Gems of the Danube with Best of Bavaria: 12 days Munich to Budapest

Welcome to Munich, the capital of Bavaria. Upon arrival, you’ll transfer from the airport to your hotel in the historic heart of Munich.  Explore some of Munich’s must-see attractions at your leisure, such as the Cathedral Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche), the Residenz Palace and the produce-rich Viktualienmarkt Square.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a panoramic tour of Munich. You’ll pass by some of the city’s top sights including the former Olympic site, Nymphenburg Palace, the National Theatre, Maximilianstrasse and the Parliament. Stroll the Marienplatz Square and see the famous Glockenspiel. 

This afternoon travel via coach to the village of Schwangau. Renowned for its top-tier air quality, relaxing atmosphere and spectacular castles, Schwangau is a remarkable gem amid the mountains. Check in to your hotel for a two-night stay.

After a delicious breakfast, prepare for an excursion to a truly iconic fairytale castle and the inspiration behind Disney’s Cinderella Castle. Nuschwanstein Castle, nestled amid the Bavarian Alps, was built in the 19th century for King Ludwig II. One of the most photographed buildings in the world, today you’ll have the opportunity to explore the interior of this iconic palace on a guided tour. Bask in its intricate frescoes and enjoy breathtaking views of Alpsee and Hohenschwangau lakes from the castle’s lofty vantage points.

This morning you’ll travel to Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second largest city. On the way, stop at Augsburg, one of the oldest cities in Germany and certainly one of the most beautiful. Augsburg is a glamorous blend of Old World architecture, magnificent fountains and watercourses, and a rich musical legacy. Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation tour before some free time to explore  the city. 

In the afternoon, you’ll continue to Nuremberg, a city steeped in history and culture that stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Bavaria. Nestled in the heart of Germany, Nuremberg is a place where medieval charm meets modern vitality. Its well-preserved medieval old town, encompassed by formidable city walls, boasts architectural treasures that transport visitors back in time. Beyond its historic facades, Nuremberg's dynamic spirit shines through in its thriving arts scene, bustling markets, and vibrant culinary culture. 

On arrival in Nuremberg, take a walking tour with an expert local guide on hand to immerse you in Nuremberg’s history. You’ll visit the Imperial Castle before making your way to the Old Town, where you’ll see St. Lawrence Church and the lively market square. 

Check in to your hotel for an overnight stay in the heart of the city and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Wake up in Nuremberg and enjoy a sumptuous breakfast at your hotel. Afterwards, take the morning to explore the city before boarding a coach for Regensburg where your cruise begins. Toast to the occasion during an evening reception on board your state-of-the-art Scenic Space-Ship.

Boasting a staggering 2,000-year history, Regensburg has one of Germany’s best preserved Medieval town centres, with more than 900 of its Romanesque and Gothic buildings listed as World Heritage sites. Within its narrow laneways, the city lays claim to having the highest concentration of bars in the country. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Today, Regensburg offers a selection of Scenic Freechoice activities to choose from: 

Walking tour of Regensburg: On the confluence of three rivers in Bavaria, Regensburg is known as the best-preserved medieval city in Germany. Guests will join a walking tour with a local guide to see the old stone bridge, the Church of St James, and the Porta Praetoria. 

Weltenburg Abbey: Take a ferry through the Danube Gorge to Weltenburg Abbey, the oldest monastery in Bavaria, founded by monks in approximately 600AD. Explore the Abbey and Cloister Church, then sample the award-winning beer produced on site since 1050.  

Bavarian beer tasting: Learn about intricacies of beer making and the region's rich brewing heritage than spans over 1,000 years and is a valued part of the regions culture. Visit a traditional brewery to taste a variety of distinctive Bavarian brews. 

Arrive in Passau early this morning. Set at the meeting point of three rivers and close to the border with Austria, it was an important trading point for centuries. It was also a significant town in the Holy Roman Empire and the charming Old Town was mostly built by powerful prince-bishops in an Italianate style. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Take your pick from the following Scenic Freechoice excursions. 

Full day excursion to Salzburg: Cross the border into Salzburg, Austria, a storybook city surrounded by alpine peaks and best known as the home of Mozart and The Sound of Music. On a guided tour, learn about its art and music scene, visit Mozart’s birthplace, and see the vast Hohensalzburg Fortress. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and some free time.  

Full day excursion to Ceský Krumlov: Journey to the Czech town of Ceský Krumlov, a World Heritage site brimming with charm. Explore with your local guide, admire the well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.   

Highlights of Passau: Join your local guide on a walking tour, admiring the brightly coloured buildings that line the waterways. Visit St. Stephens Cathedral, originally built in the year 450 but destroyed by fire in 1662 and rebuilt in the Baroque style.  

This morning your Space-Ship will dock in the small town of Melk, tucked inside Austria’s picturesque Wachau Valley. The town is dominated by its dramatic, World Heritage-listed Benedictine Abbey, which towers above it from a rocky outcrop. 

