Christmas Markets of the Danube 2023

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

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