The Blue Danube River Cruise with Budapest Extension

Overview

Itinerary Details

DAY 1ARRIVAL IN BUDAPEST

ARRIVAL IN BUDAPEST

You fly to Budapest, where a coach takes you to your cruise ship. The dedicated crew are there to welcome you on board, ensuring you settle into your extremely comfortable, well-equipped cabin and familiarise yourself with this first-class floating hotel. Thereas always a sense of expectancy and excitement on the eve of a cruise and, after an excellent dinner in the stylish restaurant, conversation is sure to revolve around the delights ahead.

DAY 2ESZTERGOM

ESZTERGOM

Experience one of the great joys of cruising as you awake in a completely different location. Overnight we slipped upstream to Esztergom, one of Hungaryas oldest towns, a royal capital during medieval times and today the seat of the countryas archbishop. Esztergom is famous for its enormous neoclassical basilica, Hungaryas largest church, standing sentinel over the Danube on the border with Slovakia, and boasting one of the worldas largest altarpieces and a wealth of priceless religious artefacts. The castle is also worth exploring; it was the seat of government until the Ottomans invaded in the 16th century. Nestling below are myriad atmospheric churches resonating with the enchanting sounds of choirs, adding to the unmistakable Central European atmosphere. This is the best of provincial Hungary and is little changed since Habsburg times. As you enjoy your first lunch on board we gently leave Esztergom in our wake, affording a fascinating opportunity to compare the different landscapes, towns and villages of Hungary on one river bank and of Slovakia on the other.

DAY 3BRATISLAVA

BRATISLAVA

This morning we explore Slovakiaas fast-emerging capital city, Bratislava, on a guided tour. Until recently swathed in the drab uniformity of Communism, the city has rekindled the splendour of its imperial past in its beautifully restored Old Town. Equally impressive is the imposing 17th-century castle commanding expansive views across the Danube.

This afternoon we cruise into Lower Austria, a peaceful, bucolic region and home to some of the countryas best wines. By now the stresses of everyday life seem distant as you absorb the ever-changing scenes we pass: children playing on the river banks, young couples strolling arm in arm like generations before them, vignerons carefully pruning their vines, and cobbled quaysides lined by half-timbered buildings, teeming with life. Youall marvel as the Captain skilfully navigates the ship along the serene river and through locks whose mechanisms never cease to fascinate, as we cruise towards DA 1/4 rnstein while enjoying another superb dinner.

DAY 4DA?RNSTEIN & MELK

DA?RNSTEIN & MELK

As well as being a delightfully picturesque town in a landscape of forested hills and vineyards, DA 1/4 rnstein is known principally for two things: first, for the ice-blue tower of its abbey, which dominates the view, and second, for the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192 after being shipwrecked on his return from the crusades then captured by his enemy, Leopold V, Duke of Austria. Set on a rocky outcrop high above the river, the castle is now ruined, but itas easy to imagine Englandas legendary monarch seething with frustration far from home, while waiting for his family to raise funds to pay his ransom.

After lunch you visit the remarkable Melk Abbey. Nothing quite prepares you for your first sight of this enormous honey-coloured building, standing resplendent above the surrounding countryside. Originally a castle, it was gifted to the Benedictine Order in the 11th century and, although reconstructed in Baroque style during the 18th century, it has remained a monastic school and monastery ever since. The Abbey is renowned for its 214-yard-long Emperoras Gallery lined with portraits of Austrian royalty, many fine rooms and an ornate library containing over 100,000 volumes, including a unique collection of medieval manuscripts. After we re-join the ship, dinner is served during the final part of our cruise upstream through the pretty Nibelungengau, immortalised in the music of Wagner.

DAY 5SALZBURG

SALZBURG

Reaching Linz, we then drive to Salzburg, once an independent state whose archbishops turned it into one of the most sophisticated cities north of the Alps. Dominating the skyline is one of Europeas largest stone fortresses, the Hohensalzburg, while beneath its walls church domes and spires rise from the delightful Altstadt, or Old Town. With superb architecture dating from medieval times to the 18th century, the heart of Salzburg is a maze of tiny streets lined with a mix of traditional shops and modern designer boutiques that make window-shopping so satisfying. Then thereas the wonderful Hellbrunn Palace with its ingenious trick fountains, and the splendid formal gardens of the Mirabell Palace a a must for horticulture fans.

This morning discover some of the cityas main sights in the company of an expert local guide, then youare free to explore as you wish during the afternoon. With its genteel atmosphere of bygone times and surrounded by a stunning alpine backdrop, Salzburg is a superb spot to relax and wander its charming streets at your leisure. Everywhere there are sights associated with the cityas most famous resident, Mozart, while the sound of his music is never far away. He played the harpsichord aged three, composed rudimentary music at five and wrote his first opera when he was 11!

