Day 3
Bratislava - Awakening to the gentle lapping of the water and the colourful valley sides slipping effortlessly past your cabin window, there really is no other holiday experience quite like it. Sit back in one of the deck chairs on the sun deck and soak up the tranquillity and spectacular scenery in all its panoramic glory – now you’re really on holiday!
During lunch we’ll arrive in Slovakia’s fast-emerging capital city, Bratislava. Until recently swathed in the drab uniformity of communism, the city has shrugged off its greyness, rekindling the splendour of its imperial past, so evident in its beautifully restored Baroque old town.
We enjoy a guided tour after which you are at leisure. Wander the winding streets to the main square, where you will find the former old town hall, now housing a museum dedicated to the history of the city and where you may climb the tower for some lovely views.
Equally impressive is the great 17th-century fortress, which dominates the city with its commanding and expansive views across the Danube. Or head for the Primatial Palace with its fabulous Hall of Mirrors and rare collection of 17th-century English tapestries. For something less strenuous, perhaps enjoy a freshly ground coffee or homemade lemonade in one of the many bars or cafés.
Reconvene with your fellow travelling companions in the elegant restaurant to enjoy tonight’s dinner as we slip our moorings once again.
Day 4
Vienna - This morning, you awake in Vienna, a truly elegant city and one of the real gems of Central Europe, conjuring up an image in the mind of culture, ornate architecture, elegant cafés, aristocratic palaces, imposing cathedrals and everywhere, the romantic music of the great composers. To be fair the reality is little different and as capital of the Habsburg Empire, which held sway over much of Central and Eastern Europe for centuries, there is an absolute wealth of things to see.
At its heart is the lovely Saint Stephen’s Cathedral with its dazzling patterned roof of glazed tiles, then the awe-inspiring Hofburg Palace, now home to the crown jewels and relics of the Holy Roman Empire, the Vienna Boys’ Choir and the famous Spanish Riding School. This morning we will have a guided tour to discover this wonderful city, while the afternoon is free for you to further explore.
After the panoramic tour on coach along the Ringstrasse, the famous boulevard, built where the city walls once stood and lined with many of the most important sights, you can choose to continue your tour on foot through the old town or explore independently.
This evening after dinner, to celebrate the city’s wonderful legacy, we have arranged a classical recital on board by a quartet of talented musicians. To hear this exquisite music whilst in the city of its creation makes a wonderful finale to the day.
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Visit the Spanish Riding School, Vienna
Duration: 1hr
Price: £30pp (2025) £33pp (2026)
Enjoy a visit to the Spanish Riding School, the only institution in the world that has practised classical equitation in the Renaissance tradition of the haute école for over 440 years and continues to do so. On this guided tour you will get a glimpse behind the scenes, see the stables of the Lippizaner horses, the training grounds and learn about the history, equestrian traditions and horses. Please note during 6 weeks in summer, the horses are on their holiday, therefore you won’t see any during the tour.
This optional excursion can be done during your free afternoon in Vienna.
This guided tour doesn’t include a performance of horses. Other available events like the morning training sessions and performances vary depending on the day of the week of your visit and season. Details can be found on www.srs.at/en/tickets-events/ where we recommend you book your tickets directly prior to travel.
Please contact us for more information and to add the above experience to your booking, or you may have the chance on board to book. Minimum numbers apply, so if not enough guests opt for this extra, it may not happen.
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Tour of Schönbrunn Palace with wine-tasting, Vienna
Duration: 4hrs
Price: £93pp (2025) £99pp (2026)
Join us for a tour of Schönbrunn Palace with a local guide. Once a summer residence in the countryside, Schönbrunn now serves as an oasis of architectural beauty and tranquillity in the heart of 21st-century Vienna, thanks to the city's expansion. On our guided tour we’ll see the palace’s highlights, including the state rooms and private apartments of the Habsburg emperors.
After our tour, we'll visit the Josef II restaurant nestled in the palace gardens where we'll dive into Viennese viticulture. No other federal capital in the world has as much wine-growing area as Vienna, with large vineyards on the outskirts of the city and today we'll enjoy a taste of the local offering, accompanied by cheese and bread.
