Arrive in the enthralling city of Budapest, where your river ship awaits on the Danube River. Enjoy a Welcome Reception and meet your fellow travellers and Cruise Director.

Awake to views of one of the Danube’s most enchanting cities this morning. Disembark and learn the vibrant history of Budapest as your local guide takes you to a host of impressive sights. Back on board this evening, enjoy a delightful Gala Welcome Dinner while you cruise.

On arrival in the city centre, join a walking tour to uncover sights like St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Graben and Hofburg Palace. Later, explore the vibrant Naschmarkt at your leisure. This evening, perhaps attend an optional concert for a memorable experience.

Enhance Your Journey – Mozart and Strauss Concert

Enjoy a Mozart and Strauss Concert in one of Vienna’s palaces or concert venues, followed by an evening drive around the Ringtrasse.

With the day at leisure, perhaps explore the Hofburg area or wander along Kärntnerstrasse, the city’s famous shopping strip. Otherwise, embark on an optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace, or head to Bratislava, Slovakia's capital.

Enhance Your Journey – Schönbrunn Palace Visit

Tour inside Schönbrunn Palace, the summer palace of the Habsburgs. Discover the apartments of former emperors and take some time to wander the immaculate grounds.

Enhance Your Journey – Visit Bratislava in Slovakia

Tick another country off your list with a visit to Slovakia’s Bratislava. This charming city blends medieval, baroque, and communist-era architecture. See landmarks such as the UFO Bridge and the iconic Slovak Radio building, testaments to its intriguing past.

Cruise to Dürnstein, a charming town watched over by the hilltop ruins of the castle where King Richard the Lionheart was famously imprisoned in the 12th century. Spend your morning wandering its cobbled streets, historic townhouses, and inviting taverns. You might also choose to join an optional tour and sample the region’s renowned wines. Later, sail through the scenic Wachau Valley before docking in Melk to tour its magnificent abbey, a Benedictine monastery in continuous operation since 1089.

Today, you can choose to join an optional tour to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic or visit Salzburg and enjoy the sights from ‘The Sound of Music’. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing sailing day to Passau.

Enhance Your Journey – Český Krumlov

Enjoy a fascinating day excursion to the city of Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, home to more than 300 historical buildings.

Enhance Your Journey – Sights of ‘The Sound of Music’

Depart from Passau to Salzburg and enjoy a tour of the sights and sounds from ‘The Sound of Music’, including the famous Wedding Church.

Insider Experience – Bavarian Evening on Board

Tonight, enjoy a traditional Bavarian experience on board. Sample delicious local beer and snacks, accompanied by traditional folk music, song and dance. 

Continue along the Danube River to Regensburg, located in the southern region of the Bavarian Forest. Here, wander along its cobblestone lanes, taking a journey through the ages as you explore the historic streets, medieval buildings and cultural sites on your guided walking tour.

Arrive in Nuremberg, the site of Hitler’s infamous rallies during World War II. Take a city tour this afternoon, which includes sights such as the Zeppelin Field and Palace of Justice.

Bamberg, one of the few German cities spared destruction during World War II, beckons your attention today. You’ll gain great insight during a locally guided tour of the historic city.  Gaze upon sights such as the Old Town Hall and the Bamberg Cathedral, followed by some free time to explore.

Surrounded by lush hills and vineyards, Würzburg is home to the stunning baroque Würzburg Residence. Explore the palace and its Court Garden before perhaps opting for a visit to medieval Rothenburg, a fairytale town nestled along the Romantic Road.

Enhance Your Journey – Medieval Rothenburg Tour

Depart from Würzburg for an excursion to Rothenburg, a beautiful medieval walled town located on the Romantic Road in Franconia.

Discover  Miltenberg  today, exploring this well-preserved town’s half-timbered buildings dating from the 15th to 18th centuries. Return to your ship and enjoy time at leisure. As the sun sets, watch the lights of medieval towns slip past as you cruise through the night.

Insider Experience – Culinary Tour in Miltenberg

Gain a glimpse into local life in Miltenberg as you embark on a culinary walking tour. Sample regional specialties at a local butcher and baker before finishing with a tasting at a local distillery.

In  Rüdesheim, the Winzerexpress mini road train will take you to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Later, back on board, enjoy spectacular scenery as you sail along the Rhine Gorge.

