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Vienna, the City of Music, is one cruise destination you’re not going to want to miss out on the chance to visit. The capital city of Austria and the most populous urban centre on the Danube River, this is one of the world’s most livable cities – meaning you won’t have any trouble finding modern comforts among the historic landmarks littering the landscape. In fact, you’ll find an abundance of modern attractions and activities among the historic sites, interesting museums, and impressive monuments here. The Museum of Applied Arts, Vienna State Opera, and Otto-Wagner Pavilion are just a handful of examples of this. Vienna, though, is also known for its coffee culture and several culinary delights, from Wiener Schnitzel and Apfelstrudel to Knödel dumplings and Frankfurters. Fear not, though, for it’s also one of Europe’s most vegan-friendly cities, so everyone will find something delicious to enjoy while visiting – be that coffees and cakes, beers and sausages, or something else tasty. For those of you who want to take advantage of the welcoming weather this Central European capital enjoys, Vienna is home to several vibrant parks worth taking a stroll through. And, the Danube-Auen National Park borders the city, so you won’t have to travel very far to immerse yourself even more in this region’s charming nature. A destination with something for everyone to enjoy, Vienna is always a highlight on any cruise adventure in Central Europe.
Things to do in Vienna:
Vienna State Opera
Built from 1861 to 1869, the Vienna State Opera is a historic opera house in the heart of Vienna and one of this city’s most iconic sites. Featuring an impressive Renaissance Revival architectural style, this 1,709-seat opera house is known for famously intense operatic performances – while also being the home of the famed Vienna State Ballet. A stunning sight to see from the circular Ringstrasse, and even more impressive from within, a guided tour of this opera house is a must if you don’t have time to attend an unforgettable show here.
Schönbrunn Palace
Once the primary summer residence for the Habsburg rulers, Schönbrunn Palace is undoubtedly one of the most important cultural, historic, and architectural monuments in Austria. A staggering 1,441-room Baroque palace with vast gardens home to a variety of unique sculptures and the Gloriette, tours of Schönbrunn Palace will afford you the opportunity to explore the south-facing reception rooms and State Apartments within alongside the private residences of former Austrian emperor Franz Joseph I. Opulent and overflowing with history, this is one experience you won’t want to miss.
Karlskirche
Constructed through the mid-18th century and consecrated in 1737, Karlskirche is an impressive Baroque-style Roman Catholic church in the heart of Vienna. Featuring an opulent interior with intricately-designed frescos depicting Italian archbishop Charlses Borromeo and the Virgin Mary, this church overlooks the Karlsplatz – a well-connected town square where you’ll find the Wien Museum, Statue of Josef Ressel, and Kunsthalle Wien Karlsplatz art museum among the interesting sites here.
Vienna - Overnight onboard
DAY 1-2
23 Dec 2028
Time at Port: TBD
Vienna, the City of Music, is one cruise destination you’re not going to want to miss out on the chance to visit. The capital city of Austria and the most populous urban centre on the Danube River, this is one of the world’s most livable cities – meaning you won’t have any trouble finding modern comforts among the historic landmarks littering the landscape. In fact, you’ll find an abundance of modern attractions and activities among the historic sites, interesting museums, and impressive monuments here. The Museum of Applied Arts, Vienna State Opera, and Otto-Wagner Pavilion are just a handful of examples of this. Vienna, though, is also known for its coffee culture and several culinary delights, from Wiener Schnitzel and Apfelstrudel to Knödel dumplings and Frankfurters. Fear not, though, for it’s also one of Europe’s most vegan-friendly cities, so everyone will find something delicious to enjoy while visiting – be that coffees and cakes, beers and sausages, or something else tasty. For those of you who want to take advantage of the welcoming weather this Central European capital enjoys, Vienna is home to several vibrant parks worth taking a stroll through. And, the Danube-Auen National Park borders the city, so you won’t have to travel very far to immerse yourself even more in this region’s charming nature. A destination with something for everyone to enjoy, Vienna is always a highlight on any cruise adventure in Central Europe.
Things to do in Vienna - Overnight onboard:
Vienna State Opera
Built from 1861 to 1869, the Vienna State Opera is a historic opera house in the heart of Vienna and one of this city’s most iconic sites. Featuring an impressive Renaissance Revival architectural style, this 1,709-seat opera house is known for famously intense operatic performances – while also being the home of the famed Vienna State Ballet. A stunning sight to see from the circular Ringstrasse, and even more impressive from within, a guided tour of this opera house is a must if you don’t have time to attend an unforgettable show here.
