The magnificent Danube flows through ten European countries and is the beating heart of Central Europe. It boasts opulent cities along its banks and passes through some of Europe's most heavenly countryside.
Discover this mighty river on a cultural eight-day cruise on board the luxurious S.S. Maria Theresa. This voyage is truly unique thanks to the company of virtuoso Russell Watson, who'll perform an intimate and private concert in the enchanting town of Dürnstein.
More musical treats await with an unforgettable Mozart and Strauss concert in the heart of Vienna, a city synonymous with music. You'll also have the chance to join a guided 'Morning with the Masters' tour at the Vienna Art History Museum.
Another Austrian city that's famous for all things musical is Salzburg. Not only is this elegant city the birthplace of Mozart, but it's also home to several filming locations from the beloved film The Sound of Music. You'll get to explore some of these on a tour of the city, or head to nearby Linz to try the famous Linzer torte
The ship also sails into Bratislava where you can take a walking tour to discover its rich history, and Budapest where you can delight in the diverse architecture of the 'Pearl of the Danube'.
Other highlights of the cruise include a visit to Melk, where you'll see the 900-year-old Melk Abbey and its extraordinary baroque style library and a chance to learn about the world's most valuable spice from the Wachau Valley's only saffron grower.
Russell Watson is one of the UK's best-selling classical artists. His debut album The Voice held the top position in the UK charts for over 50 weeks. Russell has collaborated with a variety of artists including Lulu, Paul McCartney, and the legendary Luciano Pavarotti, and has performed for the Queen, Bill Clinton and even the Emperor of Japan.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a classic stateroom, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement on request. Deposit applies. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Uniworld River Cruises Limited.
Today you'll land at Munich Airport, where you'll be greeted by a Uniworld representative.
After meeting your tour manager and group, you'll be transferred to your luxurious home for the next seven nights, the elegant ship S.S. Maria Theresa, as your river cruise begins.
Take some time to settle into your beautifully appointed cabin before enjoying your first dinner on board.
Today you'll sail to Passau. A crossroads in more ways than one, Passau is the meeting point of three rivers, and on the border between Austria and Germany, making for a fascinating cultural mosaic.
Spend some time getting to know the town. One of Passau's main claims to fame is as the home of Europe's largest pipe organ, and you can step inside the ornate St. Stephen's Cathedral to see it.
If you want to get a little more active, how about an invigorating hike along the Ilz River to take in views of this picturesque town?
Back on board S.S. Maria Theresa this evening there'll be a special Captain's Welcome Reception and Dinner to look forward to.
You'll have a choice of how to spend the third day of your cruise. You might choose Mozart's famous birthplace of Salzburg, a city nestled in a glorious alpine setting.
This is a city that's synonymous with music, not only for its connections to Mozart but as the shooting location for many scenes from The Sound of Music. Spend the day exploring the city on a guided tour that will take you to many of the filming locations you'll recognise from the beloved musical.
Alternatively, you might choose to explore nearby Linz. This city is best known for its famous Linzer torte, but it's also a hotbed for the arts. See the sights with a local expert and visit a family at their farm in the countryside.
Dürnstein is one of the prettiest towns along the Danube, a lovely place to stroll along cobblestone lanes, browse quaint, independent shops, or maybe hike up to a ruined castle with an intriguing history.
Today you'll explore Dürnstein, and can also opt for a wine tasting, or to learn all about the world's most valuable spice from the Wachau Valley's only saffron grower.
Later, you'll have the chance to travel along the incredibly scenic valley to Melk, where you'll visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey and its extraordinary baroque style library.
The highlight of your trip awaits this evening, with an exclusive private concert performed by Russell Watson in the heart of Dürnstein.
Vienna is a real cultural treasure trove revered for its art, music and mouth wateringly good pastries.
Today you'll get the chance to explore the 'City of Waltzes' with a choice of tours, including expert-led 'Morning with the Masters`visit to see the extraordinary collection of art at the renowned Vienna Art History Museum.
This evening, another magical night of music awaits with an exclusive Mozart and Strauss concert at a historic concert hall.
The S.S. Maria Theresa sets sail from Vienna and heads for Bratislava today. You can spend some time relaxing on board as you sail, perhaps enjoying a drink on the Sun Deck and taking in the scenery as the ship wends its way along the Austrian Danube toward Bratislava.
Although it's not a huge city, Bratislava has played an important role in the politics and culture of the region for many centuries, and it is well worth a visit.
On arrival, you'll have the chance to explore the city on a walking tour, or for a slightly more active option, enjoy a scenic hike to Bratislava Castle.
Budapest is an enchanting city that presents a vibrant mix of medieval and modern. Discover the city known as the Pearl of the Danube with a choice of incredible excursions including a visit to the Franz Liszt Academy, a music university and a concert hall founded in 1875 by the famous Hungarian composer.
Alternatively, enjoy some free time visiting highlights such as Fisherman's Bastion or the remarkable Hungarian Parliament Building.
In the evening, a special Captain's Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you, a fitting finale to a fabulous cruise.
It's time to say farewell to the S.S. Maria Theresa today, as you disembark the ship and transfer back to the airport to begin your journey home.
If you wish, you can join an optional post-cruise extension and head to Prague to see its stunning array of medieval, baroque, and art nouveau architecture.
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* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a classic stateroom, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement on request. Deposit applies. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Uniworld River Cruises Limited.