Salzburg

Travel by coach through stunning alpine scenery to the romantic and beautifully preserved city of Salzburg. Enjoy a guided walk through the old town and see the house where Mozart was born in 1756 – now a museum dedicated to his life and work. You’ll have free time to explore independently – perhaps head to film locations for ‘The Sound of Music’, such as the Mirabell Gardens and Residenzplatz Square.

Walking Grade 4

Full day

Schonbrunn Palace

The sumptuous Imperial Summer Palace of the Hapsburgs was the centre of royal life in the 18th century. Leopold I commissioned Fischer von Erlach to create it in 1695, after being inspired by the glories of Versailles. It lies in beautiful formal gardens and parkland and the lavish interiors are adorned with priceless treasures. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it 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. Stroll through the grounds with their vast flowerbeds and perhaps visit the Coach and Carriage Museum. Walking Grade 3

Four hours

Melk Abbey

Set in a beautiful position on a promontory overlooking the Danube River, the wonderfully ornate Melk Abbey is a masterpiece of high baroque architecture. Formerly the site of a castle given to Benedictine monks by Leopold III von Babenberg in the 11th century, work on the present monastery began in 1702 to the plans of Jakob Prandtauer. The exterior is an imposing and majestic sight with symmetrical towers and a large octagonal dome, while 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

Two and-a-half hours

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. The surrounding hills create a picture-postcard backdrop to the city’s towers, spires and red-roofed houses. 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 as well as the old and new Bishop’s Palaces. Enjoy a walking tour through the charming streets to the banks of the Danube and riverside promenades, following on to Cathedral Square dominated by St Stephen’s Cathedral with its distinctive three towers. Maybe you'll get lucky and hear Europes largest church organ which is housed in this great place of worship. Walking Grade 3

Two hours

Bratislava city tour

Step aboard the miniature Bratislava City Train to explore the many highlights of this historic city. You’ll pass the 18th-century Slovak Philharmonic Hall and impressive National Theatre before your train slowly makes its way around the Old Town, arriving at Bratislava Castle, with its commanding hill-top setting, to admire magnificent views across the city. The train will then continue through Leopold Gate, back to the Old Town where you’ll disembark for a walking tour. A stroll through the narrow, cobbled streets will reveal sights such as the Archbishop’s Palace, St Martin’s Cathedral, the charming Main Square with its fountain and Old Town Hall, and a number of 18th-century palaces. Walking Grade 2

Two hours

Esztergom and Szentendre

Begin your trip with a guided tour of the historic city of Esztergom, seat of the Archbishop and former residence of the Hungarian kings. It’s the site of many splendid buildings, crowning them is the vast domed basilica. The largest cathedral in Hungary, it houses many beautiful frescos, sparkling ecclesiastic treasures and an elaborate red marble chapel. Later visit the charming artists’ village of Szentendre, where the cobbled streets brim with fine galleries and museums – including one dedicated to Hungary’s celebrated ceramics artist, Margit Kovács. Occasionally this tour operates in reverse. Walking Grade 3

Four-and-a-half hours