Blue Danube

Regensburg is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Germany and its historic buildings are very impressive. Among these architectural treasures are churches, monasteries, the town hall and one of Europe’s oldest bridges that has spanned the Danube since the 12th century. During this walk you will feel the former power and wealth of this city, which once controlled the trade route to the Orient.

During a short visit to the Regensburg Cathedral, dedicated to St. Peter, you can admire this masterpiece of Gothic architecture in southern Germany (Visits depend on the opening hours of the Cathedral and/or if a mass is celebrated, etc.).

Explore the beautiful historic Thurn and Taxis Palace in Regensburg. The Palace, which has roots in German nobility, was built in the 18th century. During the guided tour, view the beautiful marble staircase in the south wing of the palace, which leads to the magnificent rooms of the princely residence. The entire neo-Renaissance style interior is modeled after Roman antiquity. Afterwards, visit the traditional brewery at the castle, for a short guided tour followed by a beer sampling and typical Bavarian pretzel.

Join us on a gorgeous walk through the old city of Passau. The baroque city on three rivers has long been a magnet for traders and travellers.  Our “Little Venice” will astonish you from your first moments in its winding streets. In the heart of the Old Town lies our most known site – St Stephen’s Cathedral, often known as a baroque cathedral with a gothic soul. The impressive pipe organ helps make St Stephen’s a true highlight of our three river city. High above the Old Town sits one of the largest fortress complexes in all Europe – the Veste Oberhaus which can be discovered on your own at the end of the walking tour. Accessible via the exterior walls, never conquered, never completely destroyed; the Veste Oberhaus is a prime example of long term historical construction.

Melk Abbey is an Austrian Benedictine abbey and one of the world’s most famous monastic sites. The impressive Baroque abbey was built between 1702 and 1736 and is the biggest monastery complex of the Austrian baroque period. The abbey’s church, with frescos by Johann Michael Rottmayr, and the impressive library with countless medieval manuscripts and frescos by Paul Troger are particularly noteworthy.

A guided tour takes you through the abbot’s chambers, along the imperator’s walk, through the marble hall, the balconies and the library.

Situated in the heart of the magnificent Wachau valley, on the banks of the mighty river Danube, this well-known wine village offers the unique combination of breathtaking scenery, traditional architecture and places of historic interest. Walk through the picturesque old town of Dürnstein, past the town walls and the Pranger Square with its lovely view of the castle ruins. Walk along the Convent of Klarissen, past the baroque monastery and the pedestrian area, to the charming Hotel Schloss Dürnstein. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine in this peaceful village.

In the very place where Johann Strauss himself once directed his orchestra from his position as first violin, the true essence of Vienna’s classical music can once again be heard daily. The “Salonorchester Alt Wien”, one of the best-known interpreters of classical Viennese music, presents an evening full of Viennese charm with the lilting sound of waltzes, polkas, arias and duets, as well as operetta and piano concert melodies. Accompanied by excellent opera singers and enchanting ballet soloists, Vienna’s classical music reveals itself as a living firework display for the senses.

While it may take days or weeks to fully discover Vienna, this tour will give you an overall impression of the most important sights Vienna has to offer. First, you will drive along the famous Ringstrasse, passing several magnificent buildings like the stunning opera house, the parliament, the Court Theatre and Vienna’s imposing city hall.

The panoramic drive is followed by a guided walk through the city center where you will get to know Vienna at its fullest. Begin at the well-known Hofburg Imperial Palace, walk along the Kohl market and finish at Vienna’s iconic St. Stephen’s cathedral. Before returning to the ship, enjoy free time to stroll along the pedestrian area.

Travel by coach to one of the most beautiful sights of Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace. As one of the most important cultural heritage sites in Austria, Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens were declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. The reign of Maria Theresia signified the most splendid era for Schönbrunn.

The castle and park were the center of court and political life. Under the personal guidance of the Empress, it was remodelled and expanded to become a royal residence; a complex with a total of 1,441 rooms and halls was created. Visit many of the ceremonial rooms and then have the opportunity to walk around the beautifully designed gardens of the palace.

During this tour you will get to know the capital of the young Slovakian Republic. The gorgeous old town has maintained its Gothic-Baroque style. The tour passes St. Martin’s Cathedral and the Grassalkovich Palace and continues up to the hill, where you will have a stunning, panoramic view of the city and surrounding areas.

