The Blue Danube River Cruise

Arrive in Budapest and board your ship in the late afternoon. If you're here before then, enjoy free time in Budapest.

Once we arrive at the ship, our dedicated crew are there to welcome you on board, ensuring you settle in and familiarise yourself with this first-class floating hotel.

There’s always a sense of expectancy and excitement on the eve of a cruise and, after an excellent dinner in the stylish restaurant, conversation is sure to revolve around the delights ahead.

Overnight we have cruised upstream to Esztergom, one of Hungary’s oldest towns, a royal capital during medieval times and today the seat of the country’s archbishop. We have a guided tour of the famous neoclassical basilica, standing sentinel over the Danube on the border with Slovakia, and boasting one of the world’s largest altarpieces and a wealth of priceless religious artefacts.

The castle is also worth exploring; it was the seat of government until the Ottomans invaded in the 16th century. Nestling below are myriad atmospheric churches resonating with the enchanting sounds of choir; this is the best of provincial Hungary and is little changed since Habsburg times.

As you enjoy your first lunch on board we gently leave Esztergom in our wake, affording a fascinating opportunity to compare the different landscapes, towns and villages of Hungary on one riverbank and of Slovakia on the other.

This morning we explore Slovakia’s fast-emerging capital city, Bratislava, on a guided tour. Until recently swathed in the drab uniformity of Communism, the city has rekindled the splendour of its imperial past in its beautifully restored Old Town.

Discover the only preserved gate of the city’s fortification system, the Neo-Renaissance-style Old Opera House, St. Martin’s Cathedral - a Gothic structure from the 15th century and former coronation site - along with the Classicist Primate’s Palace.

In the Main Square, you will find the former old town hall now housing a museum dedicated to the history of the city and where you may climb the tower for some lovely views. Equally impressive is the great 17th-century fortress which dominates the city with its commanding expansive views across the Danube. Or head for the Primatial Palace with its fabulous Hall of Mirrors and rare collection of 17th-century English tapestries.

Like its people, the streets are filled with humour. For a more leisurely visit, why not wander its streets? As you explore, you'll spot funny signs and interesting and imaginative statues - like the Čumil, a bronze statue peeking out of a manhole, and the jolly-looking Schöne Náci. Then perhaps, enjoy a freshly ground coffee or homemade lemonade in one of the many bars of cafés.

This afternoon we cruise into Lower Austria, a peaceful, bucolic region and home to some of the country’s best wines. By now the stresses of everyday life seem distant as you absorb the ever-changing scenes, we pass children playing on the riverbanks, young couples strolling arm in arm like generations before them, vignerons carefully pruning their vines, and cobbled quaysides lined by half-timbered buildings.

You’ll marvel as the captain skilfully navigates the ship along the serene river and through locks whose mechanisms never cease to fascinate, as we cruise towards Dürnstein.

Dürnstein is known principally for the ice-blue tower of its abbey, which dominates the view, and the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192 after being shipwrecked on his return from the crusades. This morning, we embark on a guided walking tour to delve deeper into this unforgettable city.

Wander the town's small, pedestrian streets to the heart of Dürnstein to see the Town Hall. Established in 1547, it boasts an impressive late Gothic structure that was tastefully renovated in the Renaissance style in 1563. The courtyard, graced by a charming stairway, invites passersby to pause and capture the perfect photograph amidst its historical ambiance.

The Krems Gate, formerly known as the Steiner Gate, serves as the eastern city entrance. This magnificent gate features a striking four-story square tower dating back to the 15th century, a testament to the city's rich architectural heritage. The strong city wall stretches southward toward the banks of the Danube and northward to the evocative ruins, today, the impressive tower is a private residence.

If you're feeling active this morning, you could join our optional walk up to see Dürnstein castle, set on a rocky outcrop high above the river. Although the walk up this steep hill is not for the faint-hearted, those who do take on this challenge have the opportunity to admire lovely views of the river valley and town below. At the top, you can explore the ruins of the castle where England’s legendary monarch was held captive. It's easy to imagine Richard the Lionheart seething with frustration far from home while waiting for his family to raise funds to pay his ransom. (Please note, this requires a good level of mobility and appropriate footwear.) 

