Danube Odyssey Prague to Vienna Adventure

Welcome to Prague! As you arrive at the airport, we'll swiftly transfer you to your hotel, ensuring a smooth start to your journey. Be sure to check the information boards in the hotel's reception area for details about the evening's welcome meeting with your guide. Later, we'll take you to the vibrant Old Town Square, buzzing with activity and a perfect spot to unwind. Here, you can enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants offering a wide range of international dishes, from traditional Czech cuisine to Chinese, Indian, and Italian options. When you're ready, we'll provide a return transfer to the hotel, ensuring a relaxed end to your first day. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

Today, we will explore the enchanting city of Prague, often celebrated as the Baroque jewel of Europe. Our knowledgeable local guide will lead a panoramic tour, showcasing the city's most iconic landmarks. A highlight of our morning is the visit to Prague Castle, with entry included, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of Czech history.Following this, we invite you to unwind with a leisurely boat cruise on the Vltava River, also included, providing a unique perspective of the city’s skyline. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace—perhaps delve deeper into Prague's charming streets, discover quaint shops, or relax at a traditional café.

On the third day, we depart Prague early, heading towards the picturesque region of Bavaria in Germany. By midday, we arrive in Munich, where you'll have time to wander the historic city centre, soaking up its vibrant atmosphere and enjoying a leisurely lunch of your choice. In the afternoon, we continue our journey to Austria, where we'll reach the heart of the Alps. Here, you can explore Innsbruck, the charming capital of Tyrol, famous for its alpine scenery and rich history. For dinner, consider dining in the area around the Golden Roof and the Old Town, both of which offer a delightful selection of eateries.

Our day in Innsbruck begins with a visit to the renowned Swarovski Museum, an iconic home of crystal artistry. Admission is included, allowing us to explore the museum's impressive gardens and discover the intricate process behind these exquisite creations. Following the museum visit, you'll have time to wander through Innsbruck’s historic centre at your own pace, soaking up the ambience of this charming Tyrolean city. Later, our journey continues along picturesque mountain roads to Kitzbühel, a town famed for its nearly year-round skiing and the world-renowned Hahnenkamm Race, a highlight of the alpine skiing calendar. As the day draws to a close, we arrive in Salzburg, providing the perfect end to a day filled with cultural discovery and scenic beauty.

Today, we’ll delve deeper into Austria’s charm. Our morning begins in Salzburg, the city that gave us Mozart. Take in the exquisite Renaissance and Baroque architecture that graces the city centre, all under the watchful presence of the imposing castle. We proceed through the elegant landscapes of lakes and mountains until we reach St. Wolfgang, a significant pilgrimage site in the country. Our journey continues to Traunkirchen, nestled alongside the stunning Lake Traunsee. Here, we’ll enjoy a delightful cruise, featuring views of four of the picturesque lake's castles, before arriving in Gmunden. As the day winds to a close, we head to Vienna, where we'll arrive in the evening.

After breakfast in Vienna, we will board the MS Splendor to commence our cruise adventure. Check-in officially opens at 4:00 p.m., but if you arrive early, feel free to leave your luggage at reception and take the opportunity to explore Vienna at your own pace. Later, you'll be welcomed aboard with a reception and then enjoy a delightful dinner. We will stay overnight in Vienna, setting the stage for the journeys ahead.

After breakfast, we will embark on a panoramic tour of Vienna, delving into the city's illustrious landmarks. We'll journey along the Ringstrasse, passing the Vienna State Opera, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Natural History, and the imposing Hofburg Palace, which served as the imperial winter residence. Along the way, you'll also see the Austrian Parliament, Vienna City Hall, the Museum of Applied Arts, the Votive Church, and the National Theatre, amongst other notable sites. Following the tour, you'll have free time to explore before returning to the ship for lunch. In the afternoon, you can continue to enjoy free exploration or choose to visit the magnificent Hofburg Palace in more detail, tour the iconic Opera House, or perhaps attend a classical concert. Our ship will set sail at midnight, journeying to our next destination as we cruise overnight.

We will spend this delightful day immersed in the splendour of the Wachau Valley along the Danube River—a region celebrated for its enchanting landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Our morning begins in Melk, where you'll have the chance to meander through its charming streets and take some free time to visit the impressive Melk Abbey, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. In the afternoon, we explore Dürnstein, a picturesque village steeped in history, sitting serenely by the river. The journey between Melk and Dürnstein will be an experience in itself, as we leisurely sail through the scenic beauty of Wachau Valley. This evening, our ship continues to gently glide along the river towards our next destination.

As we continue our cruise with all meals included, the day begins with a scenic sail through the breathtaking Danube Bend, one of the most stunning stretches of the river. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of this natural wonder from the comfort of our ship. After lunch, we will visit Esztergom, a town rich in history as the birthplace of Stephen I, Hungary's first king. You'll be captivated by the grandeur of its magnificent basilica, a site of great significance. Following our visit, you'll have some free time to explore the area and immerse yourself in its charm. As we gather for dinner, our journey resumes, carrying us towards Budapest, where we will arrive at midnight and moor overnight in this enchanting city.

Today, as we awaken in Budapest—the stunning capital of Hungary—we commence our day with a delightful breakfast on board. Our morning unfolds with a panoramic tour of this captivating city, famed for its beautiful segregation into the historic regions of Buda and Pest. We will explore key landmarks such as the Fisherman's Bastion, the stately Synagogue, and the impressive St. Stephen’s Basilica. The afternoon invites you to discover Budapest at your leisure, allowing you to immerse yourself in its vibrant culture or partake in optional activities that pique your interest. We will remain overnight in Budapest, allowing ample time to soak in the charm of one of Europe’s finest cities.

In the morning, you'll have the freedom to enjoy Budapest at your own pace, taking in more of this remarkable city or joining any optional activities you fancy. At midday, we'll set sail, leaving the enchanting shores of Hungary behind as we journey towards our next destination in Slovakia, travelling overnight.

Upon our early morning arrival in Bratislava, we begin the day with breakfast before setting off for an engaging walking tour of Slovakia's capital. We'll explore the charming historic centre, featuring landmarks such as the Old Town Hall, Hlavné Námestie (Main Square), the Ganymede Fountain, the Slovak National Theatre, and the magnificent St. Martin's Cathedral. Afterward, the afternoon is yours to further explore the city at your own pace. We will set sail later, continuing our journey overnight.

After enjoying your final breakfast on board, we’ll disembark in Vienna. Please vacate your cabin by 09:00 a.m., but rest assured that your luggage can remain on board while you spend additional time in the ship’s common areas or explore Vienna at your leisure. This brings our journey to a close, and we hope you depart with fond memories of your travels.