Great Cities of the Danube: Bucharest to Vienna

This morning your tour begins with a visit to the open-air Village Museum, which houses an impressive collection of old houses gathered from the historic regions of Romania. Then, set off on a panoramic drive past the Triumph Arch, a symbol of Romania's cultural and spiritual connection with France.

Continue your drive to Victory Square where you can see the Government building. Then pause at Revolution Square, with its magnificent 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 your coach in the Old Town for a guided walk along its narrow streets, passing 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.

Following the walking tour rejoin your coach for the drive back to your hotel for lunch. After lunch transfer from Bucharest to your ship, with a comfort stop included along the way. The journey time is approximately two hours.

Walking Grade 4

Please Note: 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.

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.

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

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

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

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 arival, 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

Learn more about everyday life in Slovakia with a visit to a family home in the village of Malinovo on this small group experience. Malinovo is an old wine village, which has been populated since 1209.

The people here retain their traditions and folk costumes, which are still worn by many families on ceremonial occasions. The rich patterns on Slovak costumes are incredibly diverse. They can be seen not only in the folk clothes, but also on ceramics, as part of the decoration in homes, on furniture and embroidery.

Local families here are excited to open their homes and share how they live, and together you can enjoy some traditional Slovak refreshments. During the drive on the bus your guide will also tell you about Slovakia and its history, culture and traditions.

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

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.

3 hours

The sumptuous Imperial Summer Palace of the Hapsburgs was the centre of royal life in the 18th century. In 1695, Fischer von Erlach was commissioned to create it by Leopold I after being inspired by the glories of Versailles. It sits within beautiful formal gardens and parkland; the lavish interiors are adorned with priceless treasures. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is brimming 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, where you can see a collection of horse-drawn vehicles and elaborate dresses of empresses.

Walking Grade 3

Please Note: Whilst exploring inside the palace and grounds is at your own pace, you should expect standing time of two hours and to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles over level terrain, which will include gravel paths. Inside the palace entrance there is a significant number of steps to access the tour route. If you wish to visit the Gloriette building during your visit, please be aware that it is located at the top of the hill overlooking the main palace building and is a steep and strenuous walk.

3½ hours