Danube Rhapsody

In the early morning, dock in Emmersdorf, in the heart of the UNESCO-protected, cultural heritage landscape, of the Wachau Valley. Spend the morning discovering this typical small town in Lower Austria or travel across the river to nearby Melk and its magnificent Benedictine abbey - the largest in Austria. Back onboard, the vessel continues its journey to Vienna, arriving just in time to go ashore and enjoy an optional performance of the “Sound of Vienna”, at Vienna’s Kursalon, where the “Alt Wien” orchestra plays popular melodies from Vienna’s classical era. Remain overnight.

There is much to see and do in this Imperial capital city. Drive the ringstrasse with its impressive buildings, see the famous Vienna State Opera House, the Museums Quarter with historic and contemporary buildings with works by Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt and other artists, St Stephen’s Cathedral and numerous other important sites. In the afternoon continue your exploration or perhaps venture to Schönbrunn Palace, the sumptuous former summer palace and gardens of Empress Maria Theresia. After a full day of exploration, enjoy a relaxing dinner onboard as the vessel departs.

After a relaxing morning onboard, arrive in Budapest shortly before lunch. Spend the afternoon in this capital city which uniquely straddles the Danube River. A large portion of this city is a World Heritage Site, including the banks of the Danube, Andrassy Avenue, the Buda Castle quarter, Heroes’ Square, and the Millennium Underground Railway. With 80 geothermal hot springs, the third largest Parliament building in the world, and the second largest Synagogue, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy in this bustling metropolis. A special treat this evening awaits, as musicians come onboard to entertain with traditional music of Hungary, as the vessel cruises the Danube to see this beautiful city by night. Remain overnight.

This morning offers time to discover more of Budapest or an opportunity to explore rural Hungary with a visit out to the ‘Puszta’ or countryside. The vessel departs Budapest shortly after lunch and continues to Slovakia. Relax onboard or join the optional excursion to visit Szentendre, an artist’s village with galleries and art museum and Esztergom, the seat of the Hungarian Catholic church and former capital city. Those on excursion rejoin the vessel in Esztergom before dinner. Watch the departing lights of the city as the vessel continues on its way.

Discover the Slovak capital of Bratislava, it’s home to the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, its old city walls, the summer residence of the archbishop and the current residence of the president of Slovakia. Take a leisurely stroll from Michael’s Gate through the historic city center and the Primatial Palace and St. Martin’s Cathedral. The Academia Istropolitana is the oldest university in the city, dating back to the 15th century. Cruise the Danube this afternoon and enjoy the Captain’s Gala Dinner this evening.

Enjoy a relaxing morning onboard before reaching Linz, the third largest city in Austria. See the Mozarthaus and the Renaissance villas here, along with the main street and square, which are marked with unique churches and concert venues. Time permitting, taste a piece of the famous Linzer Torte before returning to the ship. Join your fellow travellers for your last evening onboard.

After breakfast, your transfer will take you to the airport for your flight to the UK.