After lunch you visit the remarkable Melk Abbey. Nothing quite prepares you for your first sight of this enormous honey-coloured building, standing resplendent above the surrounding countryside. Originally a castle, it was gifted to the Benedictine Order in the 11th-century and, although reconstructed in Baroque style during the 18th century, it has remained a monastic school and monastery ever since.

The Abbey is renowned for its 214-yard-long Emperor’s Gallery lined with portraits, many fine rooms and an ornate library.

After the tour, explore the grounds or take a stroll back to the ship through the picturesque old town, with buildings dating back to the 15th century.

After we re-join the ship, dinner is served during the final part of our cruise upstream through the pretty Nibelungengau, immortalised in the music of Wagner.

Reaching Linz, you will have the choice to stay in the city and take a guided walking tour, exploring its charming Baroque old town. At its heart you’ll see one of the finest squares in Austria, lined by grand pastel-coloured facades with an impressive central Trinity Column of white marble, crowned by a gilded sunburst. There’s also the fortress-like castle, built above the city by Emperor Friedrich III, now a museum housing a fine collection of nineteenth and twentieth-century artworks.

The afternoon is free for you to explore. Consider taking a ride on the Pöstlingbergbahn, a unique narrow-gauge electric railway known as the "mountain tramway." This train connects the main square in Linz with the district of Pöstlingberg. It is the steepest adhesion railway in Europe, and its route offers stunning views as it passes the Danube and the Ars Electronica Center, leading directly to a natural oasis on the outskirts of the city. Once you arrive, you can visit the pilgrimage basilica, enjoy the views of Linz from the viewing platform, explore a local zoo, and much more.

Alternatively, you could explore one of the fascinating museums in Linz. The Ars Electronica Center (AEC) serves as the city’s museum of the future, showcasing innovative technology alongside visionary media arts. Additionally, the Lentos Kunstmuseum features exhibits of modern and contemporary art from the 19th century, including works from the classical modernity period (such as Klimt, Schiele, and Kokoschka) as well as pieces from the Expressionism movement. 

Alternatively, we drive to Salzburg, once an independent state whose archbishops turned it into one of the most sophisticated cities north of the Alps. Dominating the skyline is one of Europe’s largest stone fortresses, the Hohensalzburg, while beneath its walls church domes and spires rise from the delightful Altstadt, or Old Town. Then there’s the wonderful Hellbrunn Palace and the splendid formal gardens of the Mirabell Palace – a must for horticulture fans.

This morning, discover some of the city’s main sights in the company of an expert local guide, then you’re free for lunch at leisure and to explore as you wish. Everywhere there are sights associated with the city’s most famous resident, Mozart, who played the harpsichord aged three, composed rudimentary music at five and wrote his first opera when he was 11!

We return to the ship for another splendid dinner.

For many, today’s visit to Vienna will be one of the highlights of the cruise. The city’s very name provokes images of elegance, fine music, wide boulevards, Baroque architecture and a rich tapestry of peoples who were drawn here from all corners of Europe.

For 200 years until the First World War, Vienna was the cultural centre of Europe and many of the showpiece buildings, galleries, aristocratic palaces and magnificent churches you see today were built to reflect its imperial status. The city’s most iconic monument is the breathtaking Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, whose striking multi-coloured roof and huge Gothic South Tower dominate the skyline.

There’s also the colossal Hofburg, the former royal court that is now home to a collection of museums, the Crown Jewels and the Spanish Riding School, and where the Vienna Boys’ Choir performs. Then there are the lavish Imperial Apartments and an outstanding collection of relics of the Holy Roman Empire, including, allegedly, the sabre of Charlemagne himself. The Kunsthistorisches Museum, which contains the world’s fourth largest collection of paintings, is just across the road.

This morning we have a tour with a local guide offering insights into why Vienna is one of Europe’s great capitals – the seat of the Habsburg emperors and home to some of the world’s finest classical composers, including Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart and, of course, a whole family of Strausses. After the panoramic tour on coach along the Ringstrasse, the famous boulevard, built where the city walls once stood and lined with many of the most important sights, you can choose to continue your tour on foot through the old town or explore independently.

During the afternoon you’re free to explore as you wish. Take a stroll in the Prater, notable for the huge Ferris wheel that features in several Cold War spy thrillers. Or, for something quite different, visit the Schönbrunn Palace, a former royal residence now housing a range of world-class museums and galleries. Perhaps, though, just take a stroll through Vienna’s atmospheric side streets, or enjoy a coffee and a slice of delicious Sachertorte in one of the lovely coffee houses.