Afterwards, you have the opportunity to participate in a guided walking tour through the restored old town. From Michael’s Gate you will take a leisurely stroll through the historic city center, where you can admire sights such as the Primatial Palace and St. Martin’s Cathedral, a former coronation cathedral for Hungarian kings, as well as the Academia Istropolitana, the oldest university of the city, which dates back to the 15th century. In addition to numerous palaces, you will also walk past the main square with the old City Hall, the Opera House and Maximilian Fountain.

Travel by coach along the Marchfelder Schlösserstraße to Hof Castle in Austria. The magnificent complex was built in the early 18th century through the efforts of two of the most important personalities of the Baroque era. General Prince Eugene of Savoy was a legend in his own lifetime; as a lover of art, he provided almost unlimited funds for its construction. The brilliant architect Lucas von Hildebrandt was responsible for the execution of the masterful concept, which encompassed a magnificent palace complete with gardens and an idyllic country estate.

The palace was acquired by Empress Maria Theresa, who had the central building extended by one floor and remodeled in the style of French classicism. After her reign, the Habsburgs' interest in the country estate waned, but today the Imperial living quarters, banqueting hall and chapel present themselves again as they were once designed by the best artists of their time.

Enjoy a beautiful drive through the Little Carpathian mountain range, a part of the Carpathian mountains. This protected forested mountain range stretches from Bratislava to the northeast for 62 miles. Dotted along the Little Carpathians are many wineries with a long winemaking tradition, dating back to the time of Celtic and Roman settlement. These villages, such as Sv. Jur (St. George), Pezinok or Modra supplied the royal court with good Little Carpathian wines since the Middle Ages. Along the Little Carpathians are also artisan towns with long traditions such as pottery and other handicrafts. On your return drive, enjoy a wine tasting of the local vintage in a wine cellar, where you will also learn about the history of wine growing in the Little Carpathians.

Budapest, the “Queen of the Danube”, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and has managed to retain a charm of its own with the help of renovations in recent years. The Danube flows through the heart of the city, dividing it into two parts: Buda and Pest. The tour first takes you through Pest, past the Great Market Hall with its outstanding gourmet shops and stalls.

You will see splendid Baroque buildings such as the Hungarian State Opera in Neo-Renaissance style and the incomparable parliament building, which was finished in 1904 and has been an emblem of the city ever since then. There’s an opportunity for a photo stop at the Heroes’ Square, famous for its monuments to many Hungarian kings. Continue aross one of the seven bridges into Buda and go up to Castle Hill, where you will visit St. Matthew’s Church and the famous Fisherman’s Bastion (provided that it is open to the public). Enjoy the unforgettable view over the city before returning to the vessel.

Your spirited excursion begins with a visit to the Market Hall. Built in 1896, this impressive building is the oldest and largest indoor market in Budapest and offers a variety of Hungarian specialties such as tokaj wine, langos and Hungarian paprika. Next, you will continue by bus to the City Park, where you’ll see the romantic Vajdahunyad Castle and the beautiful Széchenyi Baths - one of the largest and most popular thermal baths in Europe.

Afterwards, ride the second oldest metro in Europe to the city center and visit one of Budapest’s numerous pastry shops, where you can enjoy a slice of fluffy cake and a cup of coffee, and finally view the astonishing St. Stephen's Basilica.

Please note: The Market Hall is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Alternatively, we will visit the famous Budapest Opera House and drive up Gellert Hill to enjoy the spectacular view on Saturdays and Sundays.

The Royal Palace of Gödöllö, which is located close to Budapest, was built in the 18th century. The castle was once the favourite summer residence of Empress Elisabeth and Emperor Franz Josef of Austria. In 1867, this noble estate was the coronation gift of Hungary to the royal couple. Nestled in an enormous park, it is the largest and most attractive complex of Baroque buildings in Hungary. In recent years it has been lovingly refurbished and you can visit the splendid ballroom with its beautiful, marble stucco details, as well as the apartments of the royal couple.

In the evening, you will enjoy an atmospheric cruise through Budapest, also known as the “Paris of the East”, which is festively lit up at night, revealing Budapest’s most beautiful side. A folklore show on board will complete the experience.