Classic Danube & Orient Express Train

London Heathrow Airport to Vienna International Airport (Austria)

Take your included flight from Heathrow direct to Vienna, where you will be met by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the port to embark the ship.

It's difficult to explore the sights and sounds of Vienna without thinking of an elegant Strauss waltz or a memorable Brahms lullaby. This beautiful Baroque capital of Austria was for centuries the centre of the Habsburg Empire, retaining its grand spirit in the form of magnificent palaces and grand mansions peppering the Innere Stadt.

The city's cultural heritage is mainly musical, with great composers such as Strauss, Brahms, Beethoven, Schubert, Haydn and Mozart all having lived and performed here. Today, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the State Opera House help to keep alive the city's traditions by offering more classical music performances a year than any other city in the world.

While Vienna is a city of music, it's also synonymous with gourmet fare, cream cakes, superb coffee, the angelic strains of the Vienna Boys' Choir, and the proud prancing of the Lipizzaner stallions at the world-famous Spanish Riding School.

Starting out as a Celtic settlement on the banks of the Danube, Vienna became one of Rome's most important central European bases. Its favourable location on the strategic river contributed to the city becoming the stronghold of a mighty empire, reaching its peak during the tumultuous reign of the dazzling Habsburg dynasty.

At the end of the 19th century, the golden age of the Austrian Empire began to decline as Vienna's coffee houses filled with radical intellectuals such as Freud, Klimt and Mahler. The World War II Nazi occupation left scars, but Vienna survived to remain a captivating capital that blends Italian romanticism with Germanic orderliness.

Most of the city's tourist attractions are within the largely pedestrianised inner city area, which was once enclosed by the city walls. The walls have been replaced with the Ringstrasse, a wide ring road. Further out in the suburbs is the thrilling Prater amusement park with its massive Ferris wheel, and the opulent Schonbrunn summer palace. Visitors also should not miss a trip to the Vienna Woods, peppered with wine taverns called heurigen.

Vienna is truly a paradise for classical music aficionados, with unrivalled history, influence and majesty. But it's also a city of sophistication and class, a romantic outpost of old world grandeur shining through the heritage of imperial power.

On this day, explore the “City of Waltzes” and dive into its vast artistic legacy with your choice of tours. The city is known for its imperial palaces, famous residents and expansive art collections. See the Musikverein, a beautiful concert hall that is home to the Vienna Philharmonic. Or delve into the hidden secrets of Vienna in some of its most historical sites. Choice of Viennese highlights with Musikverein or The secrets of Vienna Musikverein, a beautiful concert hall that is home to the Vienna Philharmonic.

Start your day in the heart of the Danube’s Wachau Valley, strolling through Weissenkirchen’s idyllic wine village while sampling mouth watering apricot treats. Named for its white church that dominates the landscape, the city is flanked by vineyard-lined hills, historic houses and beautiful courtyards. The Melk Abbey is a baroque monastery and sits atop a rocky formation overlooking the Danube. Choice of Melk Abbey with library visit or Weissenkirchen village walk with wine tasting or “Let’s Go” vineyard hike In the evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

Engelhartszell, Passau and Vilshofen

A new day brings new experiences in the forest-lined district of Engelhartszell. Experience Germany’s great outdoors by biking along the Danube River. Arrive in the afternoon at the “City of Three Rivers,” Passau, where the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers join together, at one time bringing an influx of wealth and culture into the region. Featured Excursion: “Let’s Go” scenic Bavarian river biking Choice of Passau walking tour or ""Let's Go"" hiking around Passau

Nestled between Regensburg and Passau sits a town surrounded by the foothills of the Bavarian Forest, Deggendorf. Journey deep into the alluring Bavarian Forest National Park, Germany’s first national park, and discover outdoor leisure at its best. Featured Excursion: Bavarian Forest Adventure

The nearly 2,000-year-old history of Regensburg begins with a Roman fort in 90 AD, from which Regensburg grew into the large and prosperous trade center that it became in the last few centuries of the Medieval period. This long history has been excellently preserved through Regensburg’s iconic architecture—particularly its many Gothic and Romanesque churches and Patrician houses. Choice of Regensburg walking tour or “From Hops Field to Beer Stein” farm visit

Nuremberg is a medieval city located in northern Bavaria in Germany. It is Bavaria's second largest city and is noted for its iconic red roofed buildings and medieval architecture. The imperial Castle overlooks Nuremberg and was one of the most important fortifications of the Roman Empire. For more significant cultural history, the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, one of the largest cultural history museums in the German speaking world, offers visitors exhibitions from Prehistoric all the way to present day. Walking tours around the city offer an enjoyable and active way to learn of Nuremberg’s history and culture. Through Old Town, discover fountains, wells, churches, and art treasures, as well as learning of the colourful past and cosmopolitan present of the city and its people. Nuremberg is also home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, where visitors can purchase traditional handmade decorations and enjoy the famous gingerbread, mulled wine, and grilled sausage from over one hundred and eighty wooden stalls.

Nuremberg (Disembark) to Prague

Disembark the ship and take your private transfer to Prague. Check in to the Iron Gate Hotel and Suites for an overnight stay on a B&B basis.

Centrally situated, down a picturesque cobbled side street mere minutes from the famous Old Town Square. This elegant, luxury hotel is the perfect choice for enjoying the wonders of Prague. The important sightseeing attractions are all within walking distance and restaurants, bars, and pubs are all located on the doorstop. Guests can also enjoy a delicious meal or a well-deserved drink in the onsite restaurant and the bar. Based in a UNESCO-protected building dating back to the year 1400, the hotel offers spacious and luxurious rooms and suites, each with its own unique layout to please all types of visitors, make them have a comfortable and unforgettable stay.

Board the splendid Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train in Prague Hlavni station and settle into your comfortable cabin ready for your journey through the Czech Republic into Germany. Relax and enjoy the views as your steward serves tea, coffee and indulgent pastries in your cabin. Before dinner, stroll along to the convivial Bar Car ‘3674’ for a refreshing aperitif. Then make your way to one of the elegant dining cars for a lavish four-course feast, prepared on board by expert chefs. Afterwards, you may wish to return to the bar, where the resident pianist is playing the baby grand. Order a liqueur and mingle with your fellow passengers before retiring to your cabin, now transformed into a cosy bedroom.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express & London

Your steward serves Continental breakfast in your cabin before the train pulls into Paris. Feel free to stretch your legs on the platform while we pause to pick up new passengers and supplies. Take the opportunity this morning to browse our onboard boutique for a selection of stylish gifts and exclusive mementos. As we continue onwards towards the Channel ports, enjoy a delicious brunch in one of the dining cars. At Calais Ville Station, board a private coach to the shuttle terminal at Coquelles before travelling onward through the Channel Tunnel. Our uniformed hosts will look after you throughout the journey. At Folkestone, you join the art deco Belmond British Pullman, sister train of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, for the journey to London. Indulge in a traditional English afternoon tea, accompanied by a glass of sparkling English rosé, as the train courses through the verdant Kent countryside.

Arrive London

Disembark at London Victoria station for your onward arrangements.