Cruise the Danube and see Europe's artistic delights

Itinerary

1. Day

   1

   Arrive in Budapest

   Budapest, Hungary

   Today you'll arrive at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport where you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship, the S.S. Maria Theresa, both stylish and well-equipped ships with all modern comforts.

2. Day

   2

   Budapest

   Budapest, Hungary

   After a filling breakfast on board, you'll begin an exploration of Budapest, an enchanting city with a vibrant mix of medieval and modern.

   Hungary has been home to a great number of accomplished musicians, including the famous Franz Liszt, who established a university here in 1875. To this day, the Franz Liszt Academy is still a world-famous conservatory, and you can choose to take a guided tour today, culminating in a performance by some of the current students. After the tour, embark on a panoramic drive through the city, with stops including Gellert Hill and the Philosopher's Garden.

   Alternatively, join a foodie tour around the city, where your knowledgeable guide will show you how to snack around Budapest like a local. Start a tram ride to the House of Parliament, where you'll take a coffee break at the First Strudel House of Pest. You'll then walk down to St. Stephen's Basilica-a handsome Neo-Classical building that's one of Budapest's most significant cultural sites.

   Afterwards, you'll head to the Great Market Hall to sample some traditional Hungarian fare, such as salami, sausages and cheese, while your local expert explains the intricacies of Hungarian cuisine.

   This evening, the ship will set sail for Bratislava, Slovakia.

3. Day

   3

   Bratislava

   Bratislava, Slovakia

   This morning you'll have the chance to explore Bratislava.

   Later, you'll set sail for Vienna, giving you plenty of time on board to relax and enjoy the ship's excellent facilities.

   Perhaps you'll enjoy a drink on the Sun Deck and take in the scenery as the ship wends its way along the Danube. When you arrive in Vienna, you'll cap off your day with a private concert of Mozart and Strauss at a stunning, historic Viennese palace.

4. Day

   4

   Vienna

   Vienna, Austria

   Today you'll explore more of beautiful Vienna. Experience the 'City of Waltzes' with a highlight tour of the city, as well as a tour of the extraordinary collection of art at the renowned Vienna Art History Museum.

   The Habsburgs assembled an astonishing collection of artistic treasures here over the centuries, which formed the basis for the works now on display at this outstanding museum.

   You'll have special early access to the museum, before it opens to the general public, so you can explore its halls in peace. You'll be accompanied by a local art historian throughout.

   You'll also visit the Albertina Museum today, a museum which houses one million old-master prints and an impressive collection of works by 19th- and 20th-century painters, ranging from Renoir to Rothko.

   Following your museum visits, there'll be a tour of Vienna's highlights, including the Parliament, City Hall, and the Vienna State Opera, and later take a walk along Kärntner Street, the celebrated pedestrian boulevard that links the State Opera with St. Stephen's Cathedral.

5. Day

   5

   Durnstein, Melk

   Melk, Austria

   Dürnstein is one of the most enchanting towns along the Danube, a lovely place to wander cobblestone lanes, browse quaint shops and maybe hike up to the ruins of a castle where Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned.

   You can choose to conclude your visit to the Wachau Valley with a special tasting of organic wines at Nikolaihof, perhaps the oldest winery in Austria.

   Alternatively, you might opt to learn more about the world's costliest spice at the Wachau Valley's only saffron grower, with a chance to taste red-wine-and-saffron chocolate and saffron-seasoned jams, vinegar and honey.

   Later, visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey and its extraordinary baroque-style library before returning to the ship in time for dinner.

6. Day

   6

   Salzburg

   Salzburg, Austria

   Today's stop is in Salzburg, Mozart's birthplace, nestled in a glorious alpine setting. You'll dive into the city's deep musical heritage with a walking tour through its picturesque squares and baroque architecture. You'll see the house where Mozart was born and take a lift up the Mönschberg mountain for an excellent view of the city.

   As well as being the birthplace of Mozart, the city has ties to The Sound of Music. Visit Maria's church in the nearby town of Mondsee, as well as the Viennese gardens around which she and the children sang 'Do Re Mi.'

   After your Salzburg tour, you'll head out into the nearby countryside to visit a cider farm. There, you'll be treated to a lunch of local specialities and house-made cider-an excellent way to immerse yourself in rural Austrian life and scenery, while also supporting local farmers.

7. Day

   7

   Passau

   Passau, Germany

   Passau is today's port of call. This city is a crossroads in more ways than one, as three rivers, the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz, meet here and three nations nearly do, making the German city a fascinating cultural mosaic. Get to know the town and its main claim to fame-Europe's largest pipe organ-or choose to join an invigorating riverside hike.

   After walking around Passau, we'll drive to a beautiful natural habitat on the Ilz, where you can take a short walk and relax in the scenic environment before reboarding the coach for a trip up to the Kloster Mariahilf to see the three rivers from above.

8. Day

   8

   Departure

   Passau, Germany

   Today you'll dock in your final port of call on this cruise, Engelhartzell. You'll begin your journey home as your Danube adventure comes to an end.