Grand Danube

Fly from Ireland to Bucharest to Romania's hip capital, Bucharest. Upon touching down at the airport, be transferred to Giurgiu, where your premium river ship is docked, ready to begin its voyage. Settle in and enjoy dinner on board, ready for the journey ahead.

Today, discover the fortified walls and cobblestone lanes of Veliko Târnovo, once the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and a city steeped in medieval history. Join a local guide for a tour of its historic centre, including the restored Tsarevets fortress, the former citadel of the empire. Afterwards, continue to the hilltop village of Arbanasi, renowned for its heritage and well-preserved architecture, where you'll enjoy a traditional lunch before returning to your ship.

Explore Baba Vida, a medieval stronghold dating back to the 10th century, and admire its imposing walls and towers while learning about its storied past. Continue to Belogradchik to visit the ancient Belogradchik Fortress, dramatically set on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains. While here, take time to admire the town's remarkable rock formations, which give Belogradchik its distinctive and striking landscape.

The day is yours to spend on board. Take it easy and relax, taking in postcard-perfect views from the Sun Deck.

Step ashore to explore Novi Sad, Serbia's second-largest city and often regarded as its cultural capital. Join a guided tour through its charming streets and lively cultural precincts, followed by free time to relax and soak up the atmosphere. You may also wish to visit Petrovaradin Fortress, an imposing complex overlooking the Danube, where the intriguing catacombs reveal glimpses of the fortress's storied past.

Dock in Kalocsa, a charming Hungarian town steeped in history on the banks of the Danube. From here, travel to the Puszta for your Insider Experience.

Insider Experience - Traditional Horse Show In the Puszta, enjoy a traditional horse show showcasing the remarkable riding skills of the Hungarian cavalry. You may also choose to take an optional carriage ride, visit the stables and meet the riders.

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Budapest. You may wish to join an optional tour to the city's Great Market Hall, a must-visit housed in a beautiful 19th-century building and a paradise for food lovers and shoppers. Alternatively, visit the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum, a wartime hospital built within the caverns beneath Buda Castle and later used as a nuclear bunker during the Cold War. This evening, enjoy a Captain's Farewell Dinner.

Enhance Your Journey - Great Market Hall Tour Join a culinary tour through the market, discovering a variety of Hungarian sausages, meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables.

Enhance Your Journey - Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum Explore the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum, once a World War II hospital and later a Cold War bunker, located within the caves beneath Buda Castle.

We have set aside a full day for you to explore more of this fascinating city at your leisure.

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.

Today, explore Slovakia's capital, Bratislava, on a guided walking tour through the charming Old Town. Stroll its picturesque streets and visit notable landmarks, including St Martin's Cathedral, the elegant Primatial Palace and the lively Main Square. You'll also see Michael's Gate - the only surviving city gate of the four that once guarded Bratislava.

Embrace the elegance of Vienna as you drive along the Ringstrasse, taking in some of the city's most famous buildings. On arrival in the centre, a walking tour will provide an insider's view of sights such as St Stephen's Cathedral, the Graben and Hofburg Palace. Afterwards, perhaps visit the Naschmarkt and browse the stalls. This evening, you may choose to attend an optional concert.

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 Ringstrasse.

Cruise to Dürnstein, a charming town overlooked by the hilltop ruins of the castle where legendary King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in the 12th century. Enjoy a free morning to explore its cobbled streets, historic townhouses and inviting taverns. Perhaps join an optional tour to sample some of the region's renowned wines. Later, cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley before docking in Melk for a guided tour of Melk Abbey - an active Benedictine monastery since 1089.

Enhance Your Journey - Wine Tasting Visit Dürnstein Abbey, where you'll savour a glass of the local Grüner Veltliner or Riesling produced in the region, as well as delicious brandy.

Today you may choose to join an optional excursion to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic or visit Salzburg. Alternatively, enjoy time at leisure in Linz to explore at your own pace.

Enhance Your Journey - Český Krumlov Enjoy a fascinating full-day excursion to the historic city of Český Krumlov, home to more than 300 preserved historic buildings and a charming medieval centre.

Enhance Your Journey - Salzburg Sights Travel through Austria's scenic countryside to Mondsee, where you may recognise the famous wedding church from The Sound of Music. Continue to Salzburg for a guided tour of the town Mozart once called home, then enjoy free time to explore before returning to your ship.

In the beautiful city of Passau, enjoy a guided walking tour, taking in the historic sites as you roam the cobblestone lanes of the Altstadt. You'll then enjoy an Insider Experience.

Insider Experience - Aldersbach Brewery Travel by coach to nearby Aldersbach brewery founded in 1268, where you'll be welcomed by local musicians and taken on a tour of the brewery. Afterwards, enter the festival hall to enjoy locally brewed beer with tastings of some local food, all in the spirit of Oktoberfest, with live music and singing.

After breakfast, disembark your river ship and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.