Imperial Cities & Delights of the Danube

Your exploration of Europe's imperial cities begins today in Germany's capital city, Berlin. On arrival, make your own way to our hotel, and upon checking in, you have the rest of the afternoon to uncover Berlin at your leisure.

Visiting the Norman Foster-designed glass dome and roof terrace of the Reichstag is possible with prior registration and offers spectacular city views. In the old East Berlin, the East Side Gallery is a long stretch of the Wall beside the Spree River, now decorated in colorful and often iconic street art. Elsewhere, Museum Island comprises captivating galleries and museums, including the Pergamon Museum. Alternatively, you could wander through the extensive Tiergarten to Berlin Zoo or the Bauhaus Archive.

Return to the hotel this evening to meet the Tour Manager and your travel group before we have a three-course dinner at a nearby hotel. Overnight Berlin.

• Dinner

Setting out on a sightseeing tour after breakfast, we discover more of Berlin today with a local guide.

The excursion uncovers Berlin's fascinating history, contrasting it with the city's vibrant present. Our first stops signify how much this city has changed in the past few decades. In 1961, at the height of the Cold War, the Berlin Wall was constructed to stop East Germans from fleeing to the West. After visiting the infamous Checkpoint Charlie, we are given our first view of the Wall. Our powerful tour concludes at the Brandenburg Gate - a spectacular 18th-century neoclassical monument that is now a symbol of unity.

We then continue to Berlin's railway station, where we join the train to Prague for the night. En route, our train passes the wonderful sandstone cliffs of Bohemian Switzerland. We arrive in the late afternoon and transfer to our four-star hotel, where we have dinner this evening. Overnight Prague.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Waking up in Prague, we embark on a guided walking tour after breakfast. Beginning at Prague Castle, we explore the largest medieval complex in Europe, dating to the 9th century. Bursting with history, the most eye-catching building is the huge Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, its south entrance adorned with golden mosaics. We also view the 10th-century St. George's Basilica and the charmingly quaint Golden Lane.

Leaving the castle, we cross the 14th-century Charles Bridge, admiring the 75 statues built along its walls, then stroll along charming, cobbled streets to the grand Old Town Square. The focal point of Prague life since the 12th century, one of the square's most fascinating features is the renowned astronomical clock, installed in 1410.

The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Wandering through the winding lanes, wonderfully picturesque buildings greet you around corners, often containing interesting and curious museums. Return to the hotel this evening in time for dinner. Overnight Prague.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Bidding farewell to the Czech Republic this morning, we travel by rail to the Hungarian capital of Budapest, where our luxurious ship awaits. Welcomed by our crew, we enjoy a refreshing 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 magical nighttime 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 that line both banks are lit up, 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 glow across the Danube - 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 grandeur and charm of this appealing city.

With time at leisure after lunch on board, 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 have the best views as we pass the village of Visegrad, famous for its hilltop castle, and Esztergom, the former capital of Hungary. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Making our way to Slovakia's capital, we are welcomed by views of Bratislava Castle's gleaming white walls.

Despite being the national capital, beautiful Bratislava is nicknamed the "Little Big City" due to its compact size. On our 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 on our ship, you have free time to explore at leisure. Enjoy wandering the Old Town, 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. This evening, we set sail again after dinner. 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. With our expert guide, we make our way to the illustrious Ringstrasse boulevard. Here, we see many of Vienna's most ornate buildings, including the world-renowned Opera House and the imposing Parliament.

Following the tour, you have time to explore the city at leisure. You could stroll amongst its scenic streets, marveling at the striking St. Stephen's Cathedral or entering 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 treat awaits us in the lounge 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, enjoy some free time to wander the charming streets and admire its powder blue Baroque church tower. 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 - truly 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, we set out for a visit to Melk Abbey. This 11th-century Benedictine Abbey stands atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube, and on our guided tour, we see the abbey's church, one of the most beautiful Baroque churches north of the Alps. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Waking in beautiful Linz, there are two excursions to choose from 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 on our explorations.

Alternatively, join an excursion into Czechia to visit Český Krumlov, a small Bohemian town that looks like something straight out of a fairytale. 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

Today, we reach the end of our relaxing cruise along the Danube. Drifting through beautiful scenery into Germany, 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 in our final port of call, the Bavarian town of Passau. We get to know the town as we embark on a guided tour, uncovering the "Three Rivers City" that 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.

Tonight, we enjoy a farewell gala dinner on our ship. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This tour and cruise vacation has showcased the constantly changing beauty of the Danube as we drifted along from Budapest to Passau. From natural wonders, such as the Danube Bend and Wachau Valley, to the famed cities and pretty villages lining its banks, each day brought a new layer to the history and beauty of Central Europe.

Disembarking the ship for the final time after breakfast this morning, make your way to Passau's railway station to board the train that travels to Munich's airport. From here, you are free to continue your travels home.

• Breakfast