NEW! Oberammergau with Salzburg

Get acquainted with the Slovakian capital, a vibrant and relaxed cultural center. Meet your guide at your ship, then set off to explore this intimately sized capital. Drive via Grassalkovich Palace and Freedom Square up to Bratislava Castle for views over the city and surrounding plains, then descend to the Old Town, graced with ornate mansions and art nouveau houses. During your walking tour, admire the medieval Town Hall complex, where a butter-hued tower looks over the red-roofed city, and view the fortifications at Michael’s Gate, one of the only surviving medieval gateways. See the baroque Holy Savior Jesuit Church and the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. A stunning and revered remnant from the city’s past, it was the site of Hungarian coronations for more than 250 years. Enjoy some free time in the lovely town center before returning to your ship.

Explore Bratislava during a scenic hike that includes sweeping views over the city from its namesake castle. Set out with your guide through the old town’s cobblestone lanes and alleys. Pass the impressive baroque-style Slovak Philharmonic Hall and into Hviezdoslav Square, which is bordered by the 19th-century opera house and stunning Ganymede’s Fountain. You will also see the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral, home of Hungarian coronations for more than 250 years. Continue with an ascent to Bratislava Castle, located high above the city on a rocky promontory. Here, wander its expansive courtyard and baroque garden and enjoy striking views over the city and the Danube. After a refreshment stop, stroll through the city’s narrowest street to the old city walls, then admire the elegant Primatial Palace, beautiful Franciscan Square and the medieval Old Town Hall before ending at your ship.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty, architecture and rich history of Lednice and Valtice. Embark on a panoramic drive by motor coach through Bratislava, admiring its historic landmarks and vibrant atmosphere. Your journey will continue through the sculpted landscapes of the southern Moravian countryside, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop to view the stunning exterior of Lednice Castle, where you will have time to marvel at its neo-Gothic architecture and picturesque gardens. Continue to Valtice Castle, a baroque masterpiece, for a guided tour of its opulent interiors and beautiful gardens. Afterward, enjoy a delicious three-course lunch of traditional Czech cuisine, then indulge in a taste of the region’s fine wines. Conclude your visit with free time to explore the enchanting Valtice Garden before boarding your coach and returning to your ship.

Go to the heart of Slovakian wine country to see a spectacular castle and taste the region’s specialty white wines. Meet your guide and drive through the picturesque towns and villages of the Little Carpathians winemaking region. Here, you will visit one of the country’s most stunning sites, the well-preserved Red Stone Castle. Named for the color of the stone it sits upon, Red Stone Castle was a 16th-century fortress, constructed atop the site of a 13th-century castle, until it was taken over by one of Hungary’s most important aristocratic families, the Pálfis. They altered it into the stately residence that it is today, living here until it became a museum in 1945. Explore its lavish ballroom, bedrooms, dining hall and cellar complex and take in the ornate stucco and breathtaking frescoes. Then, head to a local winery to sample a selection of the region’s specialty white wines.

Discover the imperial splendor of Schloss Hof, a stunning estate that once belonged to the Hapsburg monarchy. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach from your ship to this baroque masterpiece, located on 173 acres in eastern Lower Austria. This resplendent palace, with its costly furnishings, exquisite textiles and glass chandeliers, offers a glimpse into its significant role in the history of art and culture of the Hapsburgs during the 18th century. Take a guided walk through the stately ceremonial rooms, opulent palace apartments, domed chapel and the expansive baroque gardens, immersing yourself in the beauty and heritage of this remarkable estate. Cap your tour in the gilded elegance of the Sala Terrena, savoring the charm of your surroundings while enjoying a glass of sparkling wine. Afterward, board your coach for the return journey to your awaiting ship.