Autumn Colours of the Danube: From Vienna
- Return UK travel service
Admire the autumn colours lining the Danube
From Vienna, cross the border into Slovakia to discover the capital, Bratislava. Wander the cobbled streets of the old town and perhaps explore Bratislava Castle, which affords panoramic views across the city.
An included excursion in Budapest will contrast the two sides of this city – old town Buda, and the more modern Pest. Following a call to Esztergom you cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley, which will be ablaze with autumn colours, to Melk. Enjoy an included excursion to Melk Abbey, which sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube.
An included walking tour in Passau shows you the highlights, while in Linz, look forward to immersing yourself in the city’s creative arts scene. Journey on to Dürnstein, before arriving back in Vienna for an included city tour.
Itinerary
Spirit of the Danube
Travel to Vienna and embark Spirit of the Danube.
Depart Vienna,0200.
Arrive Bratislava, 0800. Depart 1900.
The old town of Slovakia’s capital is easily explored on foot. The ancient cobbled streets lead to Bratislava Castle, which offers a bird’s-eye view of the city. The Gothic-style Cathedral is where eleven Kings of Hungary were crowned while Turks occupied their own capital.
Arrive 0800. Depart 2300.
Budapest is a city made up of two parts: Buda and Pest, built on opposite banks of the Danube. The cities have been officially united since 1873, but they are still very different in character.
Buda is the older and more graceful, with its cobbled streets, medieval architecture and UNESCO-listed Buda Castle, while Pest is the administrative and commercial centre, with wide avenues and 19th-century public buildings.
An included excursion this morning will reveal some of the city’s highlights.
Arrive 0800. Depart 1400.
The small town of Esztergom enjoys a scenic setting on the Danube Bend and is home to Hungary's largest basilica, the dome of which can be seen for miles. The first Hungarian king, St Stephen, was born and crowned in Esztergom.
Scenic Cruise, Wachau Valley.
Arrive Melk, 1200. Depart 1800.
The historic town of Melk features architectural styles from across the centuries. Its jewel is the abbey which sits on a bluff above the town.
This masterpiece of baroque architecture, the spiritual and cultural centre of Austria for more than 1,000 years, is visited on an included excursion.
Arrive 1000. Depart 2200.
Passau is located at the confluence of the Danube, the Ilz and the Inn rivers. The surrounding wooded hills create a scenic backdrop to the city's towers, spires and red-roofed houses.
The wealthy past of this cultured city is reflected in its many fine buildings, including the baroque St Stephen's Cathedral, and the old and new Bishop's Palaces.
Look forward to an included walking tour this afternoon.
Arrive 0800. Depart 0000.
Linz is a diverse city where the modern architecture and creative arts scene blends seamlessly with the quaint Old Town of baroque-style buildings. The city is known for its Linzer torte, said to be the world’s oldest cake recipe.
Scenic cruise, Wachau Valley.
Arrive Dürnstein, 1200. Depart 1700.
Arrive Vienna, 0000.
Set beneath the ruined Kuenringer Castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned during the late 12th century, Dürnstein is surrounded by beautiful scenery and steeped in history.
Highlights of the town include the medieval lanes, the city gate and inner yard of the town hall.
Vienna is the capital of Austria: home to the waltz, coffee houses and one of the world's finest opera houses. It is the city where Marie Antoinette grew up and where Mozart died, and for 600 years was the centre of the Hapsburg Empire.
An included excursion this morning will reveal the highlights of the city, including the Ringstrasse and Opera House. You can return to Vienna using our complimentary shuttle service this afternoon to explore further independently.
Disembark Spirit of the Danube and begin your return journey.
Including...
All Inclusive†
Cruise Director
Plus…
- Drinks reception and Farewell dinner
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
- All gratuities on board
- Return flights and transfers
Included excursions
- Budapest city tour
- Visit to Melk Abbey
- Passau walking tour
- Vienna city tour
Our cruises include excursions at selected ports so you can make the most of the destinations you visit. Find out more about when excursions are available to book.
Interactive maps and audio headsets are available for independent exploration.
†The included drinks are available from 9am to midnight and include non-branded alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Excludes branded spirits.