Magnificent Europe

Day 1. Arrive in Salzburg and meet the cruise director, Christian, who explained that due to a problem in Germany the sailing schedule was 2 days behind: but they were making up time by the ship continuing sailing during the onshore tours and would soon be back on schedule. After a pleasant couple of hours in Salzburg this led to an hilarious and extended cross-country journey trying to find where the ship was moored, but find it we did and were welcomed on board the MS Amalyra by the captain and key crew members, then shown to our cabins. These cabins are the largest of their kind on the European rivers, with French balconies, very comfortable beds, TV/internet system, storage space and a tiny, but beautifully designed and equipped bathroom.

During dinner in the restaurant we were encouraged to meet our fellow passengers: mainly Australians and Kiwis. The meal was exquisite, beautifully prepared and presented, 5 courses with plenty of choice; ample locally sourced wine and the most professional, but friendly, staff you could wish for. We were to learn over the next few days that this was par for the course and had to exercise extreme self-control in order to keep the weight gain to a minimum!

Day2. Breakfast is just as lavish – whatever your taste it’s available: fruit, yogurt, cereals, bacon, eggs cooked to order, smoked salmon , cream cheese, cheeses, cooked meats, all manner of breads and pastries – unbelievable choice!

Today we visit Melk Abbey – a Bendectine monastery for over 900 years, housing a school of 750 pupils and with some gorgeous artwork and artifacts. A typical Austrian lunch follows in a local hotel, then to Durnstein to sample local Wachau valley wine (and chocolate): this area is known for its superb whites such as Reisling and Gruner Veltliner.

We’re taken on a tour of the ship: the bar lounge with resident pianist, Nikolay; there is also a quiet lounge; library; fitness suite; beauty salon; an open upper deck with sun loungers and Jacuzzi, and outside areas with tables and seating where you can enjoy watching the countryside slip by. One cabin is wheelchair accessible and there is a small lift between decks for disabled passengers. I’m very impressed – they seem to have thought of everything!

Day 3. Vienna and a choice of touring this morning: I go to the Schonbrunn palace, with it’s beautiful gardens and state apartments; while others take a walking tour of Vienna.

After lunch on the ship, Natalie suggested a bike ride ( the ship carries several bikes for passengers’ use) so we spent a happy couple of hours riding alongside the Danube, just stopping for a small beer in a local tavern.

Tonight some go to a concert of the Vienna Residenz Orchestra at the famous Auersperg Palace dressed in all their finery! The rest of us with some of our fellow passengers went for a short walking tour to find a nice open-air bar and watch the world go by.

Day 4. A relaxed morning cruising to Bratislava then we moor in the centre of town and take the city walking tour. We meet our wonderful guide Ludmilla, very knowledgable and informative but with some highly non-PC opinions which she voiced with relish! It was like being guided by Jo Brand. Bratislava is a lovely city: very popular with stag parties, which is wonderful because “ drinking lots of beer helps the local economy - but beware! - if you swim naked in the fountain you will be arrested!”

Tonight it is the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail Party and Gala Dinner - more glorious food !!

Day 5. Sailing through the night we arrive in Budapest around 9 for the very best views of this beautiful city. An informal walk around Pest in the morning, then in the afternoon a full city coach tour, including the Fishermans Bastion, Heroes Square and the Opera House ending with champagne and arias. I love this city – so photogenic! I will be back!

Our last evening on board with a fabulous performance from a Hungarian Folklore troupe followed by a wonderful Hungarian dinner.

Day 6. Leave very early having had a superb experience – we saw so much and only had to unpack once!