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Danube Explorer Itinerary
Day 1 - UK - Budapest (Hungary)
Fly from the UK to Budapest and embark your ship. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a traditional Hungarian dinner. Later, enjoy a Hungarian folk dancing and music performance on board and evening cruise. (D)
Day 2 - Budapest
Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Enjoy a guided tour of the city sights including the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest or an exciting hike on the Buda Hill. (B, L, D)
Days 3-4 - Vienna (Austria)
In the lovely city of Vienna, perhaps enjoy a drive along the Ringstrasse, where you will see the sights of Vienna’s world–famous attractions such as the Opera House, Burgtheater, Spanish Riding School, Town Hall, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Imperial Palace. Alternatively, join the guided bike tour instead of the drive around and guided walk. The following day, explore Vienna at leisure. There is an optional excursion to Bratislava and an exclusive optional Viennese concert with music from Mozart and Strauss. Please note: On the 2020 reverse itinerary, there is only one day in Vienna. The following day is spent in Bratislava with a guided hike to Bratislava Castle, guided tour of Bratislava and local Slovakian entertainment on board. (B, L, D)
Day 5 - Dürnstein - Melk
Discover the enchanting village of Durnstein in the Wachau wine region. This is the site of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after returning from the crusades in the 12th century. Then, enjoy a drive through the picturesque landscape of this district to the 900–year old Benedictine Abbey of Melk, which features Austria’s finest Italian baroque architecture. There are two EmeraldActive excursions - a guided bike tour along the Danube from Melk to Durnstein, and a guided hike to Durnstein Castle. (B, L, D)
Day 6 - Linz
Enjoy a guided tour of the lively city of Linz which has an eventful history reflected in the architecture of the city centre with its unique Baroque Hauptplatz. Then spend time at leisure discovering the marvellous old quarter. There is an alternative optional excursion to Salzburg. On the 2020 reverse itinerary, there is a tour of Cesky Krumlov today. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Passau (Germany)
Cobblestone streets and graceful arcades welcome you in the beautiful city of Passau. On this morning’s walking tour, stroll through the old town’s narrow alleys and see the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress from the town below. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture and home to Europe’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. Alternatively, enjoy a guided hike. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Munich - UK
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.