The Blue Danube and Romantic Rhine

Overview

The Blue Danube and Romantic Rhine

Follow the story of two great waterways on this memorable European river cruise. Float along the Danube, mooring in glimmering cities such as Budapest, Vienna and Bratislava. On the Rhine, gaze up in awe at Cologne’s towering cathedral. Between the big-name cities, take a moment to indulge in a slower pace of life in the towns and villages dotted along the banks of these famed rivers. Amble cobbled streets, explore crumbling castles and venture through sprawling vineyards in the likes of Würzburg, Mainz and Rüdesheim.

What's Inlcuded:

  • 7 nights accomodation - On board MS River Discovery II
  • 41 meals - 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 14 dinners
  • International flights with British Airways from London Heathrow
  • Unlimited drinks during lunch and dinner
  • Titan's VIP door-to-door travel service
  • Titan cruise director
  • Porterage
  • Portable audio

Excursions:

  • City tours of Budapest, Vienna and Nuremberg
  • Würzburg Residence Palace and walking tour
  • Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum
  • Koblenz city tour and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress

Full Itinerary

Day 1 - UK - Budapest

Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your flight to Budapest. Upon arrival, embark our ship, where light refreshments are available.

Day 2 - Budapest

In Budapest, the Danube divides the hilly area of Buda from Pest in the east. Buda has inspired writers, artists and musicians for centuries. For a wonderful view over the city, river and mountains, wander to the top of Gellert Hill. On the Pest side, the Parliament buildings and National Museum are interesting stops, containing remarkable treasures such as the oldest skull to be found in Europe and Liszt’s gold baton. We’ll enjoy a tour of the city’s best bits this morning and the rest of the day is yours to spend as you please.

Excursions & visits:

City tour of Budapest (morning)

Day 3 - Bratislava

Bratislava is characterised by its Gothic old town, baroque palaces and its crowning castle, which dominates the skyline. We arrive early this afternoon and you can wander through the city on your own, or take an optional tour aboard the tourist mini-train to explore the old town, including the castle. With 11 kings and 8 queens crowned within the castle’s white walls - and relics of communism - this city has a colourful history to discover. This evening we continue to Vienna and dock overnight, so you’ll have the whole day tomorrow to explore.

Day 4 - Vienna

Wake up this morning in elegant Vienna. Rich with culture, beautiful arts and world-renowned music, it’s one of Europe’s most spectacular cities. Mozart, Brahms and Schubert all called this city home - and you’ll soon discover their inspiration as you wander the squares and streets on our guided tour. We’ll take in the fine baroque churches, palaces and concert halls. Don’t miss the chance to attend an optional classical music concert this evening - listening to the acoustics of a live orchestra in such a historic city is an unmissable experience.

Excursions & visits:

City tour of Vienna (morning)

Day 5 - Melk

Sitting on the curve of the Danube, the picture book pretty Melk has an enviable position. We arrive in this sleepy town this morning and stepping off the ship, you’ll immediately clap eyes on the grand Benedictine abbey that dominates the skyline. This iconic monastery is home to an impressive gold and marble-embellished church and you can visit on an optional excursion. Stare off into the distance and you’ll spot the chilling remains of the castle which once held Richard the Lionheart ransom.

Day 6 - Passau

A town built on the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz, Passau is known as the ‘City of Three Rivers’. Explore on your own, or take an optional walking tour to amble past the baroque architecture and along the cobblestone streets - you’ll have the distinct feeling you’ve travelled back in time. Follow the streets up to the magnificent St Stephen’s Cathedral - home to the world’s largest cathedral organ.

Day 7 - Regensburg

We arrive in Regensburg early, so you have the whole morning to enjoy exploring the cathedrals, churches, monasteries and the town hall of one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Germany. Regensburg was the first capital of Bavaria, and as such there are plenty of famous sights to tick off on your visit. You might like to join our optional excursion to Weltenburg Abbey, a Benedictine monastery on a bend in the Danube renowned for its beauty and for holding the world’s oldest monastic brewery.

Day 8 - Nuremberg

We waste no time in heading out to explore Nuremberg today on a guided walking city tour. As Bavaria’s second-largest city, the preferred residence of most German kings, and the scene of rallies in Nazi Germany, Nuremburg has quite the history behind it. After the tour, you’ll have some time to wander along the historic mile that runs through the city.

Excursions & visits:

City tour of Nuremberg (morning)

Day 9 - Bamberg

Our third taste of Bavaria is the enchanting town of Bamberg. Head out bright and early to make the most of this UNESCO-listed old town before we set sail this afternoon. The town had a huge influence on Germany from the 10th century onwards, by inspiring the philosophers who lived there. Marvel at the Romanesque cathedral where emperors and popes lie entombed. Our optional walking tour also includes the town’s rose gardens, where 4,500 flowers burst into bloom each spring.

Day 10 - Würzburg

Würzburg is renowned for its art, architecture and delicate wines. But the highlight of this town? The Würzburg Residence Palace is undoubtedly a masterpiece of southern German baroque. Take in the wonderful frescoes and magnificent staircase as part of our tour.

Excursions & visits:

Würzburg Residence Palace and walking tour (morning)

Day 11 - Wertheim - Miltenberg

Get a glimpse of traditional village life today as we explore Wertheim and Miltenberg. Take a morning stroll through Wertheim’s romantic medieval town centre. Wander the historical market square or perhaps explore the stone castle ruins. This afternoon, in Miltenberg, perhaps join our optional beer tasting excursion at a local brewery. Or explore the town’s beautiful timber-framed houses and small castle surrounded by wooded hillsides.

Day 12 - Mainz - Rüdesheim

We moor up in Mainz around mid-morning. Take a lovely walk along the river bank to the heart of the old town, where the fairytale castle-looking cathedral sits prettily in the middle of the square. The timber-framed houses here are beautiful, but not original; much of the city has been rebuilt after World War II. This evening, we’ll sail away towards Rüdesheim.

Day 13 - Rüdesheim - Lorelei Passage - Boppard - Koblenz

Rüdesheim is small-town Germany at its best. Explore the weaving streets of the old town at your leisure and perhaps ascend up to the Niederwald Monument by cable car for fantastic views over the vineyards and river below. On the way back down, perhaps take the route through the sprawling vineyards. You’ll also enjoy the quirks of Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum on our included excursion. Get your camera at the ready later for some very scenic cruising. The Lorelei Passage is known as the single most beautiful stretch of the Rhine. It naturally shapes the twists and turns of the spectacular Rhine Gorge. This afternoon we arrive in Boppard and the afternoon is free for you to explore this historic, UNESCO-listed area. The town has a history of several royal families and bishops - but its most famous residents? The Romans. There still stands a fortress and 28 vast Roman defence towers which you can visit. This evening we set sail for Koblenz.

Excursions & visits:

Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum (morning)

Day 14 - Koblenz - Cologne

This attractive city holds millennia of history, and our exploration includes Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, the last-standing of several buildings that once guarded the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine. It has felt the force of many armies, including Napoleon’s, and once guarded the Holy Tunic, the robe said to have been worn by Christ.

Excursions & visits:

Koblenz city tour and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress (morning)

Day 15 - Cologne - Düsseldorf - UK

We transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.

Hand Picked By

Amy Corran

Why choose Titan? Because from the moment you step outside your front door, boarding their renowned VIP door-to-door service, you will see they ensure that when you travel with them, you'll enjoy the holiday of a lifetime.

Amy Corran

Additional Information

  • Date: Various departures for 2024
  • Star Rating: 4
  • Board Basis: Mixed Meal Plan
  • Duration: 14 nights
  • Guide Price: £2,299pp
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