Autumn Colours of the Danube: From Vienna

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 tour 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: 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 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.

3 hours

Once an ancient Roman colony, Passau is one of the oldest cities in Germany, sitting at the confluence of the Inn and Ilz rivers. In 739AC, Passau became governed by bishops and priests which brought fame and prosperity to the city and surrounding region. On your walking tour through this city, you’ll be able to explore some key highlights such as the late Gothic town hall and the city’s landmark, St Stephen’s Cathedral.

Accompanied by your guide, you can head inside for a short tour and hear about its importance to the residents of Passau and how it was built on the ruins of two earlier churches. With 17,774 pipes and 233 registers, this holy monument also houses the largest church organ in the world which you’ll be able to see for yourself. Afterwards, a stroll through the narrow alleys and cobbled streets of the Old Town will lead you back to the ship.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-quarter miles over mostly level terrain which will often be cobbled. Approximately 50 steps are required. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately two hours.

2 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.

You will then travel into the oldest part of Vienna, where you will have the opportunity to join a short guided walk to the St Stephen's Cathedral, or if you prefer, enjoy some free time to gently browse the shops or treat yourself to a Viennese coffee, before returning to the ship.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one mile over flat terrain. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately one-and-a-half hours.

3½ hours

Board the Bratislava Land Train with a local guide for a sightseeing adventure around the Slovakian capital. Pass the Slovak Philharmonic Hall and the historic Slovak National Theatre, and continue through the Old Town to Bratislava Castle. Today, this four-tower symbol of Bratislava is a significant archaeological site to the Slovak National Museum and represents the history of the city.

On arrival, enjoy a short, guided walk around the castle grounds, visiting the terrace with its panoramic view and the Baroque gardens. Then, reboard the train and journey to the Old Town before joining a walking tour from either Michael’s Gate or the Opera House. With a leisurely walk to the historic centre, you can see 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.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: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

Get a real taste of the city as you discover the culinary delights of Budapest on this mouthwatering tour. From your ship, travel by tram to the First Strudel House where you can learn more about the traditions of strudel making in Hungary, and see a live presentation of every stage of the process. You’ll see how the dough is prepared, stretched and filled, and you may have an opportunity to try stretching the dough yourself! As the strudels bake, you can enjoy a cup of coffee, before tasting them. 

From the First Strudel House, you’ll walk to your next stop, where you’ll be able to taste some Chimney cake, before continuing to the Central Market Hall. Built in 1897, this building is the largest market hall in Budapest, created after the first mayor of Budapest, Károly Kamermayer, came up with the idea and made it his largest investment. Following his retirement in 1896, he participated in the opening ceremony of this monument on February 15, 1897 – located at the end of the famous pedestrian shopping street, Váci Utca, on the Pest side of the Liberty Bridge in Fővám square.

The colourful roof features Zsolnay tiling from Pécs, and the entrance gate has a neogothic touch. During World War Two the market was heavily damaged and remained in this condition until a complete renovation in 1991. It was re-opened in 1997, and was awarded with the FIABCI Prix d’Excellence in 1999. It’s a popular attraction to visitors of the city, who explore the variety of stalls set across three floors. 

Your guide will tell you more about the history of the market, and there will be a salami tasting, before your walk back to the ship.

Walking Grade 4

Please note:Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-quarter miles over level terrain, which may be cobbled. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately three hours.

3½ hours

After your coach transfer to the foot of Castle Hill, ride an elevator to reach the top of the peak – this is one of the most popular attractions in Budapest on account of its panoramic views.

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 places. There will also be several steps to climb. 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

Step aboard the land train for the short journey from the pier to Esztergom Basilica. Esztergom was the capital of Hungary from the tenth until the mid-13th century when King Béla IV of Hungary moved the royal seat to Buda. Its cathedral, Esztergom Basilica, is the largest church and tallest building in Hungary.