This optional excursion can be done during your free afternoon in Vienna.
Please contact us for more information and to add the above experience to your booking, or you may have the chance on board to book. Minimum numbers apply, so if not enough guests opt for this extra, it may not happen.
Day 5
Melk - As our cruise ship navigates the picturesque Wachau Valley, we arrive this morning in Melk for our visit to the enormous Benedictine Abbey, situated on a striking and resplendent rocky bluff above the town.
This extraordinary building was originally a castle, which was subsequently bequeathed to the Benedictine order in the 11th century and has been a monastery ever since. Reconstructed in full Baroque style during the 18th century, the abbey has many fine rooms and a stupendous library with 100,000 priceless volumes, including many intricate medieval manuscripts. 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.
After lunch is served, we cruise upstream towards the German border. Synonymous with breath-taking scenery of course, this wonderful section of our fascinating journey is still something of a secret however, so sit back and relax as the Captain skilfully navigates us through the narrowing valley.
After tonight’s dinner, retire to the lounge for your favourite digestif to reflect on all you have seen so far.
Day 6
Passau - This morning we have left Austria behind, and visit the picturesque German town of Passau, sitting at the confluence of three rivers: the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz. For centuries, the rivers ensured that Passau was a significant centre of trade, particularly for Central Europe’s precious Bohemian salt.
This morning enjoy a guided tour through the Altstadt’s tight lanes, tunnels and archways decorated with an Italianate flourish and built by the powerful prince-bishops. See the beautifully baroque Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, where the world’s largest cathedral organ sounds, (currently under renovation).
Alternatively, you may choose to join a guide on an active hike to Veste Oberhaus. Reaching the 13th-century defensive fortress requires a picturesque hike along a steep, wooded path with stray rocks and occasional sets of steps - so a good level of fitness and appropriate footwear are a must. As your reward, once we reach the top, we'll be treated to superb views of the city and into Austria. The Veste Oberhaus, built by the prince-bishops, majestically overlooks Passau with an air of authority. For nearly 600 years, this castle symbolised power and strength, serving as a fortress that protected the prince-bishops from both internal and external threats. The citizens of Passau often rebelled against the ruling bishops, striving for greater independence. However, all of these attempts were in vain. The steadfast castle withstood numerous challenges throughout the centuries.
Enjoy an afternoon of cruising on this final stretch of the Danube. Please note: when cruising from Passau to Mainz, the main part of the sun deck is closed due to low bridges. The other outside areas in front of the lounge, the Riverview Kitchen and the lower section of the sun deck are still accessible. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax and make the most of the ship’s excellent facilities. Indulge in a treatment in the spa or at the hairdressers, or simply find a comfy seat in the lounge with an afternoon cup of tea and enjoy the views.
Day 7
Regensburg - Our ship moors in the delightful town of Regensburg for an insightful guided tour. Originally a Roman garrison guarding the most north westerly point of their empire, the town is dominated by its cathedral, the finest in Bavaria. Thankfully spared war damage, Regensburg is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is a joy to explore this historic gem.
Stroll along the iconic Stone Bridge and meander through the ancient centre; see the Altes Rathaus, the town hall with its great Gothic Hall, where many of the great events in Germany’s history were solemnised and be enchanted by the wonderful ambience of the place. Indeed, Regensburg calls itself Germany’s best-preserved medieval city, and it is hard to argue as you wander through the glorious winding streets and alleyways.
Relax on board this afternoon as we cruise on to our next destination, joining the engineering feast of the Main-Danube Canal and leaving behind the Danube, one of the most famous and beautiful rivers in the world.
As evening approaches, why not enjoy an apéritif in the bar before choosing a table in the restaurant to enjoy the chef’s masterful creations for dinner?
Day 8
Nuremberg - Now cruising on the Main-Danube Canal, after a leisurely breakfast, we call at the historic Bavarian city of Nuremberg, where history buffs will be fascinated by its associations with the Second World War as the site of many pre-war Nazi rallies and later, the International War Crimes Tribunal.
