Glacier Express, Austrian Alps & Danube Cruise

 Your vacation to the Swiss and Tyrolean Alps and the glorious cities that line the Danube River begins today at London St. Pancras. As you arrive, meet the Tour Manager and your group of fellow travelers, and together, board the Eurostar to Paris.

The journey continues in the French capital, as we switch trains and continue by rail to Lake Geneva via Lausanne. Known for its deep blue waters straddling the borders of France and Switzerland, scenic vineyards, and luxurious resorts, the Lake Geneva region offers breathtaking landscapes overlooked by the Alps.    

Our train arrives this evening, and we transfer to our hotel in the picturesque town of Vevey, where we spend the next two nights. After getting settled in, we gather for our first dinner together in the hotel's restaurant. Overnight Vevey. >

• Dinner

 The morning is yours to soak up the ambiance of Lake Geneva. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, and then you might like to stroll along Vevey's waterfront promenade, perhaps seeking out the statue of film star Charlie Chaplin.

Early this afternoon, we board a local train to Cully in the Lavaux region, where terraced vineyards rise majestically from the shores of Lake Geneva. This UNESCO World Heritage site is filled with sun-drenched slopes, historic villages and panoramic views.   

We journey through the enchanting landscape on a local land train before visiting a nearby winery. Here, we have a talk from the owner followed by a wine tasting with light snacks. Lavaux produces exceptional wines, mainly Chasselas, a crisp white variety, which we can try.

Returning to Vevey, you can continue sightseeing at your own pace before rejoining the group for dinner at the hotel. Overnight Vevey.

• Breakfast, Dinner

 Bound for a new destination after breakfast, we travel by local train to Brig, where we board the iconic Glacier Express. Our panoramic journey takes us through undeniably Swiss scenes of green meadows, dense evergreen forests and snow-capped mountains, ambling along the beautiful Rhine Valley aboard "the slowest express train in the world."

We never miss a moment of the scenery as we enjoy a two-course lunch at our seats. The route spirals up the mountains, crosses vast viaducts, burrows through tunnels and rises above the clouds on its way to Chur.   

As we arrive and check into our hotel, you can explore the rich history, culture, and sights of Switzerland's oldest village. You could wander the Altstadt - the Old Town - to discover authentic architecture and unmatched ambiance before dinner at the hotel this evening. Overnight Chur.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 The morning is yours to continue to admire the timeless splendors of Chur, with the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption dominating the skyline. Around mid-day, we leave Switzerland behind and cross into Austria by rail.

Our destination is the beautiful city of Innsbruck. Located in the Inn Valley and set against the dramatic backdrop of the Alps, Innsbruck is known for its imperial buildings and quaint Old Town. Magnificently preserved, this area still reflects the Tyrolean capital's historical and cultural past, boasting Renaissance and Baroque buildings, as well as traditional Tyrolean architecture.

A coach transfer takes us to our hotel on arrival, and upon checking into our hotel, the rest of the evening is free to relax or get acquainted with our new surroundings. With no planned dinner, you might like to try local specialties, such as käsespätzle (egg noodles) or wiener schnitzel (bread crumb-coated pork steaks). Overnight Innsbruck.

• Breakfast

 Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning before embarking on a journey to remember on the Zillertalbahn. Marveling at the beauty of Austria's Tyrol region, we wind our way through the region while passing Tyrolean towns, lush meadows and majestic peaks. The journey takes under two hours to complete and takes us to the beautiful ski resort of Mayrhofen, where you can explore at leisure this afternoon.

The town's picturesque streets are paved with cobblestones and lined with shops, restaurants and pavement cafès. You could find lunch locally, maybe trying Tyrolean cuisine, or begin wandering amongst the traditional buildings. This destination is a nature lover's dream, with many hiking trails within reach.

Returning to Innsbruck by coach later in the afternoon, you can continue your day and evening at leisure. Overnight Innsbruck.

• Breakfast

The next part of our adventure begins after breakfast as we travel by rail to the Hungarian capital of Budapest, where our luxurious ship awaits. As our train arrives, a coach transfer takes us to the Danube waterfront, and we are welcomed onboard by our friendly crew. We have a cocktail in the lounge and admire the views before our first dinner onboard - accompanied by a performance from a traditional Hungarian folklore troupe.   

Once the sun begins to set, we embark on a night-time cruise along the Danube, taking in the illuminated sights of Budapest. From the piercing spires of the iconic neo-Gothic Parliament building to Buda's huge Baroque castle, the state buildings lining both banks are illuminated, as is the Chain Bridge. Whether you choose to relax in the cozy lounge or take in the panoramic views from the sun deck, this is the best way to see this beautiful city as the flickering lights cast a magical glow across the Danube. This is the perfect start to our cruise. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Dinner

 This morning, we delve deeper into the beauty and history of Budapest that we saw illuminated last night. On a sightseeing tour of the Hungarian capital, known as the "Pearl of the Danube," we explore its impressive buildings and monuments. From Heroes Square, the State Opera House and St. Stephen's Basilica on the flatter Pest side to Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion in the Buda hills, each site reveals the city's grandeur and charm.    

We return to the ship in time for lunch and then you can continue at your own pace. You could explore the castle district further, pick up some souvenirs or Hungarian paprika at the Central Market Hall, or relax in one of the city's extensive parks.   

Sailing upstream through the evening, we navigate the scenic Danube Bend. This section of the river has a long and fascinating history, and from the sun deck or panoramic windows in the bar, you will have the best views as we pass Visegrad's hilltop castle and Esztergom, the former capital of Hungary. Dinner is served as we sail. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 Docking in Slovakia's capital, we are welcomed by views of Bratislava Castle's gleaming white walls.  

