Prague, Danube Cruise & Budapest

Upon arriving in Prague, depending on your flight time, you may have the opportunity to start exploring the area before enjoying dinner at your leisure in one of Prague's many restaurants. This will be your first chance to sample some authentic Czech dishes.

Few European cities compare to Prague - it's equal to Paris for beauty, Vienna for history, Budapest for architecture, and Munich for beer, but none have the same unique blend that Prague offers.

Today is the perfect opportunity to begin your exploration in earnest. Step back into a bygone age with a leisurely walk around the city's medieval old town with its winding cobbled alleys, fine stone buildings and elegant squares - there are architectural splendours around every corner. You could stroll over the classic Charles Bridge, soaking up the exquisite view, with its fascinating turrets and perfectly preserved 14th-century stone arches. From here, you can see the lofty spires of the Gothic Tyn Church and the immense Powder Tower – one of thirteen of the city's original gates.  

Next, why not visit Hradčany, Prague's spectacular Castle and Cathedral complex? Perched on a cliff towering over the city, Prague Castle dates back to the 9th century and was the centre of political power for a thousand years. Its halls tell the stories of royal rulers and medieval warfare. Throughout its history, different religions and politics have been responsible for such an intriguing mix of palaces, churches and fortifications contained within this UNESCO-listed site - from a 16th-century Spanish Hall, with art by Holbein, Da Vinci, Titian and more, to a row of quaint timber-framed cottages. Today, Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world at a staggering 753,000 square metres.

This evening, seek out some hearty Czech cuisine at a local restaurant. We recommend classics, such as svíčková, which is sirloin beef and bread dumplings topped with a creamy sauce; vepřo knedlo zelo, consisting of roasted pork with sauerkraut and bread dumplings; and fried cheese. You'll also spot a few staples from neighbouring countries on Czech menus, like goulash from Hungary and schnitzel from Austria. 

Today you could head to the Jewish Quarter.  Located between the Vltava River and Old Town Square, it's been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992. There are no less than six synagogues in the Jewish Quarter, including the oldest functioning synagogue in Europe, the Old-New Synagogue, and the Pinkas Synagogue, home to a moving memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. You could also visit the Old Jewish Cemetery and the Prague Jewish Museum.

Perhaps you'll visit the bustling Wenceslas Square and the 11th-century Staromestske Namesti – without doubt one of the world’s most beautiful squares, trimmed with fine public buildings. It's here you'll find a true mechanical masterpiece, the legendary 15th-century astronomical clock. At the top of every hour, 12 mechanical apostles' parade between small doorways above the face of the clock.

If you'd prefer a more leisurely pace today, why not sample Prague's thriving café culture and indulge in a spot of people-watching? The Old Town Square is home to more traditional coffeehouses or the Vinohrady district to the east of New Town is an excellent place to go for contemporary brews.

They say "The best Czech wine is beer." Czech Republic has the biggest beer consumption per capita in the world; it's thought that Czechs drink an average of 160 litres of beer per person per year - that's a bottle of beer for every man, woman, and child in the Czech lands every day. It's safe to say, they know their beer. So tonight forego the usual glass of wine for a tall glass of beer in a local pub to immerse yourself in the culture. Na zdraví! (To your health – the Czech way of saying ‘cheers’!) 

Bid goodbye to the Czech Republic as we travel to our cruise ship,  to join your fellow explorers for a river cruise along the Danube River.

Upon arrival, the dedicated crew will welcome you on board, ensuring you settle in and familiarise yourself with this first-class floating hotel.

There’s 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.

Overnight we have cruised upstream to Esztergom, one of Hungary’s oldest towns, a royal capital during medieval times and today the seat of the country’s archbishop. We have a guided tour of the famous neoclassical basilica, standing sentinel over the Danube on the border with Slovakia, and boasting one of the world’s 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 choir; 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 riverbank and of Slovakia on the other.

This morning, we explore Slovakia’s 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. Discover the only preserved gate of the city’s fortification system, the Neo-Renaissance-style Old Opera House, St. Martin’s Cathedral - a Gothic structure from the 15th century and former coronation site - along with the Classicist Primate’s Palace.

In the Main Square, you will find the former old town hall now housing a museum dedicated to the history of the city and where you may climb the tower for some lovely views. Equally impressive is the great 17th-century fortress which dominates the city with its commanding expansive views across the Danube. Or head for the Primatial Palace with its fabulous Hall of Mirrors and rare collection of 17th-century English tapestries.

Like its people, the streets are filled with humour. For a more leisurely visit, why not wander its streets? As you explore, you'll spot funny signs and interesting and imaginative statues - like the Čumil, a bronze statue peeking out of a manhole, and the jolly-looking Schöne Náci. Then perhaps, enjoy a freshly ground coffee or homemade lemonade in one of the many bars of cafés. 

