Imperial Cities & Delights of the Danube Cruise

Your journey through Europe's imperial cities and stunning landscapes begins today in the fascinating city of Berlin. As you arrive in the German capital, make your own way to our four-star hotel to check in for two nights.

If time allows, you are free to explore the local highlights. With a comprehensive public transport network, Berlin is easy to navigate as you uncover its rich history and culture in a great choice of destinations. On Museum Island, centrally located in the River Spree, you can find the majestic Berlin Cathedral, plus numerous galleries and museums showcasing a breathtaking array of treasures.

Return to the hotel early this evening to meet the Tour Manager and your group of fellow travelers ahead of our first dinner together at our hotel. Overnight Berlin.

• Dinner

Setting out on a sightseeing tour after breakfast, we discover more of Berlin with a local guide.

The tour uncovers Berlin's fascinating history, contrasting it with the city's vibrant present. Our first stops signify how much this city has changed in the past few decades. In 1961, at the height of the Cold War, the Berlin Wall was constructed to stop East Germans fleeing west. After visiting the infamous Checkpoint Charlie, we are given our first view of the Wall. Our powerful tour concludes at the Brandenburg Gate - a spectacular 18th-century neoclassical monument that is now a symbol of unity.

The rest of the day is free, and you might like to visit the East Side Gallery, a long stretch of the Wall beside the Spree now decorated in colorful and often iconic street art. Berlin boasts an impressive array of restaurants, and for dinner tonight, you could enjoy fine-dining, inventive modern cuisine or traditional dishes. Overnight Berlin.

• Breakfast

There's a free morning after breakfast today to either relax at our hotel or continue your explorations of Berlin. Visiting the Norman Foster-designed glass dome and roof terrace of the Reichstag is possible with prior registration and offers spectacular city views. Alternatively, you could wander through the extensive Tiergarten to Berlin Zoo or the Bauhaus Archive.

Early this afternoon, we head to the station for our train to Prague. Journeying south through former East Germany, we pass through dense pine forests and sweep through Dresden, where fleeting glimpses of its Baroque center can be enjoyed as we cross the Elbe. After Dresden, the route follows the course of the river through Saxon and Bohemian Switzerland - otherworldly landscapes made famous by artist Caspar David Friedrich. Towering sandstone cliffs line the banks, and we can view the breathtaking Bastei Bridge on the approach to Rathen.

Entering Czechia, we wind through small towns and pastoral scenes to the capital, Prague. On arrival, we transfer to our hotel and enjoy dinner. Overnight Prague.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Waking in Prague, we embark on a guided walking tour after breakfast. Beginning at Prague Castle, we explore the largest medieval complex in Europe, dating from the 9th century. Bursting with history, this complex brims with beautiful details, with the most eye-catching building being the huge Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral - its south entrance adorned with golden mosaics. We also view the 10th-century St. George's Basilica and the charmingly quaint Golden Lane.

Leaving the castle, we cross the ethereal 14th-century Charles Bridge, admiring the 75 statues built along its walls, then stroll along cobbled lanes to the grand Old Town Square. The focal point of Prague life since the 12th century, the square is home to the renowned astronomical clock, installed in 1410.

The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure. Wandering through the winding lanes, you are greeted by wonderfully picturesque buildings, often housing interesting and curious museums. This evening, dinner is served back at our hotel. Overnight Prague.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Bidding farewell to Czechia this morning, we travel by rail to the Hungarian capital, Budapest, where our luxurious ship awaits. After being welcomed by our crew, we enjoy a refreshing cocktail in the lounge and admire the views before our first dinner onboard, which is accompanied by an enjoyable performance from a traditional Hungarian folklore troupe.

Once the sun begins to set, we embark on a magical nighttime cruise along the Danube, taking in the illuminated sights of Budapest. From the piercing spires of the iconic neo-Gothic Parliament building to Buda's huge Baroque castle, the state buildings lining both banks are lit up, as is the Chain Bridge.

Whether you choose to relax in the cozy lounge or take in the panoramic views from the sun deck, this is the best way to see this beautiful city as the flickering lights cast a magical glow across the Danube - the perfect start to our cruise. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we delve deeper into the beauty and history of Budapest that we saw illuminated last night. On a sightseeing tour of the Hungarian capital, known as the "Pearl of the Danube," we explore its impressive buildings and monuments. From Heroes Square, the State Opera House and St. Stephen's Basilica on the flatter Pest side, to Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion in the Buda hills, each site reveals the grandeur and charm of this appealing city.

