Danube Cruise from Prague with Four Capital Cities
Your over-50s holiday begins with a two-night stay in the cultural hotspot which is Czechia’s Prague. You then embark on a river cruise of the gorgeous Danube through Central Europe to Budapest. Embark Spirit of the Danube and sail to Regensberg, with the chance of an optional tour of Weltenburg Abbey en route. See Passau’s impressive cathedral during a walking tour or perhaps join an optional outing to Mozart’s birthplace, Salzburg, while at Melk you can join an optional tour of the Benedictine abbey before waking up in Vienna for an included tour of the city or an included culinary walking tour.
Stop for a morning to contrast the historic buildings of Bratislava old town, ‘Staré Mesto’ with the cutting edge 20th-century architecture of the former industrial zone. Then head for Budapest for an included sightseeing tour or the opportunity to experience the culture and taste local delicacies during an included culinary walking tour before it’s time to head home…
Your Tour Includes
TRAVEL
VIP door-to-door travel service from anywhere on the UK mainland
Included travel insurance
Return flights and transfers
ACCOMMODATION
1 night Half Board, 1 night Bed and Breakfast in a hotel, 7 nights Full Board aboard the ship
Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
All gratuities on board
EXPERIENCES
Cruise Host
Passau city walk
Vienna city tour OR Vienna culinary walking tour
Budapest city tour OR Budapest culinary walking tour
FOOD & DRINK
23 meals: 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 8 dinners
Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on the ship
Drinks reception and Captain’s dinner
Day 1 UK - Prague
Fly to Prague and enjoy two nights at the locally rated 5-star Corinthia Hotel Prague (4Q) including dinner tonight.
This elegant hotel has two restaurants, bar, lounge, indoor pool and spa, all 539 rooms feature air conditioning, television, safe, telephone, Wi-Fi and tea and coffee-making facilities.
Day 2 Prague
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Perhaps discover it on an optional city tour or choose an optional culinary-themed walking tour.
This afternoon, you’re free to explore independently – stop by the fascinating astrological clock situated in the Old Town Square – one of the oldest working astrological clocks in the world, the elaborate striking of the hour tends to draw large crowds.
This evening you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy traditional Czech entertainment during an optional folklore show with dinner included.
Day 3 Regensburg
Check out after breakfast and travel by coach to Regensburg, a distance of around 270 kilometres which should take approximately three hours, depending on traffic conditions.
Embark Spirit of the Danube and enjoy a welcome drink and dinner on board.
Day 4 Regensburg
The city of Regensburg has been described as a ‘medieval miracle’ and its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the narrow lanes, explore the architecture and buildings which range from Roman to Romanesque and Gothic, pause in its attractive squares and see St Peter’s Cathedral, dating from the 12th century onwards.
With so much to see you may choose to visit Weltenburg Abbey this morning and join an optional city walk this afternoon.
Enjoy dinner on board your ship this evening.
Day 5 Passau
Passau, the most easterly city in Bavaria, is home to an impressive baroque cathedral containing the largest church organ in the world. Enjoy an included short walking tour through the charming streets and riverside promenades. Passau’s wealthy past is reflected in its many fine buildings, including the old and new Bishop’s Palaces.
Alternatively, enjoy a full-day optional excursion to Salzburg, famous for being Mozart's birthplace – perhaps sample one of the city's sweets that bear his likeness. Spirit of the Danube leaves Passau early evening and, shortly afterwards, crosses the border into Austria.
Spend the evening cruising through the province of Upper Austria.
Day 6 Melk - Dürnstein
Melk is best known for the great baroque Melk Abbey, which has a magnificent church and a famous library with over 70,000 books.
Perhaps join an optional tour of the Benedictine Abbey and Wachau region before sailing for Dürnstein, known for its ruined Kuenringer Castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned during the late 12th century. An optional walking tour here includes an organ concert in the abbey.
From here you’ll set sail for Vienna later tonight.
Day 7 Vienna
Enjoy an included morning sightseeing tour of elegant Vienna, for 600 years the centre of the Hapsburg 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, perhaps opt to join an included culinary walking tour for a unique perspective of the city. After lunch an optional excursion visits Schönbrunn Palace. This evening you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy an optional classical concert in Vienna after dinner on board ship.
Cruise to Bratislava tonight.
Day 8 Bratislava
Explore Bratislava independently this afternoon, or join an optional tour.
The city is the capital of Slovakia and lies along the River Danube next to the Austrian border. 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.
Late this afternoon you’ll cruise towards the culture-rich Hungarian capital of Budapest.
Day 9 Budapest
Budapest is a city made up of two parts: Buda and Pest, built on opposite banks of the Danube.
Officially united since 1873, they are still quite different in character. Buda is older and more graceful, with its cobbled streets and medieval architecture, while Pest is the administrative and commercial centre, with wide avenues and 19th-century public buildings. East meets west in this fascinating city, as can be seen in the variety of shops and restaurants. 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, take the opportunity to enjoy the local food and culture during an included culinary walking tour with strudel making and a visit to the Central Market Hall. After lunch perhaps join an optional excursion, visiting Gödöllo Palace, or Lazar Equestrian Park Horse Farm.
Day 10 Budapest - UK
Disembark after breakfast and travel to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