Schönbrunn Palace
Once the primary summer residence for the Habsburg rulers, Schönbrunn Palace is undoubtedly one of the most important cultural, historic, and architectural monuments in Austria. A staggering 1,441-room Baroque palace with vast gardens home to a variety of unique sculptures and the Gloriette, tours of Schönbrunn Palace will afford you the opportunity to explore the south-facing reception rooms and State Apartments within alongside the private residences of former Austrian emperor Franz Joseph I. Opulent and overflowing with history, this is one experience you won’t want to miss.
Karlskirche
Constructed through the mid-18th century and consecrated in 1737, Karlskirche is an impressive Baroque-style Roman Catholic church in the heart of Vienna. Featuring an opulent interior with intricately-designed frescos depicting Italian archbishop Charlses Borromeo and the Virgin Mary, this church overlooks the Karlsplatz – a well-connected town square where you’ll find the Wien Museum, Statue of Josef Ressel, and Kunsthalle Wien Karlsplatz art museum among the interesting sites here.
Melk
DAY 3
25 Dec 2028
Time at Port: TBD
Melk is undeniably charming and one destination you’ll want to look forward to on your cruise along the Danube river. A charming Austrian town with a population of roughly 5,500 people, this is an ideal port of call if you’re looking for somewhere a little more laid back with the opportunity to spend some time appreciating the luscious landscape of the Wachau region. Dominated by the imposing but incredible Melk Abbey, you’ll find a surprising variety of architectural styles in this small town alongside an array of fantastic walking and hiking routes, the chance to indulge in Authentic Austrian cuisines, and an abundance of sightseeing opportunities – be those hilltop castles, vibrant vineyard-blanketed valleys, or rolling forest-covered hills.
Things to do in Melk:
Melk Abbey
An impressive Benedictine abbey towering above Melk, Melk Abbey is easily one of the most iconic landmarks of this region in Lower Austria and one site you really should consider visiting when in Melk. Founded in 1809, with the current Baroque-style structures being built in the early 18th century, this abbey contains the tomb of Saint Coloman of Stockerau and the remains of several members of the House of Babenburg – making it an important historical and religious site. Following its construction, it quickly became a centre for Enlightenment in the region and this academic importance is part of the reason why it survives today, having been threatened under several regimes and rulerships over the centuries.
Schloss Albrechtsberg (Albrechtsberg Castle)
Built in 1581, interestingly in a Renaissance style over a traditional medieval castle fortification, Schloss Albrechtsberg is just one of the incredible castle structures littering the vibrant landscape around Melk. A short distance from the town itself, overlooking a stretch of the picturesque Pielach waterway – which is an off-shoot of the Danube – a variety of events take place in and around the castle throughout the year, from art exhibitions to musical performances, and more.
Schallaburg Castle
Schallaburg Castle is one of the best-known Renaissance-style castles in Austria, boasting a unique combination of a Romanesque residential main castle and a Gothic chapel. Fortifications on this site are referenced as early as 1242, but the main structures we see today were built circa 1540 – from which it was a private property until Russian confiscation in 1945. As a historic site, this is a well-preserved castle constructed with aesthetics in mind, meaning it enjoys an incredible array of decorations depicting mythological creatures alongside colourful gardens and even two apple orchards. However, Schallaburg Castle also operates as a museum, with a year-long exhibition for you to explore.
Brandstatt
DAY 4
26 Dec 2028
Time at Port: TBD
Brandstatt is a quaint town on the banks of the Danube river, just a short distance from Eferding; it will take you less than 20 minutes to drive from Brandstatt to this city. Although, with this port of call also sitting between Schlögen and Linz, you’ll have easy access to both cities from Brandstatt too; in fact, it takes around half an hour to drive to both destinations. Without any major attractions or points of interest of its own, those of you looking for intriguing historical sites, fascinating museums, stylish restaurants, and lively wine bars will want to travel to one of these nearby cities. However, if you’re all about immersing yourself in nature and you want to spend your time in Brandstatt exploring the vibrant countryside of Upper Austria, then this is somewhere worth looking forward to. You’ll find numerous riverside walking routes and hiking trails into the hills worth checking out. Of course, though, you’re not limited to just one activity during your time here; Eferding, Schlögen, and Linz are all close enough that you’ll have no trouble enjoying both sides of this region: the lively cities overflowing with history and culture, and the scenic landscapes of the countryside. So, while a visit to Brandstatt isn’t going to throw you right into the heart of a riverside settlement, there’s still a lot to look forward to when you arrive here.
