Capitals of Eastern Europe

Bratislava was built on a smaller scale than other European capitals, so you will explore with ease on this excursion. Join your guide and set off along the Amber Road, tracing the ancient trade route that once linked Northern and Southern Europe. Stop to view the Gothic-style Universitas Istropolitana, the first university to have been founded in present-day Slovakia. Though it operated for only 25 years, it proved highly influential in the fields of mathematics and astrology. In the main square, admire the Roland Fountain, built in 1572 to provide water to the public. Around the square, you will see the rococo, late-baroque Grassalkovich Palace, residence of the president, and the rose-hued Archbishop’s Palace, home to today’s mayor. You will also see the outside of the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral, home of Hungarian coronations for more than 250 years.

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.

Dine at one of Bratislava’s brewery houses and sample a selection of beers. Slovakia’s brewing scene is enjoying a surge in popularity, with a number of pubs offering a range of innovative beers alongside tasty traditional fare. Disembark your ship and meet your local guide, then board a tram for the journey to the “Klastorny Pivovar,” or Abbey Brewery. Here, your guide will explain the range of brews on offer, and you will enjoy two of its finest. Once a monastic cellar, and later a cinema hall, you will hear about the history of this magnificent building and its transformation into the establishment that it is today. Afterward, sit down for an evening meal of traditional local fare, accompanied by a glass of beer. Following dessert and with your appetite sated, you will return by tram to your awaiting ship.

Immerse in riverside scenery learn about Bratislava’s military history during a cycle ride by e-bike. Meet your guide and after a short safety briefing, set off on a 9-mile ride along a cycle path by the banks of the Danube River. You will pass picturesque forest scenery and enjoy various photo stops along the way. Arrive at the restored BS 4 “Lány” Bunker Museum and enjoy a Privileged Access visit of this technologically advanced 1930s Czechoslovak fortification. Once part of the Danube defence line, occupied and tested by German forces during WWII, it was later positioned directly on the Iron Curtain. View exhibits that offer a rare look into Europe’s interwar military engineering, complete with an upper combat floor and lower technical level, and hear about the work of the volunteers that fully restored the bunker. After you visit, you will ride back to your ship.

See the sights of Bratislava during a walking tour and sample local delicacies. With your guide, set out on foot to explore the city's architecture. See the Roland fountain, built in 1572, and pass some of the city's iconic sights, including the Michael Gate, an elegant fortification, and the Franziskaner Church, which dates to the 1200s. Then, arrive at a local restaurant where you will partake in a cooking class. Roll up your sleeves and learn to make Slovak pierogi, a traditional dumpling typically filled with mashed potato and bryndza cheese. Sample your creation and continue your food walk, pausing to taste honey wine and a Bratislava roll, a traditional pastry, at a bakery. Cap your walk with a stop at a wine cellar, to sample a selection of vintages accompanied by cheese. After, return to your ship or enjoy free time to explore more on your own.