This ecclesiastic basilica is known by many names, such as the mother church of the Archdiocese of Esztergom-Budapest, and the seat of the Catholic Church in Hungary. On arrival, you can gaze up at its semi-sphere dome situated in the middle, along with the monument's aqua blue entrance door which matches the three roofing spheres. You can also admire the 12 arched windows against the Italian Renaissance-style stone carvings.

When you head inside, you can see the altarpiece, which depicts the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, by Girolamo Michelangelo Grigoletti. It is the largest painting in the world created on a single piece of canvas.

Walking Grade 2

Please Note: Expect to walk approximately 550 yards in total over level terrain with a small number of steps at the Basilica. There is a total walking and/or standing time of approximately three-quarters of an hour. The Basilica underwent significant restoration during 2023, this may still be ongoing in some small areas, although we do not expect this to impact your experience. This excursion includes travel by land train which can occasionally be bumpy and therefore may be unsuitable for those with back and/or neck problems.

2 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: Expect to walk up to a mile in total over level terrain with the possibility of cobblestones. There is a total compulsory walking and/or standing time of approximately 60 minutes. This tour includes travel by land train which can occasionally be bumpy and therefore may be unsuitable for those with back and/or neck problems.

2½ hours

During this tour, you’ll firstly head into Salzburg’s conserved historic centre for a guided walk where you’ll see the fortification of Hohensalzburg, one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe and dating back to the 11th century as the seat of the Archbishopric of Salzburg.

With the surrounding Alpine scenery in the distance you will also pass by Mozart’s birthplace on Getreidegasse and his residence, baroque towers and churches, the grounds of Mirabell Palace and Gardens, and many other sights around nearly every corner of this well-preserved city.

As the Trapp Family lived in Salzburg, the city also became famous for the shooting of ‘The Sound of Music’ during the 1960s, which you will hear more about from your guide just before lunch. In the afternoon, there’s some free time for you to explore further independently, or perhaps seek out the famous “Mozart balls” – made of pistachio, marzipan and nougat, covered in chocolate.

At the end of your tour, board the coach for your journey back to your ship.

Walking Grade 5

Please note: Expect to walk approximately three miles over mostly level terrain with some cobbles and steps. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately two hours and 15 minutes. You will be provided with a packed lunch from your ship to eat during your free time in Salzburg if you wish. Alternatively, you may choose to purchase your lunch independently. Walking is at your discretion during your free time. The journey to/from your ship to Salzburg is approximately 90 minutes to two hours depending on traffic. There will be comfort stops on arrival and before you depart Salzburg, there is no stop during the journey.

7½ hours

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 Kueringer 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 performance 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.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-quarter miles in total, over cobblestones. There is a moderate incline as you walk towards the church. There is a total walking and standing time of approximately one hour and 15 minutes.

1½ hours

Vienna is renowned for its 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.

3 hours

The sumptuous Imperial Summer Palace of the Hapsburgs was the centre of royal life in the 18th century. In 1695, Fischer von Erlach was commissioned to create it by Leopold I after being inspired by the glories of Versailles. It sits within beautiful formal gardens and parkland; the lavish interiors are adorned with priceless treasures. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is brimming with fine examples of the decorative arts.

Discover riches such as the Millions Room – panelled in rosewood with Persian miniature watercolours – and the Hall of Mirrors where Mozart played a recital for Maria Theresa. Stroll through the grounds with their vast flowerbeds and perhaps visit the Coach and Carriage Museum, where you can see a collection of horse-drawn vehicles and elaborate dresses of empresses.

Walking Grade 4

Please Note: Whilst exploring inside the palace and grounds is at your own pace, you should expect standing time of two hours and to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles over level terrain, which will include gravel paths. Inside the palace entrance there is a significant number of steps to access the tour route. If you wish to visit the Gloriette building during your visit, please be aware that it is located at the top of the hill overlooking the main palace building and is a steep and strenuous walk.

3½ hours