River Cruise – The Pearls of the Austro-Hungarian Empire

In flight.

Arrival in Vienna in the morning. Transfer to the hotel.

Free day to enjoy the city of Vienna.

Transfer from the hotel to the ship.

Boarding at 6 PM.

Introduction of the crew and welcome cocktail.

Departure of the boat at 8 PM and overnight navigation to Melk.

Optional AUTHENTIC EXCURSION / EXPERIENCE: Visit to the Melk Abbey (only with pre-booking before departure). A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the abbey overlooks the splendid Wachau Valley. You will find the ochre color adorning the grandiose façade, reminiscent of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. The interior of the abbey is just as impressive, showcasing magnificent Baroque-style frescoes, and a library containing nearly 100,000 volumes, some of which are among the most precious manuscripts of the Middle Ages.

Return on board and sail towards Dürnstein, which we will reach in the early afternoon. Discover the small medieval town classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its architectural heritage. The village is full of curiosities, including the elegant Baroque bell tower of the Dürnstein church, the medieval and Renaissance façades of the town hall, and the colorful houses of the main alley. Return on board in the late afternoon and continue sailing towards Bratislava.

Arrival early morning in Bratislava. Optional excursions:

• AUTHENTIC: tour of Bratislava. Located at the foot of the little Carpathians, it shines in a wooded and rocky environment. Its castle, emblem of the city, stands on a hill above the Danube. From its terrace, you will have a unique view of the city and the river. The medieval old town is not left out with its maze of winding small streets, squares, fountains, and cafes. Bratislava is also known for its intense cultural and nightlife.
• EXPERIENCE: hike in the little Carpathians, through the Devínska Kobyla nature reserve. This Slovak natural area, located a few kilometers from the capital, will lead you to the ruins of Devín Castle from where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Danube.

Afternoon sailing towards Kalocsa. You will pass the Gabčíkovo dam, one of the largest on the Danube. You will skirt the protected landscaped park of Dunajské Luhy. This marshland is a crucial environment for rare bird species; it is one of the most important nesting areas, an exceptional ornithological territory.

Arrival early in the morning. Optional excursion AUTHENTIC / EXPERIENCE: the Puszta. In the heart of the Hungarian Great Plain, now a nature reserve, you will travel in horse-drawn wagons through the wild steppes. You will attend an equestrian show where you will admire the riders and their horses. A tasting of local products will conclude the visit.

The afternoon will be spent sailing towards Budapest, the “Pearl of the Danube,” which we will reach during the night.

Optional excursion common to both packages: Guided tour of Budapest. Budapest reveals its splendor around the Danube. The architecture designed by humans, century after century, has given rise to Baroque, Neoclassical, and Art Nouveau buildings. Panoramic tour between the hills of Buda and the plains of Pest… Then, you will follow the river where you can admire the Parliament overlooking the Danube. Return to the boat.

Free afternoon OR optional excursions not included in the package:

• Visit to the Gellert Baths. In an Art Nouveau setting, adorned with artistic mosaics and sculptures, the Gellert Baths are surprisingly beautiful. It is also an opportunity to take a break and enjoy a moment of relaxation. So do not forget your swimsuits; it’s a unique opportunity.
• Visit to the Budapest Market Halls. Depart on foot to the Budapest market halls. With its sparkling roof of Zsolnay tiles, the Great Market Hall of Budapest is the largest hall constructed in the 19th century. You will discover an incredible array of diverse products, including the famous paprika garlands. A tasting of local Hungarian specialties will conclude your visit. Return to the boat on foot.

Optional AUTHENTIC / EXPERIENCE excursion: Folk evening in Budapest during which you will discover typical Gypsy dances and costumes.

Overnight navigation towards Esztergom.

Free exploration of Esztergom, a former Hungarian capital with its charm intact. Perched on a hill, the city stretches peacefully along the banks of the Danube. It holds unexpected treasures, notably the elegant basilica whose silhouette dominates the river from its height of 177 meters, as well as the historic center composed of colorful houses.

Afternoon navigation towards Vienna. The entire Hungarian section of the Danube is protected as a Natura 2000 site, providing vital habitats for endangered species. Further on, you will see the fortress of Komárno, a perfect example of Central European military architecture. Gala evening.

In the morning, optional excursions:

• AUTHENTIC: Visit Schönbrunn Palace and take a panoramic tour of Vienna (only by pre-reservation before departure). A prestigious center of the court in the 18th century, the palace features an ochre facade intimately linked to the Austro-Hungarian dual monarchy. The splendid building houses exceptionally refined imperial furnishings, and the spirit of the Habsburgs watches over the dazzling residence. Then you will take a panoramic tour on the famous boulevard known as “the Ring.” You will see the exceptional monuments built between 1830 and 1890, which give it a unique atmosphere.
• EXPERIENCE: Live Vienna like the Viennese. You will discover one of Vienna’s most important concert venues, the famous Konzerthaus⁽²⁾. Inaugurated in 1913 by Emperor Franz Joseph, tradition and innovation have since continuously evolved to make it one of the most appreciated venues for musical ensembles. Then you will visit one of the many cafes in the city to enjoy a Viennese coffee. One must return to the imperial era to know its origin. During harsh winters, fiacre drivers would drink a hot coffee covered with whipped cream between each ride to cope. The “coachman’s coffee” or “Einspänner” was later known as “Viennese coffee” outside Austrian borders.

In the afternoon, optional AUTHENTIC / EXPERIENCE excursion: visit the Hofburg (only by pre-reservation before departure). Located in the historical heart of Vienna, the Hofburg is astonishing. It exudes the impression of grandeur and splendor associated with imperial power. Nevertheless, it captivates history and architecture enthusiasts. Today, it houses the “Sissi” museum in the imperial apartments; the charming empress has become a cult figure, adored by all.

In the evening, optional AUTHENTIC / EXPERIENCE excursion: Viennese music concert (subject to availability). In a mythical venue in Vienna, enjoy some of the greatest works of Mozart and Strauss and let yourself be carried away by the rhythm of waltzes, polkas, arias…

Buffet breakfast on board. Disembarkation at 9 AM. Transfer from the port to the airport for your return flight.