Vineyards & Palaces of the Danube with Uniworld

Enjoy included UK airport lounge access before your flight to Vienna. On arrival, you'll be transferred to the port to board the SS Emilie for your Uniworld river cruise.

If you've time, we recommend extending your trip with a pre-cruise stay in Vienna, taking advantage of all Austria’s capital city has to offer, from its beautiful Baroque architecture to its world-class museums and vibrant coffee-house culture. Speak to one of our specialists for more information.

Stay: S.S. Emilie

Vienna remains Austria’s cultural heart, just as it was during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The city has welcomed luminaries such as Beethoven, Mozart, Klimt and Freud, and its architecture, art and café culture continue to make it a joy to explore.Begin with a walking tour from the pedestrianised Kärntner Strasse, passing the State Opera and St Stephen’s Cathedral, before browsing the elegant shops along the Graben and Kohlmarkt. Alternatively, visit Schönbrunn Palace to wander its opulent halls and uncover  the stories of the Habsburg dynasty.

For a trip beyond the city, take a short drive to Klosterneuburg Abbey, home to a Baroque church and an excellent winery where you can sample the abbey’s fine vintages. This evening, enjoy a Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner on board.

Stay: S.S. Emilie

Today, explore the medieval charm of Spitz on a guided walking tour with one of its 1,500 locals, or visit the Schifffahrtsmuseum to uncover the region’s rich maritime heritage. Sample apricot delicacies, a local speciality, before hiking through the vineyards to discover why Tausendeimerberg – ‘Thousand Bucket Mountain’ – earned its name from the vast quantities of wine produced here. Later, relax in the lounge or on the Sun Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Landscape celebrated for its breathtaking scenery. This evening, enjoy an exclusive night at Burg Clam near Grein, complete with a private tour of the castle led by the Count himself.

Stay: S.S. Emilie

Arrive in Passau, the picturesque ‘City of Three Rivers’, where the Danube, Inn and Ilz meet in a unique confluence that has shaped the region’s wealth and culture for centuries. Begin with an invigorating guided cycle from Engelhartszell through the Danube Valley, pedalling past rolling vineyards, castle-topped hillsides and tree-lined slopes. Along the way, take in sweeping views of Europe’s most striking river landscapes, passing meadows, orchards and charming villages before reaching Passau’s enchanting Old Town.

Stay: S.S. Emilie

Spend the day immersed in nature at Germany’s first national park, the Bavarian Forest National Park, a vast wilderness rich in diverse flora and fauna. Here, you’ll have the chance to sample local schnapps – traditionally ‘snapped’ back in one swift sip – and discover the region’s artisanal heritage with a hands-on glassmaking workshop showcasing its distinctive craft traditions.

Stay: S.S. Emilie

Once Bavaria’s capital, Regensburg is a beautifully preserved medieval city where Roman ruins meet Gothic splendour. Explore the Old Town on a guided walk, taking in the Old Stone Bridge, St Peter’s Cathedral and the former Jewish Quarter, before touring the Princely House of Thurn and Taxis, a 1,000-year-old mansion steeped in history.

Beyond the city, climb the Giant Sphere of Bavaria – a striking wooden structure of twisting walkways – for panoramic lake views, then hike the shoreline with an expert guide to learn about sustainable farming and building. Alternatively, journey through the Holledau region to meet a passionate beer ambassador, discover Germany’s hop-growing heritage and enjoy a craft beer tasting in a cosy barn-turned-beer hall.

Stay: S.S. Emilie

Nuremberg, once the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire and later the epicentre of the Nazi Party, is today a city restored to its former glory. Begin with a panoramic drive to the Old Town, passing the former SS Barracks and city walls, before exploring the castle’s historic surrounds and descending into a secret Nazi art bunker hidden beneath. Alternatively, visit the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, designed by Hitler’s favoured architect, where the remnants of vast structures stand as stark reminders of megalomania. This evening, celebrate your final night on board with a Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner.

Stay: S.S. Emilie

After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK, arriving home the same day.