Scenic Gems of the Danube: Vienna to Budapest

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

After a short bus ride you´ll reach the beautiful city centre of Krems, whose history spans over 1000 years. Discover the highlights of the old town on a guided walking tour. There are numerous churches, historic buildings, monuments and statues to be discovered. Enjoy some free time before continuing by bus to Göttweig Abbey.

The Abbey has a scenic setting overlooking the southern entrance to the Wachau Valley. Göttweig Abbey was founded in 1083 by the Bishop of Passau as a double monastery, it became a Benedictine monastery in 1094. It was newly built in its current baroque form in the early 18th century and today is home to around 40 monks, who live and work here. Inside, you can climb the monumental imperial staircase, one of the largest and most beautiful baroque staircases in Europe. The ceiling fresco was painted in 1739 by Paul Troger. See the monastery´s art collection, which is exhibited in the adjoining former imperial apartments, and enjoy the view of the Wachau Valley from high above before taking the bus takes back to the ship.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles over flat terrain which will include some gentle inclines. Inside the Abbey there are frequent steps and uneven flooring. There is a total walking and/or standing time of approximately two-and-a-half hours.

4 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 guided tour takes you to Melk Abbey, one of the most famous Baroque buildings near the Danube sitting on a rocky outcrop. The abbey was founded in 1089 when Leopold II, Margrave of Austria gave one of his castles to Benedictine monks. Following this, a monastic school, the Stiftsgymnasium Melk, was founded in the 12th century – boasting the monastic library which soon became known for its extensive manuscript collection.

After a short bus journey from your ship, you’ll reach the Benedictine monastery. Accompanied by your guide, learn more about why this site was rebuilt in the 18th century and what remains in the tombs of the abbey below. See the church frescoes by Johann Michael Rottmayr, the marble hall and of course, the world-famous library. Housing more than 80,000 books and adorned with a detailed ceiling mural by Paul Troger, you’ll find out more about the members of the House of Babenberg and their tribute to this library. After your tour, there’s some free time to explore independently. Perhaps walk through the abbey gardens or enjoy a refreshment in the restaurant nearby before re-joining your coach back to the ship.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles over flat terrain inside the abbey with some uneven terrain in the gardens, should you choose to explore them during your free time. Walking is at your discretion during free time, although we suggest you should expect to walk an additional half a mile. There are steps inside the abbey for the Imperial Staircase but a lift is also available if required. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately one-and-a-half to two hours.

3 hours

The apricot, or Marille in German, was brought to the Wachau Valley around 2000 years ago by Roman legionaries in the course of the foundation of the Roman province of Noricum. It plays a special role among all other apricot varieties as apricot farmers in this region have been selecting their fruit types for generations, especially according to their unique taste criteria. In this way, the now famous and unique Wachau apricot varieties were created in the Danube valley.

The majority of the apricot trees in the Wachau growing region are at least 50 years old and thousands of families in the area maintain countless, small apricot gardens in near-natural orchards. In fact, apricots are so celebrated in this area a whole festival is dedicated to them in July every year!

On this tour, you will find out about everything related to apricots, as you enjoy a guided tasting of products such as schnapps or liqueur, apricot jam, nectar and mustard accompanied by a Wachauer-Laberl – a typical bread roll from this region.

After your sampling there will be an opportunity to browse the shop for souvenirs to take home before you return to the ship.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: Expect to walk up to half-a-mile over terrain which will be mostly level but may include some steps. There is a total standing and/or walking time of one hour. As this tour has a food tasting, please ensure you have notified us in advance of any dietary requirements. On your return to the ship after this tour there will only be a short amount of time to change for dinner should you wish to do so.

2 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

Step aboard the land train for the short journey from the pier to Esztergom Basilica. Esztergom was the capital of Hungary from the tenth until the mid-13th century when King Béla IV of Hungary moved the royal seat to Buda. Its cathedral, Esztergom Basilica, is the largest church and tallest building in Hungary.

This ecclesiastic basilica is known by many names, such as the mother church of the Archdiocese of Esztergom-Budapest, and the seat of the Catholic Church in Hungary. On arrival, you can gaze up at its semi-sphere dome situated in the middle, along with the monument's aqua blue entrance door which matches the three roofing spheres. You can also admire the 12 arched windows against the Italian Renaissance-style stone carvings.

When you head inside, you can see the altarpiece, which depicts the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, by Girolamo Michelangelo Grigoletti. It is the largest painting in the world created on a single piece of canvas.

Walking Grade 2

Please Note: Expect to walk approximately 550 yards in total over level terrain with a small number of steps at the Basilica. There is a total walking and/or standing time of approximately three-quarters of an hour. The Basilica underwent significant restoration during 2023, this may still be ongoing in some small areas, although we do not expect this to impact your experience. This excursion includes travel by land train which can occasionally be bumpy and therefore may be unsuitable for those with back and/or neck problems.

2 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

An evening of good food and traditional Hungarian entertainment awaits you on this excursion in central Budapest. After a short coach journey from your ship, relax and enjoy the ambient atmosphere in a historic restaurant where you'll be served a three-course dinner of authentic Hungarian cuisine.

Example dishes include Hungarian potato soup, pork Budapest-style and homemade apple strudel. A vegetarian option will also be available. As you enjoy your meal you will be entertained by folk and gypsy music played by local musicians and accompanied by dancers in traditional dress reflecting different parts of the country and its heritage.

The restaurant has two dining areas, a large area on the ground floor and a more intimate restored cellar space, which is reached by stairs. The date you visit and the group size will determine where you are seated, however the overall experience will remain the same.

Walking Grade 2

Please Note: Expect to walk approximately 150 yards over terrain which will be mostly flat. There is a total standing and/or walking time of approximately 10 minutes. If you have any specific dietary requirements, please notify us of these in advance of travel.

2 hours