Munich, Bavaria & the Classic Danube

 The culture and sights of central Europe beckon as your holiday begins today at London Heathrow, where you meet the Tour Manager and travel group, ready to board your flight to Munich, the capital of Bavaria. Located in southeastern Germany, the scenic city is surrounded by lush forests and the picturesque peaks of the Bavarian Alps. Tradition runs deep here, with well-preserved villages, medieval castles and beer-making heritage setting the stage for fascinating explorations.    

As the plane touches down, a coach transfer takes us to our centrally located hotel for check-in. Take some time to get settled in and acclimatise to your new surroundings, perhaps strolling around the city to get your first look at the historic buildings. Returning to the hotel early this evening, we have our first dinner in the hotel's restaurant following a quick introductory meeting.

• Dinner

 Today, we get to know Munich on a guided sightseeing tour. After meeting at the Fish fountain, we wander the historic streets, admiring the city's charming main square, Marienplatz, home to the neo-Gothic Town Hall and the famous glockenspiel. We also see the Church of St Peter, with its exterior boasting eight clocks.   

Afterwards, we stop for food and drink in typical Munich style by sampling local food and beers. Munich is renowned for its beer and, after learning about the history of brewing in Bavaria and the influence of the 'Reinheitsgebot' purity law at the Oktoberfest Museum, we visit Munich's oldest beer house, the Höfbrauhaus.     

The rest of the day is spent at leisure, enjoying the city. One option is to stroll through the city's many green spaces. The 17th-century Hofgarten's Renaissance gardens stand behind Munich Residence, the former home of Bavarian dukes and kings. Munich's culinary scene extends far beyond beer and includes many options for you to discover on your own this evening.

• Breakfast

 One of Bavaria's finest castles awaits us after breakfast today. Entrance to the castle is included, and during our time here, we can enjoy spectacular views overlooking the Schwangau valley. Commissioned by the reclusive King Ludwig II of Bavaria, the castle is an architectural masterpiece. It was the inspiration for the castle in Disney's Sleeping Beauty, showing testament to the king's romantic vision.   

Built in a striking Romanesque Revival style, it features soaring towers, turrets and battlements, all of which are set against a backdrop of rugged mountains and verdant forests. Its interior is just as impressive, with ornate carvings, lavish murals and an opulent throne room. Interestingly, the castle's construction was plagued by setbacks and financial difficulties and was never fully completed during King Ludwig's lifetime.      

During our free time here this afternoon, you can soak up all its grandeur and see why it inspires millions of people. We return to Munich later this afternoon and have dinner together at our hotel this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

 The morning is yours to have a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and wrap up your sightseeing in Munich. You might like to revisit the Marienplatz, head to Odeonsplatz to see its Roman architecture or look for souvenirs in the local shops. You could also spend a morning relaxing at our hotel before we walk to Munich's railway station to join the train to Passau, Germany - a city located on the shores of the 'Blue' Danube. 

  A motorcoach awaits our arrival in Passau this afternoon and takes us to the banks of the Danube, where our luxurious ship awaits. Stepping aboard, we are greeted with a refreshing cocktail in the lounge and shown to our onboard accommodations. Take some time to settle in and familiarise yourself with our ship's amenities, and this evening, we indulge in our first delicious five-course dinner on board.

• Breakfast, Dinner

 After breakfast, we begin our first relaxing cruise downstream. Drifting through beautiful scenery into Austria, we get our first sight of the amazing river landscapes. Rising hills covered with vineyards and orchards create a picturesque backdrop, occasionally revealing charming villages, medieval castles and centuries-old monasteries that cling to the hilltops. Delight in the scenery while relaxing on the sundeck or in the lounge, where panoramic windows reveal the passing beauty.   

We arrive in Linz later in the day, having enjoyed lunch on the ship, as well. The town is known for its lovely old town and its mix of Baroque and modern architecture. We spend the night here amongst the welcoming atmosphere with picturesque views over the skyline. Tonight, we sit down to another delicious multi-course dinner on the ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 Waking in Linz, there are two excursions to choose from after breakfast.  

  The first option is a day trip to Salzburg, a striking city overlooked by Hohensalzburg Fortress set high on a hill. Enroute, we stop in the Austrian Lake District for a beautiful photo opportunity before arriving in Salzburg. During a guided sightseeing tour, we explore Getreidegasse, the street on which Mozart was born. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with stunning Baroque architecture, beautiful churches, quaint squares and charming alleyways that we can admire on our explorations.    

