Vienna and the Blue Danube

Once an ancient Roman colony, Passau is one of the oldest cities in Germany, sitting at the confluence of the Inn and Ilz rivers. In 739AC, Passau became governed by bishops and priests which brought fame and prosperity to the city and surrounding region. On your walking tour through this city, you’ll be able to explore some key highlights such as the late Gothic town hall and the city’s landmark, St Stephen’s Cathedral.

Accompanied by your guide, you can head inside for a short tour and hear about its importance to the residents of Passau and how it was built on the ruins of two earlier churches. With 17,774 pipes and 233 registers, this holy monument also houses the largest church organ in the world which you’ll be able to see for yourself. Afterwards, a stroll through the narrow alleys and cobbled streets of the Old Town will lead you back to the ship.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-quarter miles over mostly level terrain which will often be cobbled. Approximately 50 steps are required. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately two hours.

2 hours

Tulln Gardens opened as a garden show in 2008 and has continued to be enjoyed by thousands of guests every year since. As with all gardens, the times at which plant displays are at their best can vary dependent on weather conditions, however regardless of the season, the Garden Tulln always offers plenty to explore from Spring blooms to the colours of Autumn. The gardeners strictly adhere to a nature-friendly approach throughout the grounds and use no synthetic chemical pesticides or fertilizers, and no peat. With 70 model gardens and a range of themes to discover it is sure to provide inspiration for keen gardeners, and you may even pick up an idea or two to take home.

Walking Grade 3

Please note:Expect to walk approximately one mile over flat terrain with the possibility of some steps. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately two-and-a-half hours. For those with walking limitations, you may explore independently at your own pace rather than joining the group walk. If you choose to spend longer at the gardens, the walk back to the ship is just under one mile. Depending on availability there may be a short walk from the coach parking to the garden entrance.

3 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

Surrounded by beautiful scenery and steeped in history, the medieval town of Dürnstein is set right on the riverbank. On this walking tour you’ll see the ruined Kueringer Castle, which is situated on a rock overlooking the town and is where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned during the late 12th century.

You’ll learn more about him and his time in the castle, before continuing along the town’s medieval lanes towards the city gate and baroque abbey, which is recognisable from its beautiful blue spire. Inside the abbey you can enjoy a short organ performance and admire the historic surroundings as you listen. Afterwards, you can enjoy some time to explore the old town at your leisure, or walk back to the ship.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-quarter miles in total, over cobblestones. There is a moderate incline as you walk towards the church. There is a total walking and standing time of approximately one hour and 15 minutes.

1½ hours

Known as the Culture and Art Capital of Upper Austria, Linz is a diverse and fascinating city where the modern architecture and vibrant creative arts scene blends seamlessly with the quaint and historic Old Town. Find out more as you embark on a mini train tour. Sit back and relax as your expert local guide shows you the highlights of Linz's unique fusion of old and new. Afterwards enjoy a guided walk before returning to the ship.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: Expect to walk up to a mile in total over level terrain with the possibility of cobblestones. There is a total compulsory walking and/or standing time of approximately 60 minutes. This tour includes travel by land train which can occasionally be bumpy and therefore may be unsuitable for those with back and/or neck problems.

2½ hours

During this tour, you’ll firstly head into Salzburg’s conserved historic centre for a guided walk where you’ll see the fortification of Hohensalzburg, one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe and dating back to the 11th century as the seat of the Archbishopric of Salzburg.

With the surrounding Alpine scenery in the distance you will also pass by Mozart’s birthplace on Getreidegasse and his residence, baroque towers and churches, the grounds of Mirabell Palace and Gardens, and many other sights around nearly every corner of this well-preserved city.

As the Trapp Family lived in Salzburg, the city also became famous for the shooting of ‘The Sound of Music’ during the 1960s, which you will hear more about from your guide just before lunch. In the afternoon, there’s some free time for you to explore further independently, or perhaps seek out the famous “Mozart balls” – made of pistachio, marzipan and nougat, covered in chocolate.

At the end of your tour, board the coach for your journey back to your ship.

Walking Grade 5

Please note: Expect to walk approximately three miles over mostly level terrain with some cobbles and steps. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately two hours and 15 minutes. You will be provided with a packed lunch from your ship to eat during your free time in Salzburg if you wish. Alternatively, you may choose to purchase your lunch independently. Walking is at your discretion during your free time. The journey to/from your ship to Salzburg is approximately 90 minutes to two hours depending on traffic. There will be comfort stops on arrival and before you depart Salzburg, there is no stop during the journey.

7½ hours

Accompanied by your local guide, leave your ship and make the short transfer by coach to the station in Passau, where your journey into the Bavarian Forest begins. Travelling along a single track for approximately one-and-a-half hours, you will discover the picturesque scenery of the Ilz Valley from the comfort of your train. During the journey your expert guide will explain the highlights of the passing vistas as you cross bridges and travel through tunnels until finally disembarking in Freyung – the gateway to the Bavarian Forest.

You will then continue your tour by coach to explore the 'Schramlhaus', the oldest farmhouse in Freyung built in 1700. The museum housed inside will introduce you to the history of the region and the rural living and working environment of the 18th and 19th centuries.

After your visit to the farmhouse, you will return to your waiting ship by coach, a journey of approximately 50 minutes.

Walking Grade 2

Please Note: Expect to walk approximately 600 yards in total over cobbled ground which will have a gentle incline in places. There is a total standing and/or walking time of approximately one hour. There is a WC on the train.

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 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 4

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