UNIQUE EXPERIENCE

Giving you the chance to get under the skin of a destination by enjoying the local food and culture.

Amsterdam Culinary Walking Tour

After disembarking your ship and meeting your guide, take a tram to Central Station from where you will begin a walking tour of the Dutch capital. Along the way look forward to tasting local delicacies including herring, cheese and croquettes and rounding it off with a sweet treat from a bakery. Walking Grade 4

Please be advised that this excursion is PRE BOOKABLE ONLY up to 7 days before departure and has a minimum number of 7, if this is not reached then the excursion may be cancelled.

Three hours

UNIQUE EXPERIENCE

Budapest Culinary Walking Tour

Your tour begins with a tram ride to the First Strudel House, where you can enjoy a video about the traditions of strudel-making in Hungary followed by a live demonstration of how to prepare, stretch and fill the dough – with instructions in English. Perhaps try your own hand at the skill and then relax with a hot drink while you wait for your creations to bake. After enjoying your strudel, take a walk through the city to enjoy some authentic chimney cake and after a brief stop continue to the Central Market Hall where you can try some authentic Hungarian salami before you return to your ship by tram. Walking Grade 4

Please be advised that this excursion is PRE BOOKABLE ONLY up to 14 days before departure and has a minimum number of 7, if this is not reached then the excursion may be cancelled. This excursion may run at the same time as an included one, if this is the case the cost of the included will have been deducted from the selling price.

Four hours

UNIQUE EXPERIENCE

Vienna Culinary Walking Tour

Look forward to a series of tastings in Vienna which are sure to leave your tastebuds in a whirl. After transferring from your ship to Albertina Square, enjoy a guided walk through the city, winding up at the Imperial Palace. Along the way you will pause to sample some of the famous sandwiches for which Vienna is renowned, try the local speciality sausage, served with horseradish and bread, raise a glass of sparkling wine and even sample some delicious Mozart Thaler sweet chocolate biscuits. Walking Grade 3

Please be advised that this excursion is PRE BOOKABLE ONLY up to 2 days before departure and has a minimum number of 5, if this is not reached then the excursion may be cancelled. This excursion may run at the same time as an included one, if this is the case the cost of the included will have been deducted from the selling price.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCE

Bamberg Culinary Walking Tour

Enjoy a themed tour of Bamberg, which promises to bring hundreds of years of the city’s culinary traditions to life. Your tour will begin at the Schlachthaus - abattoir – and continues into the old town. Enjoy commentary from your knowledgeable guide and the chance to sample local specialities along the way before your tour wraps up with the chance to sup a cold beer, brewed locally. Walking grade 4

Please be advised that this excursion is PRE BOOKABLE ONLY up to 7 days before departure and has a minimum number of 13, if this is not reached then the excursion may be cancelled. This excursion may run at the same time as an included one.

Two hours

Cologne Chocolate Museum

Treat yourself to this very special tour which includes a tasting of the finest Lindt chocolate, in the company of a master chocolatier. Take a journey through chocolate history, learn where cocoa originates from and how it has been enjoyed through the ages. Take the chance to nibble on an authentic cocoa bean and marvel as you follow the production process, from bean to bar. Of course you can sample some of the handiwork yourself as your tour concludes with a visit to Lindt’s grand chocolate fountain, where you can tuck in to your heart’s content. Walking Grade 3

Two hours

Bamberg

Founded in 973, this enchanting Bavarian cathedral city sits on seven hills overlooking the Regnitz River Valley. Its rich architectural legacy earned Bamberg UNESCO World Heritage status in 1993. Your tour visits the cathedral, a fine representation of the transition from Romanesque to Gothic architecture. This stunning building, with twin apses, four towers and an impressive ‘Prince’s Portal’, is home to the medieval equestrian statue of the Bamberg Rider, the tomb of Emperor Henry II and other fine examples of German Gothic sculpture (entry to the cathedral may not always be possible). Walk through the historic streets to discover the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) located on an island in the middle of the river, the magnificent Renaissance building of Alte Hofhaltung and the quaint fisherman’s houses of ‘Little Venice’. Walking Grade 4

