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. Finish your cruise with Grand City Stay in Munich.
Day 1. Arrive Budapest, Embark Ship
Arrive in Budapest today and transfer to your luxurious river cruise ship. This evening, enjoy the Captain’s Gala Welcome Dinner with your Tour Director and fellow guests.
Day 2. Budapest
Alight your ship for a tour that includes such places as Matthias Church, St Stephen’s Basilica, the Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle and the Royal Palace. The site of many battles over the centuries, this grand palace has become a symbol of Hungary. The castle district and embankments of the River Danube in Budapest have been officially recognised as World Heritage-listed sites. Afterwards, enjoy time at leisure, or take an optional excursion to Baths and Liberty Monument and enjoy panoramic views before a visit to the famous thermal baths.
Day 3. Bratislava - Vienna
Cruise to Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital city. Nestled between Austria and Hungary, Bratislava is the only capital city to border two independent countries. Thanks to its unique location at the base of the Little Carpathians, this charming city has a wealth of forest and parkland, while its urban skyline is characterised by a mix of medieval towers and modern edifices. Here, choose from a walking tour that takes in the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and more. Or visit some of the historic landmarks from the city’s Communist past. This evening arrive in Vienna and enjoy an evening at a traditional Heuriger Wine Inn.
Day 4. Vienna
Famed for striking architecture, classical musical and vibrant café culture, Vienna is a truly delightful place to explore, packed with historical and cultural landmarks. A wide variety of architectural masterpieces can be seen here, including stunning examples of Baroque and Romanesque design. Today, during a guided tour, see the spectacular Hofburg Palace, Vienna Opera House, the famous monuments of the Ringstrasse, St Stephen’s Cathedral and more. Enjoy free time then, after dinner, explore the Austrian capital on your own, or perhaps take in an optional Mozart and Strauss concert (own expense).
Day 5. Dürnstein - Melk
Arrive in Dürnstein for a tour and wine tasting this morning, before cruising to Melk. Tour Melk Abbey, one of the world’s most famously beautiful monastic sites. Located high above the town of Melk on a rocky outcrop overlooking the winding Danube, the abbey has the rare distinction of surviving as an active Benedictine monastery continuously since its foundation.
Day 6. Linz
Choose your tour of Linz, the second largest city in Austria. With a vibrant culture, the city has many striking buildings, including a cathedral and concert hall. Tour the city, or perhaps join an excursion to the resort town of Gmunden, in the Austrian Lake District on Lake Traunsee. Gmunden is a destination famed for its many therapeutic baths, historic sites of interest, and as a producer of salt. Alternatively, take a day excursion to Ceský Krumlov in the South Bohemian region of the Czech Republic. This small historic city features an impressive thirteenth century castle. Or you may like to visit the city of Salzburg in Austria, the birthplace of Mozart, with a beautiful World Heritage-listed historic old town (both excursions at own expense).
Day 7. Passau - Vilshofen
Arrive in Passau and take a tour of this 2,000 year-old fairytale Roman town. Known as the ‘city of the three rivers’, Passau is where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. The town has a fascinating history and is noted for Gothic and Baroque architecture. Alternatively, take an excursion to Munich (own expense). Then cruise to the charming town of Vilshofen, at the confluence of the Vils and Danube rivers.
Day 8. Vilshofen, Disembark Ship, Munich
Disembark your ship this morning after breakfast, and travel to the medieval city of Regensburg. Enjoy a fascinating walking tour of the ancient sights before continuing to the beautiful city of Munich. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy time at leisure to settle in.
Day 9. Munich Sightseeing
Founded in the 12th century, Munich is today the capital of the picturesque state of Bavaria, a region of rolling green hills and beautiful architecture representing many centuries of design and development. The city itself is often voted one of the world’s most liveable, offering an attractive combination of cultural and historical landmarks, pretty streets and modern infrastructure. This morning enjoy a tour of Munich, before the remainder of the day is yours to spend at leisure exploring this exciting city independently.
Day 10. Munich
Travel to 19th century Neuschwanstein Castle in the Bavarian Alps. The most photographed building in Germany, the awe-inspiring ‘gothic revival’-style castle inspired the famous Disneyland Castle and has appeared in several movies. It was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, intended as a private bolt-hole for the reclusive king, and as an homage to the composer Richard Wagner. Since Ludwig’s death in 1886, over 50 million people have visited. Explore the intricate and theatrical interior of the castle, and enjoy the beautiful rural panoramas visible from the site. Then return to Munich.
Day 11. Depart Munich
Your tour ends this morning after breakfast as you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
