Cruising the Danube: Germany, Austria & Hungary

Spend the day visiting the famous Rhine Valley, including time in the traditional town of Rudesheim, as well as a boat ride taking in small villages and riverside castles.

Leaving Frankfurt, you'll be transferred by a private driver to Nuremberg, about three hours away, where you will join your river cruise down the Danube River.

Take a guided tour of Nuremberg, showcasing the Imperial Castle, town wall and the Market Square with its legendary fountain. Alternatively, explore the darker history of WWII sites, or get a taste of Franconia by sampling the notable Nuremburger bratwurst, lebkuchen (gingerbread), and rot bier (red beer).

After cruising through the Main-Danube Canal, you will arrive in Regensburg. Choose a walking tour here to discover the Gothic 13th century cathedral with its two towering spires, or enjoy a bike tour to Walhalla and the neoclassical white marble temple modelled on Athens’ Parthenon. You can also choose to get a taste of Bavarian specialities like beer, pretzels and sausage.

Today, explore Passau’s old town on a walking tour, visiting its cathedral and its distinctive onion-domed towers. Keen hikers can choose to venture uphill to Veste Oberhaus, or a guided bike tour along the river is also available. Another option is to join a full-day Salzburg tour including a stop in Mondsee in the Austrian Lake District, Mozart's birthplace and Mirabell Gardens. Later you'll sail to Linz, where you’ll have free time to explore at your leisure.

In Melk, you’ll be offered a guided tour of the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey, situated high on a rocky outcrop, where you’ll discover the museum and the library’s countless medieval manuscripts. Alternatively, you can opt to go on a walking tour through the cobblestone streets of Dürnstein to the Baroque Stiftkirche and its famed church tower, or join a guided bike ride through the Wachau Valley. Later you'll set sail through the vineyard-rich Wachau Valley to reach Vienna.

Arriving in Vienna, you can opt to explore at your leisure or choose between discovering the city’s imperial side on a walking tour, or venture further on an actively guided bike tour through the capital.

Today you arrive in Budapest, where you can choose to take a city tour that begins with a visit to the Great Market Hall, followed by visits to both Buda and Pest sides of the river. Alternatively, hike to Castle Hill and walk along the Fisherman’s Bastion to take in breathtaking views of the city.

Today your cruise will come to an end. After disembarking the ship in Budapest, your private driver will take you to your hotel. You will have the rest of the day to explore the city at your own leisure.

Today you’ll join a private guide and driver for a half day tour where you learn the unique history of some of the more famous sites, including Gellért, Rudas and Széchenyi, as you make stops around the city to take in the often ornate and elaborate bath houses. At the end, your guide will set you up with a visit to one, so you can relax for the rest of the day.

In the morning, join a private guide for a culinary tour of Budapest’s old town. You’ll sample cakes, coffees, sausages and other local fare that illustrate the country’s blend of French, German, and Turkish influences. You’ll also have the chance to try some Hungarian wines. After your tour has ended, your private driver will pick you up and take you to the airport in time for your flight home.