We return to the ship for another splendid dinner. By now you will have completely immersed yourself in life on board and the ever-changing landscape of the countries through which weave passed a home will seem a very long way away. Please note lunch is not included on this full day excursion; however the ship will offer a packed lunch.

DAY 6VIENNA

VIENNA

For many, todayas visit to Vienna will be one of the highlights of the cruise. The cityas very name provokes images of elegance, fine music, wide boulevards, Baroque architecture and a rich tapestry of peoples who were drawn here from all corners of Europe. For 200 years until the First World War, Vienna was the cultural centre of Europe and many of the showpiece buildings, galleries, aristocratic palaces and magnificent churches you see today were built to reflect its imperial status.

The cityas most iconic monument is the breathtaking Saint Stephenas Cathedral, whose striking multicoloured roof and huge Gothic South Tower dominate the skyline. Thereas also the colossal Hofburg, the former royal court that is now home to a collection of museums, the Crown Jewels and the Spanish Riding School, and where the Vienna Boysa Choir performs. Then there are the lavish Imperial Apartments and an outstanding collection of relics of the Holy Roman Empire, including, allegedly, the sabre of Charlemagne himself. The Kunsthistorisches Museum, which contains the worldas fourth largest collection of paintings, is just across the road.

This morning we have a tour with a local guide offering insights into why Vienna is one of Europeas great capitals a the seat of the Habsburg emperors and home to some of the worldas finest classical composers, including Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart and, of course, a whole family of Strausses. During the afternoon youare free to explore as you wish. Take a stroll in the Prater, notable for the huge Ferris wheel that features in several Cold War spy thrillers. Or, for something quite different, visit the SchA?nbrunn Palace, a former royal residence now housing a range of world-class museums and galleries. Perhaps, though, just take a stroll through Viennaas atmospheric side streets, enjoy a coffee and a slice of delicious Sachertorte in one of the extraordinarily ornate coffee houses, or admire the skill of the street entertainers and even the occasional opera singer.

This evening weave arranged truly the aicing on the cakea: no visit to Vienna is complete without a live musical experience, so after dinner we have a classical recital on board. To hear this exquisite music played in the city of its creation makes a wonderful finale to the day.

DAY 7BUDAPEST

BUDAPEST

Enjoy a leisurely morning as we cruise majestically through Hungaryas peaceful pastoral landscape towards Budapest. After lunch we enjoy a sightseeing tour of this captivating city, which truly lives up to its reputation as the aPearl of the Danubea. The twin cities of Buda, built around the hilltop fortress, and Pest, with its wide boulevards, were fought over through the centuries. The Ottomans ruled here for 150 years before being ousted in the late 17th century, but their legacy lives on in the many thermal baths fed by hot springs, giving rise to Budapestas other sobriquet A a the aCity of Spasa. After the end of Ottoman rule, Budapest became an imperial city of the Habsburg Empire, attracting great cultural and commercial wealth.

Castle Hill is Budapest in microcosm: two churches, seven museums and a theatre among streets and squares with their own special atmosphere and a dramatic view across the river to the awe-inspiring neo-Gothic Parliament Building. Budapestas endless galleries, museums, outstanding Art Nouveau architecture and excellent shopping offer a fittingly elegant end to your Danube cruise. This eveningas Gala Dinner closes with a Hungarian folklore show, giving you time to bid farewell to your travelling companions and reflect on all the inspirational places, sights and sounds you have experienced on a truly aimperiala cruise.

DAY 8VISEGRAD & SZENTENDRE

VISEGRAD & SZENTENDRE

We leave the ship and return to the dramatic Danube Bend to explore some of the regionas hidden gems. First we visit the medieval town of Visegrad, renowned for its historic Royal Palace and fantastically preserved citadel. The palace, now beautifully restored, was originally built by King Charles Robert in the 14th century when he decided to move the royal court to Visegrad from Budapest. It was abandoned after the Ottoman conquest and lay buried for centuries under mud washed down from the surrounding hills until a chance discovery by an archaeologist in 1934 helped identify the buildingas location. You may wish to visit the palace, gardens and remarkable royal chapel featuring a stunning gilded wooden ceiling before enjoying a tasty lunch. Thereas also a chance to visit Solomonas Tower, a 13th-century hexagonal keep housing a museum with fascinating Gothic and Renaissance discoveries excavated from the town.

