CITY TOUR OF BUDAPEST

Budapest, the “Queen of the Danube”, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and has managed to retain a charm of its own with the help of renovations in recent years. The Danube flows through the heart of the city, dividing it into two parts: Buda and Pest. The tour first takes you through Pest, past the Great Market Hall with its outstanding gourmet shops and stalls. You will see splendid Baroque buildings such as the Hungarian State Opera in Neo-Renaissance style and the incomparable parliament building, which was finished in 1904 and has been an emblem of the city ever since then. There’s an opportunity for a photo stop at the Heroes’ Square, famous for its monuments to many Hungarian kings. Continue across one of the seven bridges into Buda and go up to Castle Hill, where you will visit St. Matthew’s Church and the famous Fisherman’s Bastion (provided that it is open to the public). Enjoy the unforgettable view over the city before returning to the vessel.

Duration: approx. 3.5 hrs
Walking Grade: 2 - The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.

EXCURSION TO ESZTERGOM AND SZENTENDRE

Esztergom, the former residence of the Hungarian kings and seat of the archbishop, is one of the highlights of this excursion. Your tour starts with a visit to the impressive, vast domed basilica, the largest cathedral in Hungary. Built in the early 19th century, it incorporates an ornate red marble chapel from an earlier church. After visiting the cathedral, the excursion continues along the Danube to the imposing ruined fortress of Visegrad where you have a glorious view of the “knee” of the Danube. Drive along the riverbank to the artists’ village of Szentendre. The town has been the home of many generations of Hungarian artists since the early 20th century. There are many museums and contemporary galleries representing the rich traditions of the visual arts. One of the most visited museums of the whole country, the Margit Kovács Museum, is also located here. Foetér, the main square, is particularly well worth seeing, as it is surrounded by impressive buildings from the time of the Rococo and the Baroque.

From Szentendre you continue south to Budapest along the scenic west bank of the Danube. The towns and villages along this stretch of the river are a popular retreat for the inhabitants of Budapest.

Duration: approx. 5 hrs
Walking Grade: 4 - Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.

CITY TOUR OF BRATISLAVA 

Get to know the capital of the young Slovakian Republic. The gorgeous old town has maintained its Gothic-Baroque style. The tour passes St. Martin’s Cathedral and the Grassalkovich Palace and continues up to the hill above the old town, where you will have a stunning, panoramic view of the city and surrounding areas. Afterwards, a guided walking tour leads you through the restored old town. From Michael’s Gate you will take a leisurely stroll through the historic city center, where you can admire sights such as the Primatial Palace and St. Martin’s Cathedral, a former coronation cathedral for Hungarian kings, as well as the Academia Istropolitana, the oldest university of the city, which dates back to the 15th century. In addition to numerous palaces, you will also see the main square with the old City Hall, the Opera House and Maximilian Fountain.  

Duration: approx. 3 hrs 
Walking grade: ll The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.. 

GUIDED TOUR OF THE IMPERIAL PALACE HOF

From Bratislava the coach takes you to the Palace Hof in Austria. The magnificent complex was built in the early 18th century through the efforts of two of the most important personalities of the Austrian Baroque period. Field Marshall Prince Eugene of Savoy was already a legend in his lifetime. An art enthusiast, he provided almost unlimited funding for the construction of the castle. The brilliant architect Lucas von Hildebrandt created a virtuoso masterpiece comprising a magnificent palace, beautifully designed, terraced gardens and an idyllic country estate. Under its subsequent owner, Empress Maria Theresia, an additional storey was added to the palatial building, which was remodelled in the style of French Classicism in accordance with the tastes of the time. It is unique in Europe and has become a top destination for those who seek to delight in culture, nature and the fascinating world of the Baroque.

After visiting the inside of the castle, you will have enough free time to explore the beautiful and flowery garden and the Maierhof with its numerous animals.

Duration: approx. 5 hrs
Walking Grade: 2 - The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.

CITY TOUR OF VIENNA 

In previous centuries, Vienna was the imperial capital and residence of the Habsburg family and developed into a cultural and political centre of Europe, during this period. 

While it may take days or weeks to fully discover Vienna, this tour will introduce you to the most important sights Vienna has to offer. Begin with a panoramic drive along the famous Ringstrasse, passing several magnificent buildings like the stunning opera house, the parliament, the Court Theatre and Vienna’s imposing city hall. Continue with a guided walk through the city center. Begin at the well-known Hofburg Imperial Palace, walk along the Kohl market and finish at Vienna’s iconic St. Stephen’s cathedral. Before returning to the ship, enjoy free time to explore the pedestrian area. 

Duration: approx. 3,5 hrs 

Walking grade: ll The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour 

GUIDED TOUR OF THE SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE

Travel by coach to one of the most beautiful sights of Vienna - Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens - declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. The reign of Maria Theresia signified the most splendid era for Schönbrunn. The castle and park were the centre of court and political life. Under the personal guidance of the Empress, it was remodelled and expanded to become a royal residence; a complex with a total of 1,441 rooms and halls was created. Visit many of the ceremonial rooms and walk around the beautifully designed gardens.

Duration: approx. 3.5 hrs
Walking Grade: 2 - The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour.

“SOUND OF VIENNA” CLASSICAL CONCERT

In the very place where Johann Strauss himself once directed his orchestra from his position as first violin, the true essence of Vienna’s classical music can once again be heard daily. The “Salonorchester Alt Wien”, one of the best-known interpreters of classical Viennese music, presents an evening full of Viennese charm with the lilting sound of waltzes, polkas, arias and duets, as well as operetta and piano concerto melodies. Accompanied by excellent opera vocalists and our enchanting ballet soloists, Vienna‘s classical music reveals itself as a living firework display for all the senses.

