Tour of Vienna

Enjoy a tour of this fine city in the company of a local guide and discover some of its highlights, fascinating buildings and history. 

Half day

Budapest city tour

The Hungarian capital is divided by the Danube into Buda and Pest, with Buda being the older part, and Pest the administrative and commercial centre. Explore this magical city on an included city tour.

Esztergom and Szentendre

Begin your trip with a guided tour of the historic city of Esztergom, seat of the Archbishop and former residence of the Hungarian kings. It’s the site of many splendid buildings, crowning them is the vast domed basilica. The largest cathedral in Hungary, it houses many beautiful frescos, sparkling ecclesiastic treasures and an elaborate red marble chapel. Later visit the charming artists’ village of Szentendre, where the cobbled streets brim with fine galleries and museums – including one dedicated to Hungary’s celebrated ceramics artist, Margit Kovács. Occasionally this tour operates in reverse. Walking Grade 3

Four-and-a-half hours

Godollo Palace

Visit Godollo Palace, the second largest baroque palace in the world. This grandiose former summer residence of Queen Elisabeth and Franz Joseph, the Hapsburg Emperor and King of Hungary between 1867-1916, fully reflects their resplendent lifestyle. Explore the interior of the palace, and the beautiful gardens, and gain an insight into the Austro-Hungarian Empire. You'll also visit the decorative baroque Palace Theatre, where Prince Antal Grassalkovich II once kept a permanent 24-piece orchestra at his beck and call! Walking Grade 2

Four hours

Lazar Equestrian Park Horse Farm

Travel by coach from Budapest to the Lazar Equestrian Park, owned by the world champion horse and carriage drivers, the Lazar brothers. After a warm welcome and refreshments of freshly-baked leavened biscuits and palinka - Hungarian brandy - you'll take your seats for a fascinating show demonstrating exceptional horsemanship: there'll be commentary in English to explain about the horses and the skills required. Afterwards you have the opportunity to take a carriage ride around the park, followed by a walk through the yard, typical of a Hungarian village, where you can see various local breeds of livestock. You also have the chance to visit the stables where the Lazar's champion horses are kept. Walking Grade 1

Two-and-a-half hours

Bratislava city tour

Step aboard the miniature Bratislava City Train to explore the many highlights of this historic city. You’ll pass the 18th-century Slovak Philharmonic Hall and impressive National Theatre before your train slowly makes its way around the Old Town, arriving at Bratislava Castle, with its commanding hill-top setting, to admire magnificent views across the city. The train will then continue through Leopold Gate, back to the Old Town where you’ll disembark for a walking tour. A stroll through the narrow, cobbled streets will reveal sights such as the Archbishop’s Palace, St Martin’s Cathedral, the charming Main Square with its fountain and Old Town Hall, and a number of 18th-century palaces. Walking Grade 2

Two hours

Majolica Pottery & Slovakian Wine Tour

Drive from Bratislava into the Small Carpathian region. Your first stop is at a Pottery workshop where the tradition of Slovak Folk Majolica dates back to the 16th century. It was brought to western Slovakia by Habans, who resettled from Germany to Switzerland. They manufacture more than 200 kinds of products here and production is mainly focused on traditional decors and shapes, thereby conserving cultural heritage of this region. The production is colourful, blue, green and majolica of Haban colours. There may also be an opportunity for guests to try out the pottery wheel! Afterwards continue to a traditional wine cellar where you will have the opportunity to taste some of the wines that this region is famous for. Your knowledgable host will explain wine making processes and give an introduction to the wines that you will be tasting. Walking Grade 3

Three-and-a-half hours

Schonbrunn Palace

The sumptuous Imperial Summer Palace of the Hapsburgs was the centre of royal life in the 18th century. Leopold I commissioned Fischer von Erlach to create it in 1695, after being inspired by the glories of Versailles. It lies in beautiful formal gardens and parkland and the lavish interiors are adorned with priceless treasures. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is bursting 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. Walking Grade 3

Four hours

Melk Abbey

Set in a beautiful position on a promontory overlooking the Danube River, the wonderfully ornate Melk Abbey is a masterpiece of high baroque architecture. Formerly the site of a castle given to Benedictine monks by Leopold III von Babenberg in the 11th century, work on the present monastery began in 1702 to the plans of Jakob Prandtauer. The exterior is an imposing and majestic sight with symmetrical towers and a large octagonal dome, while the interior is lavishly decorated and contains innumerable artistic treasures. After visiting the abbey you can enjoy some free time in the beautiful garden, before returning to the ship. Walking Grade 3

Two-and-a-half hours