The shores of the mighty Danube have witnessed the rise and fall of empires and dynasties, inspiring some of Europe's most renowned artists and musicians. One of the most beloved cities on the banks of the Danube is Salzburg, which will have a special place in the hearts of anyone who loves The Sound of Music, winner of five Academy Awards.
The river winds its way through ten culture-packed countries, making it the ideal setting for a memorable river cruise.
You'll board the lovely A-ROSA FLORA for 5-nights on a full board basis and as you glide along its waters, you'll encounter opulent cities and charming towns steeped in culture, taking in breathtaking rural views of the Wachau Valley in between Melk and Krems.
On your third night on board, you'll enjoy a special cabaret performance of Julie Madly Deeply with a meet and greet session and album signing. This acclaimed West End act is a cheeky and affectionate love letter to Julie Andrews and will be a truly memorable evening for fans of the movie icon.
You will also spend a day exploring glorious Salzburg, visiting the filming locations in the city with an expert guide, including the gazebo where 'Sixteen Going on Seventeen' was shot.
Other stops include Vienna, once the heart of the imperial and royal Danube Monarchy, which is packed with exquisite Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture. For a more modern vibe, you'll head to the vibrant Slovak capital, Bratislava, with its innovative culinary scene. Your cruise begins and ends in Passau, where the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers meet.
Meet Sarah-Louise Young, actress, writer, director, improviser and internationally renowned cabaret performer. Sarah-Louise is the writer and performer of Julie Madly Deeply, the West End and international hit. The show is a funny and candid love letter to Dame Julie Andrews.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a lead in cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement from £91. Deposit 30%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd and A‑ROSA Flussschiff GmbH.
Today you'll fly from London to Munich and transfer to Passau, where you'll board your floating home for the next few days, the wonderful A-ROSA FLORA.
Pretty Passau is where the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers meet, and is a well-located starting point for your Danube journey.
Arrive a day or two before your river cruise, and spend some time getting to know the impressive Altstadt, or Old Town, complete with magnificently grand buildings reflecting the city's colourful history.
As far as scenic sailing goes, The Wachau Valley - a picture-perfect stretch of Danube river valley between Melk and Krems - is hard to beat.
Loved for its cute towns dotting green landscapes dipping into the River Danube, the Wachau Valley is best enjoyed from the Sun Deck or balcony of your A-ROSA ship. You'll pass through the Wachau Valley in the morning, so put down the book, grab a coffee, and let the scenery unfurl in front of you.
This afternoon you'll arrive in Vienna. This grand city is
wonderful at any time of year, with its Baroque palaces,
beautifully-tended gardens and grand coffee houses.
An overnight stay here in the city will be one of the highlights of
your Danube cruise. You may decide to put on the glad rags and head
out for a classical music concert at the famous Schönbrunn Palace,
or for a cocktail in one of the city's many stylish bars.
This morning you'll sail into Bratislava. Snugly squeezed between Austria and Hungary, Slovakia's capital may be compact, but it packs a punch when it comes to history, culture and striking looks.
With a location that has carved it out as a melting pot of cultures since ancient times, you can expect to see diverse influences in every corner of the city. There's a mediaeval and Gothic old town alive with the sound of different languages and nationalities, grand baroque palaces built by Hungarian nobility and communist-era blocks reflecting its more recent past.
The area surrounding the city, along the banks of the River Danube, is naturally blessed too. Rolling away to the north of Bratislava, you'll see the excellent vineyards of the Small Carpathians waiting to be discovered.
This evening you will enjoy an exclusive performance by Julie Madly Deeply with a meet and greet session and album signing.
Today you'll set sail for Melk, making a stop at Krems along the way. Krems is a small town that punches well above its weight both culturally and scenically.
Time here is best spent meandering the banks of the River Danube, dipping into the storybook churches and museums and sampling the region's world-class Riesling and Grüner Veltliner wines.
After lunch, you'll continue to Melk, where no visit would be complete without discovering its famous abbey. Set high above the River Danube commanding incredible views across this area's beautiful valleys and Melk's cute cobbled town, Melk Abbey is undoubtedly the star of the show.
Inside, you'll find rooms perfectly combining the Baroque and the modern, fascinating artefacts and exhibitions and, the jewel in the crown, the stunning library with intricately frescoed ceiling, spiral staircase and thousands upon thousands of books.
Today's destination is wonderful Salzburg, a city any lover of The Sound of Music will recognise from the film.
You'll get a chance to release your favourite scenes from the classic musical on a special Sound of Music themed Salzburg sightseeing tour.
Visit filming sites around the city, like Mirabell Gardens, where Maria and the Von Trapp children danced while singing 'Do, Re, Mi!' and the gazebo where 'Sixteen Going on Seventeen' was shot. As you explore the city, your guide provides historical background on Salzburg's top attractions and architectural jewels.
Today A-ROSA FLORA makes her way back to Passau.
Dubbed the 'Venice of Bavaria', Passau was once thought of as a sleepy backwater. Nowadays, its vibrant student population and handy spot on the Main-Danube Canal have shone the spotlight onto this thriving little city.
Expect highlights like Saint Stephen's Cathedral with its magnificent nave. It's one of the largest Baroque cathedrals north of the Alps, and well worth a visit.
Exploring this picturesque city is the perfect way to end a wonderful few days exploring the banks of the Danube, before you say your goodbyes and start your journey home.
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* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a lead in cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement from £91. Deposit 30%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd and A‑ROSA Flussschiff GmbH.