River & Music

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.

Explore the rich musical heritage of Budapest through the legacy of Franz Liszt. Visit key sites associated with the great composer, enjoy an exclusive mini-recital in an elegant venue, and gain deeper insight into Hungary’s 19th-century musical and intellectual life through a private guide. The guided stroll along Andrássy Avenue offers a unique opportunity to admire Budapest’s most elegant boulevard, lined with 19th-century palaces, embassies, and historic landmarks – all brought to life through engaging stories and expert commentary. The experience is crowned with a relaxing break at the worldrenowned New York Café, where you can indulge in a glass of Champagne or a signature coffee while savoring a traditional Hungarian dessert in one of the most opulent settings in Europe.

This experience blends architectural splendor with Hungarian leisure traditions. Visit Budapest’s grandest landmarks on a private tour and conclude with VIP relaxation at the historic Széchenyi Thermal Baths or a rooftop spa suite — all with skip-the-line access and comfort guaranteed. Highlights include photo stops at Heroes’ Square, the fairy-tale Vajdahunyad Castle, and the iconic Parliament Building, followed by exclusive access to Budapest’s most famous thermal baths — complete with private changing cabins and a refreshing drink in the spa garden.

Discover the charming city of Bratislava, where medieval history meets vibrant contemporary culture. Your day begins with a comfortable coach transfer from the ship, followed by a captivating city tour highlighting the most iconic sights: the majestic Bratislava Castle, the picturesque Old Town with its narrow streets and lively squares, the impressive St. Martin’s Cathedral, and the unique modern UFO Tower offering panoramic views over the Danube and beyond.

Immerse yourself in the local art scene with a visit to the Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum. The Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum, one of the most romantic museums of modern art in Europe, is situated 20 kilometers south of Bratislava, the capital of the Slovak Republic. It was founded by Gerard Meulensteen of Eindhoven, a Dutch collector and art patron, and Vincent Polakovič, a Slovak gallerist. The Danubiana’s unique location on the borders of Slovakia, Hungary and Austria, and its harmonious combination of museum architecture and the surrounding Danube River landscape offer visitors unique views of the artwork as well as the flora and fauna which change with the seasons.

Your knowledgeable guide will provide engaging insights into Bratislava’s fascinating past and present, making your visit both educational and enjoyable. After the tour, enjoy some free time to explore charming cafés or local boutiques at your leisure before your return to the ship.

Embark on a refined journey through Bratislava’s rich history and vibrant culture. Begin with a private guided walking tour through the charming Old Town, where cobblestone streets lead you past iconic landmarks such as Michael’s Gate, the Main Square, and the majestic Bratislava Castle. Your expert guide will share captivating stories of the city’s past, blending historical insights with local legends.

After the tour, indulge in a welcome reception featuring a signature cocktail, served in a beautifully restored historical venue that exudes old-world charm and modern elegance. The highlight of your experience is a private wine tasting at the Slovak National Collection of Wines, located in the Apponyi Palace (or a similar location). Here, you’ll sample a selection of Slovakia’s finest wines, curated from the top 100 wines of the country, accompanied by regional delicacies. A professional sommelier will guide you through the tasting, offering insights into the unique flavors and history of each wine.

This exclusive experience offers a perfect blend of tradition, culture, and refined taste, making it an unforgettable addition to your journey.

Begin your elegant half-day excursion at the Hofburg Palace, the magnificent residence of the Habsburg dynasty for over six centuries and once the heart of the Holy Roman Empire.

Explore the richly decorated private apartments and state rooms, from Rococo-style chambers to lavish staterooms. Your German-speaking expert guide will bring to life the fascinating stories of the imperial family, including Empress Sisi’s well-known passion for beauty and fitness. Discover more than 300 personal artifacts showcasing the daily life and grandeur of the Habsburgs. Continue your journey at the Imperial Treasury, home to one of the world’s most significant collections of regalia and treasures. Witness the dazzling Imperial Crowns, the Burgundian Treasury, and the legendary Treasury of the Order of the Golden Fleece. Marvel at the world’s largest agate bowl, famously called the Holy Grail, and the giant narwhal tooth long believed to be a unicorn’s horn.

After the guided visit, guests may enjoy some free time to explore Vienna’s historic center independently or relax at a nearby café before returning.

Experience Vienna’s imperial grandeur and world-class art on this elegant half-day excursion, featuring a panoramic coach tour and a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum’s exclusive special exhibition.

Begin your journey aboard a private luxury coach, cruising along Vienna’s celebrated Ringstrasse boulevard. Marvel at iconic monuments and grand palaces such as the State Opera, Parliament, City Hall, and the Burgtheater. Your German-speaking expert guide will bring Vienna’s rich history to life by sharing fascinating stories about its illustrious residents .

