Scenic Gems of the Danube: Budapest to Vienna

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

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

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

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

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

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

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