Alternatively, join an excursion into Czechia to visit Český Krumlov, a small Bohemian town that looks like something straight out of a fairytale. On a tour, we explore the palatial castle, occupying an imposing position high above a bend on the Vltava River. A guided walk around the UNESCO-listed Old Town - followed by time at leisure - reveals idyllic streets and picture-perfect squares surrounded by ornately gabled Baroque houses.   

We return to our ship for dinner and set sail for an overnight cruise further into Austria. 

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 This morning, we visit Melk Abbey, an 11th-century Benedictine Abbey that stands atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. It's here we see the abbey's church, one of the most beautiful Baroque churches north of the Alps.

After lunch, we cruise through the scenery of the Wachau Valley - truly a highlight of the river. This scenic area of green valleys and vineyards is dotted with picturesque riverside towns and commanding fortresses. Austria's Wachau Valley is a famous wine-making region, which makes it the perfect stop on our cruise to sample the renowned local wine.   

There's free time in the quaint village of Dürnstein to do just that or simply wander the charming streets, soaking up the fairytale landscapes. This village is also home to the renowned castle where Richard I of England was imprisoned, and we get a great view of it from the riverside. Our journey continues down the Danube over dinner as we sail towards Vienna.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 After a peaceful overnight cruise, Vienna beckons with its grandeur and elegance, and we arrive for a guided tour. This is a chance to relish Austria's Imperial culture - one full of tradition and rich in architectural, artistic and musical heritage.   

With our expert guide, we wander the winding streets and make our way to the Ringstrasse boulevard. Here, we see many of Vienna's most ornate buildings, including the world-renowned Opera House and the imposing Parliament Building.   

After our tour, there's time to explore Vienna at leisure. You could visit Schonbrunn Palace, once the summer residence of the Habsburg family, or indulge in the famous Sacher Torte, a Viennese delight, at one of the cosy coffee shops. Alternatively, you could explore the city centre and marvel at the striking St Stephen's Cathedral or delve into one of the countless museums that bring the city's history to life.    

Tonight, a real treat awaits us in the lounge as we're joined by four past members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, who whisk us away with their performances of well-known classical pieces.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 Following a relaxing morning of sailing, we arrive in the Slovakian capital of Bratislava, welcomed by its castle overlooking the river. We set out on a fascinating guided tour after breakfast. Bratislava is divided neatly into two parts by the waters of the Danube, and we have time to get to know both the Baroque Old Town and the castle district.   

As we explore the enchanting streets, we are surrounded by Bratislava's historic buildings, Baroque palaces and wealth of fantastic museums and galleries. Returning to the ship in time for lunch, we continue downstream to Hungary and to Esztergom, the former capital, where we berth for the night. Enjoy the changing scenery as we float down the river and a chance to enjoy the ship's amenities or relax in your cabin ahead of dinner tonight.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 As we sail towards Budapest this morning, we navigate the scenic Danube Bend, passing the village of Visegrad, famous for its lovely hilltop castle. Arriving in Budapest, we are introduced to its history on a sightseeing tour of this captivating city. Known as the 'Pearl of the Danube', Budapest has plenty of impressive buildings and monuments on both sides of the river. From the State Opera House and St Stephen's Basilica to Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion, each sight is more remarkable than the last. 

  There is some free time to continue exploring before dinner back on board this evening. After we eat, we enjoy the ambience of a traditional Hungarian Folklore troupe and a nighttime cruise along the Danube River, taking in the illuminated sights of Budapest. From the Gothic-style Parliament building to Buda Castle, the state buildings that line the banks are all sensationally lit up, as well as the stunning Chain Bridge. Budapest's elegant scenery is the perfect ending to our Danube cruise.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 From Munich in Germany to Budapest in Hungary, diverse cities and enchanting culture have paved the course for a memorable holiday. Having tasted authentic Bavarian beer, visited palaces and wandered through capital cities, where history and modern life intertwine, our trip comes to a close this morning.   

After breakfast, it is time to disembark for the final time and say goodbye to the wonderful crew of our Amadeus ship. A coach transfer takes us from the waterfront to Budapest Airport, where we board our flight to London Heathrow, where your journey concludes. 

• Breakfast