This evening we have something special in store. Not only do we have our indulgent Chef's Dinner, but we've also organised for a live musical experience on board. So after this special dinner, sit back and enjoy an intimate classical recital. To hear this exquisite music in Vienna - where it was created - is truly the icing on the cake.

Enjoy a leisurely morning as we cruise majestically through Hungary’s peaceful pastoral landscape towards Budapest. After breakfast head up onto the magnificent sun deck to enjoy some fabulous river views as we cruise along the 'Danube Bend', surrounded by historic and picturesque cities like Visegrad and Szentendre. Castle ruins, churches, pretty houses perching on the hills, and thick forests are reflected in the waters of the river. Squeeze in a spot of reading on the sun deck or simply recline, letting the gentle breezes lull you into a relaxing doze.

After lunch we enjoy a sightseeing tour of this captivating city, which truly lives up to its reputation as the ‘Pearl of the Danube’.

The twin cities of Buda, built around the hilltop fortress, and Pest, with its wide boulevards, were fought over through the centuries. The Ottomans ruled here for 150 years before being ousted in the late 17th century, but their legacy lives on in the many thermal baths fed by hot springs, giving rise to Budapest’s other sobriquet – the ‘City of Spas’.

After the end of Ottoman rule, Budapest became an imperial city of the Habsburg Empire, attracting great cultural and commercial wealth. Castle Hill is Budapest in microcosm: two churches, seven museums and a theatre among streets and squares with their own special atmosphere and a dramatic view across the river to the awe-inspiring neo-Gothic Parliament Building.

This afternoon you have a couple of choices:

If you choose the panoramic coach tour, you’ll drive past some of Budapest’s famous sites, including the Opera House, Gellert Baths, chain bridge, Parliament building, and more, and stop for photos and some time to explore at Hero’s Square and Buda castle.

Alternatively, you can choose our active tour, where you’ll take a coach to the castle district. From here, you’ll take lifts up to the castle terraces to begin a guided walking tour around the castle area and Fisherman’s bastion. You’ll then have free time to explore before heading back to the coach for the transfer to the ship. This tour involves uneven grounds and a lot of walking so we only recommend it for customers who are comfortable with a moderate activity level.

This evening’s dinner closes with a Hungarian folklore show, giving you time to bid farewell to your travelling companions and reflect on all the inspirational places, sights and sounds you have experienced on a truly ‘imperial’ cruise.

Flight time permitting, enjoy free time in Budapest before your journey home.

Arrive in Budapest and board your ship in the late afternoon. If you're here earlier, enjoy free time in Budapest before the dedicated crew welcome you on board, ensuring you settle in and familiarise yourself with our ship.

There’s always a sense of expectancy and excitement on the eve of a cruise and, after an excellent dinner in the stylish restaurant, conversation is sure to revolve around the delights ahead. 

Divided by the Danube, Budapest's two halves couldn't feel more different. Buda enchants with fairytale architecture, leafy hills and elegant promenades, while Pest hums with energy, its grand boulevards and lively cafés lending a cosmopolitan flair. Together, they form one of Europe's most captivating capitals, where centuries of history and culture are woven into everyday life.

This morning, you can choose how you'd like to explore the city.  

Sit back and take in Budapest's highlights on a panoramic coach tour, passing landmarks such as the Opera House, Gellért Baths, Chain Bridge and Parliament Building. You'll also stop at Heroes' Square and the Castle District, giving you time to soak up the atmosphere and capture some memorable photographs.  

Alternatively, join our more active tour of Budapest's historic Castle District. Travelling by coach to the castle area, you'll ascend to the terraces before setting off on a guided walk around Castle Hill and Fisherman's Bastion. From here, admire sweeping views across the Danube and the city beyond before enjoying some free time to explore at your own pace. Please note, this excursion involves more walking and uneven terrain and is recommended for those with a good level of mobility.  

