Danube Rhapsody

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.

Explore Dürnstein, a hidden gem in the heart of the magnificent Wachau Valley. This peaceful village offers the unique combination of breathtaking scenery, traditional architecture and a surprising array of local culinary delicacies. As you walk past the town hall and castle ruins, your guide will make stops for you to savior treats made with the local specialty – Apricots.  Indulge your taste buds with a sip of an Apricot juice, brandy or liquor, before continuing your walk to the charming 700-year old Schloss Dürnstein.  Standing just outside the castle walls, you have a mustn’t miss photo opportunity of the towering cliffs and vistas along the mighty Danube.  Make a stop to explore the famous Abbey and afterwards, you are invited for a glass of wine to toast the end of your Dürnstein exploration.

Meet Vienna's ballet soloists in the lounge. Two talented dancers will perform the traditional Viennese Waltz and some other connected dances, share interesting details about the history and teach you a few steps of this elegant ballroom dance.

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.

Explore Vienna at your own pace with our convenient City Shuttle, taking you to three key stops: the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, the iconic Vienna State Opera, and the vibrant Schwedenplatz. Step off at each location and wander through historic streets, soak up the city’s atmosphere, or relax at a café—entirely on your own schedule.

This shuttle is perfect for guests who want to discover Vienna’s highlights independently, without a guided tour.

Experience an active yet cultural excursion on two wheels along the beautiful Danube landscape. The E-Bike tour starts directly from the ship and takes you at a comfortable pace to Klosterneuburg Abbey. According to legend, the devout Margrave Leopold III founded the abbey here around 900 years ago because of a mysterious bridal veil. Along the way, your guide will reveal further intriguing stories and provide insights into the life and scenery of the surrounding area.

At the abbey, enjoy a guided tour and discover fascinating details about the history, architecture, and art treasures of this remarkable monastery. Afterwards, you can explore the surroundings at your leisure: take a relaxing walk, enjoy a cup of coffee, or simply soak in the charming Vienna Woods scenery before returning to the ship.

Level: ACTIVE, Moderate
Distance: approx. 22km / 14miles

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.

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.

After departing the harbour we drive out of Budapest. We will have the chance to see the landscape of the country side with some villages and cultivated areas, while our guide gives us information on present day life in Hungary. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with typical regional specialities such as Palinka (apricot schnapps) and Pogácsa, which is served as an aperitif together with salty snacks.

Afterwards, you can admire the fantastic relationship between Hungarian horsemen and their horses during a horse show. If you would like to ride a horse without saddle, you will have the chance after the show. You are also invited for a tasting of Hungarian salami and paprika and to enjoy a glass of local wine in the Csárda restaurant of the farm. At the end of the tour our coach will bring us back to the vessel.

Discover the culinary delights of Budapest on this flavorful excursion. Your tour begins at the Grand Market Hall, the historic heart of the city’s trade. Here, colorful stalls offer fresh fruits, spices, traditional Hungarian delicacies, and handmade products. During a guided tour, you’ll learn about Hungary’s rich food culture and have the opportunity to sample local specialties. Afterwards, there is some free time to explore the market on your own, shop for fresh products, or pick up souvenirs.

Next, visit the Unicum Factory, where a guided tour reveals the secrets behind the production of this famous Hungarian herbal liqueur. Of course, tasting is included, and you’ll also have the chance to purchase souvenirs and specialty products directly on site.

A varied and enjoyable excursion for anyone who wants to discover, taste, and take home the flavors of Budapest.

The tour departs from Budapest and takes you to the artists’ village of Szentendre, home to many generations of Hungarian artists since the early 20th century. Many museums and contemporary galleries represent the rich traditions of the visual arts in this town. Works of the ceramist Margit Kovács (1902–77) are displayed in a famous, eponymous Museum. The focal point of Szentendre is Foetér, the main square, lined with eateries, cafes, and souvenir stores.

Continue to the imposing ruined fortress of Visegrád, where you have a glorious view of the “famous Danube Bend. The next highlight of this excursion is Esztergom, the former residence of the Hungarian kings and seat of the Archbishop. Visit the imposing domed basilica — the largest cathedral in Hungary. Built in the early 19th century, it incorporates an ornate red marble chapel from an earlier church.

Get to know the capital of the young Slovakian Republic. The driving tour passes St. Martin’s Cathedral and the Grassalkovich Palace and continues to the castle hill above the old town, where you will have a stunning, panoramic view of the city and surrounding areas. 

Afterwards a guided walking tour leads you through the old town.  Take a leisurely stroll from Michael’s Gate through the historic city center, 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, dating back to the 15th century. See the main square with the old City Hall, the Opera House and Maximilian Fountain. From the Main Square we continue to a cosy cozy out of the way place to enjoy the famous Pressburger rolls with nut and poppy seed filling.  We will end our walk at the historical Opera House in front of glorious Ganymede’s Fountain. Afterwards, you are free to explore or walk the short distance back to the ship.

Just moments away from the lively heart of Bratislava, you’ll find yourself wandering through the gently rolling hills of the Rača wine region. Celebrated since the 18th century, when Archduchess Maria Theresa of Austria authorized the shipment of the famed Frankovka wine to Vienna, this region exudes history and charm. Visit a family-run winery and set out on a scenic hike through sun-dappled vineyards. Along the way, uncover the secrets of viticulture and the distinct character of each vintage — then savor the wine where it truly belongs: amidst the vines, with sweeping views of the idyllic landscape. This excursion promises an authentic and unforgettable experience for wine lovers who enjoy immersing themselves in nature’s beauty.

Discover the upper Austrian state capital Linz on a walking tour. It was a provincial and local government city of the Holy Roman Empire, and an important trade center, connecting several trade routes. As the city where the Habsburg Emperor Friedrich III spent his last years, it was, for a short period of time, the most important city in the Empire. It lost its status to Vienna and Prague after the death of the Emperor in 1493.

There are many things worth seeing in Linz. Take a stroll down the main street, which leads to the main square. In addition to the medieval town square in the historic old town and the Mozarthaus, you can see the Renaissance villas, the old cathedral with the Bruckner organ or the new cathedral. Visits depend on Cathedral and Mass openings/times.Visible from afar is the pilgrimage basilica on the mountain Poestling, the landmark of the town.

A modern counterpart are the Lentos art museum and the Ars Electronica centre, with its striking glass facade offering a diverse play of colour in the darkness. If time allows, you can taste a piece of the famous Linzer Torte (Linzer Cake).

From the main square, you will take the historic railway up to the Pöstlingberg. Upon arrival, enjoy a short walk around the hill, including a visit to the impressive Marian pilgrimage basilica and the viewing platform, offering magnificent panoramic views over Linz and the Danube.

Afterwards, you will have some free time to explore the area at your own pace—perfect for taking photos, enjoying a light refreshment, or simply admiring the scenery.

A gentle, culturally enriching excursion with stunning panoramic views, ideal for a relaxed visit to the Pöstlingberg.

Level: ACTIVE, Easy
Distance: approx. 5km / 3miles