This afternoon we cruise into Lower Austria, a peaceful, bucolic region and home to some of the country’s best wines. By now the stresses of everyday life seem distant as you absorb the ever-changing scenes, we pass children playing on the riverbanks, young couples strolling arm in arm like generations before them, vignerons carefully pruning their vines, and cobbled quaysides lined by half-timbered buildings.

You’ll 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 Dürnstein. 

Dürnstein is known principally for the ice-blue tower of its abbey, which dominates the view, and the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192 after being shipwrecked on his return from the crusades. This morning, we embark on a guided walking tour to delve deeper into this unforgettable city.  

Wander the town's small, pedestrian streets to the heart of Dürnstein to see the Town Hall. Established in 1547, it boasts an impressive late Gothic structure that was tastefully renovated in the Renaissance style in 1563. The courtyard, graced by a charming stairway, invites passersby to pause and capture the perfect photograph amidst its historical ambiance.  

The Krems Gate, formerly known as the Steiner Gate, serves as the eastern city entrance. This magnificent gate features a striking four-story square tower dating back to the 15th century, a testament to the city's rich architectural heritage. The strong city wall stretches southward toward the banks of the Danube and northward to the evocative ruins, today, the impressive tower is a private residence.  

If you're feeling active this morning, you could join our optional walk up to see Dürnstein castle, set on a rocky outcrop high above the river. Although the walk up this steep hill is not for the faint-hearted, those who do take on this challenge have the opportunity to admire lovely views of the river valley and town below. At the top, you can explore the ruins of the castle where England’s legendary monarch was held captive. It's easy to imagine Richard the Lionheart seething with frustration far from home while waiting for his family to raise funds to pay his ransom. (Please note, this requires a good level of mobility and appropriate footwear.) 

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 Emperor’s Gallery lined with portraits, many fine rooms and an ornate library.

After the tour, explore the grounds or take a stroll back to the ship through the picturesque old town, with buildings dating back to the 15th century.

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.

Reaching Linz, you will have the choice to stay in the city and take a guided walking tour, exploring its charming baroque old town. At its heart you’ll see one of the finest squares in Austria, lined by grand pastel-coloured facades with an impressive central Trinity Column of white marble, crowned by a gilded sunburst. There’s also the fortress-like castle, built above the city by Emperor Friedrich III, now a museum housing a fine collection of nineteenth and twentieth-century artworks.

The afternoon is free for you to explore. Consider taking a ride on the Pöstlingbergbahn, a unique narrow-gauge electric railway known as the "mountain tramway." This train connects the main square in Linz with the district of Pöstlingberg. It is the steepest adhesion railway in Europe, and its route offers stunning views as it passes the Danube and the Ars Electronica Center, leading directly to a natural oasis on the outskirts of the city. Once you arrive, you can visit the pilgrimage basilica, enjoy the views of Linz from the viewing platform, explore a local zoo, and much more. 

Alternatively, you could explore one of the fascinating museums in Linz. The Ars Electronica Center (AEC) serves as the city’s museum of the future, showcasing innovative technology alongside visionary media arts. Additionally, the Lentos Kunstmuseum features exhibits of modern and contemporary art from the 19th century, including works from the classical modernity period (such as Klimt, Schiele, and Kokoschka) as well as pieces from the Expressionism movement.  

Alternatively, we 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 Europe’s largest stone fortresses, the Hohensalzburg, while beneath its walls church domes and spires rise from the delightful Altstadt, or Old Town. Then there’s the wonderful Hellbrunn Palace and the splendid formal gardens of the Mirabell Palace – a must for horticulture fans.

This morning, discover some of the city’s main sights in the company of an expert local guide, then you’re free for lunch at leisure and to explore as you wish. Everywhere there are sights associated with the city’s most famous resident, Mozart, who 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. 

The city’s 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 city’s most iconic monument is the breathtaking Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, whose striking multi-coloured roof and huge Gothic South Tower dominate the skyline. 

There’s 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 Boys’ 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 world’s 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 Europe’s great capitals – the seat of the Habsburg emperors and home to some of the world’s finest classical composers, including Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart and, of course, a whole family of Strausses. After the panoramic tour on coach along the Ringstrasse, the famous boulevard, built where the city walls once stood and lined with many of the most important sights, you can choose to continue your tour on foot through the old town or explore independently.  

During the afternoon you’re 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 Schönbrunn Palace, a former royal residence now housing a range of world-class museums and galleries. Perhaps, though, just take a stroll through Vienna’s atmospheric side streets, or enjoy a coffee and a slice of delicious Sachertorte in one of the lovely coffee houses.

This evening, we have something special in store. Not only do we have our indulgent Chef's Dinner, but we've also organised for a live musical experience on board. So after this special dinner, sit back and enjoy an intimate classical recital. To hear this exquisite music in Vienna - where it was created - is truly the icing on the cake. 

