Itinerary Details
Day 1 Budapest.
Fly to Budapest where you will be met and transferred to the Sofitel Budapest Chain Bridge (or similar) for two nights.
Day 2 Budapest.
Included today: Guided sightseeing.
Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is one of Eastern Europe’s liveliest cities. Today’s guided city tour takes in the massive hilltop castle complex, Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church. This afternoon, explore this vibrant city at your own pace, perhaps strolling across the famed Chain Bridge, a symbol of Budapest built in 1849 that connects ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. Or why not visit St Stephen’s Basilica, Hungary’s largest church. (B)
Day 3 Budapest.
This morning is free for you to enjoy Hungary’s exciting capital. Visit one of the many museums, take a walk to see some of the remaining statues from the communist era, shop at the Great Market Hall to purchase paprika and embroidery, or stroll along Vac Utca main shopping street. Later, transfer to your cruise ship for seven nights and meet your crew at a welcome reception. (B, D)
Day 4 Bratislava.
Included today: Guided sightseeing.
Relax on board this morning and marvel at the beautiful scenery on both banks of the Danube. As you cruise upriver, Hungary is on your left and Slovakia is on your right. The two countries share the Danube for a 58 mile stretch, with the border in the middle of the river. At the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains is Bratislava, the dynamic capital of Slovakia. Sightseeing with a Local Guide will introduce you to the charming Old Town and its Town Hall, one of the oldest stone buildings in the city. Also visit the Gothic St Martin’s Cathedral, coronation church for the Kingdom of Hungary from the 16th to 19th centuries. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Vienna.
Included today: Museum visit.
A morning of cruising allows you to relax on board before reaching Vienna around lunchtime. This afternoon, enjoy an included visit to the KUNSTKAMMER MUSEUM. An optional concert is available tonight. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Vienna.
Included today: Guided sightseeing; time at leisure.
Known as the City of Music, Vienna inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Once the centre of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austrias magical capital on the blue Danube is a showcase of gilded architecture. This is home to the lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace complex with its Vienna Boys Choir and dazzling Lipizzaner stallions; the neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House; and awe-inspiring St. Stephens Cathedralplus, countless other sights youll see on your GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR. The afternoon is at leisure. Stroll through the pedestrian Krntnerstrasse, and be sure to take a break and enjoy a piece of decadent Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood caf. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Weissenkirchen – Grein.
Included today: Guided walk in Weissenkirchen; guided walk in Grein, visit the historical theatre.
This morning, sail into the picturesque Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pass the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue faade, the landmark of Drnstein, before arriving in Weissenkirchen (White Church). Join a GUIDED WALK to learn more about this pretty little Wachau valley town, then, re board your ship and sail to the attractive country resort of Grein, nestled at the foot of a bluff in the shadow of its castle. Take an included GUIDED WALK through town and visit its unique historical THEATRE, the oldest in Austria still holding regular performances. A behind-the-scenes peek to learn about some of the curiosities of this rococo-style, 167-seat theatre will certainly tell you much about life as it wasand as it now is in this small town. The turreted houses on the main square make excellent photo subjects. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Grein – Linz.
Included today: Guided walk in Grein.
This morning, arrive in Mauthausen and join a local expert for a GUIDED WALK. This afternoon arrive in Linz, Austrias third-largest city and explore on your own., Linz is an important river port where culture plays a significant role in everyday life. Composer Anton Bruckner lived here, and Mozarts Linzer Symphony was composed in the city. There is free time to explore Linz on your own. See the 13th-century Hauptplatz, Austrias largest medieval square, and the Trinity Column, built in 1723 as thanks for the city escaping the ravages of the plague, war, and fire. Perhaps wander around the old castle grounds and take in the beautiful views of the river, or visit the neo-gothic New Cathedral, Austrias largest church, with capacity for 20,000 visitors. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Passau, Germany
Included today: Guided sightseeing in Passau.
This afternoon, arrive in Passau, located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube. This is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen’s Cathedral houses one of the world’s largest church organs with more than 17,000 pipes. Join a Local Guide for a WALKING TOUR through this charming town, and find out much more about the “City of Three Rivers.” Alternatively, you might choose to join one of several full-day optional excursions to medieval esk Krumlov in the Czech Republic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; to Salzburg with its Sound of Music sites; or the popular Romantic Austria tour. Rejoin your ship in the late afternoon in Passau. (B, L, D)
Day 10 Passau – Prague.
Disembark after breakfast and drive to Prague, the ‘Golden City’ for two nights at the Prague Hilton (or similar). (B)
Day 11 Prague.
Included today: Guided sightseeing.
Prague is a 1,200 year old city preserved in time. Straddling the Vltava River, its domes, cupolas, spires and pinnacles create a fairytale-like skyline. See its best-known treasures on a guided walking tour, including the Old Town’s astronomical clock, Hradcany Castle grounds, St Vitus Cathedral and the Charles Bridge. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books, mingle with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or stroll beside the Vltava River. (B)
Day 12 Prague.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
