The cruise, scheduled for April 11–18, 2027, will travel through Austria, Hungary and Slovakia, with stops in cities along the Danube River. Photo courtesy of Sydney Schellinger

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - What if your next vacation didn’t require juggling hotel bookings, train schedules or even figuring out what to do each day, but instead simply involved stepping aboard a ship and letting Europe come to you?

That is the idea behind a new eight-day Danube River cruise being offered through a partnership between Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce and Rancho Cordova-based travel agency The Poodle Booked It Travel Agency.

The cruise, scheduled for April 11–18, 2027, will travel through Austria, Hungary and Slovakia, with stops in cities along the Danube River. Prices start at $2,699 per person and include accommodation, all meals on board, excursions in each port and most beverages. A chamber promotional code also offers a $350 off for bookings made in May 2026 and $500 off air.

Only 178 passengers will be on board, with 20 rooms set aside for the group.

Travel advisor Sydney Schellinger, who founded The Poodle Booked It in 2019, said river cruising tends to surprise first-time travelers in a good way.

“With a river cruise, you don’t have the stress of trying to get from one place to another,” Schellinger said. “Those pieces are taken care of for you. You get to explore a destination without feeling like you’re on your own.”

Schellinger said the partnership with the Citrus Heights chamber grew out of her involvement with the organization and a desire to create shared travel experiences for local residents.

“I’ve been part of the chamber for over a year now,” Schellinger said. “We started thinking about how we can elevate what the chamber is doing. This is a fun way to explore another part of the world with your neighbors and learn about different cultures.”

The trip is open to travelers beyond Citrus Heights and the Chamber of Commerce. Schellinger said the group setting offers a sense of familiarity for those hesitant to travel internationally.

“It’s ideal for people who want to experience Europe but are nervous to go by themselves,” she said. “You’re not traveling alone. You’re meeting people from the Sacramento region who have similar interests.”

At the same time, she said river cruising allows for flexibility. Passengers are not required to stay together for all activities, and excursions often vary by interest level and activity.

“It’s designed so people can choose what fits them best. That’s part of what makes river cruising special,” Schellinger said.

The itinerary includes stops where ships typically dock near city centers, reducing the need for long transfers between ports and attractions. Schellinger said that convenience is one of the biggest advantages for travelers who want to maximize time exploring.

Schellinger, who named her agency after her poodle Winsten, said her approach to travel planning is personal and hands-on.

“I want to learn what the perfect vacation is for each client,” she said. “From the time you leave to the time you get back, you don’t have to worry. You can just enjoy it.”

A cruise night will be held May 27 at 5:30 p.m. at R Vida Cantina, 7040 Sunrise Blvd., featuring an in-person informational session.