Learn how the twin spires of Cologne’s famous cathedral, the  Kölner  Dom, took over six centuries to complete as you cruise into this picturesque city. Disembark and take the short drive to  Brühl for your Insider Experience. 

Insider Experience – Augustusburg Palace in Germany

Explore the former residence of Archbishop-Elector Clemens August, the World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Palace in Brühl. Listen to enthralling stories, and enjoy a walk through the stunning landscaped parks and gardens between the castle and the Falkenlust hunting lodge. The palace and the lodge are some of the finest examples of Rococo architecture from 18th-century Germany.

Amsterdam’s network of canals is a sight to behold. Dock in the city’s heart and board a glass-top boat to discover its views. Back on land, enjoy free time before a Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board. 

After breakfast, disembark your river ship and transfer to the airport for your flight to Lyon, France. On arrival in Lyon, be transferred to your ship. Explore the impressive social spaces and settle into your suite this evening. Later, enjoy meeting your fellow travellers and dedicated crew at a welcome cocktail reception.

This morning, embark on a guided tour of Lyon, a city known for its delectable array of cuisine. Traverse the city and ascend Fourvière Hill to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, known to locals as the upside-down elephant. Next, visit Vieux Lyon to admire the alluring buildings of the Old Town. Indulge in a tasting at Paul Bocuse’s Les Halles de Lyon and savour the best regional fare including local sausage, cheese and a glass of wine. Return to the ship and set sail along the Saône River to Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or for a special Insider Experience later on this evening.

Inisder Experience – French Gastronomic Experience at Paul Bocuse’s Abbaye de Collonges

Delight in an authentic French meal at Paul Bocuse’s Abbaye de Collonges. Discover the innovative and unique approach to cuisine that Paul Bocuse was renowned for, earning himself three Michelin stars. Taste exceptional dishes reflecting the gourmet chef’s love for fresh, high-quality ingredients, all meticulously prepared by world-class chefs. Accompanied by a spectacular setting, this experience is sure to tantalise your tastebuds.

This morning, head out on a tour of Viviers, accompanied with an expert guide. Immerse yourself in the history of this attractive city and visit the House of Knights to admire the intricate detail of its Renaissance-style façade, despite its title as the smallest cathedral in France. Next, stop at Saint Michel Tower and the Great Seminary before taking in the sensational vista of Viviers at the overlook. After, relax on board as you cruise towards La Voulte. Alternatively, join an optional tour by coach to the Gorges de l’Ardèche. Enjoy a Gala Dinner on board your ship tonight. 

Enhance Your Journey - Gorges de l’Ardèche 

Embark on a panoramic coach tour to the Gorges de l’Ardèche. Discover the incredible 30 km canyon, naturally carved by the tide. Be awed by the sheer force of the water shaping deep valleys, cliff and captivating limestone formations. Stop to see the Pont d’Arc, an incredible arch measuring a height of 100 feet and indulge in extraordinary views. 

Spend time at leisure today in the beautiful city of Arles and discover this World Heritage-listed site celebrated for its collection of ancient Roman relics. Perhaps set off on a full-day excursion to the Camargue.  

Enhance Your Journey – The Camargue 

Explore the coastal region of Camargue and witness the incredible flora and fauna that call this vast flatland home. The marshes, ponds and seashore provide an environment rich in sustenance for a variety of creatures in the area. Visit a traditional manade, a farm where herders train horses and raise cattle. 

Today, set out on a guided tour of Avignon, once an integral location of the Catholic Church. Visit the medieval Palace of the Popes, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Avignon’s historic city centre. Learn about the history of the palace as a fortress, church and residence to popes and soak in the breathtaking architecture. Reboard your ship and head towards Arles.

Arrive in the port of Tain L’Hermitage this morning. Perhaps embark on an optional tour of the Cité du Chocolat. Cruise to the attractive city of Avignon, rich in Provençal character and history. Relish an evening of lively onboard entertainment.  

Enhance Your Journey – Cité du Chocolat 

Delve into the world of chocolate on a tour of the Cité du Chocolat. Learn all about this popular treat with interactive exhibits and taste samples at the Valrhona Discovery Centre. 

After breakfast, it is time to depart your Rhône River cruise. Be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.