  Despite being a national capital, beautiful Bratislava is nicknamed the "Little Big City" due to its compact size. On our coach tour, we admire attractive squares, idyllic streets, grand palaces and historic churches. Keep an eye out for some of Bratislava's quirky statues, including a sculpture commemorating Schöne Náci, an eccentric local character, and Čumil, a subterranean worker peeking out of a manhole. From the hilltop castle, soak up views across the terracotta roofs of the old town and the SNP Bridge, also known as the UFO bridge because of its futuristic design.   

After the tour and lunch onboard our ship, you have free time to explore at leisure. Enjoy wandering Old Town's charming streets, where each corner reveals delightful views, or head out of the center to uncover iconic Soviet-era architecture, such as the inverted pyramid of the Slovak Radio building or the 12-ton stainless steel linden flower in the Union Fountain.

We set sail for Vienna after dinner this evening. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 After a peaceful overnight cruise, the noble city of Vienna beckons. On arrival, we embark on a guided tour to uncover Austria's imperial heritage, making our way to the illustrious Ringstrasse with our expert guide. Here, we see many of Vienna's most ornate structures, including the world-renowned Opera House and the imposing Parliament building. 

  Following the tour and lunch onboard, there is time to explore the city at leisure. Stroll amongst its scenic streets to marvel at the striking St. Stephen's Cathedral or enter one of the countless museums and galleries that bring the city's history to life. You may choose to visit Schönbrunn Palace, once the summer residence of the ruling Habsburg family, or indulge in a slice of famous Sachertorte, a delicious Viennese cake, at one of the grand coffeehouses.    

Tonight, a real treat awaits us in the lounge after dinner as we are joined by four previous members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, who whisk us away with their performances of well-known classical pieces. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 Arriving in the riverside village of Dürnstein this morning, there is free time to wander the charming streets and admire its powder blue Baroque church tower after breakfast. Dürnstein is also home to the hilltop castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned during the 12th century, and we get a great view of it from the riverside.   

Back on the ship, we enjoy lunch as we set sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley - a highlight of the Danube. This scenic area of green valleys and vineyards is dotted with attractive riverside towns and commanding fortresses. It is also one of Austria's most famous wine-making regions, specializing in Grüner Veltliner.      

Docking in Emmersdorf this afternoon, a coach transfer takes us to the Melk Abbey, an 11th-century Benedictine Abbey atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. On our guided tour, we see the abbey's church, one of the most beautiful Baroque churches north of the Alps.   

Returning to the ship this evening, we set sail for Linz over dinner. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 Waking in beautiful Linz, there is a choice of two excursions after breakfast.    

The first option is a day trip to Salzburg, a striking city overlooked by Hohensalzburg Fortress set high on a hill. En route, we stop in the Austrian Lake District for a beautiful photo opportunity before arriving in Salzburg. During a guided sightseeing tour, we explore Getreidegasse, the street on which Mozart was born. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with stunning Baroque architecture, beautiful churches, quaint squares and charming alleyways that we can admire.  

  Alternatively, join an excursion into the Czech Republic to visit Český Krumlov, a small Bohemian town with a fairytale appearance. On a tour, we explore the palatial castle, occupying an imposing position high above a bend on the Vltava River. A guided walk around the UNESCO-listed Old Town - followed by time at leisure - reveals idyllic streets and picture-perfect squares surrounded by ornately gabled Baroque houses.     

We return to our ship for dinner on board and set sail for an overnight cruise into Germany. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 Drifting through beautiful scenery into Germany today, we admire rising hills covered with vineyards and orchards. The ever-changing landscapes create a picturesque backdrop, occasionally revealing charming villages, medieval castles and centuries-old monasteries that cling to the hilltops. 

  After lunch, we arrive at our final port of call, the Bavarian town of Passau. We get to know the town as we embark on a guided tour, which is known as the "Three Rivers City" because it sits at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz Rivers. The delightful Old Town is filled with Baroque architecture, including St. Stephen's Cathedral, and lies in the shadow of the Veste Oberhaus, a 13th-century hilltop fortress.  

Following the tour, you can take some time to continue uncovering Passau at your own pace before reboarding the ship for our farewell Gala dinner. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 Stepping off the ship for the final time after breakfast, we say goodbye to our wonderful crew and join a coach transfer to Passau's railway station. Here, we board a train for a journey through Germany to the city of Cologne.

This grand city stands on the Rhine River and is dominated by its Gothic cathedral with two piercing spires. Just outside Cologne's main train station, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a symbol of the city and the largest church in northern Europe. Get your first peeks at its grandeur as our train arrives and a coach transfer takes us to our hotel. 

We check in for the night, and then you are free to get to know Cologne before our final dinner in the hotel's restaurant. This city is exceptionally walkable with many of the best sights within reach. Overnight Cologne.

• Breakfast, Dinner

 An exploration of spectacular scenery, this vacation has showcased the landscapes of Switzerland aboard the Glacier Express, the Austrian Alps, and the incredible beauty of the Danube from Budapest to Passau. From natural wonders, such as the Danube Bend and the Wachau Valley, to the famed cities and pretty villages lining its banks, the Danube has revealed the beauty of central Europe.

After breakfast this morning, it is time to begin the journey home. Leaving Cologne you can admire the stunning skyline of Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque architecture as we travel to Brussels. Here, we board the Eurostar to London, where your Danube vacation concludes at London St. Pancras this afternoon.

• Breakfast