Vienna, the Wachau Valley and Budapest River Cruise

Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your accommodation, where you'll stay overnight (either on board your ship or in a carefully-chosen hotel). Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to start exploring Hungary's elegant capital, known for its grand architecture, thermal baths and vibrant café culture.

This morning, discover Budapest on a guided tour, taking in many of the city's best-known landmarks and gaining an insight into its rich history and culture.

Later, travel through the Hungarian and Austrian countryside to Vienna by rail, enjoying a comfortable and convenient journey between two of Europe's great capitals. On arrival, board your ship and settle into your cabin before meeting fellow guests over dinner.

After a delicious dinner onboard, enjoy musical entertainment in the ship’s lounge, featuring a string quartet performance, welcoming you to the City of Music.

Vienna is such a beautiful and interesting city, and today you’ll get to explore the Austrian capital on guided tours. Take a panoramic tour through the city via coach to get a feel for Vienna, followed by an optional walking tour through some of the city's historic streets and squares. It’s the perfect introduction to Vienna's grand boulevards, palaces and striking architecture, and vast history.

This afternoon is free for you to enjoy Vienna at your own pace. Perhaps visit one of the city's renowned cafés, browse elegant shops or simply soak up the atmosphere of this imperial city.

After dinner back on board, we will start our 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.

Today offers a choice of experiences. You may wish to join a full-day excursion to Salzburg, or remain close to the ship for a guided tour of Linz.

Fans of Mozart find Salzburg a highlight of the trip - the city's historic centre is famed for its musical heritage, but it’s also a beautiful city to walk around because of its baroque architecture and spectacular Alpine setting.

Alternatively, stay in Linz and discover the charming Baroque old town with its grand pastel-coloured facades with an impressive central Trinity Column of white marble, crowned by a gilded sunburst. This guided tour is followed by some free time.

After your day of exploring, return to the ship for dinner on board, before we leave Linz to cruise back downstream.

This morning, visit the magnificent Melk Abbey, one of Austria's most celebrated Baroque landmarks, dramatically positioned above the Danube.  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.

During the afternoon, relax on board as you continue your journey through some of the river's most attractive scenery.

This evening, enjoy a special Captain's Dinner on board as we arrive back in Vienna.

After breakfast, leave the ship and travel to Bratislava, Slovakia's capital. Enjoy a guided introduction to the city, including views of Bratislava Castle and a walk through the atmospheric Old Town, where medieval streets, colourful buildings and elegant squares reveal centuries of history.

Later, continue to Budapest and enjoy free time to explore independently. You may wish to stroll along the Danube promenade, admire the city's illuminated landmarks or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere. Overnight accommodation will be provided either on board or in a hotel.

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