There's time at leisure after lunch on board. You could explore the castle district further, pick up some souvenirs or Hungarian paprika at the Central Market Hall, or relax in one of the city's extensive parks.

Sailing upstream through the evening, we navigate the scenic Danube Bend. This section of the river has a long and fascinating history. From the sun deck or panoramic windows in the bar, you have the best views as we pass the village of Visegrad, famous for its hilltop castle, and Esztergom, the former capital of Hungary. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Making our way to Slovakia's capital, we are welcomed by views of Bratislava Castle's gleaming white walls.

Despite being a national capital, beautiful Bratislava is nicknamed the "Little Big City" for its compact size. On our tour, we admire attractive squares, idyllic streets, grand palaces and historic churches. Keep an eye out for some of Bratislava's quirky statues, including a sculpture commemorating Schöne Náci, an eccentric local character, and Čumil, a subterranean worker peeking out of a manhole. From the hilltop castle, soak up views across the terracotta roofs of the Old Town and the SNP Bridge - also known as the UFO Bridge because of its futuristic design.

After the tour and lunch onboard our ship, you have free time to explore at leisure. Enjoy wandering the Old Town's charming streets, where each corner reveals delightful views, or head out of the center to uncover iconic Soviet-era architecture, such as the inverted pyramid of the Slovak Radio building or the 12-ton stainless steel linden flower in the Union Fountain. This evening, we set sail again after dinner. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a peaceful overnight cruise, the noble city of Vienna beckons. On arrival, we embark on a guided tour to uncover Austria's imperial heritage. With our expert guide, we make our way to the illustrious Ringstrasse Boulevard. Here, we see many of Vienna's most ornate buildings, including the world-renowned Opera House and the imposing Parliament.

Following the tour, there's time to explore the city at leisure. It's a delight to stroll its scenic streets, marveling at the striking St. Stephen's Cathedral or entering one of the countless museums and galleries that bring the city's history to life. You may choose to visit Schönbrunn Palace, once the summer residence of the ruling Habsburg family, or indulge in a slice of famous Sachertorte, a delicious Viennese cake, at one of the grand coffeehouses.

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

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arriving in the riverside village of Dürnstein, you have free time to wander the pretty streets and admire its powder-blue Baroque church tower. Dürnstein is also home to the hilltop castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned during the 12th century, and we get a great view of it from the riverside.

Back on the ship, we enjoy lunch as we set sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley - truly a highlight of the Danube. This scenic area of green valleys and vineyards is dotted with attractive riverside towns and commanding fortresses. It is also one of Austria's most famous wine-making regions, specializing in Grüner Veltliner.

Docking in Emmersdorf this afternoon, we set out for a visit to Melk Abbey. This 11th-century Benedictine Abbey stands atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. On our guided tour, we see the abbey's church, one of the most beautiful Baroque churches north of the Alps. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Waking in beautiful Linz, you can choose between two excursions after breakfast. The first option is a day trip to Salzburg, a striking city overlooked by Hohensalzburg Fortress set high on a hill. En route, we stop in the Austrian Lake District for a photo opportunity before arriving in Salzburg. During a guided sightseeing tour, we explore Getreidegasse, the street where Mozart was born. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with stunning Baroque architecture, beautiful churches, quaint squares and charming alleyways, which 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 in 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 on board and set sail for an overnight cruise into Germany. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we reach the end of our relaxing cruise along the Danube. Drifting through picture-postcard scenery into Germany, we admire rising hills covered with vineyards and orchards. The ever-changing landscapes create a picturesque backdrop, occasionally revealing charming villages, medieval castles and centuries-old monasteries that cling to the hilltops.

After lunch, we arrive in our final port of call, the Bavarian town of Passau. We get to know the town as we embark on a guided tour of Passau, known as the "Three Rivers City" because it sits at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers. The delightful Old Town is filled with Baroque architecture, including St. Stephen's Cathedral, and lies in the shadow of the Veste Oberhaus, a 13th-century hilltop fortress.

Tonight, we enjoy a farewell gala dinner on our ship. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This remarkable cruise vacation has showcased the beauty of Central Europe and the Danube. After exploring the iconic capitals of Berlin, Prague and Budapest, we set sail on a luxury river cruise from Hungary to Bavaria. From admiring natural wonders, such as the Danube Bend and Wachau Valley, to the famed cities and pretty villages lining its banks, the Danube has revealed the beauty of this enchanting and historic region.

Disembarking from our luxury cruise ship in the port city of Passau after breakfast, you can make your own way to the railway station to use your included ticket to Munich's airport for your journey home.

• Breakfast