Enchanting Danube
Embark on a scenic, slow-paced sail along the Danube. It’s one of Europe’s prettiest rivers - lush vineyards and an Alpine backdrop give way to regal cities, ancient castles and villages balanced on hilltops. Starting in Budapest, we’ll work our way east through Hungary, Slovakia and Austria, wrapping up in picturesque Passau, just over the Bavarian border. Your trip will be packed with memorable moments, from enjoying an exclusive classical concert at a Viennese palace to sampling Austrian wines in the Wachau Valley.
Tour Duration 8 Days
Tour Highlights
- 7 nights cruise on S.S. Maria Theresa
- The finest riverview cabins afloat, with included robes and slippers
- All meals on board, impeccably prepared using the freshest and finest local ingredients
- Unlimited drinks on board, including fine wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, speciality coffee, tea and mineral water (excludes premium wine and premium spirits)
- Captain’s welcome/farewell receptions and dinners
- Award-winning service, with the highest staff to guest ratio in the industry
- All gratuities on board and ashore
- All entertainment plus signature lectures
- Shore excursions in the company of English-speaking local expert guides
- Portable audio headset system on excursions
- Complimentary use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access on board
8 included excursions and visits
- Choice of Exclusive guided ‘Let’s Go’ Budapest bike tour, Budapest city tour or Exclusive ‘Do as the Locals Do’ Budapest walking tour
- Bratislava walking discovery tour
- Exclusive ‘Morning with the Masters’ at Vienna Art History Museum
- Choice of Vienna city tour or Exclusive ‘Do as the Locals Do’ Vienna walking tour
- Exclusive Mozart & Strauss concert at a Viennese palace
- Melk Abbey with library visit and choice of Dürnstein ‘Village Day’ with exclusive Nikolaihof wine estate visit and tasting or exclusive saffron workshop with village stroll
- Choice of full-day Salzburg (lunch not provided) or Linz town and country: opera house and cider farm visit
- Choice of Passau walking discovery tour with St Stephan’s organ concert or Exclusive guided ‘Let’s Go’ bicycle ride along the Inn River or exclusive guided ‘Let’s Go’ hike along the Ilz Rive
Day 1 UK - Budapest
VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Budapest. Meet your Uniworld representative on arrival and transfer to the port to embark S.S. Maria Theresa (5T).
Day 2 Budapest
Savour the beauty of both Buda and Pest on a panoramic tour. Alternatively, take a ride on the metro; stop at a lively market hall; visit Károlyi Garden; and explore the National Museum. Or, join ‘Green Budapest’ for a bicycle tour with stops at various sites, such as the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Rose and Japanese gardens, the Olympic pool, Várkert Bazár and Gellert Baths, followed by a picnic on Margaret Island. Cap your day off with the Captain’s welcome reception and dinner.
Day 3 Cruising the Danube River - Bratislava - Vienna
Enjoy a day of leisure aboard your floating hotel. Then explore Slovakia’s capital city, Bratislava, on a walking discovery tour before docking in the imperial city of Vienna.
Day 4 Vienna
You’re in for a real treat with ‘Morning with the Masters’, an exclusive early opening and art tour of the Vienna Art History Museum, ending with a reception in the magnificent Cupola Hall. Then choose a guided walk or city tour that highlights Viennese essentials. Later, join an exclusive Mozart & Strauss concert at a Viennese palace.
Day 5 Dürnstein - Cruising the Wachau Valley - Melk
Dürnstein is a lovely place to wander cobblestone lanes, browse quaint shops and maybe hike up to a ruined castle. You can also opt for a tasting at Austria’s oldest winery or learn all about the world’s costliest spice from the Wachau Valley’s only saffron grower. Later, visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey and its extraordinary baroque-style library.
Day 6 Linz (Salzburg or Linz)
Salzburg or Linz - the choice is yours. In UNESCO-designated Salzburg, you’ll see Mozart’s childhood home and the garden where the famous ‘Do-Re-Mi’ scene from ‘The Sound of Music’ was filmed. If you wish, head to nearby Linz instead, a former Roman settlement that is now a vibrant centre for the arts. After a guided walking tour that stops for coffee and a taste of Linzer torte, venture into the countryside to visit a local farm and sample another delicious treat - hard cider, a speciality of the region.
Day 7 Passau
Cruise the picturesque landscape and hairpin loop in the middle of the Danube. In Passau, discover the medieval city with a walking tour to the baroque St Stephen’s Cathedral, to hear a concert played on Europe’s largest pipe organ. For cyclists, join a local guide for a bike ride along the Inn River; for hikers, go on a guided hike with a nature expert along the beautiful Ilz River. Spend your last night on board at the Captain’s farewell reception and dinner. Please note: St Stephen’s organ concert is only available from 1 May-31 October, excluding Sundays and Catholic holidays. An alternative venue will be organised before and after these dates.
Day 8 Passau - Munich - UK
Transfer to Munich Airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.
Tour dates: Various travel dates for this Tour are available contact us on 01422 847 847 or through our Holiday Request Form for more details.