7/8day river cruise "Danube Rhapsody"

Passau is a picturesque city, uniquely located on a peninsula where the Inn, Ilz and Danube Rivers converge and is known as the “City of Three Rivers”. This Baroque city has always been shaped by historical events and its tourist attractions reflect its rich history. You will have a walking tour of this 2,000-year-old city, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture, cobblestone streets, old fortifications and St. Stephan’s Cathedral. Its historic center is famous as the setting for the film “Sound of Music”.

Melk’s magnificent 11th-century Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest Baroque monasteries is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located on a rocky outcropping overlooking the Danube. The view over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking. You will see the famous library that inspired novelist Umberto Eco to write “The Name of the Rose”, jewel-encrusted crosses, religious relics, stunning frescoes and richly embroidered vestments, the graceful spiral staircase as well as the abbey’s priceless collection of medieval manuscripts.

Austria’s magical capital on the blue Danube, once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, is a showcase of gilded architecture. Vienna is one of Europe’s most seductive cities and is worth a visit not just for its incomparable cultural treasures, the pomp and elegance of former glory, but also for its traditional coffee houses. During your morning city tour of Vienna, you will see the famous Opera House, the Ringstrasse, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In the afternoon you can stroll through the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or take an optional excursion to Schonbrunn Palace.

Austria’s magical capital on the blue Danube, once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, is a showcase of gilded architecture. Vienna is one of Europe’s most seductive cities and is worth a visit not just for its incomparable cultural treasures, the pomp and elegance of former glory, but also for its traditional coffee houses. During your morning city tour of Vienna, you will see the famous Opera House, the Ringstrasse, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In the afternoon you can stroll through the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or take an optional excursion to Schonbrunn Palace.

Budapest once consisted of three parts: Buda, Obuda and Pest. Buda was the historical upper city with the castle, Obuda was the part between the hill and the Danube αnd Pest on the left-hand side was where most of the population lived. In 1872, these three parts were combined to form a real centre. Hungary’s legendary capital city has a gracious atmosphere and delightful cuisine. Your sightseeing tour will take you to the historic Buda Castle, which offers a splendid view of the river and the twin cities of Buda and Pest. Your tour also features the remarkable Fisherman’s Bastion, the Royal Palace, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and Heroes’ Square. Admire the city’s eight bridges which connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. Walk across Chain Bridge, built in 1849 and a symbol of Budapest.

Budapest once consisted of three parts: Buda, Obuda and Pest. Buda was the historical upper city with the castle, Obuda was the part between the hill and the Danube αnd Pest on the left-hand side was where most of the population lived. In 1872, these three parts were combined to form a real centre. Hungary’s legendary capital city has a gracious atmosphere and delightful cuisine. Your sightseeing tour will take you to the historic Buda Castle, which offers a splendid view of the river and the twin cities of Buda and Pest. Your tour also features the remarkable Fisherman’s Bastion, the Royal Palace, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and Heroes’ Square. Admire the city’s eight bridges which connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. Walk across Chain Bridge, built in 1849 and a symbol of Budapest.

Esztergom is one of the oldest cities in Hungary. Its Cathedral was built approximately 150 years ago and St Peter’s Cathedral in Rome was used as a model. It is the largest and most beautiful cathedral in Hungary as well as the third largest cathedral in Europe.  Take in the natural beauty of one of the Danube’s most beautiful stretches today where the emerald-green Transdanubian and North Hungarian Mountains flank the waterway.

Bratislava has been the capital of Slovakia since its independence in 1993, located at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. You will visit the castle which offers spectacular panoramic views of the city and explore the Old City with its fascinating network of attractive squares and narrow alleyways that take you to Town Hall, one of the oldest stone buildings in the city. You can also visit the gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral, coronation church for the Kingdom of Hungary from the 16th to 19th centuries.

Linz is an important river port and the second largest city in Austria. Here, culture plays a significant role in everyday life. Composer Anton Bruckner lived here, and Mozart’s Linzer Symphony was composed in the city. In Linz you can still find traces of the Roman era here, while the old town centre boasts elegant Renaissance courtyards and Baroque churches. See the 13th-century Hauptplatz, Austria’s largest medieval square, and the Trinity Column, built in 1723 as thanks for the city escaping the ravages of the plague, war, and fire. Wander around the old castle grounds and take in the beautiful views of the river, or visit the neo-gothic New Cathedral, Austria’s largest church, with capacity for 20,000 visitors. Taste the local specialty, the Linzer Torte, a spicy cake with a jam filling.

Passau is a picturesque city, uniquely located on a peninsula where the Inn, Ilz and Danube Rivers converge and is known as the “City of Three Rivers”. This Baroque city has always been shaped by historical events and its tourist attractions reflect its rich history. You will have a walking tour of this 2,000-year-old city, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture, cobblestone streets, old fortifications and St. Stephan’s Cathedral. Its historic center is famous as the setting for the film “Sound of Music”.