Scenic Freechoice:
This morning offers a variety of Scenic Freechoice excursions to choose from: 

Guided tour of Melk Abbey: Wander the halls of this grand 18th-century abbey, visit the decorated Marble Hall and the library, which is filled with more than 80,000 books, and be awed by the Abbey Church, adorned in frescoes and intricate statues. 

E-biking from Melk to Dürnstein: Embark on a guided e-bike ride to soak up the scenery along the Danube as you cycle from Melk to the quaint village of Dürnstein. You’ll pass by small villages and through rolling vineyards, stopping along the way to enjoy the river views. 

Artstetten Castle: Meet the current owners of Artstetten Castle, which dates to the 13th century. It was once home to the Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination sparked the beginning of WWI in 1914. See the family crypt and visit the on-site museum, before hearing tales from decedents of the royal family dynasty that were influential in European history. 

This afternoon, cruise through the Wachau Valley where you will be mesmerised by the sloping vineyards and charming villages. Then dock in the quaint town of Dürnstein, where you have ample free time to wander at your leisure. Surrounded by vineyards, the town has historical buildings that date back to the 12th century, including the hilltop ruins of Dürnstein Castle where Richard the Lionheart was famously imprisoned between 1192 and 1193. 

While on board, you can also join an informative talk on the production of schnapps and taste some local varieties. 

Welcome to Vienna, the capital of Austria and a centre of art, music and culture. The city fostered the musical geniuses Mozart and Beethoven, and oozes charm with magnificent Baroque buildings, ample green spaces, a vibrant coffee-house scene, and masterpiece-filled galleries and museums.  

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose from these Scenic Freechoice activities this afternoon: 

Schönbrunn Palace: Explore Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg family. Wander its ornately designed rooms, hear tales about the royal family that lives here and see the impressive gardens. 

Cycle to Danube Island: Explore a different side of Vienna on a guided e-bike tour to Danube Island, a recreational playground where locals come for bathing, boating, cycling and relaxing on its beaches and open spaces. 

Belvedere Museum: Visit one of Europe’s most stunning Baroque landmarks and explore the greatest collection of Austrian art dating from the Middle Ages to the present day, complemented by the work of international artists such as Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Max Beckmann. 

Central Vienna: Vienna is brimming with history, elegance and diverse architecture. During this tour your expert local guide will delight you with stories from the city before allowing you free time to explore as you wish. 

Scenic Enrich
Breathe in the opulence and luxury of Palais Liechtenstein this evening as you relish an exclusive private classical concert. Enjoy a glass of fine Austrian Sekt and listen to the timeless music of Strauss and Mozart performed by a renowned orchestra. Accompanied by ballet dancers and vocalists, and surrounded by world-famous art, this will be a concert that you’ll remember for a lifetime. 

Slovakia’s capital since independence in 1993, Bratislava is a modern multicultural metropolis with an intriguing history. Its Old Town is glorious with Medieval and Gothic architecture. Its well-preserved hilltop castle, which dates back to the ninth century, still dominates the town. These charming historic sites contrast with its brutalist socialist architecture, which is evident around the city. 

Scenic Freechoice:
As we dock in the city centre, this morning’s Scenic Freechoice excursions are just steps away: 

Walking tour of Bratislava: Join a knowledgeable local guide to see the highlights of the city, including the Hlavné Námestie (main square) and the Old Town Hall while learning about the history of the city. You’ll also learn what everyday life was like behind the Iron Curtain and taste some local delicacies.

Carpathian Wine Tasting: Wine has been grown in Slovakia for more than 3,000 years, with its cool climate producing excellent reds, whites and sparkling. On this guided tour, you’ll visit a local winery in the Carpathian wine region located just outside Bratislava, learn about viticulture in the region and sample their top wines.

Arrive in Budapest early this morning, the capital of Hungary and one of Europe’s most diverse and vibrant cities. Divided by the Danube, with Buda on one side and Pest on the other, this city became united in 1873 when a newly built bridge connected the two. It’s an architectural treasure trove comprising styles from Gothic to Art Nouveau and everything in between. It is also well known for its hot springs and thermal baths and has a vibrant nightlife scene. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose from a range of Scenic Freechoice activities on offer this morning: 

Budapest in depth: Explore this magical city by coach. Starting in Buda, see the Várkert Bazár before crossing the Margaret Bridge to the Pest side to see Széchenyi Square and Elizabeth Square. End your tour with a mesmerising piano recital at the Institute for the Blind. 

Guided hike of Buda: Strap on your walking shoes for a beautiful hike through the Buda district of the city. On your walk, see Varket Bazar and beautifully landscaped gardens, all while enjoying great views over the Danube River and the city architecture. 

Jewish Heritage Tour: During this tour you will learn about the significant Jewish events from history that have shaped the culture of today. You will also visit the fascinating Jewish Museum and impressive Synagogue (available on selected dates). 

Excursion to Szentendre: Journey to the riverside town Szentendre, known for its museums, galleries, and artists. Experience the Mediterranean atmosphere and discover its charms on a guided city tour. 

Your journey concludes this morning. After one final breakfast on board, depart with a lifetime of memories. 

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.