CRUISE THE DANUBE

The Three Capitals Cruise · March 13th 2026 - March 20th 2026

The Danube is one of Europe’s most beautiful rivers, and our Blue Danube cruise waltzes between the glorious capital cities of Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest, with stops in Dürnstein, Melk Abbey and Salzburg.

The river flows for 1700 miles through the heart of Europe, and along the way, you will enjoy the stunning landscapes and spectacular cities that have inspired composers and writers for centuries.

We sail on the MS Ariana, one of our favourite ships. It is spacious, modern and very comfortable. Recently renovated rooms and the ship’s brand-new culinary team will perfectly compliment this extraordinary Theatrical Adventure.

Every night is filled with fantastic operatic entertainment. Our outstanding professional opera singers and musical director ensure a bespoke programme of musical magic.

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Itinerary

13 March 2026

Arrive in Vienna at your leisure and board Ariana from 3:00 p.m. You have time to settle in and enjoy some free time exploring the city prior to our departure to Budapest at 5:00 p.m. Performance: Our onboard soloists entertain

14 March 2026

This morning, we begin our day of exploration with a coach tour around “Pest”. We will visit Heroes’ Square before heading to the historic city centre for a walking tour.
We return to the ship for lunch. This afternoon, enjoy free time to take in the city at your own pace.
This evening, we will take an optional trip to the theatre (subject to programming and availability). Performance: Our onboard soloists entertain (or passengers will visit the theatre)

15 March 2026

This morning, we take an excursion to the other side of the river. Here in Buda, we will enjoy spectacular views from Fisherman’s Bastion and a walking tour around this beautiful part of the city.
We depart Budapest after lunch, cruising back along the Danube towards Bratislava. We will spend the rest of the day on board, with plenty of time to enjoy some community singing, led by our musical director and our professional soloists. Performance: Our onboard soloists entertain

16 March 2026

This afternoon, we arrive in Bratislava and take a guided stroll through the historic pedestrian streets of the Slovakian capital. We head towards the heart of Bratislava’s Old Town, the Main Square, a lively hub of colourful architecture and notable landmarks, including the Old Town Hall. Performance: Our onboard soloists entertain

17 March 2026

We start the day with a walking tour of Dürnstein, a charming town renowned for its wine production and picturesque setting in the Wachau region. After lunch on board, we sail to Melk, where an optional excursion to the magnificent Melk Abbey is offered. Performance: Our onboard soloists entertain

18 March 2026

Today, embark on a full-day excursion to Salzburg, tracing the route of The Sound of Music. A guided walking tour reveals the city’s medieval and Baroque landmarks in the pedestrian-friendly Altstadt. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore on your own or ride the funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress for sweeping city views. Performance: Our onboard soloists entertain

19 March 2026

We arrive back in Vienna this morning for a panoramic coach tour around the grand Ringstrasse, admiring the city’s historic palaces and elegant architecture, then continue on foot through the vibrant city centre. Performance: Our onboard soloists entertain

20 March 2026

We enjoy a final breakfast together on board before making our onward journeys home. Check-out is at 9:00 a.m. Performance: No concert tonight, we say "búcsú" until next time!

What's included

All meals from dinner on the first day through to breakfast on the final morning
Complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Welcome Cocktail Reception
Farewell Gala Dinner and Cocktail Reception
Nightly Entertainment, with our world-class entertainers
Excursions as listed, led by our expert tour-guides

What's not included

Flights or transfers
Travel insurance
Tips
Excursions listed as ‘Optional’ in the itinerary

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Budapest

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and thermal baths.

The city is divided by the Danube River into two parts, Buda and Pest. The Buda side is on the west bank of the river and is home to Castle Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage site that features medieval streets, historic buildings, and panoramic views of the city. On the Pest side lies Heroes' Square, St. Stephen's Basilica, Parliament Building (one of Europe's largest), and other grandiose examples of Hungarian architecture.

One of Budapest's most famous attractions are its thermal baths. The city sits on a network of natural hot springs which have been used for therapeutic purposes since Roman times. Some popular thermal baths include Széchenyi Baths, Gellért Baths, and Rudas Baths.

Another must-see attraction in Budapest is Fisherman's Bastion located in Castle Hill area. This fairytale-like structure offers some breathtaking views over Budapest with Matthias Church in the background.

Bratislava

Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia and one of the most charming cities in Central Europe. Located on the banks of the Danube River, it has a rich history dating back to Roman times.

The city's Old Town is its main attraction, with winding streets, picturesque squares, and colourful buildings that showcase its medieval and baroque architecture. The most famous landmark in Bratislava is Bratislava Castle, which sits atop a hill overlooking the city. It was built in the 9th century and has served as a royal palace, military barracks, and now houses museums.

Other notable attractions include St. Martin's Cathedral, which dates back to the 14th century and was once the coronation church for Hungarian kings; Michael's Gate, one of the few remaining gates from Bratislava's medieval fortifications; and Primatial Palace, a beautiful pink-colored building that now serves as the seat of Slovakia's government.