Returning to the ship, we'll leave Budapest behind and begin cruising through the beautiful Danube Bend. Relax on the Sun Deck as the river winds past forested hillsides, historic towns and hilltop fortresses. Along the way, you'll pass picturesque settlements such as Visegrád and Szentendre, whose church spires, colourful houses and castle ruins create some of the Danube's most memorable scenery. We’ll pause for a planned stop along the Danube – a lovely opportunity to stretch your legs or simply enjoy the changing scenery.

Tonight, enjoy a lively Hungarian folklore show, showcasing traditional music, costumes and dance in a celebration of the country's rich cultural heritage.  

This morning belongs to the river. Settle in with breakfast, find your favourite spot on board and watch the scenery drift by. Vine-covered hillsides, riverside villages and church spires appear and disappear around each bend, making the journey every bit as enjoyable as the destination. 

After lunch, we arrive in Slovakia's compact and characterful capital. Bratislava rarely shouts for attention. Instead, it wins people over with elegant squares, centuries of history and a laid-back atmosphere that's refreshingly different from Europe's larger capitals.

Our tour leads us up to Bratislava Castle, which has watched over the Danube for centuries. From its hilltop position, you'll enjoy sweeping views across the city and the river beyond before continuing to Michael's Gate, the last remaining entrance to the medieval city and one of Bratislava's most recognisable landmarks. With a local guide leading the way, we'll wander through the Old Town's cobbled streets and hidden corners, where Baroque palaces sit alongside colourful townhouses and lively cafés. 

Once the guided tour concludes, the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy as you please. In the Main Square, you will find the former old town hall now housing a museum dedicated to the history of the city and where you may climb the tower for some lovely views. Equally impressive is the Primatial Palace with its fabulous Hall of Mirrors and rare collection of 17th-century English tapestries. 

Like its people, the streets are filled with humour. For a more leisurely visit, why not wander its streets? As you explore, you'll spot funny signs and interesting and imaginative statues - like the Čumil, a bronze statue peeking out of a manhole, and the jolly-looking Schöne Náci. Then perhaps, enjoy a freshly ground coffee or homemade lemonade in one of the many bars or cafés.

We'll return to the ship this evening, with plenty of stories – and perhaps a favourite Slovak wine – to bring back with us.

This morning, we arrive in Dürnstein, one of the Wachau Valley's most picturesque riverside towns. Nestled between the Danube and terraced vineyards, it's best known for its striking blue abbey tower and the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive. 

After breakfast, we'll travel by coach to nearby Melk to visit one of Austria's most impressive landmarks. Standing high above the river, Melk Abbey has been watching over the Danube for more than 900 years. Originally founded as a Benedictine monastery, its honey-coloured Baroque exterior gives way to lavish state rooms, a remarkable library and the magnificent 214-yard-long Emperor’s Gallery, where centuries of history are brought vividly to life. 

Once the tour concludes, there's time to explore the grounds or take a stroll back through the picturesque old town, with buildings dating back to the 15th century, before we return to the ship. 

After lunch back on board, spend the early afternoon at leisure in Dürnstein. Wander the town's small, pedestrian streets to the heart of Dürnstein to see the Town Hall. Established in 1547, it boasts an impressive late Gothic structure that was tastefully renovated in the Renaissance style in 1563. The courtyard, graced by a charming stairway, invites passersby to pause and capture the perfect photograph amidst its historical ambiance.

The Krems Gate, formerly known as the Steiner Gate, serves as the eastern city entrance. This magnificent gate features a striking four-story square tower dating back to the 15th century, a testament to the city's rich architectural heritage. The strong city wall stretches southward toward the banks of the Danube and northward to the evocative ruins, today, the impressive tower is a private residence. 

Later this afternoon, we cast off and begin one of the most scenic stretches of cruising on the Danube. As we glide through the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley, vineyards climb the hillsides above ancient villages and church spires punctuate the landscape.

Keep an eye out for Melk Abbey, whose commanding position above the river offers a very different perspective from the water. We'll continue through the pretty Nibelungengau, immortalised in the music of Wagner, towards Linz, enjoying a relaxing evening of sailing and another excellent dinner on board.  

Arriving in Linz this morning, you have a choice of two included excursions: stay in Linz for a guided walk in the morning, followed by lunch on board your ship and a free afternoon cruising through beautiful scenery; or a full-day excursion to Salzburg, starting with a guided tour, then lunch at your leisure and free time to wander the city.

