Gems of the Danube with Best of Bavaria

Welcome to Hungary and the start of your Danube River journey. The vibrant city of Budapest is an architectural treasure trove comprising styles from Gothic to Art Nouveau and everything in between.  Settle into your spacious suite, then join your fellow guests for a welcome reception and toast to the start of an exciting cruise ahead. You will remain docked in Budapest overnight, so you can also set out to explore the city’s famed nightlife if you wish.  Please book your flight to arrive into Budapest prior to 05:00 PM.

Divided by the Danube, with Buda on one side and Pest on the other, the Hungarian capital became united in 1873 when a newly built bridge connected the two. It’s peppered with Roman ruins, Gothic buildings, bohemian coffee houses, world-class operas, and an historical Jewish quarter where the scars of WWII can still be seen to this day. It is also well known for its hot springs and thermal baths.  Freechoice: Choose from a range of Scenic Freechoice activities on offer this morning:  Budapest in depth: Explore this magical city by coach. Starting in Buda, see the Várkert Bazár before crossing the Margaret Bridge to the Pest side to see Széchenyi Square and Elizabeth Square. End your tour with a mesmerising piano recital at the Institute for the Blind.  Guided hike of Buda: Strap on your walking shoes for a beautiful hike through the Buda district of the city. On your walk, see Varket Bazar and beautifully landscaped gardens, all while enjoying great views over the Danube River and the city architecture.  Jewish heritage tour: During this tour you will learn about the significant Jewish events from history that have shaped the culture of today. You will also visit the fascinating Jewish Museum and impressive Synagogue.  Excursion to Szentendre: Journey to the riverside town Szentendre, known for its museums, galleries, and artists. Experience the Mediterranean atmosphere and discover its charms on a guided city tour.  Your 5-star Space-Ship will depart Budapest later this afternoon, allowing you some free time to explore the city on your own. Pack your swimsuit and make your way to one of Budapest’s thermal baths for a relaxing soak in the therapeutic waters or perhaps explore the Central Market Hall. 

Slovakia’s capital since independence in 1993, Bratislava is a modern multicultural metropolis with an intriguing history. Its Old Town is glorious with medieval and Gothic architecture. Its well-preserved hilltop castle, which dates back to the ninth century, still dominates the town. These charming historic sites contrast with its brutalist socialist architecture, which is evident around the city.  Freechoice: As we dock in the city centre, this today’s Scenic Freechoice excursions are just steps away:  Walking tour of Bratislava: Join a knowledgeable local guide to see the highlights of the city, including the Hlavné Námestie (main square) and the Old Town Hall while learning about the history of the city. You’ll also learn what everyday life was like behind the Iron Curtain, the political boundary that divided Europe after WWII.  Wines of Slovakia: After the fall of Communism, new viticulturers set up on the banks of the Danube, taking advantages of the cold weather and optimal soils. This young wine region is now earning praise for it flavour and quality. Embark on a journey through the different regions of Slovakia while tasting various wines in one of Bratislava’s cellars. 

Welcome to Vienna, the capital of Austria and a centre of art, music and culture. The city fostered the musical geniuses Mozart and Beethoven, and oozes charm with magnificent Baroque buildings, ample green spaces, a vibrant coffee-house scene, and masterpiece-filled galleries and museums.   Freechoice: Choose from these Scenic Freechoice activities today:  Schönbrunn Palace: Explore Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg family. Wander its ornately designed rooms, hear tales about the royal family that lives here and see the impressive gardens.  Cycle to Danube Island: Explore a different side of Vienna on a guided e-bike tour to Danube Island, a recreational playground where locals come for bathing, boating, cycling and relaxing on its beaches and open spaces.  Belvedere Museum: Visit one of Europe’s most stunning Baroque landmarks and explore the greatest collection of Austrian art dating from the Middle Ages to the present day, complemented by the work of international artists such as Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Max Beckmann.  Central Vienna: Vienna is brimming with history, elegance and diverse architecture. During this tour your expert local guide will delight you with stories from the city before allowing you free time to explore as you wish.  Enrich Breathe in the opulence and luxury of Palais Liechtenstein this evening as you relish an exclusive private classical concert. Enjoy a glass of fine Austrian Sekt and listen to the timeless music of Strauss and Mozart performed by a renowned orchestra. An experience only shared with your fellow Scenic guests, you’ll be seated in Vienna’s largest secular Baroque hall, an ornate space where royals and nobles have sat for centuries. Accompanied by ballet dancers and vocalists and surrounded by world-famous art, this will be a concert that you’ll remember for a lifetime. 

This morning your Space-Ship will dock in the quaint town of Dürnstein, where you have ample free time to wander at your leisure. Surrounded by vineyards, the town has historical buildings that date back to the 12th century, including the hilltop ruins of Dürnstein Castle where Richard the Lionheart was famously imprisoned between 1192 and 1193.  Over lunch, cruise through the Wachau Valley where you will be mesmerised by the sloping vineyards and charming villages, before arriving in Melk. This small town is dominated by its dramatic, World Heritage-listed Benedictine Abbey, which towers above it from a rocky outcrop.  Freechoice: This afternoon offers a variety of Scenic Freechoice excursions to choose from:  Guided tour of Melk Abbey: Wander the halls of this grand 18th-century abbey, visit the decorated Marble Hall and the library, which is filled with more than 80,000 books, and be awed by the Abbey Church, adorned in frescoes and intricate statues.  E-biking from Dürnstein to Melk: Embark on a guided e-bike ride to soak up the scenery along the Danube as you cycle from the quaint village of Dürnstein to Melk. You’ll pass by small villages and through rolling vineyards, stopping along the way to enjoy the river views.  Artstetten Castle: Meet the current owners of Artstetten Castle, which dates to the 13th century. It was once home to the Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination sparked the beginning of WWI in 1914. See the family crypt and visit the on-site museum, before hearing tales from decedents of the royal family dynasty that were influential in European history.  While on board later today, you can also join an informative talk on the production of schnapps and taste some local varieties. 

