Fairytale Bavaria & Delights of the Danube

Meeting at London St. Pancras, your vacation begins as we board the Eurostar to Paris. We continue by regional train into Germany, arriving in Stuttgart to spend our first night in this popular city.

Famous as the birthplace of Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, the city is a blend of history, innovation, and natural beauty. After settling into our accommodation, we gather for our first dinner together this evening at the hotel.  Overnight Stuttgart.

• Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel this morning, we journey by rail to Füssen, where we will spend the next three nights. Green fields and picturesque villages pass the windows, turning to more dramatic mountain scenery as we enter the Allgäu region in the foothills of the Alps.

Arriving in Füssen, on the banks of the glistening Lech River, your afternoon is free to explore. Füssen began as a Roman fort but expanded after the founding of the Benedictine St. Mang's Abbey in the early 9th century. This baroque complex perches on the bank of the river and today houses a museum detailing the history of the town. Füssen's medieval Old Town offers quaint, cobbled streets lined with colorful buildings, housing traditional shops and cozy cafés. The town also boasts a Gothic castle perched on the hilltop, Hohes Schloss, that provides great views out over the historic town center.

After taking in the sights of this captivating town, we gather at our hotel to enjoy dinner together. Overnight Füssen.

• Breakfast, Dinner

One of Bavaria's finest castles awaits us today - the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle. Entrance is included, where we can enjoy spectacular views overlooking the Schwangau Valley. Commissioned by the reclusive King Ludwig II of Bavaria, the castle is an architectural masterpiece and served as the inspiration for the castle in Disney's Sleeping Beauty.

Built in a striking Romanesque Revival style, it features soaring towers, turrets, and battlements, set against a backdrop of rugged mountains and dense forests. Its interior is just as impressive, with ornate carvings, murals, and an opulent throne room that showcases the king's fascination with medieval lore. 

Transferring to the stunning Eibsee, enjoy some free time to find lunch and marvel at the crystal-clear, turquoise lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. We then board the scenic Zugspitze Railway, journeying through lush green meadows, rocky terrain, and snow-covered mountains. We arrive at Zugspitzplatt, a plateau on Germany's highest mountain, Zugspitze, where we can take in panoramic views across the German and Austrian Alps. We enjoy another ride on the Zugspitze Railway before returning to Füssen for dinner. Overnight Füssen.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we visit the romantic Linderhof Palace. The smallest of King Ludwig II's palaces, it is the only one that was completed in his lifetime and was a frequent residence of the king. Designed in Rococo style and inspired by the Palace of Versailles, the façade is adorned with intricate reliefs and statues, looking out across the beautifully landscaped terrace gardens. The interior of the palace is the epitome of opulence, with lavish furnishings framed by ornate gold carvings covering the walls and ceilings.

Leaving Linderhof Palace, we transfer to the UNESCO-listed Church of Wies. This outstanding Rococo church began as a pilgrimage site to visit a wooden figure of Christ on which tears allegedly appeared, leading to a church being built for the miraculous statue and the many pilgrims visiting it. Designed in the 1740s, the Rococo interior features exuberant, colorful sculptures and stuccowork and a remarkable trompe-l'œil ceiling.

This afternoon, we return to our hotel where there is some time to unwind before dinner together. Overnight Füssen.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today, we travel by rail to the mesmerizing city of Budapest, where our seven-night Danube cruise begins. Our luxurious ship awaits us here and we're greeted with a welcome cocktail in the lounge.

After settling into our cabins and familiarizing ourselves with the ship, we sit down to our first dinner on board. This evening, we also enjoy the enchanting ambience of a traditional Hungarian Folklore troupe, celebrating Hungary's culture and heritage with their performance.

Once the sun sets, we begin a night-time cruise along the Danube River, taking in the illuminated sights of Budapest. From the Gothic-style Parliament building to the grand Buda castle, the state buildings that line the banks on both sides are all lit up - as well as the iconic Chain Bridge. Whether you choose to relax in the cozy lounge or take in the panoramic views from the sun deck, Budapest's elegant scenery is a spectacular start to our cruise. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we delve deeper into the beauty and history of Budapest 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 on the Buda hills, each site reveals the grandeur and charm of this appealing city. 

After lunch on board, there's time at leisure - 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 expansive 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'll 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 brilliant views of Bratislava Castle's gleaming white walls atop its hilltop perch.  

Despite being a 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, gaze out across the terracotta roofs of the Old Town and the SNP Bridge - also known as the UFO bridge because of its futuristic design.   

With free time after lunch on board, you can wander the Old Town's charming streets, where each corner reveals delightful views. Alternatively, head out of the center to uncover iconic Soviet-era architecture, such as the inverted pyramid of the Slovak Radio building or the 12-tonne 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 - a circular boulevard that surrounds the city's historic center. Here, we see many of Vienna's most ornate buildings, including the world-renowned Opera House and striking Parliament building. 

After our tour, you're free to take in Vienna's sights independently. Stroll amongst its scenic streets, marveling 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 as we're joined by four previous members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra who captivate us with their performances of well-known classical pieces. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arriving in the riverside village of Dürnstein this morning, there's 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 sits on a rocky outcrop with panoramic views overlooking the Danube. On our guided tour, we see the abbey's church, one of the most beautiful Baroque churches north of the Alps, with a majestic interior decorated with luxurious marble and gold leaf. 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. Enroute, we stop in the Austrian Lake District for a fantastic 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 fairytale Bohemian town. On a tour, we explore the palatial 13th-century 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 showcasing Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. 

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 conclude 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 at our final port of call, the Bavarian town of Passau. We get to know the town as we embark on a guided tour of Passau, 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.  

Tonight, we enjoy a farewell gala dinner on our ship to celebrate our last night on this magical waterway. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This tour and cruise vacation has highlighted Bavaria's natural beauty, history and culture. Neuschwanstein Castle and the Zugspitze Railway enchanted us, before our cruise showcased the treasures of the Danube. From natural wonders such as the Danube Bend and Wachau Valley to the famed cities and pretty villages lining its banks, the Danube has revealed the magical landscapes of central Europe.  

After breakfast this morning, it is time to disembark for the final time. Say goodbye to our wonderful crew, and should it align with your flight schedule, join an included transfer to Munich's international airport. Otherwise, make your own way to Munich using a flexible railway ticket from Passau.

• Breakfast