Cruise & Classical Music on the River Danube

Passau is not only known for its location at the confluence of the rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz.  It is also home to the world’s largest cathedral organ which can be found in St Stephen’s Cathedral.  With almost 18,000 pipes and over 230 registers, an organ concert in the cathedral is one of the highlights of a visit to Passau and we will experience it during our guided tour of the city.  You are free this afternoon to explore Passau at your leisure. This evening, enjoy a special Bavaria- themed dinner on board with regional delicacies and live music as the ships sails towards Linz. 

We arrive at Linz in Austria this morning and travel to Anton Bruckner’s birthplace in Ansfelden. Here, we will learn about his life and work and how his musical development was shaped by his schoolmaster and organist father. We them move onto St Florian Abbey where Bruckner was a choirboy and later a teacher and organist.  After a guided tour of the Abbey, we’ll enjoy a short concert.  The ship remains in Linz until the evening, so you have the afternoon at leisure for further exploration. 

This morning, we arrive in Emmersdorf where you are free to explore at leisure. Known as the Gateway to the Wachau Valley, this charming riverside town boasts cobbled streets, cosy cafés, and views over the Danube. Back on board, lunch is served as the ship continues towards the wine-growing village of Dürnstein in the UNESCO protected Wachau Valley.  Dürnstein Abbey is a former Augustinian Monastery, famous for its iconic blue and white Baroque tower overlooking the Danube. The Baroque organ is still in use today and we will hear it played during a short concert.  The ship departs late afternoon for Vienna where it arrives late evening at its overnight mooring. 

Vienna has been associated with classical music for centuries and many renowned composers have connections with the city. Franz Schubert was born here, and Johann Strauss II is credited for popularising the Viennese waltz.  Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn and Mahler lived and composed here, inspired by the art and architecture of one of Europe’s great cities. This morning, our guided tour of the city is focused on Viennese composers and music, followed by afternoon free time in the ‘City of Music’. Visit St Stephen’s Cathedral with its iconic colourful tiled roof, sample coffee and cake in the Café Frauenhuber where Mozart and Beethoven performed or simply take in the elegant Baroque and Gothic buildings on a stroll around the UNESCO-listed city centre. The ship is moored in Vienna until late evening when it departs for Bratislava. 

The ship arrives in Bratislava in Slovakia this morning where we’ll enjoy a music-themed guided walking tour. Together with an expert guide, we’ll stroll the city’s stunning streets hearing stories of how Mozart dazzled noble families with his talent here aged just six years old, and a young, Franz Liszt performed at the University Library in one of his earliest public appearances. The afternoon is free for you to explore further. Back aboard the ship, evening entertainment is a Viennese Waltz performance and the chance to learn a few steps of this classic ballroom dance.  

This morning the ship makes its way into Hungary and towards our final port of call.  Relax on board and enjoy the views from the panorama lounge bar, Amadeus Club, or your cabin.   One of the highlights of a Danube cruise is arriving in Budapest from the river. You’ll see several iconic bridges including the famous Chain Bridge, the stunning Hungarian Parliament Building, and Buda Castle – the seat of Hungarian kings since the 13th century.  We arrive early afternoon and then take a guided walk of the city which includes a tour of the iconic Budapest Opera House and a short concert.  

On our final evening, we will enjoy an atmospheric cruise through Budapest. Illuminated at night, Budapest’s most beautiful side is revealed. A gala dinner and folklore show on board will complete the experience

Say farewell to the crew and transfer to the airport for the flight home from Budapest.