsemanship at a farm and stable located in the hills outside the city; farewell evening including special musical performance at a landmark venue (such as virtuoso violin trio at the Baroque one-of-a-kind Budapest History Museum within Buda Castle).
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day 11
Return to U.S
Board return flights to the U.S
Everything you need to know about the tour
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