Tour Program

Day 1

BRATISLAVA – ENGELHARTSZELL

We depart from Bratislava by coach and travel to the picturesque village of Engelhartszell. It is a small market town in Upper Austria surrounded by forests and beautiful nature, offering a peaceful atmosphere. The town’s landmark is Engelzell Abbey, unique within Austria. This historic Trappist monastery lies directly on the banks of the Danube and was once famous for producing beer and liqueurs. Beer lovers can enjoy an optional tasting of three local beers in a pleasant setting.

After arrival at the port, we board our ship MS Princess Katharina, which departs for Linz at 3:00 PM. We arrive in Linz in the evening at approximately 8:00 PM. For those interested, an evening city walk will be organized.

Day 2

LINZ

Today we have the entire day to explore this beautiful city. The modern face of Linz naturally blends with its rich history – from baroque churches to contemporary architecture and cultural institutions. Linz is known for its vibrant art scene, festivals, and innovative approach to culture, confirmed by its status as a UNESCO City of Media Arts.

At the same time, the city offers a charming historic center with its main square, cafés, and views of the Danube, which gives the city its unique atmosphere. The city’s dominant landmark is the magnificent Main Square with its 20-meter-high marble Trinity Column. In the corner of the square rise the towers of the Alter Dom cathedral, where composer Anton Bruckner once worked as an organist.

Above the Danube, on the site of the former castle where Emperor Frederick III once resided, stands the castle complex that now houses the Upper Austrian State Museum. From the square, the elegant shopping street Herrenstrasse leads to the city park.

A visit to the impressive Mariendom Cathedral is highly recommended – it can accommodate up to 20,000 people. Among the city’s best-known attractions is the Ars Electronica Center, a futuristic center dedicated to technology, art, and media, which has become an icon of Linz’s modern identity.

Right by the Danube is also the Lentos Kunstmuseum, a contemporary art gallery famous for its striking glass architecture and beautiful evening river views.

One of the most beautiful and richest botanical gardens in Austria is located in Linz. Covering approximately 4 hectares, it features thousands of plant species from around the world – from exotic cacti and succulents to alpine and medicinal plants. The garden is also known for its themed greenhouses that allow visitors to explore various climate zones.

We return to the ship, which departs Linz at 11:59 PM and sails towards Melk.

Day 3

MELK

In the morning, at approximately 8:00 AM, we arrive in the town of Melk. Melk is a small historic town in Lower Austria, best known for Melk Abbey – one of the world’s most iconic baroque monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The abbey boasts a monumental baroque library (currently undergoing reconstruction, though still accessible), a richly decorated church, imperial corridors, historic halls, and terraces with breathtaking views of the Danube and the Wachau Valley.

Although Melk is a small town, history can be felt everywhere. Optionally, guests may visit one of the most beautiful places in Lower Austria – Dürnstein and the town of Krems.

Dürnstein is truly an iconic place dominated by the ruins of a castle on the hill above the town, where King Richard the Lionheart of England was allegedly imprisoned. In the center stands a baroque Augustinian monastery and the famous Blue Tower, the symbol of the town.

Krems is a university and wine town with narrow streets, city gates, and a medieval atmosphere. It is known for its beautifully preserved Renaissance and Baroque houses.

The entire Wachau Valley is deeply connected with winemaking, and it would almost be a sin not to sit in one of the charming wine taverns and taste quality local wines from the region.

After the excursion, we return to Melk, board the ship, and depart for Bratislava at approximately 8:00 PM.

Wachau Valley

The Wachau Valley belongs to the Lower Austria region and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Danube River flows through the entire valley, creating stunning scenery. It is therefore no coincidence that this region is among the most visited places in Austria – visitors are attracted mainly by its numerous historical monuments set in beautiful natural surroundings.

Almost all slopes of the valley are covered with stone terraces planted with vineyards, which thrive thanks to the excellent local conditions.

Day 4

BRATISLAVA

The ship arrives at the port in Bratislava at 9:00 AM. For guests ending their cruise here, we offer an optional 2-hour guided city tour of Bratislava.

For those wishing to continue cruising, the ship continues to Budapest (see program “On the Waves of the Danube – Cruise to Budapest”).

Tour Information

The cruise through the Wachau Valley from Engelhartszell to Bratislava offers a unique combination of nature, history, and the peaceful rhythm of the Danube River. During the journey, you will admire picturesque vineyards, medieval towns, and iconic landmarks that make this region one of the most beautiful parts of Europe. Every moment on board brings a new view worth stopping for – and even more worth remembering.

Accommodation

River Ship MS Princess Katharina

Ship Description:

Step aboard the Katharina, a ship radiating classic charm, decorated with timeless artwork and elegant patterns. The ship was renovated in 2018 to meet the highest standards of comfort. Its total capacity is 144 passengers accommodated in 70 cabins across 2 decks. The third deck is dedicated to relaxation. A crew of 35 specialized staff members ensures the comfort of all guests.

Onboard facilities include a panoramic restaurant, a classic-style lounge, 2 bars, a lobby with reception, a small library, terrace, onboard shop, massage room, and laundry service.

The cabins combine functional design with comfort and are distributed across 2 decks. Both decks offer double, triple, and a few single cabins. The upper deck features cabins with French balconies, while the lower deck cabins have windows (for safety reasons, the windows cannot be opened). Cycling enthusiasts may also bring their bicycles onboard and enjoy cycling excursions during the stops.

Catering

All Inclusive

• Welcome buffet upon boarding
• Premium breakfast buffet, 4-course lunch and dinner menus served at the table with a choice of main course
• Beverage package including house wine, draft beer, soft drinks, juices, coffee/tea, and mineral water (09:00–24:00)
• Daily afternoon coffee and cake or a late evening snack
• Live music onboard
• Luggage service from the pier to the cabin and back
• Regular bed linen changes in accordance with HACCP standards

Total Price Includes

• Coach transportation on the Bratislava – Engelhartszell route
• 3 nights accommodation onboard during the cruise
• All Inclusive package as described
• Slovak-speaking tour guide

Total Price Does Not Include

• Entrance fees and excursions
• Optional activities
• Port charges

Transport

Coach transfer to Engelhartszell, ship cruise Engelhartszell – Bratislava.

Note

We offer the possibility to combine two cruises:
“Cruise through the Wachau Valley” and “On the Waves of the Danube – Cruise to Budapest”.

Optional excursions are organized with a minimum of 25 participants.

TICKET RESERVATION IS REQUIRED IN ADVANCE VIA
E-MAIL: travel@lod.sk,
TEL.: +421 2 529 32 224-6.

After the reservation, an invoice will be issued.

For this cruise, payment is possible only via invoice payment, i.e. bank transfer.