Great Cities of the Danube

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Holiday Highlights

Vienna's elegance and culture
Enjoy the Baroque and Gothic architecture of Passau
Bratislava's charming old town
Discover wonderful wines at Durnstein

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Holiday Details
Itinerary
Customer Reviews

What is Included?

Return travel by coach or air
If travelling by coach, overnight hotel says on outbound and return journey
7 nights full-board cruise
Welcome drink on arrival
Captain's dinner
FREE drinks during lunch and dinner ( local brand beer, wine and soft drinks, 2 drinks per person)
FREE tea and coffee at all times
River views from every cabin
Services of a Shearings Cruise Tour Manager

A majestic cruise through the valleys, vineyards and scenery that make the Danube so special. From the elegance of Vienna, with its many sights from the glorious Hapsburg era, to the ancient splendour of Bratislava and Passau ‘The City of Three Rivers’. You could sample some Wachau Valley wine or tour beautiful Melk Abbey. Immerse yourself in some of the heartland of Europe’s most magical capitals while enjoying the friendly atmosphere of the MV Esmeralda.

Travel Options

Go by Coach: 10 Days. 1 night bed & breakfast accommodation en route, 7 nights full-board cruise and 1 night half-board accommodation post route

Go by Air: 8 Days. Return flights, transfers and 7 nights full-board cruise

Must See: Vienna

The beautiful city of Vienna is a superb mix of old and new, where magnificent baroque buildings and the latest modern architecture can be admired.

Some of the city’s most stunning buildings include the Schönbrunn Palace, Belvedere Palace, the Hofburg Palace and St Stephen’s Cathedral.

Why not go up the Danube Tower to enjoy an excellent view of Vienna's old city and the Vienna Woods? Maybe take a ride by horse-drawn carriage for a more unique way to take in the city’s sights. Whichever way you choose to explore Vienna, you won’t be disappointed

Optional Excursions

Evening wine tasting in Krems
Vienna & Schonbrunn Palace
Mozart & Strauss concert
Vienna by night
Imperial Budapest
Guided walking tour of Bratislava & Noddy Train
Melk Abbey
Guided walking tour of Passau
Full day tour to Salzburg

Holiday Details

Wednesday: Embark in Passau
Make yourself familiar with the ship and meet fellow travellers over dinner this evening.

Thursday: Passau to Krems
A full day on board sailing through the picturesque Wachau Valley to the town of Krems, famous for its “Marillenschnaps” apricot brandy. Explore the old town with its remaining medieval gate.

Friday: Vienna to Bratislava
A whole day is devoted to the magnificence of Vienna, where you can discover the architectural wonder of St Stephen’s Cathedral, walk around one of several World Heritage Sites, visit the Museum Quarter, or try one of the renowned delicious cakes and pastries in the numerous cafés.

Saturday: Bratislava
Join the optional full day tour to Budapest and discover the ‘Pearl of the Danube’, one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe. Here, where the river separates the old and new towns (Buda and Pest), the city is always lively and has long been a haven for writers, artists and musicians.

Sunday: Bratislava to Durnstein
We spend the morning exploring the fascinating old town of Bratislava. This afternoon we set sail back to Austria and the town of Durnstein, enjoying the beautiful views the Danube has to offer .

Monday: Durnstein to Passau
Durnstein is a popular town, with its cosy wine taverns, where locally grown Wachauer wines can be sampled. Also worth visiting is the historic city square, the oldest theatre in the country and the Benedictine Abbey with great views of the river and further afield the Abbey of Melk.

Tuesday: Passau
Dominated by the spectacular ‘Veste Oberhaus’ or Bishop’s Fortress, the city of Passau is known as the ‘City of Three Rivers’ where the Danube, Inn and Ils rivers meet. It is also home to St Stephen’s Cathedral which boasts the largest pipe organ in the world. Explore the old city with its baroque and gothic architecture.

Wednesday: Disembark in Passau
It’s time to leave the MV Esmeralda with memories of a fantastic cruise.

Join by Coach

Tuesday: UK to Belgium
Across to Calais and our overnight hotel in Belgium.

Wednesday: Belgium to Passau
After breakfast we travel through Europe to join the MV Esmeralda in time for dinner.

Wednesday: Linz to Belgium
Bid a fond farewell to the MV Esmeralda before we journey to our overnight hotel in Belgium in time for dinner.

Thursday: Belgium to UK
We travel on to Calais for our ferry to Dover and continue home.

Join by Air

Wednesday: UK to Munich
Fly to Munich where you will be met at the airport by a representative and transferred to the MV Esmeralda in Passau, ready to embark on your cruise.

Wednesday: Munich to UK
From the MV Esmeralda, transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK.

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Great Cities of the Danube