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Blue Danube Explorer Itinerary
Day 1 - Budapest (Hungary)
Arrive in historic Budapest and board your luxurious ship docked in the centre of the city. Tonight, gather for a Welcome Gala Dinner. (D)
Day 2 - Bratislava (Slovakia)
Arrive in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, this afternoon and take a walking tour of the city including the Old Town Hall and the Mirbach Palace. There is also the option to hike up to the magnificent Bratislava Castle. In 2019 there is also the option to sample traditional specialties and learn how to make stuffed potato ravioli. The ship cruises to Vienna later this evening. Please note - in 2019, cruises departing late October to December will visit Krems instead of Bratislava. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Vienna (Austria)
Discover the impressive city of Vienna including the Vienna Opera House and St Stephen's Cathedral on a panoramic tour then explore the vibrant Austrian capital on your own. You can choose instead to join the guided bike ride along the Danube, and in the afternoon there is a guided cycling tour to Klosterneuberg Monastery. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Durnstein - Melk
Enjoy a walking tour of Durnstein, one of the prettiest towns along the Danube, followed by a wine tasting; hike up to the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned; or try an apricots and sweets tasting. There is also the option to hike up to the fortress which was imprisoned Richard the Lionheart. This afternoon you can take a bicycle ride to Melk or cruise through the scenic Wachau Valley. Tour Melk Abbey before free time in the town. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Passau (Germany)
Located where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube, a walking tour will lead you through this fairy-tale city founded more than 2,000 years ago. Alternatively, hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress or join the guided bike ride round the city. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Regensburg
After lunch, arrive in Regensburg, one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. A guided walking tour will show you the city's architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall, and the Porta Praetoria - a gateway to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Alternatively join the tasting of the city's renowned sausage, beer and pretzels or cycle to Walhalla on a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Nuremberg
Enjoy a morning of scenic cruising through the Main-Danube Canal. In the afternoon, choose the medieval history of Nuremberg or join the tour centered on the modern role the city played in the 20th century and see the Zeppelin Field and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. Alternatively, sample local delicacies on a Franconian Specialties tasting and try Nuremburger Bratwurst, Rotbier and Lebkuchen. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Nuremberg
Disembark in Nuremberg. (B)
Key: B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner.