Gems of the Danube

Welcome to Germany and the start of your Danube river cruise. Passau has a rich history spanning 2,000 years and is one of the oldest cities in Bavaria.Settle in to your spacious suite, then join your fellow guests for a welcome reception and toast to the start of an exciting journey. You will remain docked in Passau overnight, so you can also set out to explore the city after dark if you wish.Please book your flight to arrive into Munich prior to 02:00 PM.

Often referred to as the ‘City of Three Rivers’ due to its unique location at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers, Passau was an important trading route for centuries. It was also a significant town in the Holy Roman Empire, and the charming Old Town was mostly built by powerful prince-bishops in an Italianate style.Scenic Freechoice: Take your pick from this morning’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:Highlights of Passau: Join your local guide on a walking tour, admiring the brightly coloured buildings that line the waterways. Visit St. Stephens Cathedral, originally built in the year 450 but destroyed by fire in 1662 and rebuilt in the Baroque style.Cross border cycling: Travel further afield on a guided e-bike ride along the River Inn, during which you will cross the border from Germany to Austria. Cycle through charming towns and admire the spectacular views of the region.Depart for Linz early this afternoon.

Wake up in Austria this morning, where your Scenic Space-Ship will be docked in the heart of Linz. This city is known for its vibrant music and arts scene and beautiful blend of traditional and contemporary architecture and lifestyle. The city’s quaint old town and Main Square are resplendent in Baroque architecture, while its harbour doubles as an outdoor street art gallery.Scenic Freechoice: Today, choose to explore Linz your way:Guided tour of Linz: Join a local guide on a walking tour to discover the balance between the city’s vibrant history and contemporary living. You’ll see famous sights like the restored Castle of Linz and St. Martin's Church, and the main square with its towering Holy Trinity column.Full day excursion to Salzburg: Cross the border into Salzburg, Austria, a storybook city surrounded by alpine peaks and best known as the home of Mozart and The Sound of Music. On a guided tour, learn about its art and music scene, visit Mozart’s birthplace, and see the vast Hohensalzburg Fortress. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and some free time.Full day excursion to Ceský Krumlov: Journey to the Czech town of Ceský Krumlov, a World Heritage site brimming with charm. Explore with your local guide, admire the well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.

This morning your Scenic Space-Ship will dock in the small town of Melk, tucked inside Austria’s picturesque Wachau Valley. The town is dominated by its dramatic, World Heritage-listed Benedictine Abbey, which towers above it from a rocky outcrop.Scenic Freechoice: This morning offers a variety of Scenic Freechoice excursions to tailor your day:Guided tour of Melk Abbey: Wander the halls of this grand 18th century abbey, visit the decorated Marble Hall and the library, which is filled with more than 80,000 books, and be awed by the Abbey Church, adorned in frescoes and intricate statues.Artstetten Castle: Meet the current owners of Artstetten Castle, which dates to the 13th century. It was once home to the Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination sparked the beginning of WWI in 1914. See the family crypt and visit the on-site museum, before hearing tales from decedents of the royal family dynasty that were influential in European history.Wachau Valley wine tasting: The Wachau Valley is one of the prominent regions for wine growing in Austria. Today you'll visit a local winemaker and learn about the age-old traditions of winemaking while sampling the delicious wines produced on site.UNESCO Wachau Valley e-bike experience: Join your guide on a cycling tour along the Danube. Pass by charming villages and rolling vineyard landscapes. You will have time to stop along the way to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Danube, whilst observing daily life in the region.This afternoon, cruise through the Wachau Valley where you will be mesmerised by the sloping vineyards and charming villages. Then dock in the quaint town of Dürnstein, where you have ample free time to wander at your leisure. Surrounded by vineyards, the town has historical buildings that date back to the 12th century, including the hilltop ruins of Dürnstein Castle where Richard the Lionheart was famously imprisoned between 1192 and 1193.While on board later today, you can also join an informative talk on the production of regional delicacies and taste some local varieties.

