Itinerary
Days 1-2 – To Berlin
From London St Pancras, we take the Eurostar to Brussels
followed by the train to Cologne where we overnight. On Day
2 we continue by rail to Berlin where we spend the night
of at the Maritim Berlin Hotel.
Day 3 – Berlin and to Prague
This morning we embark on a guided tour of Berlin, soaking up
the sights of this once divided city including the incredible
Brandenburg Gate, a monument important to Berliners because of what
it represents; the gate was part of a city that was heavily bombed
and fiercely fought over prior to the surrender of Germany in 1945
but the arch survived with only a few bullet holes. We’ll also see
a section of the Berlin Wall as well as the Reichstag, meeting
place of the current German parliament. Later we continue our
journey to Prague by rail.
Day 4 – Guided tour of Prague
Enjoy a guided tour of Prague, starting at Hradcany Castle, the
largest medieval complex in Europe. We also walk across the 14th-
century Charles Bridge, and pass the Gothic spires of St Vitus’
Cathedral, where entrance is included. The rest of your day is at
leisure before dinner at the hotel. We recommend a visit to one of
the city’s ‘hospodys’ or beer houses, taverns that serve some of
the world’s finest beers.
Day 5 – To Budapest and boarding your ship
Following a buffet breakfast, we join the rail service to
Budapest. Arriving in Budapest, we meet the Amadeus Queen or
Silver II and are welcomed with a cocktail in the lounge before
dinner. Later take in the illuminated sights as we sail around the
city. We are also treated to a performance from a local Hungarian
folk band in the lounge.
Day 6 – Discovering Budapest
This morning we enjoy a guided coach and walking tour,
introducing us to Budapest’s main sights. We pass impressive
buildings and monuments on both sides of the Danube, including the
neo-Gothic Parliament building, the magnifi cent State Opera House
and St Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest Castle, Matthias Church and
Fishermen’s Bastion.
We return to the ship for lunch, after which you have some free
time before we begin cruising to Bratislava, passing through the
splendid Danube Bend along the way. This section of the river has a
long and fascinating history and from the sun deck or panoramic
windows in the bar, you’ll be able to see castle ruins, churches,
pretty houses hidden in the hills and dense forests, all soaked in
the golden glow of twilight.
Day 7 – Arrival in Bratislava
Your morning is at leisure aboard before we moor up early this
afternoon. After lunch, we set out on a guided coach and walking
tour of the Slovakian capital. Located in the foothills of the
Carpathian Mountains, Bratislava straddles the Danube which neatly
divides the city into two parts; the Baroque Old Town (Stare Mesto)
and the new city. This picture-postcard destination boasts historic
Gothic buildings, several universities, a wealth of museums and
galleries, and a refreshing cosmopolitan atmosphere. The historic
centre features delightful cobblestoned roads, pedestrianised
plazas, 18th-century rococo buildings and street cafs galore.
Following our excursion, you have plenty of free time to
explore.
Day 8 – The history and music of Vienna
After a calm night of cruising, we arrive into glorious Vienna
for a sightseeing tour. This is a chance to relish in Austria’s
Imperial heritage, one full of tradition and rich in architectural,
artistic and musical heritage. You’ll see many of Vienna’s most
ornate buildings, including the impressive Opera House – one of the
leading opera venues in the world, as well as the grand Parliament
Building. Tonight a real treat awaits us. After dinner we are
joined by musicians from the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra for a
private recital. Be whisked away by the music and immerse yourself
in this singularly exceptional experience.
Days 9-10 – Melk Abbey & Salzburg or the Austrian Lake District
Today we reach Austria’s Wachau Valley, a famous wine-making
region. We arrive in the idyllic village of Drnstein where you
have time at leisure. As we sit down to lunch on board we begin
cruising along the picturesque Wachau Valley, an extremely scenic
area with green valleys and vineyards rising up from the river,
picturesque riverside towns, and commanding fortresses with
sweeping views. We then journey by coach to Melk Abbey, enjoying
entrance to this 11th century Benedictine Abbey which stands on a
rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube and is home to the Abbey
Church, considered one of the most beautiful Baroque churches north
of the Alps.
On Day 10 we disembark in Linz, where you
have a choice of excursions. You could head further into the
countryside for a day spent amidst the spectacular scenery of the
Austrian lakes. Make stops in UNESCO listed Hallstatt, one of
Austria’s most photographed villages thanks to its traditional
pastel-coloured houses perched on the tiny plain between the
mountains and Hallstttersee Lake, as well as Mondsee. This pretty
town is set on the lake of the same name, and its most famous sight
is the 15th-century parish church, which featured in the wedding
scenes of ‘The Sound of Music’.
Otherwise, travel by coach to Salzburg, via Mondsee, one of
Austria’s most famous cities and known as the birth place of
Mozart. A guided sightseeing tour reveals the city’s
internationally renowned Baroque architecture, a UNESCO World
Heritage site. We rejoin the ship in Passau
Days 11-13 – Regensburg and homeward bound
Regensberg is our port of call this morning, which we explore on
foot. This medieval town contains many buildings that testify to
its history as a trading centre and to its influence on the whole
region from the 9th century onwards. Back on board tonight, we
attend the Captain’s gala dinner, a chance to don our evening-wear
and celebrate our cruise experience.
On Day 12 after breakfast, we disembark in
Passau to start the journey back home via Cologne, where we spend
the night. On Day 13 we complete our
journey back to London.
