The Classic Blue Danube Cruise

Your vacation begins as you land at Munich airport. From the Bavarian capital, transfer to the pretty border town of Passau, where our luxurious cruise ship awaits.

We're greeted onboard by our friendly crew and sip on a welcome cocktail while taking in the waterside views from the lounge. After settling into your cabin and familiarizing yourself with our ship's facilities, we indulge in our first five-course dinner on board.

• Dinner

After breakfast this morning, we set out on a guided tour of Passau. Known as the 'Three Rivers City', 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.

This afternoon, we begin our relaxing cruise along the Danube. Drifting through beautiful scenery into Austria, we get our first sight of 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.

Our destination today is the Austrian city of Linz, where we arrive this evening and moor for the night.

• Breakfast, 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 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 and set sail for an overnight cruise further into Austria.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Docking in Emmersdorf this morning, we set out for a visit to Melk Abbey after breakfast. This 11th-century Benedictine Abbey stands 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.

Back on the ship, we enjoy lunch as we 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.

Arriving in the riverside village of Dürnstein, there's free time to sample the local produce or simply 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. After dinner, we continue sailing overnight.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a peaceful overnight cruise, the noble city of Vienna beckons. On arrival, we embark 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, there's time to explore the city at leisure. It's a delight to 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 real treat awaits us in the lounge as we're joined by four previous members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra who whisk us away with their performances of well-known classical pieces.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The atmospheric ruins of Devín Castle at the confluence of the Morava and Danube rivers signal that we have entered Slovakia. Making our way to the country's capital, we are welcomed by views of Bratislava Castle's gleaming white walls. Arriving this morning, we set out on a guided tour of the Baroque Old Town and castle district.

Despite being a national capital, beautiful Bratislava is nicknamed the 'Little Big City' due to its compact size. Wandering the utterly charming streets, where each corner reveals delightful new views, 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 in views across the terracotta roofs of the Old Town and the SNP Bridge - also known as the UFO bridge because of its futuristic design.

Later this afternoon, we continue downstream to Esztergom, the former capital of Hungary, where we berth for the night.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

As we sail onwards this morning, we navigate the scenic Danube Bend, passing the village of Visegrad and its striking hilltop castle.

Arriving in Budapest, we get an overview of the 'Pearl of the Danube' during a visit to Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion, enjoying incredible views of the river and Pest. After lunch onboard, we continue our explorations, admiring impressive landmarks including the State Opera House and St Stephen's Basilica. A performance by a traditional Hungarian folklore troupe accompanies dinner.

Afterwards, we embark on a magical 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 lit up, as well as 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 - the perfect ending to our cruise.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast this morning, it's time to disembark and say goodbye to our wonderful crew.

This cruise vacation has showcased the beauty of the Danube from Passau to Budapest. From natural wonders such as the Wachau Valley and Danube Bend to the elegant cities and pretty villages lining its banks, this spectacular river has revealed the treasures of central Europe.

Transferring by coach to Budapest airport, you catch your flight back home where your Danube vacation comes to an end.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner