Classical Cities of the Danube Cruise(7005)

Arrive in Vienna for embarkation. Flights must arrive in Vienna prior to 5 pm for transfer to the ship. This evening, join the optional 'Vienna by Night' excursion to see some of Vienna's rich cultural treasures such as the Opera House, City Hall, Johann Strauss statue, Imperial Apartments, and the Spanish Riding School.

After breakfast, enjoy an optional visit to Melk and its spectacular Benedictine Abbey for stunning views of the Danube and the surrounding countryside from its dramatic clifftop perch. Return to your ship for lunch and cruise through the lush countryside of Austria's Wachau Valley to medieval Dürnstein. Enjoy an included walking tour of this pretty Baroque town, overlooked by the fortifying walls of Kuenringerburg Castle and known for its enchanting blue-and-white Baroque church.

Experience Slovakia's capital on an optional excursion. Tucked into the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, charming Bratislava is brimming with impressive sights from the imposing riverfront castle and Baroque palaces to Michael Gate and St Martin's Cathedral. The delightful Old Town is a maze of cobbled, medieval lanes and quaint bustling squares overlooked by the stylish Mirbach and Primate's Palaces. The Jesuit Church, Town Hall, Castle Hill and Old Town are just some of the sights you'll take in on this morning's optional tour. After lunch on board, sail to Kalocsa.

Explore the charming Hungarian town of Kalocsa, set on terraces above the Danube and renowned for its paprika and embroidery production, as well as its strong folkloric heritage. Enjoy a stroll around the town centre taking in sights such as the elaborate Baroque-style Archbishop's Palace and the Cathedral, fronted by handsome Holy Trinity Square. Alternatively, join the optional excursion to the 'Puzsta' or Great Plain. This vast prairie, once regarded as the 'wild west' of Hungary, is now a renowned equestrian centre where you can enjoy a fantastic show featuring Hungarian horsemanship. Return to your ship this afternoon and cruise to the 'pearl of the Danube'-Budapest.

A full day to enjoy the beauty of Budapest. One of Europe's finest cities, Budapest consists of two districts, old 'Buda' and more modern 'Pest', standing on either bank of the Danube and linked by seven picturesque bridges. Join an optional morning tour through the winding streets of Buda to admire Baroque Palaces, spa houses, medieval homesteads, the glorious St Mathias Church, turreted Fisherman's Bastion, and the magnificent Royal Palace, which proudly overlooks the Parliament Building across the river. In bustling Pest, get a close-up view of the Parliament Building, inspired by the London Parliament, and visit Heroes Square and St Stephen's Basilica. After lunch on board your ship, explore the city at leisure before this evening's optional folklore show.

This morning, enjoy a short stop in Hungary's oldest town, Esztergom, overlooked by a colossal hilltop basilica, before returning to your ship for lunch and cruising towards Vienna. Enjoy a gala dinner on board this evening.

The charming and historic city of Vienna was the seat of the famous Habsburg dynasty for over 600 years. This morning's optional excursion gives you the chance to learn about their family history on a visit to the impressive Schönbrunn Palace, adorned with grandiose French-styled gardens and elegant décor. The tour also includes a drive along the famed Ringstrasse to see many of Vienna's historic landmarks. In the afternoon, there's an optional visit to the sumptuously furnished Hofburg Palace.

After breakfast, your vacation ends.