Classical Music on the Danube
The Danube
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Return UK travel service
Enjoy classical concerts as you sail from Budapest to Vienna
This classical music themed river cruise on the Danube will entertain you with on-board talks from Classic FM Concert host John Suchet, plus live performances both on board and ashore. An included excursion in Budapest will reveal some of the capital's highlights, such as the UNESCO-listed Buda Castle and Fisherman's Bastion.
You’ll also attend a private classical concert. While in Vienna, the capital of classical music, you’ll see famous sights such as the Imperial Hofburg complex and State Opera House. Plus, you’ll attend an evening concert of music by Mozart and the Strauss family in one of the city’s palaces near the Ringstrasse. A visit to Linz provides the opportunity to go to Ansfelden and the birthplace of the composer Anton Bruckner, which is now a museum. This included excursion also features a concert in the elaborate Baroque surroundings of Florian’s Abbey.
Guest speaker, John Suchet – November 4, 2023

John Suchet presented the flagship morning show on Classic FM for over ten years and now hosts the Classic FM Concert. He is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music and has written five composer biographies — Beethoven, Mozart, the Strauss Dynasty, Verdi and Tchaikovsky.
Itinerary
Spirit of the Danube

Travel to Budapest and embark Spirit of the Danube.

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.
This afternoon enjoy a private classical concert ashore (details will be provided on board ship). This evening you can attend an optional Opera in Budapest.

Arrive 1300. Depart 2400.
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.
Vienna is the capital of Austria: home to the waltz, coffee houses, the Prater and a vintage fairground. 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 will reveal the highlights of the city, including the Ringstrasse and Opera House.
This evening, after dinner on board your ship, you’ll attend a private concert of music by Mozart and the Strauss family in one of Vienna’s palaces near the Ringstrasse (details will be provided on board ship).

Depart Vienna, 0600.
Arrive Dürnstein, 1400. Depart 1700.
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.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1300.
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.
This morning an included excursion takes you to Ansfelden and the birthplace of the composer Anton Bruckner, which is now a museum. Anton was born in 1824 and was a choirboy at St Florian before becoming the organist at Linz cathedral. He later moved to Vienna to assume professorship in music.
Your excursion includes a concert in the elaborate Baroque surroundings of Florian’s Abbey.

Sailing day.
Arrive Budapest, 2100.
Spend a relaxing day on the water enjoying the use of the facilities on board Spirit of the Danube.
Disembark Spirit of the Danube and begin your return journey.
Including...
All Inclusive†
Cruise Director
Plus…
- Drinks reception and Captain’s dinner
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
- Entertainment and activities on board
- All gratuities on board
- Return flights and transfers
Included excursions
- Budapest city tour
- Private concert in Budapest
- Vienna city tour
- Private concert in Vienna
- Florian’s Abbey and concert, and visit to Bruckner’s birthplace.
Interactive maps and audio headsets for independent exploration available in selected ports.
†The included drinks are available from 9am to midnight and serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Excludes branded spirits.