Vienna & the Danube's Wachau Valley River Cruise, plus Budapest

Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your accommodation, where you'll stay overnight (either on board your ship or in a carefully-chosen hotel). Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to start exploring Hungary's elegant capital, known for its grand architecture, thermal baths and vibrant café culture.

This morning, discover Budapest on a guided tour, taking in many of the city's best-known landmarks and gaining an insight into its rich history and culture.

Later, travel through the Hungarian and Austrian countryside to Vienna by rail, enjoying a comfortable and convenient journey between two of Europe's great capitals. On arrival, board your ship and settle into your cabin before meeting fellow guests over dinner.

After a delicious dinner onboard, enjoy musical entertainment in the ship’s lounge, featuring a string quartet performance, welcoming you to the City of Music.

Vienna is such a beautiful and interesting city, and today you’ll get to explore the Austrian capital on guided tours. Take a panoramic tour through the city via coach to get a feel for Vienna, followed by an optional walking tour through some of the city's historic streets and squares. It’s the perfect introduction to Vienna's grand boulevards, palaces and striking architecture, and vast history.

This afternoon is free for you to enjoy Vienna at your own pace. Perhaps visit one of the city's renowned cafés, browse elegant shops or simply soak up the atmosphere of this imperial city.

After dinner back on board, we will start our cruise towards Dürnstein.

Enjoy a scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley, one of the river's most beautiful stretches. Vineyards, historic villages, hilltop castles and wooded slopes create a memorable backdrop as you commence your journey along the Danube.

After lunch, visit the magnificent Melk Abbey, one of Austria's most celebrated Baroque landmarks, dramatically positioned above the Danube. After the tour, explore the grounds or take a stroll back to the ship through the picturesque old town, with buildings dating back to the 15th century.

Today offers a choice of experiences. You may wish to join a full-day excursion to Salzburg, or remain close to the ship for a guided tour of Linz.

Fans of Mozart find Salzburg a highlight of the trip - the city's historic centre is famed for its musical heritage, but it’s also a beautiful city to walk around because of its baroque architecture and spectacular Alpine setting.

Alternatively, stay in Linz and discover the charming Baroque old town with its grand pastel-coloured facades with an impressive central Trinity Column of white marble, crowned by a gilded sunburst. This guided tour is followed by some free time.

After your day of exploring, return to the ship for dinner on board, before we leave Linz to cruise back downstream.

This morning, arrive in the charming riverside town of Dürnstein, one of the most picturesque locations along the Danube. Choose between a guided visit of the town or a more active walk to the castle ruins overlooking the valley.

During the afternoon, relax on board as you continue your journey through some of the river's most attractive scenery.

This evening, enjoy a special Captain's Dinner on board as we arrive back in Vienna.

After breakfast, leave the ship and travel to Bratislava, Slovakia's capital. Enjoy a guided introduction to the city, including views of Bratislava Castle and a walk through the atmospheric Old Town, where medieval streets, colourful buildings and elegant squares reveal centuries of history.

Later, continue to Budapest and enjoy free time to explore independently. You may wish to stroll along the Danube promenade, admire the city's illuminated landmarks or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere. Overnight accommodation will be provided either on board or in a hotel.

Flight time permitting, enjoy free time in Budapest before your journey home.