Early Booking Offer
Fairytale Bavaria & Danube Cruise
12 Days from £2,345per
person
person
Save £100pp on selected cabin upgrades when you book on or before 15th October 2019
The Award Winning Leader in Escorted Worldwide Rail Holidays
Save £100pp on selected cabin upgrades when you book on or before 15th October 2019
You are viewing the 2020 itinerary
Itineraries and pricing may vary by departure year
Bavaria's magnificent castles, mysterious forests and magical mountains are the backdrop to this majestic tour, uncovering many hidden gems in the historic kingdom of Bavaria. Discover fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle and ride the Bavarian Zugspitz Mountain Railway, from our base in the charming village of Füssen.
We meet at London's St Pancras International this morning in time for the Eurostar service to Paris. Here we cross the city and catch the local train to Stuttgart for a night at the Maritim Hotel.
This morning we journey to Füssen by rail, spending the next three nights at the Luitpold Park Hotel. Our arrival time means you have time to explore a little bit of this classic Bavarian town. Perched on the banks of the Lech River, Füssen offers a snapshot of Bavarian life, with its pretty squares and its cobbled streets.
Today sees us venture out into the nearby countryside for an enthralling excursion to 2 of the finest castles in Bavaria. We begin at the honey-coloured Hohenschwangau (Castle of the High Swan County), before visiting glorious Neuschwanstein Castle. The most famous of all King Ludwig II's castles, Neuschwanstein bristles with towers and spires. The building is a fantastic imitation of a medieval castle; one which was equipped with some very modern conveniences for its time.
Today we ascend the highest mountain in Germany, the noble Zugspitze. To reach the summit, we first board the remarkable Zugspitze Railway, then the final leg of ths journey is taken by cable car. On our descent, we stop at beautiful Lake Eibsee before returning to Füssen.
Following breakfast, we drive to Munich for the train to Budapest. On arriving in Budapest, we meet the Amadeus Queen or Silver II and are welcomed with a cocktail in the lounge before dinner. Later take in the illuminated sights as we sail around the city. We are also treated to a performance from a local Hungarian folk band in the lounge.
This morning we enjoy a guided coach and walking tour, introducing us to Budapest's main sights. We pass impressive buildings and monuments on both sides of the Danube, including the neo-Gothic Parliament building, the magnificent State Opera House and St Stephen's Basilica, Budapest Castle, Matthias Church and Fishermen's Bastion.
We return to the ship for lunch, after which you have some free time before we begin cruising to Bratislava, passing through the splendid Danube Bend along the way. This section of the river has a long and fascinating history and from the sun deck or panoramic windows in the bar, you'll be able to see castle ruins, churches, pretty houses hidden in the hills and dense forests, all soaked in the golden glow of twilight.
Your morning is at leisure aboard before we moor up early this afternoon. After lunch, we set out on a guided coach and walking tour of the Slovakian capital. Located in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, Bratislava straddles the Danube which neatly divides the city into two parts; the Baroque Old Town (Stare Mesto) and the new city. This picture-postcard destination boasts historic Gothic buildings, several universities, a wealth of museums and galleries, and a refreshing cosmopolitan atmosphere. The historic centre features delightful cobblestoned roads, pedestrianised plazas, 18th-century rococo buildings and street cafés galore. Following our excursion, you have plenty of free time to explore.
After a calm night of cruising, we arrive into glorious Vienna for a sightseeing tour. This is a chance to relish in Austria's Imperial heritage, one full of tradition and rich in architectural, artistic and musical heritage. You'll see many of Vienna's most ornate buildings, including the impressive Opera House - one of the leading opera venues in the world, as well as the grand Parliament Building. Tonight a real treat awaits us. After dinner we are joined by musicians from the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra for a private recital. Be whisked away by the music and immerse yourself in this singularly exceptional experience.
Today we reach Austria's Wachau Valley, a famous wine-making region. We arrive in the idyllic village of Dürnstein where you have time at leisure. As we sit down to lunch on board, we begin cruising along the picturesque Wachau Valley, an extremely scenic area with green valleys and vineyards rising up from the river, picturesque riverside towns, and commanding fortresses with sweeping views. We then journey by coach to Melk Abbey, enjoying entrance to this 11th-century Benedictine Abbey which stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. It is also home to the Abbey Church, considered one of the most beautiful Baroque churches north of the Alps.
On Day 10 we disembark in Linz this morning, where you have a choice of excursions. You could head further into the countryside for a day spent amidst the spectacular scenery of the Austrian lakes. Make stops at UNESCO listed Hallstatt, one of Austria's most photographed villages thanks to its traditional pastel-coloured houses, Hallstättersee Lake, and Mondsee. This pretty town is set on the lake of the same name and its most famous sight is the 15th-century parish church, which featured in the wedding scenes of 'The Sound of Music'. Otherwise, travel by coach to Salzburg, via Mondsee, one of Austria's most famous cities and known as the birthplace of Mozart. A guided sightseeing tour reveals the city's internationally renowned Baroque architecture, a well-deserved UNESCO World Heritage site. We rejoin the ship in Passau.
Regensberg is our port of call this morning, which we explore on foot. This medieval town contains many buildings that testify to its history as a trading centre and to its influence on the whole region from the 9th century onwards. Back on board tonight, we attend the Captain's gala dinner, a chance to don our evening-wear and celebrate our cruise experience.
On Day 12 your cruise comes to an end and you disembark your ship in Regensburg. Here you are escorted by your Tour Manager by rail to London.
Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.
Please note: This tour may be suitable for reduced mobility passengers, please call for further information.
Explore the mountains and castles of Bavaria and cruise down the gentle Danube
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