Join our guided walking tour of Linz, exploring the charming, decorated streets of its Baroque old town. At its heart you’ll see one of the finest squares in Austria, lined by grand pastel-coloured facades with an impressive central Trinity Column of white marble, crowned by a gilded sunburst. There’s also the fortress-like castle, built high above the city by Emperor Friedrich III, now embellished in seasonal splendour.

In your free time consider taking a ride on the Pöstlingbergbahn, a unique narrow-gauge electric railway known as the "mountain tramway." This train connects the main square in Linz with the district of Pöstlingberg. It is the steepest adhesion railway in Europe, and its route offers stunning views as it passes the Danube and the Ars Electronica Center, leading directly to a natural oasis on the outskirts of the city. Once you arrive, you can visit the pilgrimage basilica, enjoy the views of Linz from the viewing platform, explore a local zoo, and much more.

Alternatively, you could explore one of the fascinating museums in Linz. The Ars Electronica Center (AEC) serves as the city’s museum of the future, showcasing innovative technology alongside visionary media arts. Additionally, the Lentos Kunstmuseum features exhibits of modern and contemporary art from the 19th century, including works from the classical modernity period (such as Klimt, Schiele, and Kokoschka) as well as pieces from the Expressionism movement. 

We return to the ship for another satisfying lunch on board. Later we cruise through beautiful scenery, from the peaceful Machland plains to the Strudengau region, where the river suddenly narrows into a snug gorge with dark, forested hills rising from the water's edge — look out for old castle ruins tucked into the trees. Historically, this stretch was perilous for sailors due to hidden rocks and whirlpools. Fortunately, you can now relax and have your camera at the ready. 

As the ship rounds the final bend, Greinburg Castle emerges high on a rocky cliff, looking down on the colourful town of Grein below. It is here in Grein where we pause, and those who chose the Salzburg excursion will rejoin us on board.  

On our full-day excursion to Salzburg, we discover some of the city’s main sights with an expert local guide. Then you’re free to explore as you wish.

Once an independent state whose archbishops turned it into one of the most sophisticated cities north of the Alps, dominating Salzburg's skyline is one of Europe’s largest stone fortresses, the Hohensalzburg, while beneath its walls, church domes and spires rise from the delightful Altstadt. Then there’s the wonderful Hellbrunn Palace and the splendid formal gardens of the Mirabell Palace. Everywhere there are sights associated with the city’s most famous resident, Mozart, who wrote his first opera when he was 11! 

After our day in Salzburg, we drive to Grein, a historic riverside town on a dramatic bend of the Danube, where we rejoin our ship.  

After tonight's delicious dinner on board, perhaps retire to the lounge for a nightcap, as we cruise towards magnificent Vienna.

For many, today’s visit to Vienna will be one of the highlights of the cruise. The city’s very name provokes images of elegance, fine music, wide boulevards, Baroque architecture and a rich tapestry of peoples who were drawn here from all corners of Europe.

For 200 years until the First World War, Vienna was the cultural centre of Europe and many of the showpiece buildings, galleries, aristocratic palaces and magnificent churches you see today were built to reflect its imperial status. The city’s most iconic monument is the breathtaking Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, whose striking multi-coloured roof and huge Gothic South Tower dominate the skyline.

There’s also the colossal Hofburg, the former royal court that is now home to a collection of museums, the Crown Jewels and the Spanish Riding School, and where the Vienna Boys’ Choir performs. Then there are the lavish Imperial Apartments and an outstanding collection of relics of the Holy Roman Empire, including, allegedly, the sabre of Charlemagne himself. The Kunsthistorisches Museum, which contains the world’s fourth largest collection of paintings, is just across the road.

This morning we have a tour with a local guide offering insights into why Vienna is one of Europe’s great capitals – the seat of the Habsburg emperors and home to some of the world’s finest classical composers, including Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart and, of course, a whole family of Strausses. After the panoramic tour on coach along the Ringstrasse, the famous boulevard, built where the city walls once stood and lined with many of the most important sights, you can choose to continue your tour on foot through the old town or explore independently. 

During the afternoon you’re free to explore as you wish. Take a stroll in the Prater, notable for the huge Ferris wheel that features in several Cold War spy thrillers. Or, for something quite different, visit the Schönbrunn Palace, a former royal residence now housing a range of world-class museums and galleries. Perhaps, though, just take a stroll through Vienna’s atmospheric side streets, or enjoy a coffee and a slice of delicious Sachertorte in one of the lovely coffee houses.

