Imperial Cities & Luxury Danube Cruise

Itinerary 

Day 1: London to Berlin 
From London St Pancras, you will take the Eurostar to Brussels followed by the train to Berlin, travelling via Cologne. Spend the first night of your tour here at the Maritim Berlin Hotel.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Berlin
This morning you embark on a guided tour of Berlin, soaking up the sights of this once divided city including the incredible Brandenburg Gate, a section of the Berlin Wall, as well as the Reichstag, meeting place of the current German parliament. Heading back to the train station you continue your journey, heading south to Prague for two nights.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3: Prague 
You will enjoy a guided tour of the Czech capital today, starting at Hradcany Castle, the largest medieval complex in Europe. Walk across the 14th century Charles Bridge, which has 75 statues along its walls, and pass the Gothic spires of St Vitus’ Cathedral, into which entrance is included. The rest of your day is at leisure before dinner back at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4: Budapest & Boarding on your Ship
Following a buffet breakfast, join the rail service to Budapest. Arriving in Budapest, you will meet the Amadeus Queen and are welcomed with a cocktail in the lounge before dinner. Later take in the illuminated sights as you sail around the city. Guests are also treated to a performance from a local Hungarian folk band in the lounge.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5: Budapest
This morning enjoy a guided coach tour, introducing you to Budapest’s main sights. Pass impressive buildings and monuments on both sides of the Danube, including the neo-Gothic Parliament building, the magnificent State Opera House and St Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest Castle, Matthias Church and Fishermen’s Bastion. You will return to the ship for lunch, after which you have some free time before you begin cruising to Bratislava. The departure time means you arrive at the scenic Danube Bend just as the sun sets. This section of the river has a long and fascinating history and from the sun deck or panoramic windows in the bar, you’ll be able to see castle ruins, churches, pretty houses hidden in the hills and dense forests, all soaked in the golden glow of twilight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Bratislava
Your morning is at leisure aboard before you moor up early this afternoon. After lunch, set out on a guided coach tour of Slovakian capital. Located in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, Bratislava straddles the Danube which neatly divides the city into two parts; the Baroque Old Town (Stare Mesto) and the new city. This picture-postcard city destination historic Gothic buildings, several universities, a wealth of museums and galleries, and a refreshing cosmopolitan atmosphere. The historic centre features delightful cobbled stoned roads, pedestrianised plazas, pastel 18th century rococo buildings and street cafés galore. Following your excursion, you return to the ship for another delicious, 5-course dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Vienna
After a calm night of cruising, you arrive into glorious Vienna, for a comprehensive sightseeing tour. This is a chance to relish in Austria’s Imperial heritage, one full of tradition and rich in architectural, artistic and musical heritage. You’ll see many of Vienna’s finest ornate buildings, including the impressive Hofburg Palace. This vast complex of buildings demonstrates the awesome power and wealth commanded by the Habsburgs. You’ll also take in the impressive Opera House, one of the leading opera venues in the world, as well as the grand Parliament Building. Tonight a real treat awaits you on board, where after dinner you are joined by musicians from the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra for an exclusive, private recital. Be whisked away by the music as you immerse yourself in this singularly exceptional experience, as the Vienna Philharmonic is one of the most popular and skilled orchestras in the world.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 & 9: Melk Abbey, Salzburg and Austrian Lake District
Today you reach Austria’s Wachau Valley, a famous wine-making region. Arrive in the idyllic village of Dürnstein where you have time at leisure. As you sit down to lunch on board the ship will begin cruising along the picturesque Wachau Valley, an extremely scenic area with green valleys and vineyards rising up from the river, picturesque riverside towns, and commanding fortresses with sweeping views. You then journey by coach to Melk Abbey, enjoying entrance to this 11th century Benedictine Abbey which stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube and is home to the Abbey Church, considered one of the most beautiful Baroque churches north of the Alps.

