Cruise the River Danube in search of cultural highlights

Itinerary

1. Day

   1

   Arrive in Budapest

   Budapest, Hungary

   Fly from your chosen UK airport to Budapest. Upon arrival, transfer to the port and board your five-star river ship for your seven-night River Danube cruise. Settle into your luxurious accommodation and familiarise yourself with all the first-class aspects of this floating hotel.

2. Day

   2

   Esztergom

   Esztergom, Hungary

   This morning, arrive in Esztergom, one of Hungary's oldest towns. During a guided tour of Esztergom Basilica, see one of the world's largest altarpieces and a wealth of priceless religious artefacts. The castle is also worth exploring and below are myriad atmospheric churches resonating with the enchanting sounds of choir.

   This afternoon, enjoy lunch on board as you cruise towards Bratislava. Compare the different landscapes, towns and villages of Hungary on one riverbank and of Slovakia on the other.

3. Day

   3

   Bratislava

   Bratislava, Slovakia

   This morning, during a guided tour of Bratislava, discover the only preserved gate of the city's fortification system, the Neo-Renaissance-style Old Opera House, the 15th century gothic St. Martin's Cathedral and 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.

   Back on board this afternoon, cruise into Lower Austria - a peaceful, bucolic region and home to some of the country's best wines.

4. Day

   4

   Dürnstein & Melk

   Dürnstein , Austria

   Choose from two excursions this morning in Dürnstein. Either 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. Or join the optional walk up to see Dürnstein castle, set on a rocky outcrop high above the river.

   After lunch, visit Melk Abbey. Renowned for its 214-yard-long Emperor's Gallery lined with portraits, many fine rooms and an ornate library, you'll also have time to explore the grounds or return to the ship through the picturesque old town.

   Return to the ship and during dinner, cruise upstream through the pretty Nibelungengau.

5. Day

   5

   Salzburg or Linz

   Linz, Austria

   Today visit Salzburg on a full-day excursion, or enjoy a morning guided tour of Linz with the afternoon to explore at your leisure.

   Linz: Explore its charming baroque old town, with one of the finest squares in Austria, lined by grand pastel-coloured facades and an impressive central Trinity Column of white marble, crowned by a gilded sunburst. There's also the fortress-like castle. After your tour, you could ride on the Pöstlingbergbahn, a unique narrow-gauge electric railway or visit one of its many museums, including the Lentos Kunstmuseum.

   Salzburg: Discover some of the city's main sights in the company of an expert local guide, then spend lunch and the afternoon at leisure. Everywhere there are sights associated with the city's most famous resident, Mozart. 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.

6. Day

   6

   Vienna

   Vienna, Austria

   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. This morning, tour the city by coach with a local guide - along the Ringstrasse, the famous boulevard lined with many of the most important sights. Afterwards, you can choose to continue your tour on foot through the old town or explore independently.

   Take a stroll in the Prater, notable for the huge Ferris wheel that features in several Cold War spy thrillers; visit the Schönbrunn Palace, a former royal residence now housing a range of world-class museums and galleries; or take a stroll through Vienna's atmospheric side streets, and enjoy a coffee and a slice of delicious Sachertorte in one of the lovely coffee houses.

   Back on board this evening, indulge in the Chef's Dinner and after this special dinner, sit back and enjoy an intimate classical recital.

7. Day

   7

   Budapest

   Budapest, Hungary

   After breakfast, head up onto the magnificent sun deck to enjoy some fabulous river views as you 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.

   After lunch, enjoy a sightseeing tour of this captivating city, which truly lives up to its reputation as the 'Pearl of the Danube'. Choose between a panoramic coach tour, driving 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. Or 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.

   This evening's dinner closes with a Hungarian folklore show.

8. Day

   8

   Depart Budapest

   Budapest, Hungary

   Disembark your river ship and transfer to the airport for your return flight home.