European Gems with Prague

Be met at the airport and transfer to your hotel in the historic centre of Prague. Later this evening, you’ll have the chance to get to know your fellow travellers and Tour Director at a Welcome Reception.

Your exploration of Prague begins with a tour of the World Heritage-listed Old Town. Travel across the Vltava River to Prague Castle, which dominates the city skyline. Believed to date back to the 9th century, this castle complex – with its network of palaces and churches – is considered one of the largest ancient castle complexes in the world. You’ll then wander across Charles Bridge and arrive in Prague’s Old Market Square. Stop for some time to explore, and continue to discover the incredible city of Prague on your own terms, with its multitude of sights. Perhaps join an optional tour this evening to a lively traditional Czech dinner and show.

Enhance Your Journey – Traditional Dinner and Show

Travel to a local restaurant and enjoy a lively traditional Czech dinner and show.

Having become familiar with the layout of Prague, enjoy today at leisure to explore as you please. The Jewish Quarter is a vibrant area of Semitic history, so perhaps you’d like to head there and learn all about the birthplace of writer Franz Kafka. Alternatively, you may wish to join an optional beer tasting tour.

Enhance Your Journey - Private Beer Tasting

Prague has a strong beer culture, and Czechs are said to drink more beer per capita than any other country. On this private beer tasting experience, you will sample a number of locally brewed beers and gaining a deeper appreciation for Czech beer.

Farewell Prague after breakfast as you travel by coach to Budapest to board your river ship. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Reception with your fellow travellers.

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. Back on board this evening, enjoy a delightful Gala Welcome Dinner while you cruise.

On arrival in the city centre, join a walking tour to uncover sights like St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Graben and Hofburg Palace. Later, explore the vibrant Naschmarkt at your leisure. This evening, perhaps attend an optional concert for a memorable experience.

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.

With the day at leisure, perhaps explore the Hofburg area or wander along Kärntnerstrasse, the city’s famous shopping strip. Otherwise, embark on an optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace, or head to Bratislava, Slovakia's capital.

Enhance Your Journey – Schönbrunn Palace Visit

Tour inside Schönbrunn Palace, the summer palace of the Habsburgs. Discover the apartments of former emperors and take some time to wander the immaculate grounds.

Enhance Your Journey – Visit Bratislava in Slovakia

Tick another country off your list with a visit to Slovakia’s Bratislava. This charming city blends medieval, baroque, and communist-era architecture. See landmarks such as the UFO Bridge and the iconic Slovak Radio building, testaments to its intriguing past.

Cruise to Dürnstein, a charming town watched over by the hilltop ruins of the castle where King Richard the Lionheart was famously imprisoned in the 12th century. Spend your morning wandering its cobbled streets, historic townhouses, and inviting taverns. You might also choose to join an optional tour and sample the region’s renowned wines. Later, sail through the scenic Wachau Valley before docking in Melk to tour its magnificent abbey, a Benedictine monastery in continuous operation since 1089.

Today, you can choose to join an optional tour to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic or visit Salzburg. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing sailing day to Passau.

Insider Experience – Bavarian Evening on Board

Tonight, enjoy a traditional Bavarian experience on board. Sample delicious local beer and snacks, accompanied by traditional folk music, song and dance. 

Enhance Your Journey – Český Krumlov

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 at your leisure before returning to your ship.

Continue along the Danube River to Regensburg, located in the Bavarian region of southern Germany. Here, join a guided tour of the city’s historic streets, medieval buildings, and cultural sites.

Arrive in Nuremberg, the site of Hitler’s infamous rallies during World War II. Take a city tour this afternoon, which includes sights such as the Zeppelin Field and Palace of Justice.

Bamberg, one of the few German cities spared destruction during World War II, beckons your attention today. You’ll gain great insight during a locally guided tour of the historic city.  Gaze upon sights such as the Old Town Hall and the Bamberg Cathedral, followed by some free time to explore.

Surrounded by lush hills and vineyards, Würzburg is home to the stunning baroque Würzburg Residence. Explore the palace and its Court Garden before perhaps opting for a visit to medieval Rothenburg, a fairytale town nestled along the Romantic Road.

Enhance Your Journey – Medieval Rothenburg Tour

Depart from Würzburg for an excursion to Rothenburg, a beautiful medieval walled town located on the Romantic Road in Franconia.

Discover  Miltenberg  today, exploring this well-preserved town’s half-timbered buildings dating from the 15th to 18th centuries. Return to your ship and enjoy time at leisure. As the sun sets, watch the lights of medieval towns slip past as you cruise through the night.

Insider Experience – Culinary Tour in Miltenberg

Gain a glimpse into local life in Miltenberg as you embark on a culinary walking tour. Sample regional specialties at a local butcher and baker before finishing with a tasting at a local distillery.

In  Rüdesheim, the Winzerexpress mini road train will take you to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Later, back on board, enjoy spectacular scenery as you sail along the Rhine Gorge.

Learn how the twin spires of Cologne’s famous cathedral, the  Kölner  Dom, took over six centuries to complete as you cruise into this picturesque city. Disembark and take the short drive to  Brühl for your Insider Experience. 

Insider Experience – Augustusburg Palace in Germany

Explore the former residence of Archbishop-Elector Clemens August, the World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Palace in Brühl. Listen to enthralling stories, and enjoy a walk through the stunning landscaped parks and gardens between the castle and the Falkenlust hunting lodge. The palace and the lodge are some of the finest examples of Rococo architecture from 18th-century Germany.

Amsterdam’s network of canals is a sight to behold. Dock in the city’s heart and board a glass-top boat to discover its views. Back on land, enjoy free time before a Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board. 

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