Danube Waltz - 2024

Day 1 Fly from London Heathrow to Vienna and transfer to the MS Beethoven to embark on your seven-night cruise. Join us for a welcome drink and introduction to the crew. Cruise to Melk. (D)

Day 2 Early arrival in Melk to visit the magnificent Benedictine abbey, dominating the riverbank. Founded in the 11th century, its marble hall, world famous library, and 18th century Baroque façade stand on the early medieval foundations, continuing almost a millennium of monastic life on this spot. Cruise along the enchanting Wachau Valley to visit old-world Dürnstein, awash with charm, renowned for its Riesling wines, and named for its ancient hilltop castle, where Richard the Lionheart was held captive. Enjoy a pre-dinner Jules Verne drinks party, and sail across the Slovakian border to the country’s capital, Bratislava. (B, L, D)

Day 3 With a foot on each bank of the Danube; Hungary meeting its southern boundary and Austria its western; and streets of modern architecture contrasting with the characterful labyrinth of the Staré Mesto (old town); Bratislava provides its own counterpoint. A morning tour of the city includes the massive castle, for breathtaking views over the Danube and the city; Michael’s Gate, the only city gate surviving from the Middle Ages; the old City Hall, and the Art Nouveau buildings surrounding the central square. Sail south to pretty Kalocsa on the Danube’s left bank, famed for the 4,400-pipe organ of its grand cathedral. (B, L, D)

Day 4 An excursion by road takes you to the protected plains of the Puszta prairie, and visits a ranch to see the traditional horsemanship of the ‘gulyas’ (Hungarian cowboys), fine-tuned in a truly entertaining show of skill by both human and equine performers. Cruise back upstream to Budapest. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Divided by the Danube, with Buda’s hills on the west bank and Pest’s broad avenues on the fairly flat east, Hungary’s captivating capital is brimming with beautiful architecture. A morning tour shows you its highlights; the Mathias coronation church, Royal Palace complex, Hungarian National Gallery, and the bastions and townhouses of the castle area in Buda; and the parliament, opera house, and 19th century grand boulevards of vibrant Pest. Afternoon at leisure, perhaps to take the funicular from Chain Bridge to Buda Castle, stroll in the park on Margaret Island, or visit the city’s quirky Rock Church created in Gellért Hill caves. This evening, enjoy a folklore show aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 6 An early arrival in picturesque Esztergom gives you time to explore the historic town. Founded in 972AD, it was the national capital until the 13th century and, for over a thousand years, has been the seat of the Hungarian Roman Catholic church. Among countless heritage churches, the huge 19th century basilica was built, in neo-classical style, on the site of the country’s first cathedral, where the first king (St. Stephen) was crowned in 1000AD. The modern Maria Valéria Bridge crosses the river to Slovakian Sturovo. Gala Dinner on-board this evening. Cruise toward Vienna. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Arrive in Vienna, the capital of modern Austria and formerly of the Habsburg Empire, its historic centre a UNESCO World Heritage site; its parks and promenades lining the omnipresent Danube; and its regal façades and historic courtyards creating a picture-perfect city, in keeping with the soundtrack of classical music. A morning tour shows you city landmarks including the UNESCO listed Schönbrunn Palace, the summer residence of royalty. Later visit the imperial winter residence, the gloriously grand Hofburg Palace, much expanded since its 13th century origins; and finally, celebrate the city’s most famous son, Johann Strauss, with a palace concert of Viennese music. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Transfer to Vienna airport for the return flight to London Heathrow. (B)

• Key
• B - Breakfast
• L - Lunch
• D - Dinner