Danube River Cruise

Saturday 30th August 2025 

Arrive in Vienna and transfer to our floating home for the weekend, the MS Swiss Splendor.  

Overnight on board the MS Swiss Splendor.

Sunday 31st August 

This morning, we visit Schönbrunn Palace and enjoy a guided tour where our group will be allowed to feel the doors, busts, stoves and decorative furniture and fittings that inhabit this spectacular abode. The palace perfectly demonstrates the changing tastes of its imperial inhibitors and is a testimony to the power of the Habsburg dynasty. Its baroque exterior is complimented by vast and splendid gardens. 

The remainder of your day is at leisure. Use your free time to explore more of the grandeur that Vienna has to offer, visit one of the many museums dotted around or climb to the top of St Stephen’s cathedral, up 343 stairs, if you’re feeling brave! 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight on board the MS Swiss Splendor. 

Monday 1st September 

This morning we arrive in Melk, best known for its abbey which stands proud atop a hill overlooking the river. This picturesque and grand monastery houses stunning gardens and intricate architecture throughout. Adorned by gold this Baroque building boasts an exquisite interior, from a vast and impressive library to the luxurious marble hall. We’ll wander through the abbey on a guided tour and take in the grandeur of this unspoilt piece of history. 

We will return to the ship for lunch and transfer to Dürnstein. This afternoon is yours to explore one of the most beautiful villages in Austria, with cobbled streets adorned with colourful houses and a striking Augustinian monastery. Make your way to the famous castle ruins, known for the imprisonment of Richard the Lionheart for your daily dose of culture or simply spend your time meandering through this delightfully quaint Austrian dwelling.     

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight on board the MS Swiss Splendor. 

Tuesday 2nd September  

This morning is at leisure as we sail towards Esztergom. Here, we’ll head to the impressive basilica, the largest in all of Central Europe. This imposing piece of architecture, created with bold red marble, towers over the town and juxtaposes the gentle charm of the town below. After you’ve had your fill of this magnificent building, spend some time enjoying this historic Hungarian city, teeming with history and culture before making your way back to the ship for an evening on the water as we move on to our next destination.   

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight on board the MS Swiss Splendor. 

Wednesday 3rd September 

This morning, we begin our exploration of another incredible city – Budapest. We’ll meander through some of Pests’ most notable areas and uncover the intriguing tale this beautiful city has to tell. We’ll walk to Heroes’ Square, where 14 statues reside and depict some of Hungary’s most renowned characters. Our journey will continue as we take in more iconic spots including Vajdahunyad Castle, the Szechenyi Baths (entrance hall, not entry to the baths), Andrassy Avenue, St Stephen’s Basilica (no entrance) and the Chain Bridge.  Partway through the tour, we’ll take a moment to rest and enjoy some delicious strudels before we continue on our way.  

After our final stop at the Chain Bridge, we’ll board the tram and head to Budapest’s famed Market Hall. Here, we’ll explore the bustling covered market and replenish our energy as we partake in a sensory tour and food tasting. Taste a range of local delicacies from charcuteries to cheese and pickles to croissants. Truly a feast for your senses!  

When the tour ends, enjoy some free time in the city. You may wish to head back to Szechenyi Baths or visit one of the city’s many “ruin bars” for a tipple or two! 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight on board the MS Swiss Splendor. 

Enjoy a laid-back morning or head back into the city to explore one final time before we set sail, at midday, towards Bratislava. During your afternoon on board, take the time to unwind after a few days of exploration; read a book atop the boat on one of the sun loungers or try your hand at a classic card game against your travelling companions.  

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight on board the MS Swiss Splendor. 

Friday 5th September 

Early this morning, we’ll arrive in Bratislava. After breakfast, we’ll once more head ashore and meet with our knowledgeable local guide.  A unique blend of old and new, Bratislava offers an exciting and intriguing history, awaiting discovery. We will embark on a walking tour through this fascinating city and visit some of the iconic spots in Bratislava’s old town. As we meander through the streets, you will get a feel of the rich history of Bratislava and its unique charm. Following this you will have some free time to explore this captivating city further.   

Tonight is our last night on board, so make sure you make the most of our time together! We’ll celebrate our week of fun and new friendships with a farewell captain’s dinner as we sail back to Vienna for our departure tomorrow.  

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight on board the MS Swiss Splendor. 

Saturday 6th September 

After breakfast, we’ll disembark and head to the airport for our flight home.  

Breakfast included. 

Please note for full days off the boat, lunch can be a packed lunch prepared on the boat, or you may wish to return to the boat for lunch. Please discuss this with your tour manager on board.