Tour of Rousse

After a short drive through the beautiful valley of the Lom River you can visit the only active rock monastery in Bulgaria. Situated 10 kilometres south of Rousse, it is devoted to a local saint, St Dimitrius of Bassarbovo. Once there, a short stone staircase will lead you to an extraordinary rock church and a rock cave where the monk lived in the 17th century.

After this visit you will be taken back to the city where you will enter the Holy Trinity Church to hear its turbulent history followed by a guided walk through the town. During the visit to Liberty square you'll be treated to a small Bulgarian snack with the local wine or coffee.

Walking Grade 3

3 hours 30 minutes

Veliko Tarnovo

One of Bulgaria’s most stunning medieval towns, Veliko Tarnovo perches astride three hills overlooking the dramatic gorge of the river Yantra. Here you’ll see the ancient fortress of Tsarevets with its far-reaching walls that encircle the Royal Palace, the Church of the Blessed Saviour, and the monastery with its grisly Execution Rock.

Explore Veliko Tarnovo’s winding historic streets and admire the commanding views before enjoying lunch at a typical Bulgarian restaurant. If time permits, you may also visit the nearby town of Arbanassi, home to quaint, painted churches and unusual, fortress-style houses.

Walking Grade 3. Lunch Included.

6 hours

Novi Sad

Novi Sad is the capital of Vojvodina, the northern Autonomous Province of Serbia. Situated on the Danube between Budapest and Belgrade, it's a treasured regional and cultural centre.

Enjoy a short walking tour of the old town centre, which boasts a fine selection of 18th and 19th-century buildings. Then continue to an old family wine cellar where you can taste the local wines, and also honey, produced here.

Walking Grade 3

3 hours

Kalocsa and Puszta

Discover traditional Hungary during this fascinating full-day excursion into the Puszta or Great Hungarian Plain. In this historic home of gulyas - cattle herdsmen, csikos - horsemen, and Hungarian Roma, the cattle, horses, sheep and buffalo roam free, controlled only by skilled riders. You'll be treated to astonishing displays of horsemanship that date back centuries, where the necessity for horses to lie down on command ensured survival in times of war.

Afterwards you will have an opportunity to ride in a horse-drawn carriage, and be offered a nip of local brandy and savoury scones. Refreshments are included. Later continue to Kalocsa and find out more about the Hungarian way of life with a visit to the Folk Art House to see wall and furniture painting in a former peasant’s cottage. You’ll also enjoy lunch and learn about the significance of the favourite regional spice with a visit to the Paprika Museum.

Walking Grade 2

Full day

Lazar Equestrian Park Horse Farm

This excursion will take you to the Lazar Equestrian Park, owned by the world champion horse and carriage drivers, the Lazar brothers.

After refreshments, 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 can take a carriage ride around the park.

You also have the chance to visit the stables where the Lazar's champion horses are kept.

Walking Grade 1

4 hours

Gödöllo Palace

Gödöllo Palace, the second largest baroque palace in the world. This palace was the former summer residence of Queen Elisabeth & Franz Joseph, the Hapsburg Emperor & King of Hungary, which reflects their resplendent lifestyle.

Explore the interior of the palace with set rooms that tell the story of this royal family through magnificent pictures, furniture and artefacts. You can also enjoy the huge gardens of this restored palace & gain insight into the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Walking Grade 2

4 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

3 hours 30 minutes

Bratislava UFO Beer Tasting

Get your camera ready as you travel up the UFO-shaped rounded dome on the bridge. The 45 second elevator ride will take you 95 meters high with a visibility of around 100 kilometres.

See these views zoomed in by using the free telescope available to you at the top for clearer, picturesque views.

After viewing the river and the incredible, whole city below, relax and taste 4 various local non pasteurised beers from small Slovak breweries.

Walking Grade 1

2 hours

Schönbrunn Palace

The Imperial Summer Palace of the Hapsburgs was the centre of royal life in the 18th century.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site 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.

There is a short amount of time to get ready and have dinner if booking both Schönbrunn Palace and the Vienna Evening Concert.

Walking Grade 3

4 hours

Vienna Evening Concert

Vienna is packed with performances from opera houses and concert halls. 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.

Details of performances are provided on board.

Walking Grade 1

3 hours

Dürnstein Walking Tour and Organ Concert

Walk from the ship to the historic heart of Dürnstein, where the cobbled streets are home to traditional wineries and quirky little shops. Continue to Dürnstein Abbey with it’s blue and white steeple that can be seen from every angle of the town.

