Your itinerary
Day 1: Vienna.
Fly to Vienna where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your ship, MS France, for embarkation. Your cruise includes full board from dinner this evening until breakfast on day 8. This evening, perhaps join the optional Vienna-by-night excursion to witness some of Vienna's most magnificent palaces and rich cultural treasures, particularly the Opera House, City Hall, statue of Johann Strauss, Imperial Apartments, and Spanish Riding School.
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Day 2: Melk - Dürnstein.
After breakfast, enjoy an optional excursion to Melk to admire stunning views of the Danube and its surrounding countryside from the spectacular Benedictine Abbey. One of Europe's largest Baroque monasteries, this stunning 18th century edifice features a marble hall and an astonishing library with 365 windows atop a dramatic clifftop perch. Return to your ship for lunch and continue cruising through the lush, vine-rich countryside of Austria's Wachau Valley to medieval Dürnstein. Enjoy an included walking tour of this pretty Baroque town, set against craggy hillsides and known for its enchanting blue-and-white Baroque church. Dürnstein is overlooked by the fortifying walls of Kuenringerburg Castle, where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192.
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Day 3: Bratislava.
Experience Slovakia's charismatic capital on this morning's optional excursion. Tucked into the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, charming Bratislava is brimming with impressive and ornate architectural sights from the imposing riverfront castle and Baroque palaces to Michael Gate and St Martin's Cathedral, where many Hungarian kings were crowned. The delightful Old Town is a maze of cobbled, medieval lanes and quaint bustling squares overlooked by the stylish Mirbach and Primate's Palaces. The Jesuit Church, the 15th-century Town Hall, Castle Hill and the Old Town are just some of the sights you'll take in on this morning's optional tour. After lunch on board, set sail for Kalocsa.
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Day 4: Kalocsa.
This morning, explore the charming Hungarian town of Kalocsa, renowned for its paprika and embroidery production, as well as its strong folkloric heritage. Set on terraces above the Danube, the town was founded by St Stephen in 1009 and later became an archbishopric. Enjoy a stroll around the town centre taking in sights such as the elaborate Baroque-style Archbishop's Palace and the stately Cathedral, fronted by the handsome Holy Trinity Square. Alternatively, for those who wish to venture further afield, join the optional excursion to the 'Puzsta' or Great Plain. This vast prairie, once regarded as the 'wild west' of Hungary, is now a renowned equestrian centre where you can enjoy a fantastic show featuring Hungarian horsemanship. Return to your ship this afternoon and continue cruising to the 'pearl of the Danube' - Budapest.
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Day 5: Budapest.
You have a full day to enjoy the beauty of Budapest today. One of Europe's finest cities, Budapest consists of two districts, old 'Buda' and more modern 'Pest', standing on either bank of the Danube and linked by seven picturesque bridges. Join an optional morning tour through the cobbled, winding streets of Buda to admire Baroque Palaces, spa houses, medieval homesteads, the glorious St Mathias Church, splendid river views from the fairytale-like, turreted Fisherman's Bastion, and the magnificent Royal Palace, which proudly overlooks the Parliament Building across the river. In bustling Pest, get a close-up view of the Parliament Building, inspired by the London Parliament, and visit Heroes Square and St Stephen's Basilica before returning to your ship for lunch. This afternoon, explore the city at leisure and discover the many hidden treasures that it has to offer. After dinner, enjoy an optional folklore show featuring traditional gypsy music and dance.
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Day 6: Budapest - Esztergom.
Set sail from Budapest this morning for a relaxing day of scenic cruising on the delightful Danube. Enjoy a short stop in Hungary's oldest town, Esztergom, a historic and sacred town overlooked by a colossal hilltop basilica, before returning to your ship for lunch. Tonight, as you continue cruising towards Vienna, enjoy an on board Gala evening and dinner.
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Day 7: Vienna.
A full day to discover the sights and delights of imperial Vienna today. This charming and historic city was the seat of the famous Habsburg dynasty for over 600 years. Today's optional excursions give you the chance to learn more about their family history with a morning visit to the impressive summer residence of Schönbrunn Palace, adorned with grandiose French-styled gardens and elegant décor. The tour also includes a drive along the famed Ringstrasse to see many of Vienna's historic landmarks. In the afternoon, enjoy an optional visit to the sumptuously furnished Hofburg Palace. Complete a wonderful day in the city with an optional concert this evening, where classical music performances will include scores by Vienna's most illustrious composers: Mozart and Strauss.
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Day 8: Vienna - UK.
Transfer to Vienna airport for your return flight to the UK.
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