Delights of the Danube Cruise

Be met at Budapest airport and transferred to your ship where you can enjoy a welcome cocktail in the lounge before dinner. Later take in the illuminated sights as we sail around the city. We are also treated to a performance from a local Hungarian folk band in the lounge.

This morning we enjoy a guided coach tour, introducing us to Budapest’s main sights. We pass impressive buildings and monuments on both sides of the Danube, including the neo-Gothic Parliament building, the magnificent State Opera House and St Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest Castle, Matthias Church and Fishermen’s Bastion.

We return to the ship for lunch, after which you have some free time before we begin cruising to Bratislava. Our departure time means we arrive at the scenic Danube Bend just as the sun sets. This section of the river has a long and fascinating history and from the sun deck or panoramic windows in the bar, you’ll be able to see castle ruins, churches, pretty houses hidden in the hills and dense forests, all soaked in the golden glow of twilight.

Your morning is at leisure aboard before we moor up early this afternoon.

After lunch, we set out on a guided coach and walking tour of the Slovakian capital. Located in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, Bratislava straddles the Danube which neatly divides the city into two parts; the Baroque Old Town (Stare Mesto) and the new city.  This picture-postcard destination boasts historic Gothic buildings, several universities, a wealth of museums and galleries, and a refreshing cosmopolitan atmosphere. The historic centre features delightful cobblestoned roads, pedestrianised plazas, 18th-century rococo buildings and street cafés galore.

Following our excursion, you have plenty of free time to explore.

After a calm night of cruising, we arrive into glorious Vienna, for a comprehensive sightseeing tour. This is a chance to relish in Austria’s Imperial heritage, one full of tradition and rich in architectural, artistic and musical heritage. You’ll see many of Vienna’s finest ornate buildings, including the impressive Hofburg Palace. This vast complex of buildings demonstrates the awesome power and wealth commanded by the Habsburgs. You’ll also take in the impressive Opera House, one of the leading opera venues in the world, as well as the grand Parliament Building.

After dinner we are entertained by a private classical music recital.

Today we reach Austria’s Wachau Valley, a famous wine-making region. We arrive in the idyllic village of Dürnstein where you have time at leisure. As we sit down to lunch on board, we begin cruising along the picturesque Wachau Valley, an extremely scenic area with green valleys and vineyards rising up from the river, picturesque riverside towns, and commanding fortresses with sweeping views. We then journey by coach to Melk Abbey, enjoying entrance to this 11th-century Benedictine Abbey which stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. It is also home to the Abbey Church, considered one of the most beautiful Baroque churches north of the Alps.

Today we disembark in Linz this morning, where you have a choice of excursions.

You could head further into the countryside for a day spent amidst the spectacular scenery of the Austrian lakes. Make stops at UNESCO listed Hallstatt, one of Austria’s most photographed villages thanks to its traditional pastel-coloured houses, Hallstättersee Lake, and Mondsee. This pretty town is set on the lake of the same name and its most famous sight is the 15th-century parish church, which featured in the wedding scenes of ‘The Sound of Music’.

Otherwise, travel by coach to Salzburg, via Mondsee, one of Austria’s most famous cities and known as the birthplace of Mozart.  A guided sightseeing tour reveals the city’s internationally renowned Baroque architecture, a well-deserved UNESCO World Heritage site. We rejoin the ship in Passau.

Regensberg is our port of call this morning, which we explore on foot. This medieval town contains many buildings that testify to its history as a trading centre and to its influence on the whole region from the 9th century onwards. Back on board tonight, we attend the Captain’s gala dinner, a chance to don our evening-wear and celebrate our cruise experience.

This morning we disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport or rail station for your journey back to the UK.

Begin today at London St Pancras, where you’ll meet your Tour Manager as well as the rest of your group, to start your journey to Europe. Board the Eurostar travelling to Brussels, then change for the service to Nuremberg, via Cologne. Overnight in Nuremberg.

We make the short walk back to Nuremberg station for the train to Vienna. Arriving in Budapest we board the Amadeus Queen and enjoy a welcome cocktail in the lounge before dinner. Later take in the illuminated sights as we sail around the city. We are also treated to a performance from a local Hungarian folk band in the lounge. Your cruise itinerary now continues from Day 1 of the standard itinerary.