Two hours

Belgrade and the Kalemegdan Fortress

Belgrade is the capital of the Republic of Serbia and lies at the confluence of the Sava and Danube. See the city highlights on a coach tour that takes in Republic Square where the National Theatre and Museum are located. Visit Saint Sava basilica, one of the world’s largest churches. The Kalemegdan Fortress, parts of which date back to the 18th century, looms over the city below commanding glorious views. The site of military fortifications from the 2nd century onwards, it has been tussled over by the Romans, the Goths, the Huns, the Avars, the Serbs, the Turks and the Austrians in turn. Today it also serves as Belgrade’s central park for all to enjoy. Walking Grade 3

Three hours

Danube Delta Exploration

Explore Europe's second largest delta through a series of channels and lakes that cannot be reached by large ships. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve has a wild landscape and a diversity of habitats that attract many species of birds. Near Nebunu Lake, during the breeding season, you may see pelicans plus a large variety of other bird species such as heron, swan and wild duck, although obviously we cannot guarantee sightings. 

Walking Grade 1

Two-and-a-half hours

Kalocsa and Puszta

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 learn about the significance of the favourite regional spice with a visit to the Paprika Museum. Having learnt about flavouring you’ll sample typical Hungarian cuisine with lunch at the Inn of Bakod Puszta. Later enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, followed by a performance of Hungarian horsemanship. The harmony between the horsemen and horses, the elegant carriage and the breathtaking sight of a team of eight horses ridden together, all add up to an unforgettable experience. Refreshments are served during the performance. Walking Grade 2

Full day

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

Miltenberg beer tasting

A short walk from the ship’s berth in the heart of Miltenberg’s old town is the Brauhaus Faust, the only remaining independent brewery in the city founded in 1654. You’ll be taken on a tour and gain behind-the-scenes insights into a working brewery, and 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 typically Bavarian pretzel! Walking Grade 3

Two 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.

Three 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 Cathedra 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 Europe's largest church organ which is housed in this great place of worship. Walking Grade 3

Two hours

Pleven Panoramic

Enjoy a scenic drive through the picturesque Danubian Plain to the town of Pleven, which stands on the River Vit, a tributary of the Danube. The town is famous for the Siege of Pleven in 1877, one of the most decisive victories in the War of Liberation that freed Bulgaria from Ottoman rule. Known as Sorgoziya in Roman times, it has Thracian origins. See the Pleven Epopee 1877, a vast circular painting representing the Siege of Pleven and based on Moscow's Borodin Panorama. Opened to the public on the centenary of the siege in 1977, it's one of the largest, panoramic paintings in the world. Later take a stroll through the town centre and partake of a glass of Bulgarian wine in the Balkan Hotel. Wine Tasting included. Walking Grade 3

Four-and-a-half 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. This one-time centre of the Holy Roman Empire, today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was fortunate to escape damage during WWII. Highlights of your tour include Gothic St Peter's Cathedral, the splendid eight-storey Old Town Hall and the 12th-century Stone Bridge, which was, until the 1930s, the only bridge across the river. Walking Grade 3

Two hours

Tour of Rousse

Drive to the village of Ivanovo in the Rusenski Lom Natural Park, named after the river which has carved canyons and caves through the limestone rock over many hundreds of years.The Park is renowned for being the site of around 300 historic churches and chapels built out of rock by monks in the 12th-century. The location was chosen so they could worship in silence and solitude and it was not until 100 years ago that their ruins were discovered by archaeologists. One structure – The Church of the Holy Mother – was perfectly preserved, featuring colourful murals from the 14th century, and has now been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After visiting the church you can look forward to a short bus ride to a local family-run winery where you can look forward to a tasting and a snack of Banitsa, the Bulgarian national dish, while enjoying superb views over the Danube and the surrounding vineyards. Your tour concludes with a walking tour of central Rousse, taking in the architectural and historic highlights. Walking Grade 3

