Historic Capitals of the Danube

Historic Capitals of the Danube

A majestic cruise through the valleys, vineyards and scenery that make the Danube so special takes in some captivating towns and cities, full of history and culture. From the elegance of Vienna, with its many sights from the glorious Hapsburg era, to beautiful Budapest, the ‘Pearl of The Danube’, and the ancient splendour of Bratislava, you can immerse yourself in some of the heartland of Europe’s most magical capitals.

8 & 10 days from only £989

Holiday highlights
• Vienna’s elegance and culture
• Budapest, ‘Queen of the Danube’
• Bratislava’s charming old town
• Discover wonderful wines at Dürnstein

Optional excursions
• Vienna by night
• Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna
• Budapest city tour
• Bratislava city tour

Why not pre-book your excursion package? Price includes excursions noted above for just £109 per person

Holiday Itinerary by Coach
Day 1 UK to Belgium - We travel to Dover and take the ferry to Calais then continue on to Liege for our overnight stay in Belgium.
Day 2 Belgium to Linz - Onwards from Liege to Linz where we join the MV Esmeralda in the evening. You can relax on board while we dock at Linz on the banks of the Danube. Make yourself familiar with the ship and meet fellow travellers over dinner this evening.
Day 3 Linz to Vienna - A full day on board sees us arrive in the elegant city of Vienna, with its compact World Heritage Site city centre, exciting array of cafes and grand places and simply irresistible cakes and desserts.
Day 4 Vienna to Budapest - A whole day is devoted to the magnificence of Vienna, where you can discover the architectural wonder of St Stephen’s Cathedral, walk around one of several World Heritage Sites, visit the museum quarter, or try one of the renowned delicious cakes and pastries in the numerous cafes and bars. In the evening we set sail for Budapest.
Day 5 Budapest to Bratislava - In the morning we arrive in Budapest, the queen of the Danube and one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe. Here, where the river separates the old and new towns (Buda and Pest), the city is always lively and has long been a haven for writers, artists and musicians. Following dinner we make our way along the Danube to Bratislava.
Day 6 Bratislava - We arrive this morning in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia and the only national capital that borders two countries. Take time out to admire an eclectic mix of wonderful old buildings and monuments or see the old town’s Freedom and Peace Squares.
Day 7 Bratislava to Dürnstein - Today we have a full day of sailing back into Austria and the popular town of Dürnstein, with its cosy wine taverns, where locally grown Wachauer wines can be sampled. Also worth visiting is the historic city square, the oldest theatre in the country and the Benedictine Abbey with great views of the river.
Day 8 Dürnstein – Melk - Linz - Today’s first port of call is Melk, nestled in the Wachau Valley, with its baroque Benedictine monastery and Renaissance Schallaburg Castle, before returning to Linz where our journey started.
Day 9 Linz to Belgium - Leaving the Esmeralda here, we head back to Belgium for our overnight stay.
Day 10 Belgium to UK - Calais, Dover, then home.

Holiday Itinerary by Air
Day 1 UK to Munich - Fly to Munich where you will be met by a representative and transferred to the MV Esmeralda.
Days 2 to 7 Cruising - See Holiday itinerary by Coach days 3 to 8.
Day 8 Munich to UK - Transfer to Munich airport for the flight back to the UK.

Flight departures. Heathrow, Stansted, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and Gatwick.

By coach - whats included
• 1 night hotel, bed breakfast on route
• 7 nights full board cruise
• 1 night hotel, dinner bed & breakfast post route
• Luxury coach travel
• Shearings cruise representative

By air - whats included
• 7 nights full board cruise
• Return flights & resort transfers
• Shearings cruise representative