FEATURED ITINERARY – THE BLUE DANUBE
Discover the fascinating cities along the banks of the picturesque river Danube. Explore the amazing basilica at Eszertgom, Melk Abbey and the beautiful old towns of Bratislava and Dürnstein. Absorb the atmosphere of astonishingly cultural Vienna and Salzburg, both beautiful and home to many great composers, such as Mozart and Strauss, before cruising back to imperial Budapest. After a guided tour of this palatial city, the captain hosts his spectacular dinner, an excellent finale to this most exceptional and relaxing cruise.
Day 1 Your cruise commences in Budapest, one of central Europe’s most remarkable cities. Day 2 You arise in Esztergom and see its startling basilica. With a wealth of gold artefacts and one of the world’s largest altars, this is Hungary’s oldest cathedral. With Hungary on one bow and Slovakia on the other, you continue upstream, comparing the contrasting topography, towns and villages. Day 3 Awake in Bratislava. Enjoy a tour and continue to picturesque Dürnstein, famous for the ice-blue baroque tower dominating the river, and Richard the Lionheart being imprisoned here on his return from the Crusades. Day 4 Today, you visit the spectacular 18th-century baroque abbey at Melk. Originally a Hapsburg palace, this is one of Austria’s most magnificent buildings. With its wealth of art, sculpture and medieval manuscripts, it will truly delight you. Continue upstream through the pretty Nibelungengau — a region immortalised by Wagner. Day 5 A real highlight of the cruise, today you visit Salzburg. A guided tour reveals the outstanding baroque architecture and a maze of medieval streets to explore. Then there is the Hellbrunn Palace with its famous trick fountains, or perhaps the tranquillity of the stunning Mirabell Gardens, all dominated by the imposing Hohensalzburg fortress and lofty Alpine peaks above. Salzburg’s most famous son is the musical genius Mozart. One of the world’s finest composers, reminders of him are everywhere in the city. This really is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities with a sublime genteel atmosphere of a bygone age. Day 6 The cruise gets even better with a tour of Vienna — one of Europe’s greatest capitals and home to some of the world’s finest classical composers. See the home of the Spanish Riding School and the Vienna Boy’s Choir; visit the world’s fourth largest art collection and other relics of the Hapsburg empire; visit St Stephen’s cathedral ,with its striking multi-coloured roof, where narrow beams of light piece the darkness within. Strolling around this wonderful cultural city, you cannot help but admire the highly talented street musicians keeping alive the city’s musical heritage. Austria, and Vienna in particular, is famed for its exquisite cakes made from the finest ingredients. So what could be better than visiting one of the famous coffee houses and sampling some of these superb creations? After a free afternoon, this evening after dinner, back on board the ship, you enjoy an exquisite classical recital on board, a fitting end to a wonderful day. Day 7 Your final port of call is imperial Budapest, another great city worthy of comparison with any in Europe. On a city tour you can really appreciate its magnificent sweeping bridges and imposing buildings. Your final afternoon is free for you to explore as you wish. This evening you will enjoy the Captain’s Dinner, with delicious specialities of the countries and regions you have visited. It will be the ideal opportunity to recall the places you have seen, the things you have experienced, and the people you have met. Day 8 Say a fond farewell to your ship and crew. Transfer to Budapest Airport for your flight to the UK.