Days 1-2 – To Berlin
From London St Pancras, we take the Eurostar to Brussels
followed by the train to Cologne where we overnight. On Day
2 we continue by rail to Berlin where we spend the night
of at the Maritim Berlin Hotel.
Day 3 – Berlin and to Prague
This morning we embark on a guided tour of Berlin, soaking up
the sights of this once divided city including the incredible
Brandenburg Gate, a monument important to Berliners because of what
it represents; the gate was part of a city that was heavily bombed
and fiercely fought over prior to the surrender of Germany in 1945
but the arch survived with only a few bullet holes. We’ll also see
a section of the Berlin Wall as well as the Reichstag, meeting
place of the current German parliament. Later we continue our
journey to Prague by rail.
Day 4 – Guided tour of Prague
We enjoy a guided tour of the Czech capital today, starting at
Hradcany Castle, the largest medieval complex in Europe. We also
walk across the 14th century Charles Bridge, which has 75 statues
along its walls, and pass the Gothic spires of St Vitus’ Cathedral,
into which entrance is included. The rest of your day is at leisure
before dinner back at the hotel.
Day 5 – Continue by rail to Passau
We make the short walk back to Prague station for the train to
Paasau. On arriving in Passau, we meet the Amadeus Queen or Silver
II and are welcomed with a cocktail in the lounge before
dinner.
Day 6 – Regensburg
Regensberg is our port of call this morning, which we explore on
foot. This medieval town contains many buildings that testify to
its history as a trading centre and to its influence on the whole
region from the 9th century onwards. We enjoy dinner back on board
tonight.
Days 7-8 – Melk Abbey & Salzburg or the Austrian Lake District
We arrive into Passau this morning where you have a choice
of excursions. You could head further into the countryside for a
day spent amidst the spectacular scenery of the Austrian lakes.
Make stops in UNESCO listed Hallstatt, one of Austria’s most
photographed villages thanks to its traditional pastel-coloured
houses perched on the tiny plain between the mountains and
Hallstttersee Lake, as well as Mondsee.This pretty town is set on
the lake of the same name, and its most famous sight is the
15th-century parish church, which featured in the wedding scenes of
‘The Sound of Music’.
Otherwise, travel by coach to Salzburg, via Mondsee, one of
Austria’s most famous cities and known as the birth place of
Mozart. A guided sightseeing tour reveals the city’s
internationally renowned Baroque architecture, a UNESCO World
Heritage site.
On Day 8 we reach Austria’s Wachau Valley,
a famous wine-making region. We arrive in the idyllic village of
Drnstein where you have time at leisure. As we sit down to lunch
on board we begin cruising along the picturesque Wachau Valley, an
extremely scenic area with green valleys and vineyards rising up
from the river, picturesque riverside towns, and commanding
fortresses with sweeping views. We then journey by coach to Melk
Abbey, enjoying entrance to this 11th century Benedictine Abbey
which stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube and is home
to the Abbey Church, considered one of the most beautiful Baroque
churches north of the Alps.
Day 9 – The history and music of Vienna
After a calm night of cruising, we arrive into glorious Vienna,
for a comprehensive sightseeing tour. This is a chance to relish in
Austria’s Imperial heritage, one full of tradition and rich in
architectural, artistic and musical heritage. You’ll see many of
Vienna’s finest ornate buildings, including the impressive Hofburg
Palace. This vast complex of buildings demonstrates the awesome
power and wealth commanded by the Habsburgs. You’ll also take in
the impressive Opera House, one of the leading opera venues in the
world, as well as the grand Parliament Building.
Tonight a real treat awaits us on board, where after dinner we
are joined by musicians from the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra for
an exclusive, private recital. Be whisked away by the music as you
immerse yourself in this singularly exceptional experience, as the
Vienna Philharmonic is one of the most popular and skilled
orchestras in the world.
Day 10 – Arrival in Bratislava
Your morning is at leisure aboard before we moor up early this
afternoon. After lunch, we set out on a guided coach tour of
Slovakian capital. Located in the foothills of the Carpathian
Mountains, Bratislava straddles the Danube which neatly divides the
city into two parts; the Baroque Old Town (Stare Mesto) and the new
city. This picture-postcard city destination historic Gothic
buildings, several universities, a wealth of museums and galleries,
and a refreshing cosmopolitan atmosphere. The historic centre
features delightful cobbled stoned roads, pedestrianised plazas,
pastel 18th century rococo buildings and street cafs galore.
Following our excursion, we return to the ship for another
delicious, 5-course dinner.
Day 11 – Discovering Budapest
This morning we arrive at the scenic Danube Bend. This section
of the river has a long and fascinating history and from the sun
deck or panoramic windows in the bar, you’ll be able to see castle
ruins, churches, pretty houses hidden in the hills and dense
forests.
After lunch on board, we enjoy a guided coach tour of Budapest,
introducing us to Budapest’s main sights. We pass impressive
buildings and monuments on both sides of the Danube, including the
neo-Gothic Parliament building, the magnificent State Opera House
and St Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest Castle, Matthias Church and
Fishermen’s Bastion. Later take in the illuminated sights as
we sail around the city. We are also treated to a performance from
a local Hungarian folk band in the lounge.
Days 12-13 – Journey home
On Day 12 after breakfast, we
disembark and start our journey back home via Nuremberg, where we
spend the night. On Day 13 we complete
our journey back to London.
Info – Travel Options
We offer a Standard Class and First Class rail options for
departures on this tour. You can find out which class each
departure is by clicking on the information button in the pricing
grid. (Look for S – Standard Class and F – First Class)