This evening we have something special in store. Not only do we have our indulgent Chef's Dinner, but we've also organised for a live musical experience on board. So after this special dinner, sit back and enjoy an intimate classical recital. To hear this exquisite music in Vienna - where it was created - is truly the icing on the cake. 

Enjoy a leisurely morning as we cruise majestically through Hungary’s peaceful pastoral landscape towards Budapest.

After breakfast head up onto the magnificent sun deck to enjoy some fabulous river views as we cruise along the 'Danube Bend' again. Castle ruins, churches, pretty houses perching on the hills, and thick forests are reflected in the waters of the river. Squeeze in a spot of reading on the sun deck or simply recline, letting the gentle breezes lull you into a relaxing doze.

Our final lunch is served during which Budapest’s majestic skyline comes into view. 

For the afternoon, Budapest is yours to enjoy. Culturally, you're spoilt for choice, with an impressive collection of museums and galleries showcasing everything from Hungarian history to contemporary art. You might prefer to browse the stalls of the magnificent Central Market Hall, where local delicacies, paprika and handcrafted souvenirs offer a flavour of everyday life, or take a leisurely stroll along elegant Andrássy Avenue, lined with grand townhouses, stylish boutiques and inviting cafés. However you choose to spend your time, you'll discover yet another side to this endlessly fascinating city.

This evening, after your final splendid dinner, you’ll have time to bid farewell to your travelling companions and reflect on all the inspirational places, sights and sounds you have experienced on this extraordinary cruise.  

Arrive in Budapest and board your ship in the late afternoon. If you're here earlier, enjoy free time in Budapest before the dedicated crew welcome you on board, ensuring you settle in and familiarise yourself with our ship.

There’s always a sense of expectancy and excitement on the eve of a cruise and, after an excellent dinner in the stylish restaurant, conversation is sure to revolve around the delights ahead. 

Divided by the Danube, Budapest's two halves couldn't feel more different. Buda enchants with fairytale architecture, leafy hills and elegant promenades, while Pest hums with energy, its grand boulevards and lively cafés lending a cosmopolitan flair. Together, they form one of Europe's most captivating capitals, where centuries of history and culture are woven into everyday life.

This morning, you can choose how you'd like to explore the city.  

Sit back and take in Budapest's highlights on a panoramic coach tour, passing landmarks such as the Opera House, Gellért Baths, Chain Bridge and Parliament Building. You'll also stop at Heroes' Square and the Castle District, giving you time to soak up the atmosphere and capture some memorable photographs.  

Alternatively, join our more active tour of Budapest's historic Castle District. Travelling by coach to the castle area, you'll ascend to the terraces before setting off on a guided walk around Castle Hill and Fisherman's Bastion. From here, admire sweeping views across the Danube and the city beyond before enjoying some free time to explore at your own pace. Please note, this excursion involves more walking and uneven terrain and is recommended for those with a good level of mobility.  

Returning to the ship, we'll leave Budapest behind and begin cruising through the beautiful Danube Bend. Relax on the Sun Deck as the river winds past forested hillsides, historic towns and hilltop fortresses. Along the way, you'll pass picturesque settlements such as Visegrád and Szentendre, whose church spires, colourful houses and castle ruins create some of the Danube's most memorable scenery. We’ll pause for a planned stop along the Danube – a lovely opportunity to stretch your legs or simply enjoy the changing scenery.

Tonight, enjoy a lively Hungarian folklore show, showcasing traditional music, costumes and dance in a celebration of the country's rich cultural heritage.  

This morning belongs to the river. Settle in with breakfast, find your favourite spot on board and watch the scenery drift by. Vine-covered hillsides, riverside villages and church spires appear and disappear around each bend, making the journey every bit as enjoyable as the destination. 

After lunch, we arrive in Slovakia's compact and characterful capital. Bratislava rarely shouts for attention. Instead, it wins people over with elegant squares, centuries of history and a laid-back atmosphere that's refreshingly different from Europe's larger capitals.

