Great Cities of the Danube: Vienna to Bucharest

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

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

Your tour starts with a bus ride to Belgrade’s Kalemegdan Fortress and park, perched on a hill above the confluence of the Sava and the Danube River. The town of Belgrade was surrendered to the Serbs in 1876 before the town keys were handed over to the resident Prince Mihailo. At the end of the 19th century this area was transformed into a vast park with a promenade and numerous ruins, recounting the turbulent history of Belgrade. On arrival, set off on a walking tour with your local guide – exploring inside the fortress and around the park grounds.

Then, re-board the bus for a scenic ride alongside the old part of Belgrade Orthodox Cathedral – known as the Saint Archangel Mihail Church, built in classical style with richly decorated 18th to 20th-century gold work. Discover more about two memorable figures of Serbian culture, Dositej Obradovic and Vuk Stefanović Karadžić, who are buried in the churchyard here. Your drive continues past the Town Hall and the 20thcentury parliament State Assembly, and along Knez Milos street to the residential quarter of ""Dedinje"".

Continue up to the ‘White House’, which used to be the home of the Serbian ruler: Dynasty Karadjordjevic. You also pass by Tito’s tomb, resting in the House of Flowers Museum. En route back to the city centre, you’ll be able to see the famous Playground of both Red Star and Partisan before a panoramic visit to one of the renowned orthodox cathedrals, St Sava Temple. Built in 1894, you will hear more on how the cathedral was built in the same spot where the relics of Syeti Sava were brought from Mileseva Monastery.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one and a half miles over mostly level terrain which may be cobbled at times with a small number of steps. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately one hour and three quarters. Refreshments will be served at one of the venues during your tour. All guests visiting the St Sava Temple must adhere to a strict dress code, which requires knees and shoulders to be covered. If you do not follow the guidelines you will not be allowed to enter the temple.

3½ hours

Head to Bucharest by coach and enjoy lunch at a hotel. Next, visit the open-air Village Museum with its impressive collection of historic houses from across Romania. Then begin your panoramic drive passing the Triumph Arch, a symbol of Romania's cultural and spiritual connection with France. Continue to Victory Square, where you can see the Government building.

Pause at Revolution Square, home to the Athénée Palace Concert Hall, Royal Palace and Central Committee of the Communist Party building, from which the Romanian dictator Ceausescu escaped by means of a helicopter during the Revolution of 1989. Alight the coach in the Old Town for a short guided walk along the narrow streets, viewing historic sites such as the 17th-century Stavropoleos Monastery.

The last stop is at the Palace of the Parliament, the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon. Then reboard your coach for the drive back to your hotel.

Walking Grade 4

Please Note: On this tour you should expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles over terrain which will be cobbled in places with some steps required. There is a total standing and/or walking time of approximately 90 minutes.

4 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

Small group experience

After a drive of approximately 45 minutes through the vineyards of the Small Carpathians you will be welcomed by your local hosts into their home on this authentic small group experience. Nearly every family living amongst these picturesque vineyards on the outskirts of Bratislava produce their own wine, of which they are rightly proud.

As you relax and enjoy a sample, accompanied by coffee and cake if you wish, your hosting family will tell you about everyday life in Slovakia, both in modern times and days gone by. They will show you around their home and garden and may even sing or play their favourite music for you!

After your visit you will bid a fond farewell to your hosts and return to your waiting ship by coach.

Walking Grade 2

Please Note: Expect to walk up to 550 yards which may include some steps inside the home you visit. However, most walking is at your discretion with the exception of the short walk to/from your coach.

2 hours

Enjoy expert commentary during the hour-long coach drive through the Slovakian countryside to the village of Smolenice, in the foothills of the Little Carpathian Mountains.

After a short walk from your coach, you will be introduced to the history of one of the area’s most longstanding and famous exports – honey mead. A small production with a large heart, the keeping of bees in this area was founded by just three expert beekeepers, now supported by a team of dedicated co-workers, all of whom are passionate about their craft.

On this tour you will learn from an expert about honey mead production, visit the storage cellars and most importantly enjoy a tasting of the final product! Finally, enjoy some free time in the picturesque surroundings to take in the scenery or visit the gift shop where you can taste a variety of honey samples and perhaps purchase some locally produced mead, honey, candles or many other souvenirs to take home, before returning to the ship.

Walking Grade 2

Please Note: Expect to walk approximately 550 yards over terrain which will be mostly flat with the possibility of some steps. There is a total standing and/or walking time of approximately 30 minutes during the tour. Walking during your free time is at your discretion. It is not possible to see the bees during this tour as their hives are located in nearby woodland which is not accessible to the general public.

3½ 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

On this combined coach and walking tour, you will discover Vukovar, the largest Croatian town and river port on the Danube, once a thriving city before the Yugoslav War. During your tour, spot some of the well-preserved buildings around this historical battle site, admiring the baroque arches and classical architecture as you pass by. You’ll also visit the Ovcara Memorial, dedicated to those who lost their lives in the tragic Vukovar Hospital massacre in 1991. After gaining an insight into this historical event, it’s time to return to the port for your awaiting ship.

Walking Grade 3

Please Note: Expect to walk approximately three-quarters of a mile in total over mostly level terrain with some cobblestones and a number of steps at the Ovcara Memorial. There is a total walking and/or standing time of approximately one and a half hours.

3 hours