Classical Music on the Danube
There is no better setting for listening to live classical music than on an inclusive cultural and musical river cruise of the Danube, visiting great musical cities such as Vienna and Linz. Enjoy classical concerts as you sail from Budapest to Vienna. This classical music themed river cruise on the Danube will entertain you with on-board talks, plus live performances both on board and ashore. In Budapest an included culinary-themed walking tour involves strudel making and a visit to the Central Market Hall, or you can choose to see the capital’s highlights, such as the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion, on an included sightseeing tour.
You’ll also be treated to a private classical concert. While in Vienna, the capital of classical music, you’ll see famous sights such as the Imperial Hofburg complex and State Opera House. You’ll also enjoy an evening concert of music by Mozart and the Strauss family in one of the city’s palaces near the Ringstrasse. A visit to Linz provides the opportunity to go to Ansfelden and the birthplace of the composer Anton Bruckner, which is now a museum. This included excursion also features a concert in the elaborate Baroque surroundings of Florian’s Abbey.
Your Tour Includes
TRAVEL
VIP door-to-door travel service from anywhere on the UK mainland
Included travel insurance
Return flights and transfers
ACCOMMODATION
Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
All gratuities on board
EXPERIENCES
Cruise Host
Budapest city tour OR culinary walking tour
Private concert in Budapest
Vienna city tour OR culinary walking tour
Private concert in Vienna
Florian’s Abbey and concert, and visit to Bruckner’s birthplace
FOOD & DRINK
20 meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board
Drinks reception and Captain’s dinner
Day 1 UK - Budapest
Fly to Budapest and embark Spirit of the Danube.
Enjoy a welcome drink and dinner on board as you remain moored here overnight.
Day 2 Budapest
Budapest is a city made up of two parts: Buda and Pest, built on opposite banks of the Danube.
East meets west in this fascinating city, as can be seen in the variety of shops and eateries. An included city sightseeing tour will reveal the capital's highlights, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Buda Castle, Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion. Alternatively, perhaps opt for an included culinary-themed walking tour of the city with strudel making and a visit to the Central Market Hall.
This afternoon enjoy a private classical concert ashore (details will be provided on board ship). This evening you can attend an Opera in Budapest. Spirit of the Danube sails towards Bratislava overnight.
Day 3 Bratislava - Vienna
Spirit of the Danube continues towards Slovakia's capital, arriving this afternoon for an optional tour or trip up the UFO observation tower to sample locally brewed beer. Originally part of Czechoslovakia until 1993, Bratislava’s old town, ‘Staré Mesto’, with its historic buildings, provides a stark contrast to the 20th-century buildings, some of which serve as a reminder of its communist past.
Later your ship begins the cruise to Vienna.
Day 4 Vienna
This morning enjoy an included sightseeing tour of Vienna, for 600 years the centre of the Habsburg Empire.
Your tour includes a drive around the Ringstrasse, a wide avenue encircling the old city, taking in famous sights such as the Imperial Hofburg complex built by Emperor Franz Josef, and the world-famous State Opera House. Alternatively, to experience the culture and taste the local specialities opt for an included culinary walking tour instead.
This afternoon an optional excursion visits Schönbrunn Palace and in the evening, after dinner on board your ship, you’ll be treated to a private concert of music by Mozart and the Strauss family in one of Vienna’s palaces near the Ringstrasse (details will be provided on board ship)
Day 5 Vienna - Dürnstein
Spend a relaxing morning on board your ship cruising to Dürnstein, located in the heart of the Wachau Valley. The now ruined Kuenringer Castle is where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned during the late 12th century. An optional walking tour takes you through the cobbled streets to visit the abbey for an organ concert.
Spirit of the Danube will set sail again late this afternoon.
Day 6 Linz
This morning an included excursion takes you to Ansfelden and the birthplace of the composer Anton Bruckner, which is now a museum. You will also visit Florian’s Abbey where you can enjoy an included concert. Returning to your ship, sail before lunch towards Esztergom.
Day 7 Esztergom - Budapest
Arrive mid afternoon in Esztergom, where you’ll have time to explore at leisure. The nation’s first king St Stephen was born here in 975 and the city was the capital of Hungary until 1249.
This evening Spirit of the Danube continues to Budapest, arriving later this evening.
Day 8 Budapest - UK
Disembark after breakfast and travel to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