We spend the rest of the day in picturesque Szentendre. Nestling below the rolling hills behind, this charming riverside town has a lovely Baroque square lined with brightly painted facades and pretty churches. Itas also one of the sunniest spots in Hungary and consequently home to an artistsa colony. Described as the aMontmartre of the Danubea, the rich, rusty reds and warm orange and yellow hues of its handsome townhouses dazzle in the rosy light. This is the perfect spot to while away a lazy afternoon, exploring the Old Townas delightful maze of cobblestone streets.

We return to Budapest where we stay for the next three nights, with breakfast, at the Hilton Budapest City. Centrally located, the hotel has smart, spacious public areas, a stylish bar and a restaurant serving both local and international cuisine. The rooms are elegantly furnished in cool, calming tones and are superbly appointed.

DAY 9BUDAPEST

BUDAPEST

Budapest is truly a magnificent city a an alluring collage of palatial buildings and grand churches with dramatic spires and magnificent domes straddling the vast waters of the Danube. Numerous foreign powers have ruled here and this is reflected in the cityas eclectic architectural mix, including Roman ruins and Turkish baths recalling the days of the Ottoman Empire, but the greatest influence on its architecture was Hungaryas union with Austria in 1867, which initiated a period of huge growth continuing up to the First World War. This resulted in some sensational buildings in a range of styles, including the elegant Art Nouveau Gellert Hotel and its sumptuous thermal baths, resplendent with gleaming majolica tiles and colourful mosaics.

The iconic Parliament Building a the worldas third largest aA was also built during this period. Constructed in neo-Gothic style and arguably grander than our own Houses of Parliament, it dominates the river bank with its striking central dome and spires soaring into the sky above. Its cathedral-like interior is breathtakingly ornate, with fabulous frescoes, stained glass and mosaics. During an included tour weall see the Domed Hall, home to the Hungarian Crown Jewels, the 16-sided Central Hall with its stunning gilded ceiling and intricate carvings, and the astonishing Golden Staircase.

Our next stop is the impressive National Gallery, which is located in Buda Castle and includes a phenomenal collection of Hungarian masterpieces spanning the centuries as well as a crypt containing tombs of several members of the Habsburg dynasty. We enjoy a visit to this world-famous collection, then the rest of the day is free for you to explore this fantastic city and its multitude of cultural attractions. Perhaps spend more time in the Castle District, admiring its panoramic views of the city and exploring its tiny winding passages, Gothic arches and colourful houses, mostly dating from the 17th to 19th centuries. Donat miss the wonderful Matthias Church, where shafts of light from the intricate rose windows pierce the darkness within, illuminating the splendid altar and statues to great effect.

When itas time for a well-earned break, try one of Budapestas many cellar cafA(C)s or sample local cuisine in a cosy restaurant. Hungary is legendary for its goulash and dumplings, but youall find many other hearty dishes on offer, often seasoned with the locally produced paprika, which ranges from sweet to hot and is said to be the best in the world due to its rich colour and robust flavour.

DAY 10GA?DA?LLA? & PUSZTA

GA?DA?LLA? & PUSZTA

Today we leave the bustling city behind for something different. The landscape gradually begins to change as the thickly forested hills of the uplands to the north come into view, while isolated sleepy villages and remote ruined castles are all that interrupt the swathes of lush vineyards of this world-class wine-producing region. Our first port of call is the attractive Baroque town of Godollo, where we have a tour of the impressive Royal Palace. Known as aHungaryas Versaillesa, it was used by Queen Elisabeth of Hungary as a residence during the spring and autumn hunting seasons and is surrounded by a large park and gorgeous manicured gardens. Inside we see the stately private apartments, lavishly decorated with exquisite furniture and antiques, and the Queenas secret staircase linking her bedroom to the library.

Our scenic drive continues south into the Puszta, Hungaryas Great Plain, which covers half the entire country. Although prone to flooding the soil was rich with volcanic silt, and in medieval times vast numbers worked the land here. But in the decades of war that followed, villages were deserted and the once-thick forests destroyed so entirely that the region became an inhospitable swamp. Today this huge, flat expanse is a protected prairie stretching endlessly for miles into the horizon; romantically desolate, the wild, lonely silence of this landscape is broken only by the sound of livestock on the occasional whitewashed farm, where ruby-coloured peppers dry in the hazy sun before being ground into paprika.

We visit the renowned Equestrian Park owned by the Lazar brothers a world coach-driving champions! After a welcome drink, we enjoy a traditional fortifying lunch accompanied by the authentic sounds of Hungarian gypsy music. Later we sit back to watch a spectacular performance by some of the most skilled horsemen in the area, and youall have the opportunity to take a scenic carriage ride to experience this unique landscape from a different perspective.

DAY 11RETURN HOME

RETURN HOME

Today we transfer to the airport for our flight home.