Our tour leads us up to Bratislava Castle, which has watched over the Danube for centuries. From its hilltop position, you'll enjoy sweeping views across the city and the river beyond before continuing to Michael's Gate, the last remaining entrance to the medieval city and one of Bratislava's most recognisable landmarks. With a local guide leading the way, we'll wander through the Old Town's cobbled streets and hidden corners, where Baroque palaces sit alongside colourful townhouses and lively cafés. 

Once the guided tour concludes, the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy as you please. In the Main Square, you will find the former old town hall now housing a museum dedicated to the history of the city and where you may climb the tower for some lovely views. Equally impressive is the Primatial Palace with its fabulous Hall of Mirrors and rare collection of 17th-century English tapestries. 

Like its people, the streets are filled with humour. For a more leisurely visit, why not wander its streets? As you explore, you'll spot funny signs and interesting and imaginative statues - like the Čumil, a bronze statue peeking out of a manhole, and the jolly-looking Schöne Náci. Then perhaps, enjoy a freshly ground coffee or homemade lemonade in one of the many bars or cafés.

We'll return to the ship this evening, with plenty of stories – and perhaps a favourite Slovak wine – to bring back with us.

This morning, we arrive in Dürnstein, one of the Wachau Valley's most picturesque riverside towns. Nestled between the Danube and terraced vineyards, it's best known for its striking blue abbey tower and the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive. 

After breakfast, we'll travel by coach to nearby Melk to visit one of Austria's most impressive landmarks. Standing high above the river, Melk Abbey has been watching over the Danube for more than 900 years. Originally founded as a Benedictine monastery, its honey-coloured Baroque exterior gives way to lavish state rooms, a remarkable library and the magnificent 214-yard-long Emperor’s Gallery, where centuries of history are brought vividly to life. 

Once the tour concludes, there's time to explore the grounds or take a stroll back through the picturesque old town, with buildings dating back to the 15th century, before we return to the ship. 

After lunch back on board, spend the early afternoon at leisure in Dürnstein. Wander the town's small, pedestrian streets to the heart of Dürnstein to see the Town Hall. Established in 1547, it boasts an impressive late Gothic structure that was tastefully renovated in the Renaissance style in 1563. The courtyard, graced by a charming stairway, invites passersby to pause and capture the perfect photograph amidst its historical ambiance.

The Krems Gate, formerly known as the Steiner Gate, serves as the eastern city entrance. This magnificent gate features a striking four-story square tower dating back to the 15th century, a testament to the city's rich architectural heritage. The strong city wall stretches southward toward the banks of the Danube and northward to the evocative ruins, today, the impressive tower is a private residence. 

Later this afternoon, we cast off and begin one of the most scenic stretches of cruising on the Danube. As we glide through the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley, vineyards climb the hillsides above ancient villages and church spires punctuate the landscape.

Keep an eye out for Melk Abbey, whose commanding position above the river offers a very different perspective from the water. We'll continue through the pretty Nibelungengau, immortalised in the music of Wagner, towards Linz, enjoying a relaxing evening of sailing and another excellent dinner on board.  

Arriving in Linz this morning, you have a choice of two included excursions: stay in Linz for a guided walk in the morning, followed by lunch on board your ship and a free afternoon cruising through beautiful scenery; or a full-day excursion to Salzburg, starting with a guided tour, then lunch at your leisure and free time to wander the city.

Join our guided walking tour of Linz, exploring the charming, decorated streets of its Baroque old town. At its heart you’ll see one of the finest squares in Austria, lined by grand pastel-coloured facades with an impressive central Trinity Column of white marble, crowned by a gilded sunburst. There’s also the fortress-like castle, built high above the city by Emperor Friedrich III, now embellished in seasonal splendour.

In your free time consider taking a ride on the Pöstlingbergbahn, a unique narrow-gauge electric railway known as the "mountain tramway." This train connects the main square in Linz with the district of Pöstlingberg. It is the steepest adhesion railway in Europe, and its route offers stunning views as it passes the Danube and the Ars Electronica Center, leading directly to a natural oasis on the outskirts of the city. Once you arrive, you can visit the pilgrimage basilica, enjoy the views of Linz from the viewing platform, explore a local zoo, and much more.

