The Beautiful Blue Danube River Cruise 

Optional Excursion Info:

Option #1: CLASSIC-Budapest Tour

In the company of our guides, we will leave for a panoramic tour of Budapest, the Pearl of the Danube. First, we will head for the hills of Buda by crossing the Elizabeth Bridge and we will go up to the Castle quarter, from where we'll enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of the city. We will walk round the castle quarter and on to the Fisherman's Bastion, built in neo-Roman style in 1902 for the simple pleasure of offering a panoramic view over the city and the Danube. Behind the Bastion, we will find Matthias Church which notably was the venue for the coronation of Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife "Sissi". Our coach will then take us down to the plains of Pest. There, we will visit Heroes' Square whose central monument depicting Prince Arpad and the chieftains of seven Magyar tribes was built for the millennium of Hungary. We will pass by the famous Szechenyi thermal baths, the zoo - a true piece of architecture - Vajdahunyad Castle and more. We will walk through the famous Andrassy Avenue and pass by St. Stephen's Basilica whose construction began in 1851 and was only completed in 1905. We will walk along the river and see the famous Parliament building overlooking the Danube with its white silhouette in the Byzantine and neo-Gothic styles. Return on board.

PLEASE NOTE

• Panoramic tour will include stops to take pictures.
• Entrance tickets for these monuments are not included.
• The order of the visits can change.

Cost: $43

Option #2: DISCOVERY-Gellert Baths & Spa 

You'll set out with your guide to visit the famous Gellert Baths and Spa. Now part of the famous Hotel Gellert in Buda, references to the spa's healing waters have been found from as early as the 13th century. The current spa was founded in 1918, and a visit to the Art Nouveau thermal baths is a beautiful and historical experience. The special attractions are its indoor and outdoor swimming pools, wave bath, sunbathing terrace and thermal spa. After our tour, take some time to relax and enjoy the saunas, the terrace looking at Gellert Hill, or the geothermal pools with some beer, wine, or champagne in hand. This is an exceptional tour in one of the most historical places in the city, but don't take our word for it, come and see for yourself. Afterwards, we'll return to the ship. (Don't forget to bring your swimsuit!)

PLEASE NOTE:

• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• The order of the visits can change.

Cost: $136

Option #3: Budapest Market Halls

We'll leave on foot for the Budapest Market Halls. The Great Market Hall is the largest and most spectacular of the five market halls built in the 19th century. You can indulge in all types of goods at the more than 180 stands spread out over three stories. One of the market's distinctive features is the colourful Zsolnay tiling on the roof. Some residents will spend hours on public transportation to shop at the Központi Vásárcsarnok. You'll find a wide variety of food, including fruits, vegetables, local cold cuts, and garlands of paprika on the ground floor. The second floor houses restaurants where locals and tourists mingle. The recently renovated basement contains exhibits of high-quality Hungarian products for purchase at the market. At the end of the visit, tasting of traditional Hungarian products. After our tour, we'll return to the ship on foot.

PLEASE NOTE:

• Times are approximate.
• The order of the visits can change.

Cost: $96

Option #4: Evening of traditional entertainment in Budapest 

This evening, join us on an evening excursion. Transfer by coach in the company of your guides to a theatre downtown for a traditional Hungarian show. This one-and-a-half-hour show will take you across all the regions of Hungary through its folklore and Gypsy dance and music. After this show, the traditions and folklore of this beautiful country will no longer hold any secrets! Return on board by coach.

Cost: $57

Optional Excursion Info

Option 1: CLASSIC- Guided Visit of Vienna and Schönbrunn Palace 

Begin your tour with a drive along the famous Ring Road to reach Schönbrunn Palace. The Ring Road was a major project of Emperor Franz Joseph, who, in 1857, decided to tear down the ramparts enclosing the city center and build this boulevard lined with elegant buildings. Along the Ring Road, you'll see architectural highlights of the old Austro-Hungarian monarchy, including the State Opera, the Hofburg Palace, the Natural History Museum, City Hall, the Burgtheater, and more. Upon arrival at Schönbrunn Palace, you'll enjoy a guided tour through the numerous rooms of the Habsburgs' summer residence, showcasing the splendor of the Court during the time of Maria Theresa. You'll also have some time to stroll through the Palace gardens. Afterward, you'll return by motorcoach to the city center for some free time near St. Stephen's Cathedral before the motorcoach takes you back to the boat via the Ring Road. 

Cost: $112 

Option 2: DISCOVERY- The High Art of Viennese Living: Music and Viennese Cafes 

Your guide will meet you at the ship, and you'll head on foot to the subway station to experience the high art of Viennese living. You'll stroll through the city and get a behind-the-scenes look at the Konzerthaus concert hall, home to the Vienna Symphony, Vienna Chamber Orchestra, Wiener Singakademie, and Klangforum Wien. Your guide will explain the history of this prominent institution, which hosts about 750 events per year. You might even catch a glimpse of a performer or two backstage! After the tour, relax in one of the local cafés and savor a steaming cup of Vienna Coffee and a delicious pastry before returning to the ship via the subway. 

Cost: $115

Option 3: Guided Afternoon Tour of Hofburg Palace 

Depart by motorcoach with your local guide to discover the Hofburg, known for being the "Winter Residence" of the Habsburgs for 600 years. Over their reign, they transformed this small 13th-century fortress into a grand and beautiful palace. Today, the various buildings mainly house museums, and the gardens, dotted with monuments, have become the Volksgarten and the Burggarten. You'll ascend the Emperor's Staircase to reach the Sisi Museum, which focuses on Empress Elisabeth's private life across six rooms. Numerous personal items that once belonged to Elisabeth illustrate the true personality of the often-misunderstood Empress. The exhibits, inspired by her poetry, show how the once light-hearted young girl became a restless, unapproachable, and melancholic woman. The museum displays over 300 items, including parasols, boxes, and gloves belonging to Elisabeth, along with a reconstruction of her evening dress from 1854 and a replica of a section of her imperial railway carriage. You'll then proceed to the Imperial Apartments, exploring the 19 official and private rooms of Emperor Franz Joseph and Elisabeth, reflecting monarchic splendor, including the Emperor's Audience Chamber, Conference Room, bedroom, and Elizabeth's salons and exercise room. Return to the boat. Please note: A 5-minute walk is necessary before arriving at the Hofburg. There are stairs to access the Hofburg.

Cost: $87

Option 4: Concert of Viennese Music

Depart by motorcoach with your guide towards Vienna's Kursalon for an enchanting concert. Famous waltz melodies will transport you to the era of Franz Joseph and Sisi. The first half of the concert features Mozart's compositions, and the second half showcases Strauss. The orchestra consists of eight to thirteen musicians, two singers, and two dancers, all dedicated to ensuring your enjoyment. During intermission, a complimentary drink will be served (orange juice or sparkling Austrian wine). Return to the boat by motorcoach. 

Cost: $95

 Please note: 

• Optional excursions are not guaranteed and are based on minimum numbers. The prices quoted are guidelines only and may involve other non-Solos guides.
• Comfortable shoes are recommended. 
• The order of visits may change. 
• Times are approximate. 
• Please dress appropriately. 
• Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.