The Beautiful Blue Danube

WEDNESDAY 05 AUGUST

Travel onboard your direct flight to Budapest. Upon arrival head towards your river cruise ship the MS Modigliani berthed at Budapest Riverfront. After settling into the cabins, an introduction by the crew takes place during a welcome cocktail, followed by dinner on board. In the evening, you may join fellow passengers for an optional traditional evening in Budapest. The ship remains moored in Budapest overnight

THURSDAY 06 AUGUST

After breakfast enjoy an optional panoramic tour of Budapest, which begins on the Buda side, crossing one of the city’s iconic bridges to ascend Castle Hill. Admire breathtaking views from the outskirts of the Royal Palace and glimpse the seven-towered Fisherman’s Bastion. Continue to Pest, the modern, flatter side of the city. Pass by Heroes’ Square and then towards the famous Széchenyi Thermal Baths, the zoo, and Vajdahunyad Castle. The drive continues along elegant Andrássy Avenue, offering views of St. Stephen’s Basilica. The tour concludes along the Danube embankment with impressive views of the Hungarian Parliament Building. Return to the ship in time for lunch. In the afternoon, the ship sails towards Bratislava.

FRIDAY 07 AUGUST

Soon after breakfast join the optional panoramic tour of Bratislava, offering stunning views over the Danube from Bratislava’s castle viewpoint. Later continue towards the entrance of the Old Town, through the preserved Michael’s Gate, followed by a walk to the central square surrounded by elegant buildings and the Old Town Hall. The tour continues to Primate’s Palace (outside visit), with time to stroll through the charming streets. After the guided tour, free time is available before returning to the ship, in time for lunch. In the afternoon, relax with a cocktail on deck as the ship cruises towards Vienna, arriving in time for dinner. Soon afterwards you are encouraged to join your fellow group members for an optional excursion to a Viennese concert at the historic Eschenbach Palace, featuring works by Johann Strauss and Mozart, performed by renowned musicians, dancers, and vocal soloists.

SATURDAY 08 AUGUST

Today, you are enticed to join the optional tour of Vienna including Schoenbrun Palace, the Habsburgs’ summer residence. After breakfast board your private coach and drive following the Ring Strasse, Vienna’s grand boulevard, passing landmarks such as the State Opera, Hofburg Palace, and City Hall. The visit continues at Schoenbrun Palace including its numerous rooms and the splendid gardens. Later return to the city centre for free time near St Stephen’s Cathedral, followed by a return to the ship for lunch. In the afternoon, an optional excursion to the Hofburg Palace, the Habsburgs’ winter residence that includes a visit to the Sisi Museum and the Imperial apartments awaits you before return to the ship for dinner as the cruise continues to Melk.

SUNDAY 09 AUGUST

Early morning cruising through the scenic Wachau Valley before arrival in Melk, where soon after breakfast, an optional excursion to the medieval village of Dürnstein is offered. The village is famous for its castle, where Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned. Free time is available to wander the picturesque streets, visit the Baroque abbey, and sample local Austrian wine or apricot liqueur. After lunch on board, an optional visit to Melk Abbey, the impressive Benedictine abbey overlooking the Danube, including the museum, marble hall, renowned library, and historic bedchambers. Return to the ship for a Gala Dinner as the cruise continues towards Passau.

MONDAY 10 AUGUST

After a final buffet breakfast on board, disembarkation takes place in Passau. Transfer to Munich follows, for your flight back to Malta.