Dürnstein

Dürnstein is a small town in Austria, located in the Wachau Valley along the Danube River. It is known for its picturesque scenery, historic castle ruins, and famous apricot orchards.

The town's most famous attraction is Dürnstein Castle, which sits atop a hill overlooking the town. The castle was built in the 12th century and played an important role in Austrian history as it was where Richard the Lionheart of England was held captive during his return from the Crusades. Visitors can hike up to the castle ruins for stunning views of the surrounding area.

Dürnstein is also known for its apricots, which are grown locally and used to make delicious treats such as jam and schnapps. Visitors can explore local orchards or visit one of the many shops selling apricot products.

Melk

Melk Abbey is a Benedictine abbey located in the town of Melk, Austria, overlooking the Danube River. The abbey was founded in 1089 and has been an active monastery for over 900 years. It is one of the most famous monastic sites in Austria and attracts thousands of visitors every year.

The current Baroque-style building was constructed between 1702 and 1736 on the site of previous monasteries that had existed since the Middle Ages. The abbey features stunning architecture, including its impressive library with over 100,000 volumes, ornate frescoes, intricate stucco work, and lavish gold leaf decorations.

Today, Melk Abbey remains an active Benedictine monastery with about thirty monks living there. In addition to being a popular tourist attraction, it also serves as a centre for education and research, particularly in theology and philosophy.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a city in Austria, known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and connection to the famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

The city's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and features many baroque buildings and churches, including Salzburg Cathedral and Mirabell Palace. The most famous attraction in Salzburg is Hohensalzburg Fortress, which sits atop a hill overlooking the city. It was built in the 11th century and has served as a royal palace, military barracks, and now houses museums.

Salzburg is also known for its connection to Mozart. He was born in the city in 1756, and his birthplace can be visited today as a museum. Other notable Mozart-related sites include his family's residence on Getreidegasse street and the Mozarteum University of Salzburg.

Vienna

Vienna has a rich and fascinating history that spans more than 2,000 years. Originally founded as a Celtic settlement in the 1st century BC, the city grew into a major centre of trade and commerce during the Roman Empire. In the Middle Ages, Vienna became an important cultural and political hub of the Holy Roman Empire, serving as the residence of several powerful dynasties, including the Habsburgs.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Vienna emerged as one of Europe's leading cultural capitals, with renowned composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss all calling the city home at various times. This period also saw significant political upheaval in Austria-Hungary, culminating in World War I and eventually leading to the collapse of the empire.

Following World War II and a period of occupation by Allied forces, Vienna regained its status as a major cultural centre in Europe. Today, it is known for its stunning architecture, world-class museums and galleries, vibrant music scene, and rich culinary traditions.

Budapest 3

1 - Budapest

Bratislava

2 - Bratislava

Durnstein 2

3 - Dürnstein

Melk Abbey

4 - Melk

Salzburg 3

5 - Salzburg

Vienna 2

6 - Vienna

MS Ariana

At a Glance

Embark on an eight-day cruise along the Danube, discovering grand imperial capitals and picturesque river towns. Departing from Vienna, the journey includes stops in Budapest—where you can explore both Pest’s vibrant city center and Buda’s Fisherman’s Bastion—followed by a guided stroll through Bratislava’s Old Town. Continue on to Dürnstein, a charming medieval village in the heart of the Wachau, then sail to Melk for an optional visit to its magnificent abbey. A full-day excursion traces “The Sound of Music” route in Salzburg before returning to Vienna for a final panoramic tour around the iconic Ringstrasse. Each evening, enjoy convivial onboard entertainment, from community sing-alongs to performances by our professional soloists.

Excursions

Budapest (Pest District): A panoramic coach tour encompassing Heroes’ Square and the historic city centre, followed by a walking tour of the vibrant streets and landmarks.
Budapest(Optional): Trip to the theatre
Budapest (Buda District): Spectacular views from Fisherman’s Bastion, plus a guided stroll through the atmospheric old quarter perched above the Danube.
Bratislava: A guided walk through the Slovakian capital’s pedestrian-friendly Old Town, centring on the lively Main Square and its colourful architecture.
Dürnstein: A picture-postcard village in the Wachau region, renowned for its wine production and medieval charm.
Melk Abbey (Optional): A visit to the baroque jewel overlooking the Danube, famed for its grand architecture and rich Benedictine heritage.
Salzburg (Full Day): Tracing the route of “The Sound of Music,” with a guided tour of the medieval and Baroque treasures in the Altstadt and free time to venture up to Hohensalzburg Fortress.
Vienna: A panoramic coach tour around the grand Ringstrasse, leading into a walking exploration of the city’s imperial heart.

Onboard

Cabins

Full en-suite shower rooms
Satellite TV
Telephone
Mini safe
Personal air-conditioning and heating
Top and middle deck cabins feature French Balconies

Meals

All meals are included in the cost of this trip. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the recently renovated restaurant and a ‘light lunch’ option is served in the lounge bar.

Drinks

Bear, wine and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner and the bar is open for guests to purchase drinks outside of mealtimes. A complimentary tea and coffee station is open all day in the lounge bar.

Other Amenities