Things to do in Brandstatt:
Burgruine Schaunberg
Once the largest castle complex in Upper Austria, Burgruine Schaunberg is a fascinating place to venture to when visiting Brandstatt. Just a short distance north from this port of call and the nearby town of Eferding, this now-ruined fortification dates back to the 12th century – its location on a rocky outcrop proving vital to the extension of the Schaunberg feud between the Schaunbergers and the Habsburgs. A viewing platform here ensures you’ll still enjoy excellent views of the Eferding Basin and Danube, despite the fortification's ruinous state.
Schloss Starhemberg
Found in Eferding, Schloss Starhemberg is a stunning castle that hosts the Starhemberg’s Princely Family Museum and Municipal Museum of Eferding; showcasing both local and world history, this fascinating site is worth exploring when in the area, offering a rewarding experience for visitors within and a spectacular blend of architectural styles for those who just wish to wander the gardens.
Eferding
Austria’s third-oldest town, Eferding is a charming culture-rich destination overflowing with history and exciting experiences. It’s also somewhere where you’ll have the chance to indulge in delicious authentic Austrian cuisine and have the chance to sample the region’s wines, which is certainly worth doing while you’re here. Boasting a picturesque medieval town centre, with imposing town houses from the Middle Ages, you’ll find plenty of places to sit and immerse yourself in the laid-back atmosphere here.
Passau
DAY 4
26 Dec 2028
Time at Port: TBD
Known uniquely as Dreiflüssestadt ("City of Three Rivers"), Passau is a stunning Central Bavarian city on the Danube River, with the meeting point for both the Ilz River and Inn River found within the city’s limits – something of a natural phenomenon that makes for an excellent sightseeing opportunity. Throughout history, the position of Passau on the nexus of these three rivers allowed the city to grow into an important political and economic hub for the region, something that’s reflected in the impressive array of buildings you’ll have the chance to explore when you arrive. Passau also sits right on the German-Austrian border, meaning it’s still an important city to this day. This also affords Passau a unique culture, an interesting flavour profile with cuisine featuring dishes from both nations, and a lively atmosphere. For the active explorers among you, it’s a fantastic place for a hike into the forest-covered hills, or a bike ride along the Danube, but you won’t have to go far to see something spectacular. Passau’s Old Town is breathtaking, and you won’t have to travel far from the city centre to find some green space. One of the oldest cities in Bavaria, but far from dated, Passau is one place you’ll remember for a long time after you leave.
Things to do in Passau:
Veste Oberhaus
Founded in 1219, Veste Oberhaus is one of the most iconic landmarks in Passau; an impressive fortress towering over the Old Town, it sits over 100 metres above sea level on a hill between the Danube and Ilz. Veste Oberhaus was built as a symbol of military strength, but also sits in a strategic location allowing it to effectively defend the city and repel attackers. That doesn’t happen so much today, though; so, it now houses the Oberhausmuseum, a youth hostel, a restaurant, and what was once an open-air theatre space – something which was dismantled post-World War Two and now leaves no visible trace. You’ll also enjoy sensational views of Passau and the surrounding scenery from this elevated position, making Veste Oberhaus a must-visit landmark location while you’re in Passau.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
An impressive Baroque-style Catholic church dedicated to Saint Stephen, St. Stephen’s Cathedral is surprisingly unassuming from the outside, but utterly breathtaking from within. Its intricate interior and stunning frescos are worth spending some time appreciating; however, it’s also home to the world’s largest church organ outside the United States – with the organ here featuring 17,774 pipes and 233 registers. Surrounded by other incredible structures and sights to see, St. Stephen’s Cathedral is worth seeing when exploring the city.
Roman Museum Kastell Boiotro
Located in a medieval house on the edge of Passau, across the Inn river from the city centre, this unique museum incorporates surviving sections of the late Roman Boiotro – a fortification built circa 280 AD – to deliver an immersive learning experience exploring the Roman history of the region. You’ll find hundreds of interesting historical objects here alongside virtual and physical models aiming to immerse you in this city’s remarkable Roman past.
Regensburg, Germany
DAY 5
27 Dec 2028
Time at Port: TBD
A charming city in eastern Bavaria, which sits on the confluence of the Danube, Naab, and Regen rivers, Regensburg is one of the largest medieval cities north of the Alps and known for its well-preserved medieval architecture; however, this is far from the only thing worth looking forward to ahead of your arrival. In Regensburg, you’ll have the chance to indulge in authentic Bavarian cuisine, with one of the world’s oldest restaurants in the heart of the city, and enjoy a unique cultural experience, something influenced by this city’s long and storied history. Boasting charming cafes and quaint gift shops down narrow cobblestone streets, restaurants overflowing with flavour, and dramatic medieval structures interspersed with vibrant greenspace, it’s safe to say that this is somewhere worth wandering – and that’s not even mentioning the riverside routes you can stroll along! With walking tours come sightseeing, beer tasting sessions, and more; although, this is somewhere where exploring beyond the beaten track is equally as rewarding. Regensburg is somewhere full of obvious charm and hidden treasures, making it a memorable port of call on any cruise through Germany and Central Europe.