Duration: approx. 3 hrs
Minimum walking

DÜRNSTEIN WALKING TOUR WITH WINE TASTING

Situated in the heart of the magnificent Wachau valley, on the banks of the mighty river Danube, this well-known wine village offers the unique combination of breathtaking scenery, traditional architecture and places of historic interest. Walk through the picturesque old town of Dürnstein, past the town walls and the Pranger Square with its lovely view of the castle ruins. Walk along the Convent of Klarissen, past the Baroque monastery and the pedestrian area, to the charming Hotel Schloss Dürnstein. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine in this peaceful village.

Duration: approx. 2 hrs
Walking Grade: 4 - Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.

EXCURSION TO MELK ABBEY

Melk Abbey is an Austrian Benedictine abbey and one of the world’s most famous monastic sites. The impressive Baroque abbey was built between 1702 and 1736 and is the biggest monastery complex of the Austrian Baroque period. The abbey’s church, with frescos by Johann Michael Rottmayr, and the impressive library with countless medieval manuscripts and frescos by Paul Troger are particularly noteworthy.

A guided tour takes you through the abbot’s chambers, along the imperator’s walk, through the marble hall, the balconies and the library.

Duration: approx. 2 hrs
Walking Grade: 3 - The excursion by bus is followed by a longer walk. You may need to climb some stairs.

LINZ WALKING TOUR

Discover the upper Austrian state capital Linz on a walking tour. It was a provincial and local government city of the Holy Roman Empire, and an important trade centre, connecting several trade routes. As the city where the Habsburg Emperor Friedrich III spent his last years, it was, for a short period of time, the most important city in the Empire. It lost its status to Vienna and Prague after the death of the Emperor in 1493. There are many things worth seeing in Linz. Take a stroll down the main street, which leads to the main square. In addition to the medieval town square in the historic old town and the Mozarthaus, you can see Baroque bourgeois family houses, the old cathedral with the Bruckner organ or the new cathedral. Visits depend on Cathedral and Mass openings/times. Visible from afar is the pilgrimage basilica on the mountain Poestling, the landmark of the town. A modern counterpart are the Lentos art museum and the Ars Electronica Center, with its striking glass facade. If time allows, explore the local bakeries for a taste of the famous Linzer Torte (Linzer Cake). Afterwards, your coach takes you to rejoin the ship in Aschach.

Duration: approx. 2 hrs
Walking Grade: 4 - Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.

FULL-DAY EXCURSION TO SALZBURG WITH SALZKAMMERGUT AND LUNCH

A two-hour coach ride will bring you to Salzburg — the city of music. The old town with its world-famous Baroque architecture is one of the best-preserved city centres north of the Alps. It was adopted by UNESCO in 1997 and is included on its list of World Cultural Heritage Sites. During the guided tour through the old town you will see the birth house of Mozart (exterior only), as well as other well-known attractions, such as the ‘Getreidegasse‘ and the gorgeous cathedral of the town and the area of the Salzburg festival.

After enjoying an included lunch, head to the picturesque village of Mondsee, best known as a film location for the famous movie “The Sound of Music”. Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you return to the ship.

Duration: approx. 9.5 hrs
Walking Grade: 3 - The excursion by bus is followed by a longer walk. You may need to climb several stairs.

PASSAU WALKING TOUR

Join us on a gorgeous walk through the old city of Passau. The baroque city on three rivers has long been a magnet for traders and travellers. It will astonish you from your first moments in its winding streets. In the heart of the Old Town lies our most known site — St. Stephen’s Cathedral, often known as a Baroque cathedral with a Gothic soul. The impressive pipe organ helps make St. Stephen’s a true highlight of our three river city. High above the Old Town sits one of the largest fortress complexes in all Europe — the Veste Oberhaus which can be discovered on your own at the end of the walking tour. Accessible via the exterior walls, never conquered, never completely destroyed; it is a prime example of long term historical construction.

Duration: approx. 2 hrs
Walking Grade: 5 - Considerable walk with longer distances. This may include uneven surfaces and some stairs.

REGENSBURG WALKING TOUR

Regensburg is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Germany with its impressive historic buildings. Among these architectural treasures are churches, monasteries, the town hall and one of Europe’s oldest bridges that has spanned the Danube since the 12th century. During this walk you will feel the former power and wealth of this city, which once controlled the trade route to the Orient. During a short visit to the Regensburg Cathedral, dedicated to St. Peter, you can admire this masterpiece of Gothic architecture in southern Germany. (Visits depend on the opening hours and the celebration of mass).

Duration: approx. 2 hrs
Walking Grade: 4 - Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.

EXCURSION TO WELTENBURG ABBEY

A coach brings you to Weltenburg, with a brief detour to the “Hall of Liberation”, a historical, classical monument on Mount Michels­berg, above the city of Kelheim. This impressive marble building is fashioned after the Parthenon in Athens. It towers high above the Danube and can be seen from afar. Afterwards, board an excursion boat which will take you past the former city of the Wittelsbacher Dynasty and through the nature reserve “Weltenburger Enge” to the Benedictine abbey of Weltenburg. The monastery, founded by Irish or Scottish monks in about 620 AD, is the oldest monastery in Bavaria. After a short tour of the abbey church taste the famous dark beer of Weltenburg, which is brewed here in the oldest monastery brewery in the world. 

Duration: approx. 5 hrs
Walking Grade: 3 - The excursion by bus is followed by a longer walk. You may need to climb several stairs.