This morning your Scenic Space-Ship will dock in the small town of Melk, tucked inside Austria’s picturesque Wachau Valley. The town is dominated by its dramatic, World Heritage-listed Benedictine Abbey, which towers above it from a rocky outcrop.Scenic Freechoice: This morning offers a variety of Scenic Freechoice excursions to tailor your day:Guided tour of Melk Abbey: Wander the halls of this grand 18th century abbey, visit the decorated Marble Hall and the library, which is filled with more than 80,000 books, and be awed by the Abbey Church, adorned in frescoes and intricate statues.Artstetten Castle: Meet the current owners of Artstetten Castle, which dates to the 13th century. It was once home to the Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination sparked the beginning of WWI in 1914. See the family crypt and visit the on-site museum, before hearing tales from decedents of the royal family dynasty that were influential in European history.Wachau Valley wine tasting: The Wachau Valley is one of the prominent regions for wine growing in Austria. Today you'll visit a local winemaker and learn about the age-old traditions of winemaking while sampling the delicious wines produced on site.UNESCO Wachau Valley e-bike experience: Join your guide on a cycling tour along the Danube. Pass by charming villages and rolling vineyard landscapes. You will have time to stop along the way to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Danube, whilst observing daily life in the region.This afternoon, cruise through the Wachau Valley where you will be mesmerised by the sloping vineyards and charming villages. Then dock in the quaint town of Dürnstein, where you have ample free time to wander at your leisure. Surrounded by vineyards, the town has historical buildings that date back to the 12th century, including the hilltop ruins of Dürnstein Castle where Richard the Lionheart was famously imprisoned between 1192 and 1193.While on board later today, you can also join an informative talk on the production of regional delicacies and taste some local varieties.

Welcome to Vienna, the capital of Austria and a centre of art, music and culture. The city fostered the musical geniuses Mozart and Beethoven, and oozes charm with magnificent Baroque buildings, ample green spaces, a vibrant coffee-house scene, and masterpiece-filled galleries and museums.Scenic Freechoice: Choose from these Scenic Freechoice activities this afternoon:Schönbrunn Palace: Explore Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg family. Wander its ornately designed rooms, hear tales about the royal family that lives here and see the impressive gardens.Central Vienna: Vienna is brimming with history, elegance and diverse architecture. During this tour your expert local guide will delight you with stories from the city before allowing you free time to explore as you wish.Klösterneuburg Abbey guided tour and wine tasting: Step into the heart of Habsburg history with a visit to Klösterburg Abbey, founded almost 1,000 years ago. On a guided tour, explore its magnificent halls, the impressive Verdun altar, imperial rooms, and the abbey’s treasury, home to remarkable religious artifacts and artworks spanning centuries. Afterwards, enjoy a wine tasting at Austria’s oldest winery set within the abbey grounds.Scenic EnrichClassical Concert at Arsenal Military Museum: Take in the wonderful architecture of Arsenal Military Museum, while enjoying a glass of fine Austrian Sekt. Then be enthralled by an enchanting private Viennese evening concert featuring the timeless music of Strauss and Mozart.

Slovakia’s capital since independence in 1993, Bratislava is a modern multicultural metropolis with an intriguing history. Its Old Town is glorious with medieval and Gothic architecture. Its well-preserved hilltop castle, which dates back to the ninth century, still dominates the town. These charming historic sites contrast with its brutalist socialist architecture, which is evident around the city.Scenic Freechoice: As we dock in the city centre, this morning’s Scenic Freechoice excursions are just steps away:Walking tour of Bratislava: Join a knowledgeable local guide to see the highlights of the city, including the Hlavné Námestie (main square) and the Old Town Hall while learning about the history of the city. You’ll also learn what everyday life was like behind the Iron Curtain and taste a traditional Slovakian delicacy.Communist walk: Journey behind the Iron Curtain to explore Bratislava’s complex and compelling history during the communist regime. Discover how this controversial era shaped the daily lives of Slovaks, with impacts that were sometimes positive, often negative, and always fascinating.Carpathian wine route: Embark on a delightful Slovakian wine-tasting experience just beyond Bratislava, where the picturesque villages of the Small Carpathians invite you to discover this celebrated viticultural region. Enjoy an insider’s perspective on local culture and heritage, meeting passionate family winemakers who have preserved their craft across generations.

Arrive in Budapest early this morning, the capital of Hungary and one of Europe’s most diverse and vibrant cities. Divided by the Danube, with Buda on one side and Pest on the other, this city became united in 1873 when a newly built bridge connected the two. It’s an architectural treasure trove comprising styles from Gothic to Art Nouveau and everything in between. It is also well known for its hot springs and thermal baths and has a vibrant nightlife scene.Scenic Freechoice: Choose from a range of Scenic Freechoice activities on offer this morning:Budapest in depth: Explore this magical city by coach. Starting in Buda, see the Várkert Bazár before crossing the Margaret Bridge to the Pest side to see Széchenyi Square and Elizabeth Square. End your tour with a mesmerising piano recital at the Institute for the Blind.Etyek region wineries and vineyards: The Etyek wine region, often called the ‘Vineyard of Budapest’, is renowned for its crisp, aromatic white wines and sparkling wines. Learn about its winemaking tradition and taste local vintages.National Opera House: Get a captivating glimpse into the stunning architecture and rich history of the Hungarian State Opera. Admire the opulent interiors and learn about its significance to Hungarian culture.This afternoon is at leisure. Your Scenic Space-Ship will remain docked in Budapest overnight so you may wish to explore the city after dark.

Your journey concludes this morning. After one final breakfast on board, depart with a lifetime of memories that will be cherished for years to come.This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.