After a short stop in Brandstatt, arrive in Passau. Set at the meeting point of three rivers and close to the border with Austria, it was an important trading point for centuries. It was also a significant town in the Holy Roman Empire and the charming Old Town was mostly built by powerful prince-bishops in an Italianate style.  Freechoice: Take your pick from the following Scenic Freechoice excursions:  Full day excursion to Salzburg: Cross the border into Salzburg, Austria, a storybook city surrounded by alpine peaks and best known as the home of Mozart and The Sound of Music. On a guided tour, learn about its art and music scene, visit Mozart’s birthplace, and see the vast Hohensalzburg Fortress. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and some free time.   Full day excursion to Ceský Krumlov: Journey to the Czech town of Ceský Krumlov, a World Heritage site brimming with charm. Explore with your local guide, admire the well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.    Highlights of Passau: Join your local guide on a walking tour, admiring the brightly coloured buildings that line the waterways. Visit St Stephens Cathedral, originally built in the year 450 but destroyed by fire in 1662 and rebuilt in the Baroque style.  

Boasting a staggering 2,000-year history, Regensburg has one of Germany’s best preserved Medieval town centres, with more than 900 of its Romanesque and Gothic buildings listed as World Heritage sites. Within its narrow laneways, the city lays claim to having the highest concentration of bars in the country.  Freechoice: Today, Regensburg offers a selection of Scenic Freechoice activities to choose from:  Walking tour of Regensburg: On the confluence of three rivers in Bavaria, Regensburg is known as the best-preserved Medieval city in Germany. Guests will join a walking tour with a local guide to see the old stone bridge, the Church of St James, and the Porta Praetoria.  Weltenburg Abbey: Take a ferry through the Danube Gorge to Weltenburg Abbey, the oldest monastery in Bavaria, founded by monks in approximately 600AD. Explore the Abbey and Cloister Church, then sample the award-winning beer produced on site since 1050.   Bavarian beer tasting: Learn about intricacies of beer making and the regions rich brewing heritage than spans over 1,000 years and is a valued part of the regions culture. Visit a traditional brewery to taste a variety of distinctive Bavarian brews. 

After leaving your Scenic Space-Ship in Regensburg, a coach will transport you to Nuremberg, a city steeped in history and culture that stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Bavaria. Nestled in the heart of Germany, Nuremberg is a place where medieval charm meets modern vitality. Its well-preserved medieval old town, encompassed by formidable city walls, boasts architectural treasures that transport visitors back in time. Beyond its historic facades, Nurembergs dynamic spirit shines through in its thriving arts scene, bustling markets, and vibrant culinary culture. Upon arrival in Nuremberg, embark on a walking tour of the medieval city with a knowledgeable local guide, who will bring its rich history to life. You’ll visit the Imperial Castle before making your way to Old Town, where you’ll see St. Lawrence Church and the lively market square. Tonight stay at your historic hotel which combines the elegance of a classic grand hotel with modern conveniences.

After a delicious breakfast in your hotel, set out to explore Nuremberg on a guided walking tour. Its well-preserved medieval old town, encompassed by formidable city walls, boasts architectural treasures that transport visitors back in time. Beyond its historic facades, Nurembergs dynamic spirit shines through in its thriving arts scene, bustling markets, and vibrant culinary culture. With your local guide, you’ll visit the Imperial Castle before making your way to Old Town, where you’ll see St. Lawrence Church and the lively market square.  This afternoon, travel from the city towards Schwangau, stopping along the way at Augsburg, one of the oldest cities in Germany and certainly one of the most beautiful. Augsburg is a glamorous blend of Old World architecture, magnificent fountains and watercourses, and a rich musical legacy. Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation tour before some free time to explore. Arrive in Schwangau tonight and check in to your hotel for a two-night stay.

Wake in Schnwangau. Renowned for its top-tier air quality, relaxing atmosphere and spectacular castles, Schwangau is a remarkable gem amid the mountains. Today, enjoy an excursion to the iconic fairytale  Nuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration behind Disney’s Cinderella Castle. Nestled amid the Bavarian Alps, it was built in the 19th century for King Ludwig II and is one of the most photographed buildings in the world. Today you’ll have the opportunity to explore the interior of this iconic palace on a guided tour. Bask in its intricate frescoes and enjoy breathtaking views of Alpsee and Hohenschwangau lakes from the castle’s lofty vantage points.

Transfer by coach this morning to Munich, the capital of Bavaria. Upon arrival, enjoy a panoramic tour of the city. Pass by some of its top sights including the former Olympic site, Nymphenburg Palace, the National Theatre, Maximilianstrasse and the Parliament. Stroll the Marienplatz Square and see the famous Glockenspiel. You’ll also get to experience one of Germany’s most famous events, the iconic Oktoberfest. Held each year in September and October, this huge festival began in 1810 as a celebration of the marriage of the Crown Prince of Bavaria. Raise a stein to the beer culture of Germany, taste traditional foods and join in the vibrant atmosphere. Later, check in to your hotel, centrally located amongst  some of Munich’s must-see attractions. Explore the town at your leisure and visit iconic sites, such as the Cathedral Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche), the Residenz Palace and the produce-rich Viktualienmarkt Square.

After breakfast, say your farewell to Munich, taking many wonderful memories with you. Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.