What is less well-known is that Nuremberg is regarded as the capital of Germany’s First Reich, the era that lasted 1,000 years and was central to the trade routes and power of the Roman Empire. Today its picture-perfect streets and stunning landmarks, such as the beautiful Gothic Church of Saint Lawrence, can only enchant the visitor and there is plenty to admire about this historic city.
This morning you have two choices:
Choose to explore Nuremberg’s medieval history with a panoramic coach tour of the city culminating in a visit to the majestic Nuremberg Castle. This fortress, symbolizing imperial power, stands as a testament to the city’s heritage, once serving as the residence for Holy Roman Emperors. Here you'll encounter the opulence of the Knights' and Imperial Hall, a Romanesque double chapel, and an engaging exhibit that unveils the inner workings of the Holy Roman Empire. Additionally, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city from Sinwell Tower or look down into the Deep Well. After time to explore the castle, we'll enjoy a walking tour down to the old town ending with free time to explore Nueremberg at leisure.
Alternatively, you can combine Nuremberg’s rich medieval history with its significance in WWII. Nuremberg was considered the spiritual home of the Nazi Party, hosting massive propaganda events like the annual party rallies at the Zeppelin Field and serving as the birthplace of the Nuremberg Laws. After WWII, it became the site of the Nuremberg Trials, where top Nazi leaders were held accountable for war crimes in the Palace of Justice. Today, we'll stop to visit the rally grounds and pass the courthouse before leaving the coach to see the castle and finish with a walking tour of the old town. As we wander, we'll learn more about the city's long history, and see many of its medieval sites, like the Hauptmarkt Square (where the enchanting Christmas Markets are held) and the Old City Hall.
Before tonight's dinner, there's the chance to sample some of Bavaria's legendary beers and learn more about its history and production during an on-board presentation.
Day 9
Bamberg - Today we visit Bamberg, quite simply one of the most beautiful small towns in Europe, easily on a par with Prague and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The masterpiece you see today on our guided tour began its artistic journey in the 11th century, when Emperor Heinrich II planned a capital as grand as Rome and selected Bamberg as the location for this, sited on seven lush green hills like its inspiration. Although it never became as large as Rome, it has a wealth of fine historic buildings for its size.
See the striking multi-spired cathedral, wander the fascinating tangle of lanes in the pretty old town lined with tall merchants’ houses, and explore the picturesque canal paths reminiscent of Venice, before returning to the ship for another delicious lunch.
Leaving Bamberg, we join the Main river for the next part of our cruise. Relax on board, making sure you keep an eye on the views along the meandering bends and lush green landscapes, strewn with medieval villages and quaint timber houses. Indulge in afternoon tea and, perhaps, our chef’s special patisserie, while being sure to leave room for the evening’s dinner.
Day 10
Würzburg - One of the delights of river cruising is indulging in complete relaxation, so this morning, after a leisurely breakfast, perhaps catch up on some reading or simply watch the world float by as we cruise along this serene river.
During lunch we arrive and moor in Würzburg, a Bavarian city situated at the head of Germany’s ’Romantic Road’. A former seat of the Prince-Bishops, their truly magnificent Residenz is one of Europe’s finest Baroque palaces, constructed to compete with the greatest courts of the day, such as Vienna and Versailles, which in artistic terms they more than succeeded in doing. After enjoying a guided tour, the rest of the afternoon is at leisure, allowing you to further explore this picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its art, architecture and delicate wines.
The impressive Marienberg Fortress overlooks the neat blocks of grand pastel-coloured buildings punctuated by the spires and domes of the city’s many churches.
During another exquisite dinner back on board, we leave Würzburg behind and head for our next stop, Wertheim. Afterwards, perhaps retire for a digestif in the bar to reflect on all the wonderful sights you’ve seen so far and the people you’ve met on this unforgettable river cruise.
