Autumn Colours of the Danube: Budapest to Linz

During this sightseeing tour by coach, take in the sights of the most famous highlights of Budapest and look forward to a short stop at the local Basilica.

Your day starts on the bustling Pest side of Budapest where you’ll pass by the UNESCO-listed Andrássy Boulevard, lined by Neo-renaissance townhouses and the Hungarian State Opera House. Also pass by Heroes’ Square, the gateway to the greenery of City Park and hosting unique stone statues which make up the Millennium Monument.

Still in the comfort of sightseeing by coach, it’s time to cross over the Danube River along Elisabeth Bridge, entering the Buda side as you pass by Castle Hill. Upon arrival at St Stephen’s Basilica, you’ll have time to disembark the coach and explore the surrounding grounds with a local guide. With an intricate façade and as the tallest building in Budapest at 314 feet, this is a site to remember before boarding your coach for the journey back to your awaiting ship.

Walking Grade 2

Please note: You should expect to walk approximately 250 yards over level terrain which may be cobbled. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately 30 minutes.

3 hours

This excursion begins with a panoramic coach tour past some of Vienna’s most famous sights, such as the 212-feet tall Riesenrad Ferris wheel and the Ringstrasse where you can see the State Opera House.

Continue to the gardens of Schönbrunn where Marie Antoinette grew up and met Mozart in the palace grounds. Here, there’s time to listen to a talk from your guide about this former summer residence of the Habsburg Empire before taking some time to explore the gardens or treat yourself to a cup of Viennese coffee.

Then it’s time to head back by bus, stopping on your way to the ship in the oldest part of Vienna; where you will have the opportunity to leave the group and explore the centre independently if you wish.

Walking Grade 2

Please note: Expect to walk approximately 550 yards over flat terrain. Inside Schonbrunn Palace Gardens, walking is at your discretion but, to make the most of your time, we suggest you can expect to walk an additional mile. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately one-and-a-half hours.

2½ hours

After a short bus ride you ́ll reach the beautiful city centre of Krems, whose history spans over 1000 years. Discover the highlights of the old town on a guided walking tour. There are numerous churches, historic buildings, monuments and statues to be discovered. Enjoy some free time before continuing by bus to Göttweig Abbey.

The Abbey has a scenic setting overlooking the southern entrance to the Wachau Valley. Göttweig Abbey was founded in 1083 by the Bishop of Passau as a double monastery, it became a Benedictine monastery in 1094. It was newly built in its current baroque form in the early 18th century and today is home to around 40 monks, who live and work here.

Inside, you can climb the monumental imperial staircase, one of the largest and most beautiful baroque staircases in Europe. The ceiling fresco was painted in 1739 by Paul Troger. See the monastery ́s art collection, which is exhibited in the adjoining former imperial apartments, and enjoy the view of the Wachau Valley from high above before taking the bus takes back to the ship.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: You should expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles over flat terrain which will include some gentle inclines. Inside the Abbey there are frequent steps and uneven flooring. There is a total walking and/ or standing time of approximately two-and-a-half hours.

4 hours

Known as the Culture and Art Capital of Upper Austria, Linz is a diverse and fascinating city where the modern architecture and vibrant creative arts scene blends seamlessly with the quaint and historic Old Town. Find out more as you embark on a mini train tour. Sit back and relax as your expert local guide shows you the highlights of Linz's unique fusion of old and new. Afterwards enjoy a guided walk before returning to the ship.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: You should expect to walk approximately 1650 yards in total over level terrain with the possibility of cobblestones. There is a total compulsory walking and/or standing time of approximately 60 minutes.

2 hours

After your coach transfer to the bottom of Castle Hill, ride an elevator to reach the top of the peak – also known as one of the most popular attractions in Budapest for its panoramic views. The hill rises to a height of 175 metres above sea level on the bank of the Danube River, part of the Buda Hills. Its Castle Quarter is located within the defensive walls and bastions of the Buda Castle complex, linking to the medieval royal city of Buda, and nestled between the Royal Palace and Matthias Church. During your tour, enjoy a walking tour in the Castle District with your local guide. You will hear about the history of Buda Castle, once a royal palace for Hungarian Kings – now housing the Hungarian National Gallery.

Then explore the outside of Matthias Church, located in the Holy Trinity Square in front of the Fisherman’s Bastion in the heart of the Buda Castle District. This Gothic-style Roman Catholic church was extensively restored in the late 19th century and provides a unique perspective of Buda from the Romanesque terraces. The original walls were built in the 1700s, forming part of the walls of the castle. History suggests that the walls were protected by the guild of fishermen who lived under the walls in the nearby Watertown. Since 1987, it has been one of Budapest's World Heritage Sites as part of the Buda Castle District. After your exterior visit of the church, there’s some spare time to explore the area before you walk back to the elevator to reach the bottom of the hill and pick-up point for the coach transfer back to the ship. 

Walking Grade 4

Please Note: Expect to walk approximately one and a half miles over terrain which may be cobbled or uneven in areas. A small number of steps will also be necessary. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately 90 minutes. After your guided tour, there will be free time for you to explore independently with walking at your discretion.

3½ hours

After disembarking the ship, board the Bratislava Land Train with a local guide, taking you on a sightseeing adventure around the Slovakian capital. The journey will take you past the Slovak Philharmonic Hall, through to one of the oldest local theatres (Slovak National Theatre) and around the historic Old Town to Bratislava Castle.