Three-and-a-half hours

Rudesheim Wine Tasting

Board a tourist train and travel into the centre of Rudesheim to Weingut Adolf Storzel. Located just a few steps from the famous Drosselgasse, this family owned winery dates back to the 16th century. Your knowledgeable host will introduce you to 3 different white wines from the winery. A pretzel is served alongside to neutralise the taste of the different wines. After the wine tasting you will have the possibility to taste and purchase other white and red wines and different liquors and brandies. A small glass decorated with the coat of arms of the family is yours to take away as a souvenir. Afterwards, the tourist train will take you back to your ship, unless you decide to stroll back at your leisure; perhaps via the Drosselgasse! Walking Grade 1

One-and-a-half hours

Siegfried's Mechanical Music Museum

Siegfried Wendel’s eccentric collection of 350 self-playing instruments is a veritable treat for eyes and ears. In this whimsical museum you’ll find a fantastical, nostalgic and joyous cacophony of beautiful music boxes, barrel organs, hand-cranked carnival machines and early jukeboxes, all in full working order. High points include the ‘Puppet Orchestrion’, a huge cabinet containing puppet musicians (1888) and the later ‘Phonoliszt Violina’ a blend of piano and violins that plays in perfect harmony. Walking Grade 2

One-and-a-half hours

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

Six hours

Vienna Evening Concert

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 uplifting music of the Strauss family, and be transported back to 18th-century Vienna as you listen to Mozart. Details of performances are provided on board. Walking Grade 1

Two-and-a-half hours

Volendam, Edam & Katwoude Cheese Farm

This excursion for cheese lovers takes you to a beautiful farmhouse in Katwoude, where cheese is still made. Here you’ll enjoy a practical demonstration of the craft, and taste various cheeses. Head for Edam, one of the Netherlands’ best-preserved towns, which grew wealthy as a trading town and became famous for its red-waxed cylindrical cheese. Enjoy a walking tour through the pretty streets and visit the famous Edam cheese weigh house. The final stop is in the nearby, picturesque village of Volendam, which lies on reclaimed land along the former Zuiderzee, now known as the Ijssel Lake. Keep an eye out for locals wearing traditional Dutch costume, and enjoy some free time in the harbour area. During the excursion a local guide will explain the fascinating history of man’s fight to reclaim this low-lying land from invasion by the sea. Walking Grade 3

Three-and-a-half hours

Weltenburg Abbey and the Danube Gorge

Weltenburg Abbey lies in beautiful countryside on a gorge beside the Danube River in eastern Bavaria. Built between 1715-1734, the abbey is a masterpiece of German baroque architecture and is exquisitely painted. 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. With some free time at leisure, why not sample some ale of cheese in the restaurant? Walking Grade 3

Four hours

Amsterdam City and Canals

Enjoy a canal cruise in this cosmopolitan capital city to view some of the thousand bridges, exquisite architecture, the Skinny Bridge and the Jewish Quarter. Afterwards a coach tour takes you further afield to view more of the city’s famous sights. Walking Grade 3

Three-and-a-half hours

Würzburg and the Residence Palace

The picturesque Bavarian town of Würzburg, set among vineyards on the banks of the River Main, was the ancient seat of prince-bishops who erected magnificent monuments and buildings. Enjoy a guided tour of one of Europe’s most splendid baroque palaces, the Residenz, which dates back to the early 18th century and was designed by Balthasar Neumann. Among its highlights are the renowned grand staircase with ceiling fresco by Tiepolo; the mirror room; the Imperial Hall with further Tiepolo frescoes; and the extensive terraced gardens. Continue into Würzburg to see the sights of the town, including the 13th-century Fortress of Marienberg, the cathedral and the old Main Bridge with its statue of St Kilian, the patron saint of rheumatism. Walking Grade 3

Three-and-a-half hours