Alpine Discovery and Highlights of the Danube

Arrive in Zürich, where we’ll meet you on arrival. Meet your fellow travellers and tour director at a Welcome Reception tonight. 

Enjoy an orientation discovery of the vibrant city of Zürich. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town and stunning medieval buildings. Travel to Lucerne, where you will set out on a walking tour. With its breathtaking Swiss Alps backdrop, this city is a delight to explore. On a guided tour, see the Lion of Lucerne, a monument that commemorates events of the French Revolution, and wander along the Chapel Bridge, with its octagonal Water Tower.

This evening, perhaps enjoy an optional traditional dinner and entertainment at a Swiss Folklore Restaurant. 

Insider Experience — Cog-Wheel Railway

Travel to the peak of Mount Pilatus along the world’s steepest cog-wheel railway, enjoying views of flower-filled pastures, rocky mountain ledges and snow-tipped peaks.  

Embark on a scenic journey via Interlaken to Zermatt, set in the gaze of the world’s most photogenic mountain, the Matterhorn. This pretty, eco-friendly resort town is a car-free zone, making it a delight to explore by foot. Enjoy a relaxed evening breathing in the alpine air as you wander the streets, or relax at your Swiss chalet-style hotel, which boasts a relaxing spa with incredible views of the stunning Matterhorn.  

After breakfast this morning, set out on a guided morning tour of the town. As part of your exploration, you’ll discover the charming Hinterdorf (Old Village), home to around 30 traditional chalet-style barns and shops constructed between the 16th and 18th centuries. Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon and evening to explore this gorgeous city even further. Perhaps take an optional scenic helicopter flight and experience the unforgettable beauty of the Swiss Alps from the air.

Travel to Brigg, and take the Glacier Express narrow-gauge train along the iconic route to the luxury alpine resort town St. Moritz. Through the panoramic windows of your carriage, you’ll enjoy incredible views of jagged mountains and lush meadows, sprawling vineyards and dense woodland along the hillsides. On arrival in St Moritz, check in to your hotel before dinner this evening.    

Insider Experience - Glacier Express

Travel aboard the Glacier Express narrow-gauge train along the iconic route to the luxury alpine resort town of St. Moritz.  

This morning, set out on a journey into Austria, travelling to Innsbruck on the way to Munich. Soak in the city’s atmosphere with time at leisure before travelling on to Munich.

Enjoy a guided discovery of the Bavarian capital of Munich, regarded by many as Germany’s most beautiful city. See the famous Glockenspiel on the Town Hall and explore the historic city centre, home to the iconic Frauenkirche. The afternoon is yours to relax or continue exploring. This evening, you will be treated to a special dinner. 

Today, enjoy a day at leisure in Munich. Perhaps choose to join an optional full-day tour to Neuschwanstein and Linderhof castles; two of the most magnificent castles in Bavaria.

Enhance your Journey - Neuschwanstein and Linderhof castles

Meet your fellow travellers, before embarking on a coach trip towards the Bavarian Alps, first stopping at Linderhof Castle, a French rococo-style castle inspired by the palace of Versailles and surrounded by immaculately manicured gardens. Continue to the impressive Neuschwanstein Castle, which is perched on a cliff and nestled in the Bavarian Alps. Renowned for its stunning and romantic architecture, this fairy-tale like castle was the inspiration for Walt Disney’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’ Castle. Surrounded by mountains, forests and lakes, its interior is equally impressive with colourful murals and grand opulence. Note: Entrance to the castles is not included, and you have the option to purchase tickets for one or both of the castles during the tour.

After breakfast board a coach to travel to your river ship, docked in Passau on the Danube River.  Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Reception with your fellow travellers.

In the beautiful city of Passau, enjoy a guided walking tour, taking in the historic sites as you roam the cobblestone lanes of the Altstadt. You'll then enjoy an Insider Experience.

Insider Experience - Aldersbach Brewery

Travel by coach to nearby Aldersbach brewery founded in 1268, where you'll be welcomed by local musicians and taken on a tour of the brewery. Afterwards, enter the festival hall to enjoy locally brewed beer with tastings of some local food, all in the spirit of Oktoberfest, with live music and singing.

Today, you can choose to join an optional tour to  Český  Krumlov  in the Czech Republic or visit Salzburg. Alternatively, enjoy time at leisure in Linz.

Enhance Your Journey – Český Krumlov Visit

Enjoy a fascinating day excursion to the city of Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, home to more than 300 historical buildings.

Enhance Your Journey – Salzburg Sights

Take a trip through the stunning scenery of Austria. Visit Mondsee, where you may recognise the famous Wedding Church from ‘The Sound of Music’. Continue to Salzburg and be guided through the town Mozart called home. Enjoy some free time to explore explore at your leisure before returning to your ship.

Join a local guide to see Melk Abbey, an active Benedictine monastery since 1089. Cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley, then continue to Dürnstein, where you have a free afternoon to explore. Perhaps join an optional tour to taste some of the region’s wine.

Enhance Your Journey – Wine Tasting

Visit Dürnstein Abbey, where you’ll savour a glass of the local Grüner Veltliner or riesling produced in the region, as well as delicious brandy.

Embrace the elegance of Vienna as you drive around the  Ringstrasse, taking in some of the city’s most famous buildings. On arrival in the centre, a walking tour will provide an insider’s view of sights such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Graben and  Hofburg  Palace. Afterwards, perhaps visit the Naschmarkt and browse the stalls. This evening, you could enjoy an optional concert.

Enhance Your Journey – Mozart and Strauss Concert

Enjoy a Mozart and Strauss concert in one of Vienna’s palaces or concert venues, followed by an evening drive around the Ringtrasse.

Today, discover Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, on a walking tour through the Old Town where you will see St Martin's Cathedral, Primatial Palace and Main Square. You’ll also visit the only surviving example of the original four entrances to the city, Michael’s Gate. Tonight, celebrate the end of your river cruise with a Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

Awake to views of one of the Danube’s most enchanting cities this morning. Disembark and learn the vibrant history of Budapest as your local guide takes you to a host of impressive sights, including Heroes’ Square and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Enjoy free time this afternoon to explore Budapest at your leisure, or perhaps join our fascinating optional excursion.

Enhance Your Journey – Hospital in the Rock

Tour this museum, once a World War II hospital, located in the caves beneath Buda Castle.

After breakfast, disembark your river ship and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.