Wine Journey on the Danube, MS PRINZESSIN KATHARINA

Individual arrival in Passau. Our cruise director welcomes you on board with a glass of sparkling wine.

The picturesque Wachau Valley, a jewel among landscapes, ranks among Austria`s most beautiful regions. The Old Town of Krems is considered to be the gate to the Wachau Valley, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join us for an optional tour through the winding alleys and get to know better this enchanting town. Dive into the world of the local wine-making, and learn all about it on an 8-stop trail, an experience for all senses Afterwards enjoy the stunning landscape from board while your ship sets sail for the Austrian capital city.

Vienna is the city of music and joie de vivre, where the Sacher cake and the Heuriger, the Austrian wine taverns, are as famous as the St Stephen’s Cathedral and the Spanish Riding School. Vienna is old and modern at the same time – and has so many things to offer and to discover. Year after year, the city attracts numerous visitors. Enjoy the major sights like the famed Ringstrasse and the Vienna State Opera on an optional city tour by coach, afterwards there will be a guided city walk. Alternatively, you may opt for the optional guided walk „Vienna for Connoisseurs “, on which you get up-close with hidden gems in the Old Town that are often overseen.

On the Castle hill, towering over the town of Esztergom, the Esztergom Basilika can be seen already from afar. Do not miss out on the optional excursion to the Danube Bend. After having visited the cathedral and the crypt, the coach takes you through the stunning landscape of the Hungarian Wachau to Visegrad. From a viewpoint underneath the castle, you can enjoy breath-taking views over the entire Danube Bend. In a traditional restaurant, you will have lunch with typical Hungarian dishes. (Duration of the excursion approx. 5 hours, re-join the ship in Budapest).

In the meantime, your ship sails to Budapest. The city stretches out majestically on both sides of the river: on the western bank, the hilly Buda with the Castle Hill, the castle, and the Gellért Hill with citadel; on the eastern bank, Pest with the famous Parliament. After lunch, get to know this major city better on our optional city tour by coach and marvel at the magnificent buildings on both sides of the Danube. In the evening, you may want to join us for the excursion „Budapest by Night“ (optional), where the lively Hungarian spirit is showcased through traditional music and dance.

After a hearty breakfast on board, you will have the chance to come with us to a „Csárda“ (optional), a typical Hungarian restaurant. On the neighbouring farm, traditional horsemanship is performed. After the return of the participating guests on board, your lunch will be served”. From the ship, enjoy once again splendid views over the Neo-Classical Basilica, towering on the castle hill, well visible from afar. Spend a pleasant evening on board the MS PRINZESSIN KATHARINA.

In the morning, you reach Bratislava, the small but beautiful Slovakian capital city. On a guided walk (optional) learn interesting facts about the history of the mighty castle, which had been the residence of numerous Hungarian kings and discover the beautiful Old Town. Celts, Romans, Hungarians, Jews and Slovakians have left their traces here, which is reflected in an impressive diversity of architecture. The pretty houses of the former Austrian-Hungarian noble families look almost like little palaces.

In the morning your ship will be back in the Wachau Valley. The impressive Melk Abbey, perched atop the hill, is overlooking the city. It is considered one of the most important spiritual and cultural centres in Austria. There will be the possibility to explore the stately Baroque building on a guided tour(optional). Afterwards, enjoy the passing landscape from board on the last stage of your journey. In the evening, a five-course captain`s dinner awaits you and brings this eventful week to a happy close.

After arriving in Passau, disembarkation starts. Afterwards, individual journey home.