Capital Cities Along the Danube (port-to-port cruise)

Bratislava, before becoming the capital of independent Slovakia in 1993 was first of all the capital of Hungary from 1536 to 1784 under the name of Presburg. It then belonged to Czechoslovakia before becoming the capital of the "Slovak Socialist Republic" as part of Czechoslovakia between 1969 and 1992.
Along with your guides, you will begin the visit with a panoramic tour of the city which will take you to Bratislava Castle (outsides), which dates from 1811, after the previous castle burned down, and from where you will enjoy a breathtaking view over the Danube and the city. The main historical monuments are located in the Old Town and the coach will drop you off at its entrance to continue the visit on foot. You will enter through Michael's Gate, which is the only gate still surviving from the Middle-Ages. Then you will head for the central square surrounded by elegant buildings, some in Art Nouveau style, and dominated by the old Bratislava Town Hall. The tour continues with the Primate's Palace (outsides) completed in 1781 for Archbishop Jozef Bathyány.
As you stroll through the streets, you may come across some of the amusing statues that are dotted around the capital. After the guided tour, you will have some free time and will return to the boat on foot or by coach depending on sailing times.

PLEASE NOTE

• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

Departure by coach. Accompanied by your guides, you will leave the quay for a panoramic tour of Budapest, often called the Pearl of the Danube.

Your discovery will begin on the Buda side, the hilly part of the city, which you will reach by crossing one of the city's famous bridges spanning the Danube.
You will then ascend Castle Hill to reach the Royal Palace (outside visit), where you will enjoy a breathtaking view over the city. In the distance, you will catch sight of the Fisherman's Bastion, a monument paying tribute to the origins of the Hungarian people, with its seven towers symbolising the seven tents of the seven Magyar tribes.

Your tour will continue towards Pest, the flatter and more modern part of the city. There, you will discover the majestic Heroes’ Square, dominated by its impressive central monument, erected to commemorate Hungary’s millennial anniversary. It features the chieftain Árpád and the seven leaders of the founding tribes.

You will pass near the famous Széchenyi Baths, the architecturally remarkable zoo, and Vajdahunyad Castle, which reflects Hungarian architecture through the centuries.
Driving along the prestigious Andrássy Avenue, you will glimpse St. Stephen’s Basilica, whose construction began in 1851 and was completed in 1905.
Finally, following the Danube embankment, you will admire the Hungarian Parliament, a majestic building blending Byzantine and Neo-Gothic styles, whose radiant silhouette towers over the river.

Return to the boat at the end of the tour.

PLEASE NOTE

• Panoramic tour with stops to take pictures.
• Entrance tickets for these monuments are not included.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

We'll leave on foot for the Budapest Market Halls. The Great Market Hall is the largest and most spectacular of the five market halls built in the 19th century. You can indulge in all types of goods at the more than 180 stands spread out over three stories. One of the market's distinctive features is the colorful Zsolnay tiling on the roof. Some residents will spend hours on public transportation to shop at the Központi Vásárcsarnok. You'll find a wide variety of food, including fruits, vegetables, local cold cuts, and garlands of paprika on the ground floor. The second floor houses restaurants where locals and tourists mingle. The recently renovated basement contains exhibits of high-quality Hungarian products for purchase at the market. At the end of the visit, tasting of traditional Hungarian products. After our tour, we'll return to the ship on foot.

PLEASE NOTE

• Times are approximate.
• The order of the visits can change.

We'll set out to discover the high art of Viennese living. We'll stroll through the city and visit back stage in the Konzerthaus concert hall, which has the Vienna Symphony, Vienna Chamber Orchestra, Wiener Singakademie and Klangforum Wien in residence. We'll tour the prominent institution that features about 750 events per year with our guide who will explain the hall's history. We'll head back stage where we might be able to catch a glimpse of a performer or two! After our tour, relax in one of the local cafés and enjoy a steaming cup of Vienna Coffee and a delicious pastry. After our tour, we'll return to the ship.

PLEASE NOTE

• In case the Konzerthaus is booked for shows or closed, we'll visit the Musikverein or the Opera instead.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

You will begin the tour by taking the famous Ring, one of the personal projects of Emperor Franz Joseph. In 1857, he decided to take down the ramparts that enclosed the city center and had this boulevard built lined with fine buildings. Along the Ring you will admire this architectural showcase of the old Austro-Hungarian monarchy, including the State Opera, the Hofburg Palace, the Natural History Museum, the City Hall, the Burgtheater and more.

PLEASE NOTE

• Comfortable shoes are recommended.
• If we have time, you will enjoy free time close to St Stephen's Cathedral.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.