Next, immerse yourself in the opulent halls of the Kunsthistorisches Museum, established in 1891 by Emperor Franz Joseph I to display the vast Habsburg art collection. Explore magnificent marble interiors, gold-leaf embellishments, and muraled ceilings as you encounter masterpieces by Klimt, Van Eyck, Raphael, Titian, Rubens, Rembrandt, and others. Special Exhibition: “Michaelina Wautier: A Woman Painter in Seventeenth-Century Europe”

Gain privileged access to this landmark exhibition celebrating Michaelina Wautier, a pioneering female artist whose bold Baroque works challenge the male-dominated art scene of her time. The exhibition features her striking portraits, historical scenes, and still lifes, offering a rare glimpse into 17th-century artistic innovation and gender dynamics.

Discover the charm of the Wachau, a UNESCO World Heritage region famed for its landscapes, history, and wines. After disembarking, meet your private guide and enjoy a guided walk through medieval Dürnstein, including a visit to the baroque abbey with its iconic blue tower.

Continue with an exclusive wine tasting at a renowned winery or historic cellar, featuring Wachau white wines like Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, paired with local delicacies.

Conclude your experience with a scenic drive past vineyards, apricot orchards, and the ruins of Dürnstein Castle before returning to the ship.

The life and work of Anton Bruckner (1824-1896) is the focus of this small museum, which has been designed with great attention to detail. A memorial to the composer from Ansfelden has been in this building since 1972. The renovation and redesign in 2014 then managed to prepare the contents in such a way that the museum is not only a must for Bruckner fans, but also for Bruckner novices. Highlights in the museum include the conductor’s baton, the top hat, and the organ console. Views of the town, theatre, and sheet music complete the picture. Anton Bruckner was born in this very house in 1824 and spent the first eleven years of his life there. The building was also the village school and his father, like his grandfather, was the schoolteacher. As he was also responsible for playing the organ in the church at the time, Anton Bruckner was able to develop a relationship with music and various instruments at an early age.

St Florian’s Abbey, which is situated on the tomb of the martyr St Florian and whose wall remains can be traced back to the 4th century, is one of the most magnificent monuments of Baroque architecture in Austria. You will visit the magnificent collegiate church, the library, the marble hall, imperial rooms, and the picture gallery. The great Bruckner organ was for a long time the largest in the Danube monarchy. It has an extraordinary tonal power and a special sweetness of voice. Anton Bruckner, the most important Upper Austrian composer, was a choirboy here and later a monastery organist. Like many other musicians, Bruckner emerged from the Florian Boys’ Choir, which is still taught and supervised at the monastery today. The guided tour will be followed by a short organ concert on the Bruckner organ.

Discover the Upper Austrian capital Linz on a walking tour during this optional excursion. The alleys of the old town, which lie directly below the castle, convey the splendour of earlier times. Magnificent town houses and monasteries are worth a close look, as are the inner courtyards hidden behind archways. In addition to the medieval town square in the historic centre and the Mozart House, you can see Baroque town houses, the Linz Bruckner organ, or the new cathedral, which is Austria’s largest church with a 134 metre high tower and room for 20,000 people (visits depend on opening hours as well as Holy Masses). Visible from afar is the city’s landmark; the pilgrimage basilica on the Pöstlingberg. The Lentos Art Museum and the Ars Electronica Centre, whose striking glass facades offer a varied play of colours in the dark, represent a modern contrast.

The Brucknerhaus as a concert hall is not only an impressive example of modern architecture, but above all, the hub of cultural and social life in Linz. Dubbed the “Linz Cake of Steel and Glass” when it opened, the event centre has become a world-renowned concert hall.

Time permitting, you can sample a slice of the famous Linzer Torte (cake) over a coffee before returning to the ship.

Embark on a refined cultural journey from Linz to Salzburg, where music history comes alive. This curated day trip invites discerning guests to walk in the footsteps of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart through his hometown’s most iconic locations. Discover Salzburg’s baroque splendor, enjoy a private guided tour tailored to Mozart’s life, and indulge in an elegant Austrian lunch at one of the city’s most distinguished restaurants.

Highlights include intimate visits to Mozart’s Birthplace and Residence, a walk through the Mirabell Gardens where he once performed, and a gourmet lunch at Austria’s oldest restaurant — a place Mozart himself dined. Scenic views of Salzburg’s Old Town and the lakes of Salzkammergut round off this unforgettable day.

Ideal for lovers of classical music, history enthusiasts, and cultured travelers seeking an exclusive Austrian experience in just one day.

Experience a seamless and exclusive journey from Linz to Salzburg aboard a private, high-comfort coach reserved just for your group. This individually tailored transfer allows you to travel at your own pace, perfect for guests who appreciate refined travel combined with a passion for classical music.

Salzburg, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, is renowned worldwide as a city of sound and culture. En route, you have the opportunity to explore two outstanding museums at your leisure: the Mozart Residence (Mozart Wohnhaus), where the composer lived and created masterpieces, and the Salzburg Museum, offering a rich insight into the city’s musical and artistic heritage. Additionally, the Museum der Moderne Salzburg – Mönchsberg offers a unique experience with its contemporary art exhibitions.

The transfer duration is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.