Day 1: UK – Passau

You will be met and transferred from Munich Airport to Passau where a warm welcome awaits you from your Captain and crew as you board your Emerald Waterways luxury river cruise ship. This evening join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.

Day 2: Passau

Cobblestone streets and graceful arcades welcome you in the beautiful city of Passau. On this morning’s walking tour, stroll through the old town’s narrow alleys and see the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress from the town below. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture and home to Europe’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. Tonight your captain will be delighted to host the welcome dinner and cocktail reception.

Day 3: Linz

Austria’s third largest city is situated on either side of the Danube River. Your city tour takes in the impressive “Pestsäule”, the high column built to remember the victims of the bubonic plague epidemic of the 14th century, followed by the market squares. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 4: Melk – Durnstein

Situated within Austria’s wine–growing region, Melk is home to an imposing 900–year old Benedictine Abbey which features Austria’s finest Italian baroque architecture, with its ornate gold leaf walls, 640ft Imperial Corridor and fresco ceilings. Later the ship sails through the spectacular Wachau Valley and on to Dürnstein, one of the most enchanting villages of the Wachau wine region. This is the site of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after returning from the crusades in the 12th century.

Day 5: Vienna

Today you have a choice of either exploring Austria’s capital beginning with a drive along the Ringstrasse, where you will see Vienna’s world–famous Opera House, Burgtheatre, Spanish Riding School, Town Hall, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Imperial Palace. Alternatively, join the guided bike tour instead of the drive around and guided walk. Then you have free time to sample the wonderful tastes of Vienna.

Day 6: Vienna

Today you will have the day at leisure to continue exploring Austria’ capital city. This evening the Captain will be delighted to welcome you to the Captain’s Farewell Gala Dinner, while sailing to Budapest.

Day 7: Budapest

Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Enjoy a guided tour of the city sights including the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest or an exciting hike on the Buda Hill. This evening the ship will take you for a night–time cruise along the Danube, passing under the city’s numerous bridges, whilst enjoying a traditional Hungarian dinner, complete with folk dancing and music.

Day 8: Budapest – UK

After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your fellow passengers and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport for your flight home.