Welcome to Budapest. Upon arrival to the airport, transfer to the luxury of the Star Ship, Emerald Sky, before enjoying time at leisure to explore Budapest.

This evening, enjoy an authentic Hungarian folklore show on board, followed by a traditional dinner. Later, join your fellow guests on the Sun Deck for a memorable evening cruise on the Danube, witnessing the illuminated façades of some of Hungary’s most iconic buildings and the delightful UNESCO World Heritage-listed Buda Castle Quarter.

The ancient Roman city of Aquincum once sat on the site of modern Budapest, where architecture from across the centuries shines a light on the history of the Hungarian capital. Originally two separate cities, Buda on the right and Pest on the left offer incredibly different views on the culture of one of the liveliest cities in Eastern Europe.

Today, explore the city during a guided tour, including Heroes’ Square and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Andrássy Avenue and Buda Castle District. Alternatively, enjoy a guided hike to Buda Hill for a postcard-worthy panorama of the Danube banks.

This morning, relax on board as we sail to Bratislava. An ancient landscape awaits, where remarkable towers add to a skyline that perfectly encapsulates the history of the city, and preserved medieval fortifications tell tales of a turbulent past. On a locally guided tour through the heart of the city, soak in sights of the lavish Episcopal Summer Palace and the neo-Renaissance façade of the Slovak National Theatre.

For a more active option, hike around the serene gardens of Bratislava Castle, offering the perfect environment for the Shakespeare festival that occurs during the summer months.

This afternoon, enter the home of a local family to learn about their culture over coffee and cake, before being welcomed to the Gala Dinner.

Set on the banks of the Danube, Vienna has been considered to be Europe’s capital of music for centuries. Viennese Classicism is still highly regarded around the world, as the 18th century brought with it the First Viennese School, consisting of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven.

Today, join a locally guided tour around the world-famous Ringstrasse and a walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Historic Centre of Vienna, including a peppering of lavish Baroque mansions and the Vienna State Opera. For those feeling more active, choose to explore on two wheels instead, cycling along the riverbanks before touching on Danube Island and Prater, home to a traditional 19th-century Ferris wheel.

Effortlessly suspended in time, Weissenkirchen is one of the most frequented parts of the Wachau wine region, where the delightful warm weather creates the perfect setting for viticulture. Today, join your activity manager for a hike in town before you set sail to Melk.

Later, sail through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley and arrive in Melk, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Melk Abbey. Originally a lavish castle that was gifted to Benedictine monks during the 11th century, this opulent Baroque building is home to some of the most important collections of medieval manuscripts in the world.

This morning, your Star Ship will dock in Linz, where you’ll be transferred by coach to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed center of Ceský Krumlov, a town built around a 13th-century castle. Join your local guide on a walk along the labyrinth of winding cobblestone streets, passing the colorful façades of buildings, as you learn about how they have survived the test of time. The town surrounds the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ceský Krumlov Castle, and your guided tour will include the 15th-century St. Vitus Church and a number of delightful Gothic façades.

Narrow cobblestone streets and the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread welcome you to Passau, a town nestled on the confluence of three of Europe’s main waterways. This important historic trading centre borders Austria and boasts a distinctive blend of cultures.

Experience life on a typical Bavarian farm for some interesting insights into the life of local farmers and livestock farming, then try their homemade specialities. Alternatively, you can set off on a hike, catching sights such as the Mariahilf and St. Severin, an ancient church dating back to the Ottonian dynasty.

After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport.