The Beautiful Blue Danube: A Blaze of Styles (port-to-port cruise)

BUDAPEST - BRATISLAVA - VIENNA - MELK - PASSAU - MELK - DÜRNSTEIN - VIENNA - ESZTERGOM - BUDAPEST

Boarding at 6:00 p.m. and cabin check-in. Presentation of the crew and welcome cocktail. Dinner.

Optional excursion AUTHENTIC/EXPERIENCE: A folklore evening in Budapest, where you will discover traditional Gypsy dances and costumes.

Optional excursion AUTHENTIC/EXPERIENCE: Guided tour of Budapest. Century after century, human craftsmanship has given rise to Baroque, Neoclassical, and Art Nouveau buildings. A panoramic tour between the hills of Buda and the plains of Pest... Then, you will follow the riverbank, where you can admire the Parliament overlooking the Danube. Return to the ship.

Afternoon cruise towards Bratislava. You will pass through the Gabcikovo dam, one of the largest on the Danube. The journey continues along the protected landscape park of Dunajské Luhy. This marshland is a crucial habitat for rare bird species, serving as one of the most important nesting areas—an exceptional ornithological site stretching to the gates of Bratislava. Night navigation.

Early in the morning, you will arrive in Bratislava. Behind its provincial appearance lie colorful alleys, pastel houses, and Baroque architecture.

Morning optional excursions:

AUTHENTIC: Guided tour of the Slovak capital. Nestled at the foot of the Little Carpathians, it thrives in a wooded and rocky setting. Its castle, a symbol of the city, stands atop a hill overlooking the Danube. From its courtyard, you will enjoy a unique view of the city and the river. The medieval old town is just as charming, with its maze of winding streets, squares, fountains, and cafés. Bratislava is also known for its vibrant cultural and nightlife scene.

EXPERIENCE: Hike through the Little Carpathians in the Devínska Kobyla nature reserve. This Slovak natural area, just a few kilometers from the capital, will lead you to the ruins of Devin Castle, where you can admire a breathtaking view of the Danube.

In the afternoon, we will cruise along the Danube floodplain national park, the wildest part of the river—a true oasis between Bratislava and Vienna. Arrival in Vienna in the late afternoon.

Free evening OR optional AUTHENTIC/EXPERIENCE excursion: Viennese music concert (subject to availability). In a legendary Viennese venue, enjoy some of Mozart and Strauss’s finest works and let yourself be carried away by the rhythm of waltzes, polkas, and arias.

Morning: Optional AUTHENTIC/EXPERIENCE excursion: Visit to Schönbrunn Palace and panoramic tour of Vienna (only available by pre-booking before departure). A prestigious center of the court in the 18th century, the palace boasts an ochre façade closely linked to the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. Inside, the splendid building houses an exceptionally refined imperial interior, where the spirit of the Habsburgs still lingers. You will then take a panoramic tour along the famous boulevard known as "the Ring," admiring the exceptional monuments built between 1830 and 1890 that give it a unique atmosphere.

Afternoon: Optional AUTHENTIC/EXPERIENCE excursion: Visit to the Hofburg Palace (only available by pre-booking before departure). Located in the historic heart of Vienna, the Hofburg is striking. It exudes the grandeur and opulence associated with imperial power, yet it continues to fascinate history and architecture enthusiasts. Today, the palace houses the Imperial Apartments and the "Sissi" Museum, dedicated to the beloved and iconic Empress.

Departure for a cruise towards Melk.

Early in the morning, sail through the most beautiful part of the Wachau Valley. This landscape, shaped by the Danube, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as Austria’s oldest cultural region. The valley stretches for about thirty kilometers and is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. Arrival in Melk in the early morning.

Optional AUTHENTIC/EXPERIENCE excursion: Visit to Dürnstein, a small medieval town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architectural heritage. The village is full of wonders, including the elegant baroque bell tower of Dürnstein Church, the medieval and Renaissance facades of the town hall, and the colorful houses along the main street.

