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. The rest of the day is yours to start exploring this beautiful city.
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 three 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. Guided 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 5 Melk, Austria – Drnstein
Included today: Guided sightseeing.
This morning our first stop is Melk. Enjoy a guided tour of the magnificent 11th-century BENEDICTINE ABBEY, dominating the town from its commanding hill site and one of Europes largest monasteries. The abbey church houses stunning frescoed ceilings, marvellous statues, a large organ, and an ornate library with a large collection of medieval manuscripts. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! Then, grab a drink and relax on your ships Sky Deck as you witness beautiful scenery on the way to Drnstein, situated in the heart of the Wachau wine region and best known for the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue faade. Above town are the ruins of the castle where Englands King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. Explore this picturesque little town on your own or choose from a number of optional excursions. You may even want to hike up to the castle ruins for magnificent views of the town and river. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Vienna.
Included today: Guided sightseeing.
Disembark and transfer to the InterContinental Hotel (or similar) for two nights. Also known as the ‘City of Music’, Vienna inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss and was once the centre of the mighty Habsburg Empire. See the lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace complex, with its Vienna Boys’ Choir and Lipizzaner stallions, the impressive neo-Renaissance Vienna Opera House, and awe-inspiring St Stephen’s Cathedral on your included city tour with a local guide. Stroll on the Krntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrdel in a classic Viennese coffee house. (B)
Day 7 Vienna.
A full day at leisure in this fascinating city. Perhaps visit one of the magnificent museums, stately Schnbrunn Palace, or opt for an optional outing to the Vienna Woods. (B)
Day 8 Vienna.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
