7 Days in Austria, Slovakia, & Hungary – Danube River Cruise

Depart Budapest at 5:00 PM

Arrive at the ship. where the dedicated crew are there to welcome you on board, ensuring you settle in and familiarize 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.

See Esztergom and its famous basilica on a guided tour, before a relaxing afternoon sailing.

 

Guided tour of Esztergom Basilica

 

Free afternoon on board, sailing towards Bratislava

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 artifacts.

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.

Explore Slovakia’s fast-emerging capital city, Bratislava. Then relax with an afternoon cruising into Lower Austria.

Guided tour of Bratislava

Free afternoon on board, sailing towards Dürnstein

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 splendor 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 humor. 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.

Take a guided tour of Dürnstein, before visiting Benedictine Melk Abbey this afternoon.

Morning option 1: Guided tour of Dürnstein

Morning option 2: Guided hike to Dürnstein castle ruins

Afternoon guided tour of Melk Abbey

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.

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.

Today visit Linz or Salzburg for a guided walking tour and time to explore at leisure.

Option 1: Full day excursion to Salzburg with guided tour, lunch at leisure and free time

Option 2: Morning guided tour of Linz with the afternoon free to explore

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-colored 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.

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.

For many, today’s guided tour of Vienna will be one of the highlights of the cruise.

Morning option 1: Panoramic guided tour of Vienna on coach

Morning option 2: Panoramic guided tour on coach followed by a walking tour of the old town

A live classical recital on board

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.

Enjoy a leisurely morning as we cruise towards Budapest, where we'll have a guided tour this afternoon.

Free morning sailing along the Danube

Afternoon option 1: Guided panoramic coach tour of Budapest

Afternoon option 2: Active tour with a guided walk of the castle district

Live Hungarian folklore show on board

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.

Arrive to Budapest, Hungary

This is the departure day after 7 awesome days together.

Disembark from the ship and if your flight allows, take the morning and afternoon to enjoy more of Budapest.