Things to do in Regensburg, Germany:
Regensburg Stone Bridge
While unassuming, the Stone Bridge linking Regensburg’s Old Town with Stadtamhof is a fascinating marvel of medieval engineering and easily among the most significant bridges in the region. It’s also a symbol of the city, and measures over 1,000 ft in length. As the only bridge across the Danube at Regensburg and the only crossing between Ulm and Vienna, this bridge – which was built circa 1140 with surprising speed – made the city into an important centre for trade and politics. There’s also a legend that the bridge’s builder made a deal with the devil to hasten construction, then cheated the devil out of the souls required as payment. So, the devil attempted to destroy the bridge, and failed – something used to explain why the bridge itself is bent.
Walhalla
Located a short distance from Regensburg itself, in the neighbouring town of Donaustauf, Walhalla is an impressive hall of fame monument that honours notable and distinguished people from German history. With its exterior modelled on the Parthenon in Athens, this neo-classical structure seems somewhat out of place among the vibrant forests and rolling hills of Bavaria; however, it’s an impressive sight to behold and comes with charming views over the Danube. Within, you’ll find almost 150 marble busts of significant figures – with more recent additions including Albert Einstein, Max Planck, Johannes Brahms, Sophie Scholl, and more.
Beer Tasting and Brewery Tours
When you’re in Regensburg, you’re never too far from a unique brewery or charming bierkeller; the city itself is home to almost half a dozen breweries, while also boasting some of the best beer garden views in the country. A destination overflowing with scenic spots where you can sit and savour something refreshing, Regensburg is one of the best places in Bavaria and Germany to go beer tasting and on brewery tours.
Nuremberg, Germany - Overnight onboard
DAY 6-7
28 Dec 2028
Time at Port: TBD
Nuremberg is a quintessential medieval German city, with imposing 12th-century city walls, iconic red-tiled roofing, and narrow cobblestone streets littered with charming spots to soak up the city’s culture. It’s somewhere you can’t help but want to explore, and thankfully there’s a lot worth seeing. While famous for being the site of the Nuremberg Trials in 1945, where numerous surviving Nazi officials were tried for their crimes, this city is far from defined by such a dark moment – although, it’s easily the best place to visit if you want to learn more about the event, with extensive documentation and permanent museum exhibits here. No, throughout the Renaissance and Early Modern period, Nuremberg was a centre for the arts and culture; it proved instrumental in the advancement of astrology, and resident Martin Behaim is even credited with creating the world’s first globe in 1492 – something it’s hard to imagine the world without today. When you couple this with the impressive medieval architecture found throughout the city, the numerous restaurants perfect for indulging in authentic German cuisine, and the variety of excellent breweries and bierkeller, there’s really something for everyone to enjoy here. How you spend your time in Nuremberg is up to you, but you can rest assured knowing it will be a memorable experience.
Things to do in Nuremberg, Germany - Overnight onboard:
St. Lorenz
Completed in 1477, and faithfully restored following damage during the Second World War, St. Lorenz is a stunning church in Nuremberg; intricately decorated and richly articulated, this church reflects the wealth of Nuremberg’s citizens – when it was constructed, anyway – and within you’ll find the impressive Angelic Salutation by Veit Stoss and sculptures by prominent German stone sculptor Adam Kraft. In the heart of Mitte, you won’t have to go far to find more incredible landmarks and medieval structures.
Imperial Castle of Nuremberg
Completed in 1477, and faithfully restored following damage during the Second World War, St. Lorenz is a stunning church in Nuremberg; intricately decorated and richly articulated, this church reflects the wealth of Nuremberg’s citizens – when it was constructed, anyway – and within you’ll find the impressive Angelic Salutation by Veit Stoss and sculptures by prominent German stone sculptor Adam Kraft. In the heart of Mitte, you won’t have to go far to find more incredible landmarks and medieval structures.
Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds
A museum in the unfinished remains of the Congress Hall used for Nazi party rallies in Nuremberg, the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds explores the causes, connections, and consequences of Nazi Germany with a focus on topics relating to Nuremberg – the infamous Nuremberg Laws among them. If you’re looking for an insightful inspection of this dark period, at a site which played an important role in the rise of Hitler’s totalitarian dictatorship, this is the place to go.