Enjoy a leisurely morning as we cruise majestically through Hungary’s peaceful pastoral landscape towards Budapest. After breakfast head up onto the magnificent sun deck to enjoy some fabulous river views as we cruise along the 'Danube Bend', surrounded by historic and picturesque cities like Visegrad and Szentendre. Castle ruins, churches, pretty houses perching on the hills, and thick forests are reflected in the waters of the river. Squeeze in a spot of reading on the sun deck or simply recline, letting the gentle breezes lull you into a relaxing doze.  

After lunch we enjoy a sightseeing tour of this captivating city, which truly lives up to its reputation as the ‘Pearl of the Danube’. 

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 Budapest’s other sobriquet – the ‘City of Spas’. 

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. 

This afternoon you have a couple of choices: 

If you choose the panoramic coach tour, you’ll drive past some of Budapest’s famous sites, including the Opera House, Gellert Baths, chain bridge, Parliament building, and more, and stop for photos and some time to explore at Hero’s Square and Buda castle. 

Alternatively, you can choose our active tour, where you’ll take a coach to the castle district. From here, you’ll take lifts up to the castle terraces to begin a guided walking tour around the castle area and Fisherman’s bastion. You’ll then have free time to explore before heading back to the coach for the transfer to the ship. This tour involves uneven grounds and a lot of walking so we only recommend it for customers who are comfortable with a moderate activity level. 

This evening’s 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 ‘imperial’ cruise. 

Today, you disembark our five-star ship and transfer to a nearby hotel.

After our guided tour the day before there'll surely be plenty you'll want to go and take a closer look at.  

Perhaps, spend more time here 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. Don’t miss the wonderful Matthias Church, where shafts of light from the intricate rose windows pierce the darkness, illuminating the splendid altar and statues to great effect.

If you enjoy art, you could visit the impressive National Gallery, which is located in Buda Castle. Spend time gazing in awe at the phenomenal collection of Hungarian masterpieces spanning the centuries and visit a crypt containing tombs of several members of the Habsburg dynasty. Or perhaps the treasures from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome to Baroque art in the Museum of Fine Art will entice you in. Highlights include a horse sculpture attributed to Leonardo da Vinci and paintings by El Greco, Titian and Raphael. 

For more history, the Hungarian National Museum, housed in a building that resembles a huge, ancient Greek temple, is the ideal spot to explore. Once the epicentre of the 1848 revolution against the Habsburgs when rebels gathered on its steps, now the building houses exhibits that feature a collection of archaeological findings and relics from prehistory to the communist era. Wrapped around a beautiful 1920s synagogue in the IX District is a poignant modern exhibit taking you through the history of the Holocaust in Hungary using interactive displays, installations and personal artefacts, like glasses, pens and toys.

Alternatively, for something a little more off-beat, visit the Zwack Unicum Museum, a museum dedicated to the bitter digestive liquor you’ll find in every Hungarian bar and restaurant.

After a jam-packed river cruise, you may choose to experience the world’s spa capital for yourself. The city is famous for its elegant bathhouses, making it a haven for those seeking relaxation. Today, instead of exploring, why not plunge into a thermal pool and enjoy relaxation at its finest in the warm, muscle-melting, mineral-rich waters?

On your final day in Budapest, you could discover why this Hungarian city is known as the 'world's spa capital'.

With more than 100 thermal springs in the city, producing some 40,000 square meters of warm, mineral-rich water every day, it's no wonder the Romans began taking advantage of this natural phenomenon. During the Ottoman Occupation in the 16th and 17th centuries, they built elegant hammam-style baths consisting of octagonal pools topped by high-domed ceilings dotted with glass inlays, allowing rays of light to shine through and strike the water. Two of these historic bathhouses are still in use: the Rudas and Veli Beji baths. Others were built in the 19th and 20th centuries, under the Austro-Hungarian Empire. 

Not only is stepping into the mineral-rich waters like stepping into a piece of Hungarian history, but it's also curative. Studies have shown that bathing in the waters, which bubble up from a network of underground caves, can help to relieve a number of health problems ranging from arthritis and muscle pain to slipped discs, circulatory disorders, respiratory illnesses and more - it's even said to cure a hangover!

After a jam-packed river cruise, this could be a relaxing end to your European adventure.

Alternatively, why not take a stroll around the Great Market Hall, a vibrant hub of Hungarian culture, history, and cuisine? Built in 1897, the neoclassical façade and brightly coloured roof hall are a must-see for travellers visiting Budapest - you can spot its roof tiles from across the city skyline. Inside the market, you’ll find a vast array of dining options - perfect for lunch - and local products, from fresh produce and meats to traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. 

For guests who have booked flights and transfers with us, your journey concludes with a smooth, private transfer to your chosen airport—ensuring a relaxed and stress-free departure.