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Enchanting Danube Itinerary
Day 1 - UK - Budapest (Hungary)
Fly from the UK to Budapest. Meet your representative on arrival and transfer to the port to embark Maria Theresa.
Day 2 - Budapest
Explore Budapest, split into Buda and Pest over the River Danube. A panoramic tour reveals the highlights of the city including St Stephen's Basilica, the Opera House and the Parliament Museum. Alternatively 'Do as the Locals Do' taking the metro to Lehel Market Hall, a huge indoor market. After enjoy a stop at a local coffee house before heading to the oldest gardens in Budapest. In 2018, there is also a more active exploration, the 'Green Budapest' tour which stops at the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Rose and Japanese gardens and the Olympic pool, with a picnic on Margaret Island. In 2019, alternatives are three optional excursions - ruin pub crawl, Budapest by bike and Champagne in the Etyek countryside. Captain's Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner this evening. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Bratislava (Slovakia) - Vienna (Austria)
Enjoy a day at leisure cruising to Slovakia's capital, Bratislava. Enjoy a walking tour taking in the thriving commercial centre which has Gothic, Baroque and Art-Deco architecture before cruising on to Vienna. In 2019, on arrival in Vienna, enjoy an exclusive concert of Mozart and Strauss at a magnificent palace. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Vienna
In 2018, enjoy an exclusive early opening and art tour of the Kunsthistorisches Museum, home to the Habsburg’s imperial treasures and works of art by Rubens, Rembrandt Titian and Tintoretto, followed by a Bellini cocktail on the spectacular cupola terrace Alternatively 'Do and the Locals Do' on a tour of the centre by highlighting Viennese essentials such as coffee, sausages, wine and public transport. Enjoy an exclusive private 'Royal Anniversary' concert in a Viennese palace to celebrate Maria Theresa’s 300th birthday. In 2019, enjoy an exclusive visit to the Vienna Art History Museum plus choose from a walking tour of the historic district or a panoramic city tour. Back onboard, listen to a Signature Lecture about Empress Maria Theresa. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Durnstein - Melk
Take a guided tour of the Baroque village of Durnstein then take part in an organic wine tasting or learn about the history of saffron in Austrian cuisine. The more active may wish to join the guided bike ride along the Danube through the picturesque Wachau Valley (2018 only). Arrive in Melk and visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Linz
Travel to Salzburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famously known as the setting for 'The Sound of Music' (lunch not provided). Alternatively visit nearby Linz for a walking tour before visiting a local farm to sample the region's cider. In 2019, there is also the option to cycle through the Linz countryside. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Passau (Germany)
Located at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz, Passau is home to the St Stephen's Cathedral where you can enjoy an organ concert* on Europe's largest pipe organ. Alternatively join a bicycle tour along the banks of the Inn, one of the prettiest tributaries of the Danube, or a guided hike along the beautiful Ilz River with a nature expert. Captain's Farewell Dinner this evening. *Organ concert not available on Sundays or before May 1 or after October 31
Day 8 - Passau - Munich - UK
Disembark Maria Theresa and transfer to Munich Airport for your return flight to the UK.
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.