Enjoy Premium River Cruising along Europe's wateways with Travelmarvel.
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41 Slovakia Netherlands France Belgium Hungary Germany Czech Rep. Austria Würzburg Regensburg Passau Nuremberg Rüdesheim Melk Vienna Dürnstein Linz Cologne Brühl Budapest Bamberg Amsterdam Paris 3 Prague Coach Cruise Stay (no. of nights) Miltenberg 3 Rhine River Main River Danube River Main-Danube Canal Travelmarvel River Ship 14 elegant Captain's Welcome Reception. Afterwards, set off on a magical twilight cruise through the heart of Budapest and relish views of the glittering monuments lining either side of the river. 14 Nights: aboard your premium Travelmarvel river ship. BD Day 5. Budapest Today, enjoy views of one of the Danube's most enchanting riverside cities as you wake up in the heart of Hungary's capital. After breakfast, the history, beauty and charm of Budapest is illuminated as a local guide leads you through the city. You'll explore Matthias Church, a breathtaking symphony of colour that displays flawless beauty both inside and out, as well as Fisherman's Bastion and Heroes' Square. The turbulent history of the regal Buda Castle is sure to astound you, as this birthplace of Hungarian kings has been besieged no less than 31 times since its inception. You'll also have the chance to see the city's most famous structure, the spectacular Hungarian Parliament Building, perched on the edge of the Danube River. Enjoy dinner back on board with your fellow travellers this evening. BLD Day 6. Vienna Embrace the splendour of the former Habsburg empire and the sheer elegance of Vienna as you drive around the Ringstrasse. You'll learn about some of the city's most famous buildings – the Vienna State Opera House, the Museum of Fine Arts and more – as well as the rich classical music culture and history. Upon arriving in the city centre, join a walking tour for an insider's view on a number of landmarks, including St Stephen's Cathedral, the Graben, Hofburg Palace and the Albertina. This afternoon, pay a visit to the famous Naschmarkt. Browse the fresh produce stalls and sample some local delicacies, including delicious Kaiserschmarrn. BLD Day 7. Vienna Today you decide on how to shape your experience in glorious Vienna, a cultural utopia of music, art and food. Perhaps you fancy a visit to the Hofburg area – here you'll find the Imperial Treasury, brimming with bejewelled crowns and precious gems, as well as the Spanish Riding School. This famous school is home to the celebrated Lipizzan horses, an exquisite breed that are impeccably trained in the art of dressage. If you're feeling peckish, perhaps head to a cosy coffee house where you can try a traditional Sachertorte – a chocolate tart with a lush apricot filling. You'll be spoilt for choice in a city so rich in attractions, so be sure to ask your expert Cruise Director for any insider tips before your big day out. Or perhaps try one of our optional experiences and either visit the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, explore intriguing Bratislava or attend an evening Mozart and Strauss concert (see page 108). BLD Day 8. Dürnstein, Melk Cruise to the quaint town of Dürnstein, where you can walk over cobbled streets past 16th-century town houses and taverns. You'll find the town dominated by the hilltop ruins of the castle where King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. Afterwards, dock in Melk and join a local guide for a tour through magnificent Melk Abbey, an active Benedictine monastery since 1089. Sitting atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube River, the abbey is home to around two dozen practicing monks, who you may spot strolling around the sculptures and frescoes in their long black robes. Rejoin your ship and enjoy a delicious dinner on board this evening. BLD Day 9. Linz, Passau Visit the town of Linz, then arrive in the 'Three Rivers City' of Passau, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. On a guided tour, you'll soon see that Passau flaunts a distinctly baroque character, as the town was rebuilt in the style after two catastrophic fires destroyed it in the 1600s. Then, enjoy your very own authentic Bavarian experience on board, as you sample local beer and snacks, accompanied by authentic folk music, song and dance. BLD Day 10. Regensburg Continue to cruise along the Danube to the medieval town of Regensburg, located in the southern region of the Bavarian Forest. Here, a guided tour tells of the medieval city's journey through the ages. See the ancient Stone Bridge, which gracefully arches across the water, as well as the Old Town Hall, the World Heritage- listed city centre and the exquisite Porta Pretoria. BLD Day 11. Nuremberg Glide over the Main-Danube Canal, crossing Europe's Continental Divide (435 metres above sea level) thanks to the canal's 16 stair-step locks. European Gems – Prague to Paris 1 1. Beautiful Melk Abbey in Austria travelmarvel.com.au/EUTCRPP21