Deal

Arrive at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. If you have arranged a Uniworld arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.

Budapest is an enchanting city that presents a vibrant mix of medieval and modern.

Your ship sets sail from Bratislava later this morning and heads for Vienna today. You may relax on board all day, perhaps enjoying a drink on the Sun Deck and taking in the scenery as the ship wends its way along the Danube River. When you arrive in Vienna, you’ll cap off your day with a private concert at the House of Strauss.

Vienna is a cultural treasure trove revered for its art and music (and sinfully rich pastries). Experience the “City of Waltzes” with a highlight tour of the city, as well as an expertly led tour of an extraordinary collection of art at the renowned Vienna Art History Museum. You have leisure time after your tour to explore Vienna on your own. You might wish to visit the Albertina Museum, which houses one million old-master prints and an impressive collection of works by 19th- and 20th-century painters, ranging from Renoir to Rothko. If you’d like to get a little exercise and see a completely different side of Vienna, borrow a bike from the ship and explore Danube Island and Prater Park. (For a wonderful view of the region, ride the Ferris wheel in Prater Park.)

Dürnstein is one of the top favourite towns along the Danube, a lovely place to wander cobblestone lanes, browse quaint shops, and maybe hike up to a ruined castle (with an intriguing tale all its own). You can also opt for a tasting or learn all about the world’s costliest spice from the Wachau Valley’s only saffron grower. Later, visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey and its extraordinary baroque-style library. You have two ports of call in the incredibly scenic valley, Dürnstein and Melk, and an assortment of delightful ways to explore this lovely region.

Mozart’s birthplace of Salzburg is nestled in a glorious alpine setting that sparkles like a winter wonderland. Linz may be 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. Austria’s third-largest city, Linz boasts a long history of trading and textile manufacturing, but these days it is perhaps best known for its electronic arts and annual festival.

Passau is a crossroads in more ways than one, as three rivers meet here and three nations nearly do, making for a fascinating cultural mosaic. Get to know the town and its main claim to fame, Europe’s largest pipe organ, or “Let’s Go” with an invigorating riverside hike. In the evening, a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.