5 DAYS PEARLS OF THE DANUBE

As night falls on the stylish Austrian capital of Vienna, you will board your cruise in style, building anticipation to discover the enchanting Danube River. If you wish, we can tailor a pre-cruise extension, allowing you to immerse yourself in the mesmerising city of Vienna by walking in the footsteps of Mozart or Strauss. You can also explore other nearby legendary cities, such as Budapest in Hungary and Bratislava in Slovakia.

Your cruise will gently guide you through the Wachau Valley to Melk, renowned for its magnificent abbey, home to Benedictine monks. The abbey’s main hall boasts 16,000 volumes, a frescoed ceiling, and the iconic spiral staircase. Alternatively, you can choose an active excursion with a round-trip bike ride between Melk and Pöchlarn, exploring its historic defensive fort once built against the Germanic tribes of the North.

Upon arriving in the peaceful community of Ybbs, you will have the opportunity to visit Artstetten Castle, where descendants of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria still reside. If time permits, delve into the fascinating Museum of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination in 1914 sparked World War I.

You will spend two days in Linz, Austria’s third-largest city. Choose from one of the following excursions:

• Linz City Walk: Dubbed a European Capital of Culture, Linz’s highlights include the Feichtinger House with its iconic Glockenspiel and the neo-Gothic Mariendom with its stunning stained-glass windows.
• Hike up Pöstlingberg Hill: Prepare your footwear for an ascent up the 539-meter hill to the Baroque Basilica of the Seven Sorrows of Mary, where you’ll be rewarded with magnificent panoramas from the viewing platforms.
• A Waltz through Salzburg: Trace Mozart’s footsteps in this UNESCO city as you discover the Hohensalzburg Fortress, the Mirabell Palace, the Getreidegasse, and the Salzburg Cathedral.
• Fairytale Český Krumlov: Journey down to Czech Bohemia to explore the medieval town on the Vltava River, and visit the iconic Český Krumlov Castle, home to one of the world’s best-preserved Baroque stages.

Welcome to the 2,500-year-old city of Passau, where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers converge. Stroll through the city’s cobblestone streets, exploring landmarks such as the Town Hall and the Baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral. For those looking to get active, hop on a bike and ride across Germany and Austria, enjoying scenic views of the Old Town, the cathedral, Veste Oberhaus fortress, and Mariensteg bridge.

As your cruising experience comes to an end, consider a tailor-made post-cruise extension to explore the fairytale beauty of Germany’s Romantic Road or other European highlights. Speak to one of our friendly Travel Specialists to plan your trip!