Alternatively, you could explore one of the fascinating museums in Linz. The Ars Electronica Center (AEC) serves as the city’s museum of the future, showcasing innovative technology alongside visionary media arts. Additionally, the Lentos Kunstmuseum features exhibits of modern and contemporary art from the 19th century, including works from the classical modernity period (such as Klimt, Schiele, and Kokoschka) as well as pieces from the Expressionism movement. 

We return to the ship for another satisfying lunch on board. Later we cruise through beautiful scenery, from the peaceful Machland plains to the Strudengau region, where the river suddenly narrows into a snug gorge with dark, forested hills rising from the water's edge — look out for old castle ruins tucked into the trees. Historically, this stretch was perilous for sailors due to hidden rocks and whirlpools. Fortunately, you can now relax and have your camera at the ready. 

As the ship rounds the final bend, Greinburg Castle emerges high on a rocky cliff, looking down on the colourful town of Grein below. It is here in Grein where we pause, and those who chose the Salzburg excursion will rejoin us on board.  

On our full-day excursion to Salzburg, we discover some of the city’s main sights with an expert local guide. Then you’re free to explore as you wish.

Once an independent state whose archbishops turned it into one of the most sophisticated cities north of the Alps, dominating Salzburg's skyline is one of Europe’s largest stone fortresses, the Hohensalzburg, while beneath its walls, church domes and spires rise from the delightful Altstadt. Then there’s the wonderful Hellbrunn Palace and the splendid formal gardens of the Mirabell Palace. Everywhere there are sights associated with the city’s most famous resident, Mozart, who wrote his first opera when he was 11! 

After our day in Salzburg, we drive to Grein, a historic riverside town on a dramatic bend of the Danube, where we rejoin our ship.  

After tonight's delicious dinner on board, perhaps retire to the lounge for a nightcap, as we cruise towards magnificent Vienna.

For many, today’s visit to Vienna will be one of the highlights of the cruise. The city’s very name provokes images of elegance, fine music, wide boulevards, Baroque architecture and a rich tapestry of peoples who were drawn here from all corners of Europe.

For 200 years until the First World War, Vienna was the cultural centre of Europe and many of the showpiece buildings, galleries, aristocratic palaces and magnificent churches you see today were built to reflect its imperial status. The city’s most iconic monument is the breathtaking Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, whose striking multi-coloured roof and huge Gothic South Tower dominate the skyline.

There’s also the colossal Hofburg, the former royal court that is now home to a collection of museums, the Crown Jewels and the Spanish Riding School, and where the Vienna Boys’ Choir performs. Then there are the lavish Imperial Apartments and an outstanding collection of relics of the Holy Roman Empire, including, allegedly, the sabre of Charlemagne himself. The Kunsthistorisches Museum, which contains the world’s fourth largest collection of paintings, is just across the road.

This morning we have a tour with a local guide offering insights into why Vienna is one of Europe’s great capitals – the seat of the Habsburg emperors and home to some of the world’s finest classical composers, including Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart and, of course, a whole family of Strausses. After the panoramic tour on coach along the Ringstrasse, the famous boulevard, built where the city walls once stood and lined with many of the most important sights, you can choose to continue your tour on foot through the old town or explore independently. 

Enjoy a leisurely morning as we cruise majestically through Hungary’s peaceful pastoral landscape towards Budapest.

After breakfast head up onto the magnificent sun deck to enjoy some fabulous river views as we cruise along the 'Danube Bend' again. Castle ruins, churches, pretty houses perching on the hills, and thick forests are reflected in the waters of the river. Squeeze in a spot of reading on the sun deck or simply recline, letting the gentle breezes lull you into a relaxing doze.

Our final lunch is served during which Budapest’s majestic skyline comes into view. 

For the afternoon, Budapest is yours to enjoy. Culturally, you're spoilt for choice, with an impressive collection of museums and galleries showcasing everything from Hungarian history to contemporary art. You might prefer to browse the stalls of the magnificent Central Market Hall, where local delicacies, paprika and handcrafted souvenirs offer a flavour of everyday life, or take a leisurely stroll along elegant Andrássy Avenue, lined with grand townhouses, stylish boutiques and inviting cafés. However you choose to spend your time, you'll discover yet another side to this endlessly fascinating city.

This evening, after your final splendid dinner, you’ll have time to bid farewell to your travelling companions and reflect on all the inspirational places, sights and sounds you have experienced on this extraordinary cruise.