On Day 8 you disembark in Linz, where you have a choice of excursions. You could head further into the countryside for a day spent amidst the spectacular scenery of the Austrian lakes. Make stops in UNESCO listed Hallstatt, one of Austria’s most photographed villages thanks to its traditional pastel-coloured houses perched on the tiny plain between the mountains and Hallstättersee Lake, as well as Mondsee. This pretty town is set on the lake of the same name, and its most famous sight is the 15th-century parish church, which featured in the wedding scenes of ‘The Sound of Music’.

Otherwise, travel by coach to Salzburg, via Mondsee, one of Austria’s most famous cities and known as the birth place of Mozart. A guided sightseeing tour reveals the city’s internationally renowned Baroque architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You rejoin the ship in Passau

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Days 10- 12: Regensburg and Homeward Bound
Regensberg is your port of call this morning, which you can explore on foot. This medieval town contains many buildings that testify to its history as a trading centre and to its influence on the whole region from the 9th century onwards. Back on board tonight, you will attend the Captain’s gala dinner, a chance to don your evening-wear and celebrate your cruise experience.

On Day 11 you disembark after breakfast to start the journey back home via Cologne, where you spend the night. On Day 12 you complete your journey back to London.

Accommodation Information 

MS Amadeus Queen
Sleek, elegant and comfortable, the MS Amadeus Queen is an excellent river going vessel, offering one of the finest ways to discover the stunning rivers of Europe. Well-maintained facilities, superb service and tasteful cabins all combine to make passengers’ time on board the Amadeus Queen a delight. Enjoy the serene scenery as it passes by, through specially designed floor-to- ceiling windows or perhaps from the Sun Deck at the top of the boat, as you relax on loungers and deck chairs with your fellow travellers.

Across the four decks, the ship has a range of amenities available to passengers including a restaurant, a panorama-bar and a fitness room. A recent addition has seen an indoor pool installed at the rear of the boat. Each room has a television, an en suite bathroom, a mini bar and a hairdryer, while the suites enjoy a walk-out exterior balcony as well.

Maritim Hotel Berlin
The 4-Star Maritim Hotel Berlin is situated close to Potzdamer Platz and not far from all the main sights of central Berlin, such as the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag. Designed in the style of the ‘golden 20’s’ the hotel marries classic ambience with modern comforts. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, saunas, solarium and fitness room. The rooms come with individual climate control, a telephone, television, minibar and a hairdryer.

***SPECIAL OFFER*** Save up to £100 per person on 2021 departures when you book on or before 31st May 2020

Departure Dates and Costs per Person
01/05/2020: £2,795
08/05/2020: £2,895
28/05/2020: £2,795
09/06/2020: £2,795
07/07/2020: £2,895
28/07/2020: £2,895
22/08/2020: £2,795
10/09/2020: £3,195
14/05/2021:-£2,795 £2,695
21/05/2021:-£2,795 £2,695
21/05/2021:-£2,895 £2,795
25/06/2021:-£2,895 £2,795
19/07/2021:-£2,795 £2,695
09/08/2021:-£2,895 £2,795
04/09/2021:-£2,995 £2,895
09/09/2021:-£2,995 £2,895

Departure Dates & Cost per Person – First Class Rail Travel from London to Berlin 
10/09/2019: £2,595 
22/09/2019: £2,495
02/05/2020: £2,645
09/05/2020: £2,595
29/05/2020: £2,895
10/06/2020: £2,795
17/06/2020: £2,795
29/07/2020: £2,695
23/08/2020: £2,745
11/09/2020: £2,895
14/05/2021:-£3,095 £2,995
21/05/2021:-£3,095 £2,995
14/06/2021:-£3,195 £3,095
25/06/2021:-£3,195 £3,095
19/07/2021:-£3,095 £2,995
09/08/2021:-£3,195 £3,095
04/09/2021:-£3,095 £3,195
09/09/2021:-£3,095 £3,195