After a tour of the historic abbey, owned by the Augustinian Canons of Herzogenburg Abbey, you will be treated to an organ concert featuring classical music composed by the likes of Mozart, Bach and Beethoven.

Walking Grade 3

2 hours

Melk Abbey

Set in a beautiful position overlooking the Danube River, the wonderfully ornate Melk Abbey is a masterpiece of high baroque architecture. The exterior is an imposing and majestic sight with symmetrical towers and a large octagonal dome; 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

2 hours 30 minutes

Passau City Walk

Also known as the ‘Venice of Bavaria’, Passau is set in the beautiful location at the meeting point of three rivers – the Danube, Inn and Ilz. A historic city full of culture, Passau’s wealthy past is reflected in its many fine buildings, including the magnificent baroque St Stephen’s Cathedral.

Enjoy a walking tour through the charming streets to the banks of the Danube following on to Cathedral Square dominated by St Stephen’s Cathedral with its distinctive three towers.

Walking Grade 3

2 hours

Regensburg City Walk

Regensburg's old town, a labyrinth of charming medieval streets and alleys with a skyline punctuated by historic towers, dates back two millennia. Today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was fortunate to escape damage during WWII.

Your tour includes a visit to the Gothic St Peter's Cathedral where you can See layers of history and view the impressive, large structure and vibrant stained-glass windows that date back to the 13th century.

Walking Grade 3

2 hours

Weltenburg Abbey and the Danube Gorge

Weltenburg Abbey was built between 1715-1734, the abbey is a masterpiece of German baroque architecture.

The Benedictine monks who live here are renowned for their award-winning dark ale - Weltenburger Kloster Baroque Dunkel - that they have brewed since the 11th century.

Enjoy a thirty-minute boat ride through the Danube Gorge and a visit to the abbey, where a guide will give a short talk.

Walking Grade 3

4 hours

Bamberg Culinary Walking Tour

This tour ventures into the old town where you can enjoy commentary from your guide and the chance to sample local specialities along the way. Your guide will point out architectural points of interest and other highlights as you experience Bamberg through its food.

Please note: this excursion is pre bookable only up to 7 days before departure and is subject to minimum numbers.

Walking Grade 3

Two-and-a-half hours

Miltenberg Brewery Tour

A short walk from the ship’s berth, is the Brauhaus Faust. This is the only remaining independent brewery in the city.

When you visit this authentic, German brewery, you’ll be taken on a tour and gain behind-the-scenes insights into a working brewery. Learn about the history and heritage of Bavarian beer making.

Of course, the visit wouldn’t be complete without sampling a couple of beers with a traditional Bavarian pretzel in the cool atmosphere of this traditional brewery.

Walking Grade 3

2 hours

Siegfried's Museum of Mechanical Music

Explore an eccentric collection of 350 self-playing instruments located in the delightful village of Rüdesheim am Rhein.

In this whimsical museum you’ll find a fantastic, nostalgic and joyous cacophony of beautiful music boxes, barrel organs, hand-cranked carnival machines and early jukeboxes-all in full working order. The high points include the ‘Puppet Orchestrion’, and the later ‘Phonoliszt Violina’, a blend of piano and violins that play in perfect harmony.

Walking Grade 2

1 hour 30 minutes

Cochem, Reichsburg Castle and Wine Tasting

Visit Reichsburg Castle to learn about its colourful history and see panoramic views of the Moselle valley and river.

You can enjoy a guided tour of the castle, which was rescued and restored in the 19th century in neo-Gothic style. Today it is a showcase for Renaissance and baroque furniture.

Later, head to a local vineyard and winery for an introductory talk and a tasting of four regional white Rieslings.

Walking Grade 3

3 hours 30 minutes

Cochem Noddy Train

From the pier you'll be met by the Cochem land train, which will take you on a 25-minute guided tour around the town. Starting at the old Mosel Bridge, you'll be taken through the old town and will then cross the new bridge into the Cond district, from where you'll have great views of Cochem and Reichsburg.

The land train then takes you to the Moselstrabe and alongside the vineyards which ascend up the valley.

After your sightseeing tour you'll have some free time to spend in Cochem, before being collected by the land train and taken back to the ship.

Walking Grade 2

Two-and-a-half hours