Lower Danube Discovery with Vienna & Istanbul (Start Vienna, End Istanbul)

Welcome to Vienna, Austria's grand capital, known as the City of Music. As you settle into your luxurious hotel, take in the city's charm, from its magnificent Baroque buildings to its vibrant coffee-house culture. You may choose to relax in your hotel or explore the city at your leisure.

Embark on a guided tour to see Vienna's highlights, including the opulent Opera House, City Hall, the Hellenic-style Parliament Building, and the sprawling landscaped gardens of Stadtpark. In the afternoon, you have the option to visit Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg family, or explore one of the world-class museums in the city, such as the Belvedere Museum.

Spend your morning at leisure in Vienna before transferring to Budapest, one of Europe's most beautiful cities. In Hungary's capital, you'll embark on your Danube Delta Discovery cruise, continuing your journey of wonder in ultra-luxury.

Your ship will dock in Bratislava after lunch. Choose to spend your morning in your ship's wellness centre or simply enjoy the views from the Sun Deck. In the afternoon, explore the city's highlights, such as Bratislava Castle and the Old Town Hall, or immerse yourself in Slovak life by enjoying coffee and cake with friendly locals.

Spend your morning at leisure on board, enjoying the scenery of the Danube as you cruise through Slovakia and into Hungary. In the evening, immerse yourself in Budapest's Imperial past by attending an exclusive private classical music concert at the majestic Gödöllő Royal Palace.

Arrive early in Budapest and embark on a guided tour to explore the city's diverse architecture and vibrant culture. Visit the Parliament Building, Várkert Bazár, Széchenyi square, and Elizabeth square. In the afternoon, you have the option to visit one of Budapest's thermal baths or explore the city's famous ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter.

Arrive in Kalocsa, a historic Hungarian town known for its rich folk art and traditional handicrafts. Explore the region's culture and traditions, witness a traditional horse show, or learn about the origins of the beautiful needlework and embroidery designs.

Today, choose to explore the city of Pecs, known for its Roman and Turkish architecture, or visit the charming wine village of Villany. Alternatively, you may choose to visit the Zsolnay Ceramics Museum in Pecs. In the afternoon, sail towards the Croatian border.

Wake up in the Croatian town of Osijek. Choose to take a guided walking tour of the city, explore the Kopacki Rit nature park on a bike, or immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting a Croatian family for lunch. Spend the afternoon on board your luxurious ship as you cruise the Danube.

Arrive in Serbia's second largest city, Novi Sad. Choose to take a guided tour of the city, hike to the Petrovaradin Fortress, or visit the nearby town of Sremski Karlovci. Alternatively, you may choose to visit Serbia's oldest national park, Fruska Gora National Park.

Arrive in Serbia's capital, Belgrade. Choose to take a guided city tour, explore the city's communist past and life today as part of the European Union, or learn about the city's history and culture on a walking tour. In the evening, visit the St. Sava Temple for an exclusive private classical music concert.

Arrive in the town of Golubac, home to one of Europe's best preserved medieval fortresses. Choose to take a guided tour of the fortress, visit the Lepenski Vir Archaeological Site, or hike through the Djerdap National Park. In the afternoon, cruise through the spectacular scenery of the Iron Gates.

Arrive in Vidin, a historic Bulgarian town on the edge of the Danube River. Choose to hike to the Belogradchik Castle Ruins, visit a local winery for a tour and tasting, or learn about the region's traditions and recipes in a banica making class.

Visit the town of Rousse, often described as 'Little Vienna'. Join a local guide on a sightseeing tour of this opulent town, resplendent in Belle Epoque architecture and leafy manicured squares. Afterward, you'll enjoy some free time to wander before returning to the ship.

Arrive in Silistra, a Bulgarian town that has changed hands many times over the centuries. Choose to take a guided tour of the Silistra Fort, visit the nearby village of Alfatar, or learn about the region's traditions and recipes in a banica making class. Spend the afternoon on board your luxurious ship as you cruise the Danube.

Start the day with a walking tour in the Romanian fishing village of Saint George. Following this, you will take a cruise on a small boat through the wetlands of the Danube Delta to Mile 0, where the mighty Danube River meets the Black Sea.

Transfer to Bucharest, stopping for lunch on the way. Upon arrival, take a guided tour of the city by coach, stopping to see its squares, including Union Square, University Square, Roman Square, Victory Square and Charles de Gaulle Square. This evening, check into a hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner.

This morning, set off from Bucharest on an included flight to Istanbul. Home to more than 15 million people, it's the largest city in Turkey and one of the largest in the world. Istanbul will inspire all your senses, an exhilarating blend of cultures, cuisines, architecture, history and style.

The wonders of Istanbul await you today on a guided tour. Visit the city's most famous landmarks, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Immerse yourself in the city's rich history and vibrant culture.

Today, leave Istanbul behind and visit the city of Canakkale. Sitting on the edge of the Dardanelle Strait, Canakkale has been at the forefront of history for centuries. It's the gateway to the World War One battlefield of Gallipoli and the ancient city of Troy.

Today, you are bound for Gallipoli, a site that holds a special place in the heart of Australians and New Zealanders. As the first major battle for ANZAC troops in the First World War, it was a brutal introduction to global conflict for the new nations. A visit to Gallipoli is a moving experience that will stay with you long after you leave.

This morning, venture to the ancient city of Troy. For more than 3,000 years, the tales of Troy and the Trojan War were thought to be mythical, but in the late 19th century, the ruins of Troy were discovered in modern day Turkey. Take a tour through the 4,000-year-old ruins, see a giant replica of the famous Trojan Horse and learn the true story behind this illustrious city. Then, make your way back to the mighty city of Istanbul.

Choose to explore the tastes of Turkey in a cooking class or visit the colourful and chaotic Grand Bazaar. In the evening, take a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, winding between ferries, barges and fishing boats, and passing famous monuments and historic minarets on shore. Return to shore for a farewell dinner at the Hamdi Restaurant with its outstanding views over the Golden Horn.

Before you farewell Istanbul, take a moment this morning to listen out for the call to prayer before the sun rises. After breakfast, you'll take a final transfer to the airport, bringing an end to your unforgettable journey.