Afternoon, optional AUTHENTIC/EXPERIENCE excursion: Visit to Melk Abbey (only available with pre-booking before departure). A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the abbey overlooks the stunning Wachau Valley. Its grand façade is adorned with an ochre color reminiscent of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. The interior is equally remarkable, featuring magnificent Baroque frescoes and a library containing nearly 100,000 volumes, including some of the most precious medieval manuscripts. Return on board in Ybbs.

Sailing towards Passau. Along the river’s twists and turns, you will pass through villages with onion-domed churches, picturesque houses, and legendary fortresses.

Gala evening.

Enjoy your day and free lunch in Passau to explore this picturesque city where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers meet. Stroll through the old town with its cobbled streets, admire St. Stephen's Cathedral and its monumental organ.

Morning at leisure—take the opportunity to explore the charming town of Melk. Stroll through its picturesque streets, admire its baroque architecture, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of its squares and gardens.

Return on board and sail through the magnificent Wachau Valley towards Dürnstein, arriving in the early afternoon. Free time in this medieval town, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architectural heritage. The village is full of wonders, including the elegant baroque bell tower of Dürnstein’s church, the medieval and Renaissance façades of the Town Hall, and the colorful houses lining the main street.

Continue sailing towards Vienna.

In the evening, optional AUTHENTIC/EXPERIENCE excursion: Vienna by night. A true open-air museum, the capital reveals its beauty under the night lights. The illuminated facades showcase their full splendor. The Musikverein takes on a new dimension under these lights, and the opera house reveals its interior details through stunning light effects. On Schwarzenbergplatz, you will see the golden bronze statue of Johann Strauss, as well as numerous other monuments, such as the Hofburg Palace and the Church of the Augustinians. This night tour will offer you a completely different perspective of Vienna.

Morning at leisure—take the opportunity to explore the magnificent city of Vienna. Stroll through its elegant streets and immerse yourself in its rich imperial heritage.

Afternoon at leisure OR optional excursion : Carriage ride in Vienna. Undoubtedly a fun and unique way to visit the city. Let yourself be guided through the streets by the rhythmic trot of the horses and dive into Vienna’s history.

The coachman will take you through the narrow streets of the Austrian capital, allowing you to admire the stunning baroque buildings that adorn certain districts.

Gala evening. Night sailing towards Esztergom.

Free discovery of Esztergom, the former Hungarian capital with its intact charm. Perched on a hill, the city stretches peacefully along the Danube. It holds unsuspected treasures, including the elegant basilica, whose silhouette dominates the river from its 177-meter height, and the historic center with its colorful houses.

Afternoon sailing towards Budapest. In the evening, optional AUTHENTIC/EXPERIENCE excursion: Budapest "by night". The lights bring the façades of the monuments to life, creating a spectacular scene. You will see, among others, the Parliament, where the buttresses, towers, and dome are beautifully illuminated, the Chain Bridge with the Buda Castle shining in the background, and the Fisherman's Bastion with its seven towers paying tribute to the seven tribes that founded Hungary. From there, you will have a stunning view of illuminated Pest.

Morning: Free time to explore the splendid city of Budapest. Stroll along the Danube and admire the majestic Hungarian Parliament, a true Neo-Gothic masterpiece.

Afternoon free OR optional excursions :

Visit of the Széchenyi Baths (2). Drive to this vast thermal complex. Nestled in the heart of Budapest, the Széchenyi Baths are a true architectural jewel in neo-Baroque style. A short guided visit will allow you to discover the premises before enjoying the indoor and outdoor pools, saunas and steam rooms, or simply relaxing in a steaming thermal bath. Don’t forget your swimsuits – this is a unique opportunity. Return to the ship.

OR

Visit to the Budapest Market Halls: Depart on foot to Budapest’s Central Market Hall. With its dazzling Zsolnay tile roof, this Grand Market Hall is the largest hall built in the 19th century. You will discover an incredible array of diverse products, including the famous paprika garlands. The visit will conclude with a tasting of Hungarian specialties. Return to the boat on foot.

Buffet breakfast on board. End of our services.