New Year on the Blue Danube (River Cruise)

MONDAY 28 DECEMBER

Meet your tour leader at 0700hrs at Malta International airport for your direct flight to Vienna. Upon arrival, your private coach will transfer you to central Vienna. Later re-board the coach that will take you to Vienna’s riverfront in time to board the MV Vivaldi. After settling into the cabins, an introduction by the crew takes place during a welcome cocktail, followed by dinner on board. The ship remains moored in Vienna overnight

TUESDAY 29 DECEMBER

After breakfast join the optional tour to Vienna’s most famous Palace: the Schoenbrun Palace; the Habsburgs’ summer residence with its numerous rooms and the splendid gardens. Later return on the ship for lunch, when soon afterward you can re-join your fellow group members for an optional panoramic tour of Vienna. Follow the Ring Strasse, Vienna’s grand boulevard, passing landmarks such as the State Opera, Hofburg Palace, and City Hall. At the end, you will have ample free time to discover the traditional Magic of the Advent Market in front of the City Hall, before returning to Vienna’s riverfront for dinner onboard.

WEDNESDAY 30 DECEMBER

On this special morning, enjoy MV Vivaldi’s premium ship qualities as you sail towards Budapest. In the late afternoon you are welcome to disembark the ship soon after it arrives in Budapest for some free time in this wonderful and spectacular city. Do make sure to return back in time for the Hungarian themed dinner served onboard.

THURSDAY 31 DECEMBER

After breakfast, enjoy an optional panoramic tour of Budapest.  The tour begins on the Buda side, crossing one of the city’s iconic bridges and ascending Castle Hill. Admire breathtaking views from the Royal Palace area and see the seven towered Fisherman’s bastion.  Continue to Pest, the city’s modern and flatter side. Pasing Heroes Square, the Széchenyi Thermal Baths, the Zoo, and Vajdahunyad Castle.  The drive continues along elegant Andrassy Avenue, offering views of St. Stephen’s Basilica and the impressive Hungarian Parliament building.  The tour concludes at Vorosmarty Square, home to one of Budapest’s oldest and most spectacular Christmas markets.  Discover a fairy-tale setting filled with wooden stalls offering thousands of handmade gifts.  Sample traditional cinnamon pastries, sausages, mulled wine, and popular street snacks such as langos.  Later in the evening, return to the ship and sail towards Bratislava while enjoying the specially prepared New Years Eve dinner on board.

FRIDAY 01 JANUARY

Breakfast will be served while sailing along the the beautiful Danube en-route to Bratislava. Shortly after lunch, an optional panoramic tour takes you to Bratislava Castle (outside visit), offering stunning views over the Danube River.  Continue through the Old Town via the preserved Michael’s Gate, walking to the main square with its elegant buildings and Old Town Hall.  The tour also includes an outside visit to the Primate’s Palace. Later sail back to Vienna whilst enjoying the Gala dinner and the onboard entertainment.

SATURDAY 02 JANUARY

After a final buffet breakfast on board, disembark and head towards Vienna’s International airport for your flight back to Malta.