The Blue Danube Discovery 2012

Day 1 Budapest. Fly to Budapest where you will be met and transferred to the InterContinental Hotel for two nights.

Day 2 Budapest. Budapest straddles both banks of the Danube, with seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connecting ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church is among the many sights your Local Guide will show you.

Day 3 Budapest. This afternoon, transfer to your cruise ship and meet your crew at a welcome reception.

Day 4 Budapest – Vienna. A day to relax on board and marvel at the beautiful scenery along the banks of the Danube. Hungary is on your left as you cruise upriver and Slovakia is on your right. The two countries share the Danube for a 58 mile stretch, with the border in the middle of the river. Vienna, Austria’s capital, is known as the ‘City of Music’ and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss.

Day 5 Vienna. Once the centre of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard, and awe-inspiring 
St Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will enjoy during your city tour. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a local café. An optional concert is available during your stay.

Day 6 Dürnstein – Melk. Dürnstein, known for the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade, lies right in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Above the town are the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. This afternoon enjoy a visit to Melk, whose magnificent Benedictine Abbey dominates the town from its commanding hilltop site. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking. This evening you’ll be able to sample some of the Wachau Valley’s famous wines.

Day 7 Linz – Passau. Linz, Austria’s third largest city, straddles the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. An optional full day excursion to Salzburg takes in sights made famous by the popular film ‘The Sound of Music’. Continue to Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz and Danube, a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. Its cathedral, St Stephen’s, houses the world’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes.

Day 8 Regensburg. Regensburg is one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights on your guided tour include the Old Town Hall and Porta Pretoria - gates to the Roman fort built in 179AD. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town, and one of Bavaria’s cultural centres. Here you will find Germany’s oldest restaurant, the 12th century Historische Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen).

Day 9 Nuremberg. Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during World War II, much of it has been restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses, on a tour with a local expert. Nuremberg’s traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making and metalworking. After dinner sample some of Germany’s famous beers.

Day 10 Nuremberg - Prague. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the Hilton or InterContinental hotel for three nights.

Day 11 Prague. Prague is a 1,000 year old city preserved in time. See its best-known treasures such as the Old Town’s Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all of Europe, Hradcany Castle grounds, St Vitus Cathedral and Charles Bridge. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books, mingle with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or stroll along the Vltava River.

Day 12 Prague. A free day for you to explore the city at your own pace. Your Cruise Director will suggest sights and attractions to visit and things for you to do.

Day 13 Prague. Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.