This wonderful eight-day itinerary not only includes some of Europe's most romantic cities on the Danube, but also offers readers the chance to see a private performance by Strictly Come Dancing stars Anton and Erin in Vienna, home of the waltz.
The nation's favourite ballroom couple will take part in a fascinating Q&A session at the Vienna Arsenal and a dance masterclass onboard your luxury river cruise ship. It's a fantastic opportunity to discover the delights of the Danube while meeting the most respected couple in ballroom dancing today.
Services of an Emerald Waterways Cruise Director.
Upon your arrival in Munich, you'll be greeted by an Emerald Waterways representative and transferred to your contemporary Star-Ship, where a warm welcome awaits you from the captain and crew. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.
Today will be a memorable part of your river cruise along the mighty Danube, as Passau's atmosphere effortlessly reflects the work that was undertaken in the city by Italian architects, who brought a little piece of Venice with them to Germany. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, including the ornate exterior of St. Stephen's Cathedral, perfectly mirroring the beautifully restored interior, and the Altes Rathaus, or Town Hall, which comprises of an ensemble of eight historic patrician houses. Alternatively, set off on a hike around Passau, catching sights of the Mariahilf, a place of pilgrimage, and St. Severin, an ancient church that can be dated back to the Ottonian dynasty.
Today, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Ceský Krumlov. This quaint town has one of the best-preserved ancient centres in Europe, with more than three hundred protected medieval buildings and an iconic castle complex. Enjoy a guided tour of the area, including the 15th-century St. Vitus' Church and a series of delightful High Gothic façades, each taking you back to the heart of the Middle Ages.
Relax as you cruise down the Danube River early this morning, passing beautiful terraced vineyards that produce some of the world's best wine and delightful apricot orchards before arriving in Melk. On your included tour today, walk the halls of the magnificent Benedictine abbey of Melk, gazing upon ornate gold leaf walls. After your tour, enjoy sailing through the idyllic Wachau Valley. When you arrive in charming Dürnstein, you will have the opportunity to hike to Dürnstein Castle. Alternatively, stay in Melk to cycle from Melk to Dürnstein, traversing a route that offers a different perspective on the region's viticulture.
Discover the classical charms of Vienna today, as you tour the heart of the city, uncovering all of the best cafés and artisan studios and discovering its imperial grandeur. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre was once a fortified Roman frontier city, and a drive around the Ringstrasse will introduce you to architecture from across the last millennia. Alternatively, enjoy a bike tour along the serene trails on the Danube Island.
New Exclusive Event: Tonight you will see Anton & Erin perform an exclusive, one-off showcase at the beautiful and historic Vienna Arsenal. It promises to be an unforgettable evening of music and dance, plus there'll be an exclusive talk and Q&A to follow.
Cobbled streets pave the course for daily life in Bratislava, where winding alleys and gothic architecture blend together to create a truly distinctive Slovakian capital. Enjoy a guided hike to Bratislava Castle, with a silhouette that looks as though it was pulled from the pages of a fairytale. This striking landmark was most recently rebuilt in a Renaissance style, but it still retains some of its original features. Alternatively, explore the historic architecture in the compact town centre during an included guided tour, where everything is in walking distance, including the ornate exterior of the Slovak National Theatre.
New Exclusive Event: Inspired by last night's performance, you'll have the chance to learn from Anton and Erin as they give a private ballroom masterclass to guests on board the ship, full of their expert tips and passion for dance.
Welcome to Budapest, where an amazing end to a fantastic trip through the heart of Europe awaits. Once the ancient Roman city of Aquincum, this is a true historic marvel, with bathhouses and homes with heated floors thanks to the surrounding hot springs. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed centre will enable you to follow the chapters of architecture through the ages as you set off on a coach tour of Budapest, passing Romanesque, Baroque and Classical façades. This evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian folklore show on board.
After breakfast, it's time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of apricot orchards and ancient Roman cities with you.
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