Day 11
Wertheim & Miltenberg - This morning, our journey brings us to Wertheim, one of those towns which is a joy to stumble across because it’s still relatively unknown on the mainstream tourist trail. Nestling beautifully at the confluence of the Main and Tauber, it’s a patchwork of twisting alleys and superb panoramic viewpoints with a ruined russet-walled 12th-century castle looming high above. Here we enjoy an expert-led tour which takes you past the highlights of this charming town.
Alternatively, if you’re in the mood for something more active, consider joining a tour to Wertheim Castle. After an easy yet steep climb, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the old town and the river landscapes of the Main and Tauber. The castle has overlooked the city since the 12th century, although it was partially destroyed during the Thirty Years' War. Its ruins are filled with fascinating history waiting to be explored.
During lunch, we cruise around some of the many meandering bends which so characterise the River Main before learning more about the history of glassblowing and watching a fascinating demonstration of this historic craft.
Later, we arrive at the beautiful small town of Miltenberg for our second tour of the day. Developing through the Middle Ages under the powerful protection of the nearby castle, surrounded by walls, it is one of Germany's best-preserved medieval villages. Its colourful half-timbered houses and market square, with an octagonal Renaissance fountain, are atmospheric reminders of times past. If you would like to have more time to explore independently, you can choose a shorter orientation walk.
Day 12
Mainz - Today there’s ample time to relax on board before our visit to Mainz – why not enjoy a cuppa in the lounge to take in the lovely views of lush woodland and fertile vineyards seamlessly idling by; or make an appointment with the on-board hairdresser before our ship arrives at the fascinating town of Mainz, situated at the confluence of the rivers Main and Rhine.
An important Roman city for over 450 years with the largest amphitheatre north of the Alps, Mainz is also home to the magnificent Romanesque Saint Martin’s Cathedral and Saint Stephen’s Church, whose interior is filled with beautiful blue light flooding through stained glass windows featuring intricate biblical figures – a masterpiece by the great artist Marc Chagall.
On the tour, wander the crooked streets of the old town and city centre to discover the half-timbered houses and historic Roman Catholic monuments, finishing at Saint Stephen’s where you’ll have the opportunity to admire the captivating Chagall windows up close. After the tour you have time to see the striking Cathedral and bustling marketplace. Take in the atmosphere of this river port city and marvel at the architectural feat of the 13ft sandstone ‘Heunensäule’ which dates back to 1,000 AD. Mainz’s most famous son is Johannes Gutenberg, father of modern printing, and there’s an excellent museum housing a reconstruction of his workshop and two original 1455 Gutenberg Bibles, among the earliest books ever printed.
Tonight, there’s another culinary highlight – the ‘Chef’s Dinner’, when the chef prepares his superb ‘signature’ dishes for you to enjoy in the splendid surroundings of the ship’s restaurant. During dinner we arrive at Rüdesheim, a true Rhine wine town with many famous wines available to sample as you wander the quaint backstreets so typical of the area. After dinner, why not take a stroll along the Drosselgasse to sample a small Asbach – the locally distilled brandy.
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Guided tour of the Gutenberg Museum
Duration: 1.5hrs
Price: £10pp (2025) & £11pp (2026)
With your guide, walk to the Gutenberg museum, dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg, a native of Mainz, who invented printing with movable metal type over 500 years ago! It houses a reconstruction of his workshop and, outstandingly, two original 1455 Gutenberg Bibles.
Founded in 1900 by Mainz citizens, the museum highlights the history of letterpress printing through technical tools, typesetting machines, and printing presses. As a "World Museum for the Art of Printing," it features sections on the origins of printing in East Asia, scripts from the Islamic world, and the development of manuscripts. Other displays cover the history of printing presses, bookbinding, fine press techniques, and the production of paper and colours.
Optional excursion can be done instead of the walking tour of Mainz.
Please contact us at least two weeks before you’re set to depart to add the above experience to your booking before departure. Minimum numbers apply, and capacity is limited.
