Danube & Rhine River Cruise 

The 1,441-room rococo-style palace was the former summer residence of the Habsburg monarchy. The splendid castle has been the backdrop for many films, including a James Bond movie and the Sissi Trilogy from the 1950s. Next, the panoramic tour will take us to the tree-lined boulevard known as "The Ring," part of the vast changes to the Viennese cityscape that took place in the second half of the nineteenth century. 

We begin the tour by taking the famous Ring to reach Schoenbrunn Palace. The "Ring" was one of the personal projects of Emperor Franz Joseph. In 1857, he decided to take down the ramparts that enclosed the city centre and had this boulevard lined with fine buildings. Along the Ring we will admire this architectural showcase of the old Austro-Hungarian monarchy, including: the State Opera; the Hofburg Palace; the Natural History Museum; the City Hall; the Burgtheater and more.

When we arrive at Schoenbrunn Palace, we will be guided through the numerous rooms of the Hapsburgs' summer residence, which bear witness to the splendour of the Court at the time of Maria Theresa. We'll also have some time to wander through the Palace gardens. We then return to the coach, which will take us to the city centre to enjoy some free time in the area around St Stephen's Cathedral. After this, we board the coach, which will take us back to the boat, via the Ring.

PLEASE NOTE: Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Cost of Guided Tour of Vienna & Schoenbrunn Palace £92.00 prior to departure 

This afternoon, join us for an optional excursion to Hofburg Palace (only on pre-booking before departure). The imperial Hofburg Palace is one of the largest palatial complexes in the world. Its disproportional splendour fascinates history and architecture lovers from around the world. Must-sees include the Imperial Treasury, Imperial Apartments, and the Sissi Museum. 

Travelling by coach with our local guide, we will discover the Hofburg, which is also known for having been for 600 years the "Winter Residency" of the Habsburgs. Over the course of their reign, they turned this small 13th century fortress into a colossal and beautiful palace. The different buildings today mostly house museums and the gardens, dotted with monuments, have become the Volksgarten and the Burggarten. We will climb up the Emperor's Staircase to reach the Sisi Museum which extends over six rooms that have been equipped to solely center on Elisabeth's private life. Here, numerous personal items that once belonged to Elisabeth are used to help illustrate the true personality of the frequently misunderstood Empress. The sensitively designed exhibits are inspired by the monarch's poetry and illustrate how the once light-hearted young girl, Sisi, became a restless, unapproachable and melancholic woman. The more than 300 items on display in the museum include parasols, boxes and gloves which once belonged to Elisabeth, along with a reconstruction of the evening dress worn by 16 year old Sisi in 1854 before she left her home in Munich, and a replica of a section of her imperial railway carriage.

We'll then move on to Imperial Apartments and access the 19 official and private rooms that once belonged to Franz Joseph and Elisabeth. The Imperial Apartments are a reflection of the monarchic splendour. We will get to see the Emperor's Audience Chamber, his Conference Room, and his bedroom before peering through Elizabeth's apartments with her salons, lavatory and bathroom and her dressing and exercise room where Elizabeth spent most of her time.

We'll return on board and begin to cruise to Passau at approximately 5:00 p.m. Our ship will cruise through the night.

Cost of  Guided Tour of the Hofburg, Residency of the Hapsburgs & Sis Meuseum - £72 prior to departure

•  All Inclusive