Experience the picturesque Wachau region and visit grand old capitals on this Danube river cruise from Nuremberg to historic Budapest, and sail along the Rhine-Main-Danube canal, a masterpiece of engineering.
Explore Regensburg, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe, before heading to the Baroque town of Passau. Sail through Wachau's UNESCO-protected landscape then perhaps visit Melk's Benedictine Abbey with its world-famous library, and take the opportunity to enjoy a wine tasting in Durnstein, before cruising to the musical city of Vienna. See the sights, including St Stephen's Cathedral and Hofburg Palace, on an optional tour and perhaps enjoy an evening concert.
Discover Slovakia's fascinating capital, Bratislava, where there is an optional tour to the Imperial Schlosshof Palace, once the country estate of the Empress Maria Theresia. This superb holiday concludes in the diverse city of Budapest, home to the Fisherman's Bastion and the iconic Chain Bridge.
L141 Operated by Amadeus River Cruises
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Along the Blue Danube Itinerary
Day 1 - UK - Nuremberg (Germany)
Fly from the UK and embark your ship in Nuremberg. Enjoy a Welcome Cocktail followed by a Welcome Dinner.
Day 2 - Regensburg
Arrive in the medieval town of Regensburg at lunchtime where there is an optional guided walking tour in the afternoon. Highlights include the Town Hall, St Peter's cathedral and the Stone Bridge. Alternatively, visit the 18th century Thurn and Taxis Palace for a beer tasting in their traditional brewery. There is a typical Bavarian evening on board tonight.
Day 3 - Passau
Arrive in Passau at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers. Join the optional walking tour of Passau this afternoon or simply wander at leisure through the town's winding lanes and past historic buildings, before rejoining the ship late afternoon to continue cruising towards the Austrian Wachau region.
Day 4 - Melk/Emmersdorf (Austria) - Durnstein - Vienna
Early morning, the ship docks in Melk/Emmersdorf located in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley. Spend the morning exploring this traditional town or head to nearby Melk for an optional excursion to its spectacular Benedictine Abbey. Rejoin the ship and cruise to Durnstein to explore this well-known wine town at leisure or join the optional guided walking tour with wine tasting. Continue on to Vienna, just in time for an optional performance of the "Sound of Vienna".
Day 5 - Vienna
Drive along the Ringstrasse with its magnificent buildings followed by a walking tour of the city centre on an optional excursion. This afternoon there is the chance to visit magnificent Schonbrunn Palace with its beautifully landscaped gardens. There is also the option to pay a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts, one of the most important art museums in the world.
Day 6 - Bratislava (Slovakia)
Bratislava is the cultural and economic centre of Slovakia, home to the parliament as well as many museums and galleries which show the country's rich history. Perhaps join the guided tour to see St Martin's Cathedral, Grassalkovich Palace and the Opera House. There is also an optional tour to the Imperial Schloss Hof Palace. Or perhaps enjoy a scenic drive through the Little Carpathian mountain range and its many wineries. Captain's Gala Dinner tonight.
Day 7 - Budapest (Hungary)
Arrival in Budapest early this morning, a beautiful city which straddles the River Danube. UNESCO-listed sites include Andrassy Avenue, Heroes Square and the Buda Castle Quarter. Admire the impressive Hungarian Parliament which dominates the waterfront or wander along the traditional streets. Perhaps join the optional guided tour of the city or the excursion to the lovingly restored Baroque Royal Palace of Godollo. This evening, there is a traditional Hungarian folklore show on board, followed by a cruise through illuminated Budapest.
Day 8 - Budapest - UK
Disembark ship in Budapest and transfer to the airport for the return flight to the UK.
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.