Arrive into historical Munich to join your luxury river cruise on the tranquil waters of the Danube River. Stop along the way and explore the quaint towns, historical cities and castle ruins along the riverside.
Day 1. Arrive Munich
Be met on arrival and transferred to your river ship in Vilshofen before tonight’s Welcome Reception, which is followed by the Captain’s Gala Welcome Dinner.
Day 2. Vilshofen - Passau
After breakfast this morning, you are free to explore Vilshofen’s beautiful old town, located directly on the banks of the Danube and the Vils. In the background above the town, the imposing double-towers of the Benedictine abbey, Schweiklberg, dominate the scenery. During lunch, you’ll cruise to the beautiful 2,000 year-old city of Passau, often referred to as ‘Venice on the Danube’ due to its unique location. After a walking tour here, re-board your ship for dinner.
Day 3. Linz, Gmunden
This morning your ship will arrive in Linz, Austria’s second largest city. After brunch on board, take a walking tour of this historic city. This afternoon, travel by coach into Salzkammergut, a largely World Heritage-listed resort region of Austria. Enter the stunning Austrian Lake District and visit the pretty town of Gmunden, located on the shores of Lake Traunsee. With time at leisure here, you may like to enjoy a cruise across the lake or, for the more adventurous, take a cable car ride up Grünberg Mountain for views over the lake. For those not wishing to visit the Lake District, perhaps join an excursion to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov, a wonderfully preserved medieval town nestled in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border (own expense). An excursion to the Austrian city of Salzburg is also available (own expense).
Day 4. Melk - Krems, Dürnstein
Cruise through the Strudengau region to the pretty Wachau Valley this morning and take a guided tour of Melk Abbey, one of the world’s most famous monastic sites. Located high above the town of Melk on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube, it has the rare distinction of surviving as an active Benedictine monastery continuously since its foundation. When it’s time to depart Melk, perhaps borrow one of the bicycles stored on board and take a guided ride on a path along the banks of the Danube from Melk to Dürnstein. Alternatively, re-board your ship and cruise to Krems. On arrival join an excursion to Dürnstein for a tour through medieval streets that reveal 16th century town houses and wine taverns. Here, above town, lie the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, the King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. Following the tour, enjoy dinner on board then sample the local wine as we visit a local ‘weingut’ in Krems for wine tasting.
Day 5. Vienna
Today, enjoy a full day to savour the elegance of Vienna. This morning, embark on a guided sightseeing tour, visiting sights such as the Hofburg Imperial Palace, the Vienna Opera House, St Stephen’s Cathedral and Ringstrasse. After returning to your ship for lunch, the afternoon is at your leisure to further explore or relax on board. After dinner tonight, perhaps join us for an optional Mozart and Strauss concert (own expense).
Day 6. Vienna - Bratislava
This morning your ship will depart the Austrian capital and cruise across the border into Slovakia. Upon arrival in Bratislava, the Slovakian capital, disembark your ship and join your selected touring activity. You might like to embark on a guided medieval tour of the city, taking in the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and Gothic St Martin’s Cathedral. Or perhaps take a Communist tour that will take you up to Bratislava Castle, where you’re able to marvel at the sweeping views across three countries - Slovakia, Austria and Hungary. You’ll also examine a range of other architectural landmarks of the city’s not-so-distant Communist past. Following your selected tour, enjoy time at leisure to further explore. Later, re-board your ship for dinner and an evening music performance.
Day 7. Budapest
Still on the Danube River, this morning you’ll arrive in Budapest, the romantic Hungarian capital. Disembark for a sightseeing tour that includes such places as 500 year-old Matthias Church, St Stephen’s Basilica, the distinctive Fisherman’s Bastion, the Royal Palace and historic Buda Castle, where you’ll enjoy wonderful views of Buda and Pest over both banks of the river. This evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner on board, before your ship sets off on a twilight cruise along the Danube, allowing you to take in the glittering lights of Budapest. You’ll also enjoy an onboard performance by Gypsy violinists this evening.
Day 8. Disembark Ship, Depart Budapest
Your cruise comes to an end today as you disembark your ship after breakfast.
