City Explorer: Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna 2025 (Vienna to Budapest)

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 and Parliament building.

You will then travel into the oldest part of Vienna, where you will have the opportunity to join a short guided walk to St Stephen's Cathedral, one of Vienna's most renowned landmarks. Inside the cathedral, your guide will provide insightful information about its history and architectural significance.

After the visit, enjoy some free time to relax with a Viennese coffee, indulge in a local treat, or browse the nearby shops before returning to the coach for your ride back to the ship.

Walking Grade 3

Please Note: Expect to walk approximately one mile over terrain which will be cobbled and include a gentle include. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately one-and-a-half hours.

3½ hours

On this leisurely tour you will be able to explore the highlights of Vienna from the comfort of your coach, in the company of an expert local guide who will provide commentary on the history, culture, and landmarks. Shortly after the departure from your ship you will pass by the famous Reisenrad Ferris Wheel located in the Prater Park. Learn the history of this iconic landmark, which was built in 1897 and remains a symbol of Vienna.

Your coach will then continue along the grand Ringstrasse, a beautiful boulevard that encircles the city centre. You will see historic buildings such as the Vienna State Opera, one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world, and the Parliament building.

The tour also includes a pass by Maria-Theresien-Platz, a grand square with statues of Empress Maria Theresa, and other landmarks such as the Natural History Museum and Art History Museum. At the end of your tour the coach will return you to your waiting ship.

Walking Grade 1

Please note: The only walking on this tour is between the ship and coach. There are no opportunities to leave the coach during the tour.

2 hours

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.

You will then cross the Danube River over the 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. If you do not wish to join the guided walk at St Stephen’s Basilica, the coach can transfer you back to the ship instead, or you can take a short stroll independently to stretch your legs. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately 30 minutes.

3 hours

Vienna is renowned for its concert halls where regular musical performances take place. Therefore, a trip to Vienna would not be complete without a concert of Viennese music.

After an early dinner on board you will travel by coach to Börse Palace, or one of Vienna’s other impressive palaces near the famous Ringstrasse and parliament where you can 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 dancers in traditional costumes and opera singers performing pieces such as “A Little Night Music”, “Papageno – Papagena” from “The Magic Flute” or “Ball Sirens” from “The Merry Widow”.

At the end of the performance you will rejoin your coach for the return transfer to the ship, where a light supper such as 'goulash' will be available for you in the lounge.

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. In many venues the seating is on one level rather than tiered. Many guests do take the opportunity to dress more formally for this experience, however this is not compulsory. Unfortunately, ticket upgrades are not possible.

3 hours

Disembark your ship and step aboard 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 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, enjoy a short, guided walk around the castle grounds visiting the terrace with its panoramic view 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. During 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.

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 one hour. This tour includes travel by land train which can occasionally be bumpy and may therefore be unsuitable for those with back and/or neck problems.

2½ hours

Set off from your ship by coach for a scenic journey of approximately 45 minutes into the heart of the Small Carpathians region. The Small Carpathians is a mountain range that stretches just north of the capital and has been producing wine for centuries. As you travel your knowledgeable local guide will explain the history of the region, known for its scenic landscapes, charming villages and exceptional local wines. The area is home to numerous small, family-owned wineries, many of which have been passed down through generations.

This tour will take you to one such winery, where you will have the opportunity to learn about local wine-making techniques, the types of grape grown and most importantly indulge in a guided tasting of the wine itself. The owners of these small wineries are incredibly proud of their product and will be passionate to share it with you, their guests. After your tasting you will return to your ship by coach.

Walking Grade 2

Please Note: Expect to walk approximately 500 yards in total with a total standing and/or walking time of approximately 45 minutes. Terrain may be uneven in places and include some steps.

3½ hours

Depart your ship and step aboard the Land Train for the short journey to a local folklore restaurant. Enjoy a traditional Slovak meal in a historic cellar directly beneath the iconic Michael's Gate in the heart of Bratislava. With a strong emphasis on authenticity and quality you will be served specialities that will transport you back to the days of old Pressburg.

The evening begins with a selection of local appetisers, including cheese, cold meats, and sourdough bread. The main course features Bryndza sheep cheese dumplings — a beloved Slovak dish — accompanied by roasted onions and bacon (with a vegetarian option available). For dessert, indulge in a delicious lemon tart.

Throughout dinner, enjoy a performance of local folklore, with traditional music, vibrant costumes and lively dances bringing the rich Slovak culture to life. The atmosphere is also enhanced by the opportunity to join a dance and games workshop, where you can learn the steps of some of the folk dances and become part of this unique experience. After the performance, you will return to the ship by land train.

Walking Grade 2

Please Note: Expect to walk approximately 250 yards in total with a total standing and/or walking time of approximately 15 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.

3 hours

Depart from your ship in Budapest and embark on a coach journey to Gödöllö Palace, located approximately one hour and 15 minutes away. During the ride, enjoy informative commentary from your guide, offering insights into the history and significance of the area.

On arrival, take a guided tour of the royal palace, where you can learn about its history and architectural features. Explore the interior and the beautiful gardens, and gain an insight into the Austro-Hungarian Empire. As the second largest baroque palace in the world, this grandiose former summer residence of Empress Sissi and Franz Joseph, the Hapsburg Emperor and King of Hungary between 1867-1916, truly reflects their resplendent lifestyle.

After the guided tour, you will have approximately 30 minutes of free time to explore further at your own pace or relax and take in your surroundings. Finally, re-board your coach for a scenic transfer back to your ship.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one mile in total over flat ground with the possibility of cobblestones. A lift is available inside the palace if required. There is a total required standing and/or walking time of approximately one-and-a-half hours at a relaxed pace. Standing and/or walking during free time is at your own discretion.

4½ hours

This tour begins with a brief coach transfer from your ship to the outskirts of the Buda Castle district. Due to access restrictions on large vehicles created to help preserve the area's historic buildings, you will alight for a short, electric open-air minibus journey into the heart of the Castle Quarter.

Located within the defensive walls and bastions of the Buda Castle complex and linking to the medieval royal city of Buda, the UNESCO-listed Castle district is nestled between the Royal Palace and Matthias Church. Join your local guide to discover the highlights and hear about the history of Buda Castle, once a palace for Hungarian Kings, now the Hungarian National Gallery.

Then, explore the exterior 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 view of Buda from its 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 in the nearby Watertown.

After viewing the exterior of the church, enjoy some free time to explore the area and admire the view over the River Danube before travelling by minibus to the 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 two hours. After your guided tour, there will be free time for you to explore independently, when walking is at your discretion.

3½ hours