Vienna, Bohemia & Treasures of the Danube

Like so many other European cities, Vienna has been fought over since Roman times, with varying tribes throughout the centuries leaving their mark, until the arrival of the Habsburgs in 1278, who despite two Turkish sieges then ruled for 640 years. During its golden age, which ended in 1918 with the collapse of the empire, Vienna became a cultural centre and the city’s coffee houses were crammed with artists and intellectuals from all over Europe. The first foreign capital to fall to the Nazis during World War II, then remaining under allied occupation for the following decade, today Vienna serves as one of the headquarters of the United Nations. Surprisingly compact, at the heart you’ll find the colossal landmark Gothic Saint Stephen’s Cathedral with its striking multicoloured roof. Former royal court of the Habsburgs, the vast Hofburg, now a complex of excellent museums and galleries, also houses the crown jewels and the world-famous Vienna Boys’ Choir and Spanish Riding School. On our guided tour we will see some of the many sights and enjoy an insight into Viennese life with our local guide. There’s some free time to explore under your own steam before returning to the ship for lunch. This afternoon our cruising commences, so head up on to the sun deck to take in the glorious views from the comfort of a sun lounger as we get our first tantalising glimpses of the lush green slopes of the Danube Valley, sprinkled with sleepy little towns – clusters of red roofs swarming around a pretty baroque church spire. Wooded hills give way to wide fields of maize and sunflowers, and the carefully tended terraces of the region’s vineyards, famed for their wine. During tonight’s dinner we arrive in the medieval town of Krems, after which retire to the lounge to enjoy a live classical recital.

As lunch is served in the ship’s restaurant, just sit back and enjoy the exceptional views from the panoramic windows. We are cruising through the Wachau, one of the most stunning stretches of the Danube as it snakes its way between the vine-clad hills, passing the tiny walled town of Dürnstein with its beautiful blue and white baroque church and the spectacular mustard-yellow monastery at Melk, teetering on a granite slab high above the mighty river; so spend a lazy afternoon enjoying the ship’s facilities – perhaps book an appointment with the on-board hairdresser or just find a shady spot on deck and watch the riverbanks, laced with swathes of apricot trees, slipping by. Evening falls on this wonderful landscape and thoughts turn to what might be on the menu this evening; there’s time to chat with your travelling companions over an aperitif before the chef serves tonight’s excellent dinner.

This afternoon we visit the attractive town of Aldersbach, principally famed as the site of a former Cistercian abbey. Earliest records show the abbey was founded in 1127 and well regarded for its religious discipline, became widely influential and went on to flourish for more than six centuries until the secularisation of Bavaria in the early nineteenth century when the buildings were sold, and the church converted to serve the local parish. We enjoy a guided tour seeing the breathtaking interior of one of the most important baroque churches in southern Germany, with its flamboyant stuccowork, intricate gold-leaf and elaborate ceiling frescoes and learning more about the monks who made their life here. We’ll also visit the abbey’s historic brewery and museum.

Afterwards enjoy some free time exploring under your own steam; take a stroll over the iconic thirteenth century bridge and take in the view, much as it has been for centuries, before retiring to a cosy, tucked away café to enjoy the enchanting ambience of this historic place. You’ll have worked up an appetite so return to the ship for lunch as our elegant ship smoothly commences our return cruise into Austria. Spend the afternoon at leisure on board; perhaps in the lounge with newly-made friends or up on deck enjoying the views as fortified castles and ancient churches idly drift by. There will be ample photo opportunities as we cruise through the iconic natural wonder of the Danube Loop, where the water spectacularly carves its path in an almost 360-degree bend, flanked on all sides by steep lushly forested slopes. Evening falls and our chef serves up tonight’s excellent dinner in the relaxed ambience of the ship’s restaurant, after which retire to the bar to enjoy the relaxed tones of the on-board pianist whilst sipping your favourite digestif.

Alternatively, you may choose to join our excursion to the beautiful medieval town of Český Krumlov, in the heart of scenic Bohemia, amidst a fairytale landscape of rolling hills, tumbling mountain streams and glassy lakes, with a wonderful mountain backdrop. On arrival we enjoy a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, nestling on the banks of the Vltava River: the magnificent castle, set in extensive gardens, dating back to medieval times with one of the best preserved baroque theatres in the world, perches high above a jumble of terracotta roofs below. There will be time to wander the shady tangle of alleyways, discovering tiny shops tucked away, soaking up the atmosphere of this truly magical place before we return to the ship in time for dinner. Please note lunch is not included on this full day excursion to Český Krumlov, however the ship will offer a packed lunch.

There’s a spot of window-shopping to enjoy along the chic boulevards of Graben and Kohlmarkt and don’t forget to leave time to indulge in the Viennese institution of a coffee in one of the beautiful atmospheric cafés where you can sit and watch the world go by over a slice of Sachertorte. Alternatively, you might choose to join our visit to Schönbrunn, the Habsburgs’ splendid summer palace. Your included entrance allows you into the dazzling state rooms, with their wealth of priceless artworks, furnishings, stunning parquet floors, exquisite china and tapestries plus the family’s impressive royal carriages and an audio guide helps to give you a fascinating insight into the lives of this powerful dynasty. Take a stroll through the charming formal gardens, admiring the beautifully tended flowerbeds and neatly clipped hedges. Tonight, as a fitting finale, the magnificent Captain’s Dinner is served, after which retire to the lounge one last time, to share memories of this magical cruise with newly-made friends.