Grand Danube with Munich and Transylvania

Be met at the airport and transfer to your hotel in Munich. Later this evening, enjoy the chance to get to know your fellow travellers and Tour Director at a Welcome Reception. 

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 Frauenkirche, the city's most celebrated church. The afternoon is yours to relax at leisure or continue exploring at your own pace. 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.

Arrive in Munich, where you will be met and transferred to your river ship, docked on the Danube River.

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.

We have set aside a full day for you to explore more of this fascinating city at your leisure.

Enjoy the day at leisure to explore Budapest. You may wish to join an optional tour to discover Budapest Great Market Hall, a must-visit attraction. Housed in a beautiful historic building dating back to the 19th century, the market is a paradise for food lovers and shoppers, where you can immerse yourself in Hungarian cuisine and local culture. Alternatively, you may wish to join an optional tour to visit the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum, a hospital created in the caverns beneath Buda Castle in the 1940s during World War II, later serving as a nuclear bunker during the Cold War. This evening, delight in a Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

Enhance your Journey – Great Market Hall Tour

Embark on a culinary tour. Wander through this large market to discover a variety of Hungarian sausages, meat, cheeses, fruits and vegetables.

Enhance your Journey – Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum

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

From the sleepy port town of Mohács, history buffs will delight in the chance to travel to the ancient city of Pécs. As Hungary’s fifth-largest city, this World Heritage site offers plenty in the way of sightseeing. Be sure to check out the copper domes of the Mosque of Pasha Qasim, as well as the 11th-century  Pécs  Cathedral.  With the afternoon at leisure, you may wish to join an optional tour to Hungary’s renowned wine region in Villány for a wine tasting. 

Enhance your Journey – Villány Wine Tasting

Travel to Hungary’s renowned wine region in Villány, known for its red and rosé varieties. Pay a visit to a local winery for a tour and tasting.   

Begin a captivating exploration of Osijek, a vibrant city with a rich history. Wander through its picturesque cobblestone streets, where the well-preserved 18th-century architecture offers a glimpse into the past. Discover key landmarks such as the iconic Holy Trinity Square and the stunning St. Michael's Church. Later, continue to Vukovar, where you’ll enjoy a tasting of regional delicacies. Reboard your ship for a leisurely afternoon cruise towards Serbia.

In Serbia’s capital, embark on a guided tour of Belgrade. Visit the historic Belgrade Fortress, which offers stunning views over the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of Saint Sava, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. Immerse yourself in a traditional Serbian way of life during your Insider Experience, gaining insight into the local culture and customs.

Insider Experience – Village Farm and Slivovitz Tour

Visit a local family’s village, taking a tour of their home and barn to meet the resident farm animals. Stroll through the family’s fruit orchards to learn about the brewing process of ‘slivovitz’. This plum brandy is the national drink of choice.  

Get ready to witness nature at its finest today as your ship cruises through the Iron Gates, a stunning natural wonder of lush forests, towering cliffs and rugged landscapes. This spectacular series of gorges connects Serbia and Romania and makes for an unparalleled cruising experience.

Go ashore in Ruse, one of Bulgaria’s most elegant cities. Embark on a walking tour to admire the city’s Belle Époque architecture and beautifully manicured garden squares, which evoke the charm of Vienna. Along the way, you’ll pass Liberty Square, the courthouse, the Ruse Opera House, and Alexander Battenberg Square. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure. You may choose to visit the Regional Museum of History, the National Transport Museum, or the ancient ruins of Sexaginta Prista Fortress.

After breakfast, travel to your hotel in Brasov. Stop on the way in the town of Sinaia for some free time for lunch.

This morning, travel to Bran Castle, also known as ‘Dracula’s Castle’. With a local guide learn about its history and walk through its many rooms and admire the 19th-century antiques. Return to Brașov and join a guided tour through its old streets lined with well-preserved medieval architecture. Explore the colourful baroque buildings and Gothic masterpieces while enjoying the bustling ambiance of the cafes, restaurants and shops.

Journey to Bucharest and join a guided tour of this vibrant metropolis and cultural hub. Stroll along wide, tree-lined boulevards, past elegant Belle Époque buildings, before exploring the Old City centre, with highlights including the Royal Court, Stavropoleos Church, and the lively Lipscani district.

Your adventure comes to an end today with a transfer to the airport.