Christmas on the Danube aboard the MS Johann Strauss £1295

Christmas on the Danube aboard the MS Johann Strauss £1295

Day 1 - LONDON STANSTED TO VIENNA.21 December 2007
Fly by scheduled (indirect) flight and transfer to the MS Johann Strauss. Welcome dinner followed by a concert on board featuring works by Mozart and Strauss. Alternatively, attend an optional performance at the Staatsoper or Volksoper.

Day 2 - VIENNA.
We have the whole day to explore Vienna. In the morning there will be an optional city sightseeing tour, driving around the 'Ring' visiting the Old Quarter including St Stephen's Cathedral and the Christmas market outside the City Hall. On an afternoon optional excursion, we will visit Vienna's marvellous Christmas market and then continue to the Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens.

Day 3 - SALZBURG.
From the town of Linz, take an optional tour to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and famous for its architectural treasures and music festival. Our morning optional walking excursion will concentrate on Mozart's family and his musical contemporaries.

Day 4 - MELK.
This morning we will reach the picturesque Wachau Valley, famous for its wine. We will moor under the shadow of the great Baroque abbey, situated on a cliff high above the Danube. After an optional guided tour of the abbey we will drive to the charming town of Durnstein in Austria's scenically splendid wine producing Wachau Valley. After an optional walking tour of Durnstein we will continue to nearby Weissenkirchen for some seasonal gluhwein. This evening there will be the opportunity to attend Midnight Mass in the magnificent setting of Melk Abbey.

Day 5 - CHRISTMAS DAY ON THE DANUBE.
A relaxing day as we sail past Vienna and Bratislava and enjoy the good food and festivities of Christmas Day on board.

Day 6 - ESZTERGOM TO BUDAPEST.
On this morning's optional excursion, we will explore Hungary's second city of Esztergom with its magnificent cathedral, and continue outside the city to the villages and towns of the scenic Danube Bend. Return to the vessel for lunch and enjoy an afternoon cruise along the Danube Bend to Budapest.

Day 7 - BUDAPEST.
An optional guided tour will include the Matthias Church, for centuries the scene of the coronation of the kings of Hungary; and the Fisherman's Bastion, for fine views of the city. In the afternoon, take an optional tour out of Budapest to Godollo, a small Baroque town known as the 'Hungarian Versailles'. Return to the vessel for farewell dinner and Gypsy Orchestra performance. Optional evening visit to the Budapest State Opera.

Day 8 - BUDAPEST TO LONDON STANSTED.
Disembark after breakfast and return to London by scheduled flight (indirect).

Excursions
Passengers who book before the stated date will receive the package of seven shore excursions free of charge; usual price is £169 per person. - The excursions are: Vienna x 2, Salzburg, Melk/Durnstein, Esztergom, Budapest and Godollo