Day 13
Rüdesheim, Rhine Gorge & Boppard - Disembark this morning for a guided tour of Rüdesheim. A tangle of crooked houses, winding cobbled alleys and curious little shops, the pretty town is famous for its wine making. Set amongst vineyard-clad slopes, Riesling is the region’s speciality grape, and you’ll find a wealth of Weinstuben where you can sample the locally produced wines. A delightful marketplace lined with pastel facades and cosy taverns lies at Rüdesheim’s heart, overlooked by Brömserburg Castle. As you wander the maze of streets, don’t miss the impressive Klunkhardshof, one of the town’s finest 15th-century homes with its traditional timber frame and gabled roof.
Over a delicious lunch you experience one of the real highlights of your cruise as we sail through the spectacular Rhine Gorge.
Here the valley narrows, the current is swifter and the towering valley sides soar 600 feet, crowned at every tortuous turn by the precarious ruins of castles, which once held sway over passing mariners. We pass rocky outcrops and around endless twisting bends to the famous Loreley Rock, where legend has it that enchanting maidens lured unsuspecting sailors to watery graves.
It’s not long before we arrive in Boppard, ‘Pearl of the Rhine’; wonderfully situated on a sweeping meander, it really is one of the most attractive villages in the Rhineland. Its stone quayside is lined by boats of all descriptions against a backdrop of archetypical half-timbered buildings and cobbled streets, all surrounded by Germany’s finest Roman walls.
There will be some time before dinner to enjoy discovering this delightful spot, before continuing our journey towards Koblenz. Here, after dinner, delight in the upbeat sounds of Rhenish folk music with a live performance on traditional instruments.
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Wine tasting at a local winery
Duration: 1hr 30 mins
Price: £22pp (2025) and £24pp (2026)
Visit a winery in Rüdesheim to taste the local wine. In the atmospheric backdrop of a historic wine cave, enjoy sampling the varieties this region is famous for, including Riesling, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, and learn interesting facts about the viticulture and the history of wine in the area.
Please note: Due to the location of the wine tasting, it's advised all guests bring a jacket.
Optional excursion can be done during free time in Rüdesheim.
Please contact us at least two weeks before you’re set to depart to add the above experience to your booking before departure. Minimum numbers apply.
Day 14
Koblenz - This morning, we explore picturesque Koblenz. Founded by the Romans, this historic city is beautifully located at the confluence of the Rhine and its sister river the Moselle. Discover Koblenz’s maze of medieval buildings in the Altstadt – old town – which is studded with a fine array of traditional shops and classic Rhineland cafés.
On our guided tour of this delightful town, historic buildings appear seemingly at every turn: see the former mint, the Four Towers with their ornamental 17th-century turrets and several fascinating squares and churches, including the 9th-century Basilica of Saint Kastor. The waterfront along the Moselle is stunning too, with the medieval Balduin Bridge, staggeringly still in use.
This afternoon, sink into a comfy chair in the lounge or head up to the sun deck and enjoy our last stretch of cruising as we drift through this lovely Rhineland scenery, past quaint riverside towns with pretty waterfronts and carefully tended vineyards. See the famous ruined bridge at Remagen, which was captured intact by the Allies towards the end of the Second World War, allowing thousands of troops to cross into Germany’s heartland and the forested Siebengebirge - Seven Mountains – a cluster of ancient volcanic hills that inspired many of the Brothers Grimm’s legends, including Snow White. We make our final passage into Cologne in the shadow of the magnificent Gothic cathedral, for which the city is so famous. It is a truly staggering building, which took 600 years to build and has the most intricate stained glass in Europe.
Enjoy your final dinner on board, with a chance to reflect on the fascinating places you have discovered, poignant stories you have heard and the new friends you have made.
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Cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein fortress and visit
Duration: At leisure
Price: £19pp (2025) & £21pp (2026)
Take a scenic cable car over the Rhine River to the impressive Ehrenbreitstein fortress, which stands 118 meters tall on its riverbanks. Built by the Prussians to fend off the French, it's the second-largest preserved fortress in Europe, with an unparalleled view of Koblenz and the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Here, you can explore the castle's 1000-year history at leisure before returning to Koblenz by cable car.
Optional excursion can be done during free time or instead of the walking tour of Koblenz.
Please contact us at least two weeks before you’re set to depart to add the above experience to your booking before departure.