Today, this four-tower symbol of Bratislava is a significant archaeological site to the Slovak National Museum and proudly represents the history of the city. When you arrive, you can enjoy a short, guided walk around the castle grounds, visiting the terrace with its panoramic views and the Baroque gardens. Then, re-board the train and journey to the Old Town where a walking tour starts at Michael’s Gate or at the Opera House.

With a leisurely walk to the historic centre, you will discover sites such as the Archbishop’s Place and St Martin’s Cathedral – the previous coronation church of the Hungarian kings. Enjoy views of the 15th century Academia Istropolitana – the oldest University established in Slovakia, along with many palaces from the 18th century and the Main Square with its Old Town Hall.

Afterwards, you’ll head into a local pastry shop named after the famous sculptor Franz Xaver Messerschmidt. Here, you can admire some of the statue character heads of this artist whilst you sit down with a coffee or tea and a traditional cake, perhaps a strudel.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: You should expect to walk approximately one mile over level terrain which will be cobbled at times. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately 60 minutes.

2½ hours

Drive from Bratislava into the Small Carpathian region. Your first stop is at a pottery workshop where the tradition of Slovak Folk Majolica dates to the 16th century. It was brought to western Slovakia by Habans, who resettled in Switzerland from Germany. The majolica style is colourful and incorporates blue and green lead glazes applied directly to earthenware clay. Continue to a traditional wine cellar where you will have the opportunity to taste some of the wines that this region is famous for.

Walking Grade 2

Please note: You should expect to walk approximately 1650 yards in total over level terrain with some steps. There is a total compulsory walking and/or standing time of approximately two hours.

3½ hours

Travel by coach to Vienna's famous Volksprater. A few steps away from the exit is the famous Ferris wheel, designed by the English engineer Walter Basset for Emperor Franz Josef of Austria. The Ferris wheel featured in the film ‘The Third Man’ starring Orson Welles. Enjoy an included ride on the Ferris wheel of about ten minutes, during which you will sit comfortably in a large gondola with a panoramic view over Vienna. Afterwards, the bus takes you to the outer Hofburg, a palace complex more than three times the size of Buckingham Palace!

The Hofburg was the residence and government centre of the Habsburg emperors until 1918. Today it houses numerous museums and the seat of the Austrian Federal President. Next, you will take a short, leisurely walk to Heldenplatz, the first square in the castle, where your guide will give you an insight into the complex. Afterwards, the bus will drive you back to the ship.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: This excursion does not include entrance to the Hofburg. During busy periods you may be required to queue for a short time before boarding the gondolas for the Ferris wheel experience – it’s not possible to sit down while waiting. You should expect to walk approximately 1000 yards mainly over flat and even terrain. There is a total standing and/or walking time of approximately two hours.

3

Vienna is renowned for its opera houses and concert halls where regular musical performances take place. Therefore, a trip to Vienna would not be complete without an after-dinner concert of Viennese music.

Travel to Palace Auersperg, or one of Vienna’s other impressive palaces near the famous Ringstrasse and parliament. Relax and enjoy the music of the Strauss family. Together, the composers in the family were largely responsible for the popularisation of the waltz, so you will be transported back through music to 18th-century Vienna.

The Chamber Orchestra are also accompanied in parts by an opera singer performing pieces such as “A Little Night Music”, “Papageno – Papagena” from “The Magic Flute” or “Ball Sirens” from “The Merry Widow”.

Walking Grade 2

Please note: Dependent on the concert venue, there may be a walk of up to approximately 500 yards from the coach drop-off point. There are some steps inside most venues but lifts are available if required. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately 25 minutes.

2

Surrounded by beautiful scenery and steeped in history, the medieval town of Dürnstein is set right on the riverbank. On this walking tour you’ll see the ruined Kuenringer Castle, which is situated on a rock overlooking the town and is where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned during the late 12th century.

You’ll learn more about him and his time in the castle, before continuing along the town’s medieval lanes towards the city gate and baroque abbey, which is recognisable from its beautiful blue spire. Inside the abbey you can enjoy a short organ concert and admire the historic surroundings as you listen. Afterwards, you can enjoy some time to explore the old town at your leisure, or walk back to the ship.

Please note: You should expect to walk approximately 1¼ miles in total, over cobblestones. There is a moderate include as you walk towards the church. There is a total walking and standing time of approximately 1¼ hours.

1½ hours

This guided tour takes you to Melk Abbey, one of the most famous Baroque buildings near the Danube sitting on a rocky outcrop. The abbey was founded in 1089 when Leopold II, Margrave of Austria gave one of his castles to Benedictine monks. Following this, a monastic school, the Stiftsgymnasium Melk, was founded in the 12th century – boasting the monastic library which soon became known for its extensive manuscript collection.

After a short bus journey from your ship, you’ll reach the Benedictine monastery. Accompanied by your guide, learn more about why this site was rebuilt in the 18th century and what remains in the tombs of the abbey below. See the church frescoes by Johann Michael Rottmayr, the marble hall and of course, the world-famous library. Housing more than 80,000 books and adorned with a detailed ceiling mural by Paul Troger, you’ll find out more about the members of the House of Babenberg and their tribute to this library. After your tour, there’s some free time to explore independently. Perhaps walk through the abbey gardens or enjoy a refreshment in the restaurant nearby before re-joining your coach back to the ship.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles over flat terrain inside the abbey with some uneven terrain in the gardens, should you choose to explore them during your free time. Walking is at your discretion during free time, although we suggest you should expect to walk an additional half a mile. There are steps inside the abbey for the Imperial Staircase but a lift is also available if required. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately one-and-a-half to two hours.

2½ hours