Leger Holidays
Cruise the Danube to Vienna & Budapest by Rail
10 daysfrom $2,563
Planet Rail · Rail and river cruise holiday
A Classic Danube Cruise
Sail the iconic Danube in luxury, discovering Vienna’s imperial charm, Budapest’s grandeur, and medieval towns along this scenic European river.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Nuremberg
London to Nuremberg
Your holiday begins as you arrive at London St Pancras International. Admire the cathedral of steam before you join the Eurostar and travel to Brussels, enjoying the light meal and drinks served at your seat as you reach speeds of up to 186 mph. In Brussels you change trains and continue into Germany, travelling to Frankfurt and finally on to Nuremberg, where you check into the Park Plaza Hotel (4 star) located close to the station for your overnight stay on a bed and breakfast basis.
- Day 2railovernight: On board A-ROSA DONNA
Nuremberg to Passau and transfer to Engelhartszell, Austria
Take a morning train south from Nuremberg to Passau, located at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers. Known as the three rivers city, it has a delightful old town with cobblestone streets and baroque architecture. You then take a transfer to Engelhartszell, a pretty riverside town in Northern Austria, and embark the A-ROSA DONNA for your 7-night Premium All-Inclusive cruise. After setting sail enjoy a welcome dinner as your ship begins its journey on the Blue Danube.
- Day 3overnight: On board A-ROSA DONNA (Vienna)
Vienna
Formerly the capital of one of Europe's most powerful empires, Vienna remains full of imperial class and flair, with historic architecture from baroque to art nouveau overlooking grandiose boulevards and charming public gardens. Champion of classical music and home of Beethoven, this intellectual and musical juggernaut will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your Danube cruise. The ship overnights in Vienna, allowing you to enjoy an optional evening excursion or to explore on your own; the A-ROSA destination scout can advise on how to get the most from your time here.
- Day 4overnight: On board A-ROSA DONNA
Vienna, Austria
Another day in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Spend a morning in one of Vienna's grand coffee houses, appreciate Vienna's imperial might at the wonderful Schönbrunn Palace, or visit the Belvedere Palace to see the work of renowned artists Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt. You also have the option to join a guided city tour to pack in all the cultural sights Vienna has to offer.
- Day 5overnight: On board A-ROSA DONNA (Budapest)
Esztergom, Hungary and on to Budapest
Surrounded by rural countryside on this picturesque stretch of the River Danube, Esztergom is crowned by its enormous basilica. With a history stretching back to the birth of the nation's first king, St Stephen, in 975, it has been the seat of Roman Catholicism in Hungary for over 1,000 years. Delve into the past at Esztergom Castle and the town's medieval marketplace walled with baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical buildings. The ship then sails on to Budapest: in the evening head for the sun deck and enjoy an included drink admiring the lights of the city beneath the stars from your central mooring on the river.
- Day 6overnight: On board A-ROSA DONNA
Budapest, Hungary
As views from the river go, Budapest is pretty hard to beat. Straddling both sides of the water, the Pearl of the Danube is chock-full of grand imperial buildings, dramatic history and contrasting scenery: the Buda side with rolling hills and the impressive Hungarian Houses of Parliament, former Pest with its more lively, bourgeois atmosphere. With another day in Budapest, stroll through Margaret Island, home to a lovely Japanese garden and musical fountain, or join your expert local guide on an optional city tour taking in the Matthias Church and the Fisherman's Bastion with the best view of the city.
- Day 7overnight: On board A-ROSA DONNA
Bratislava, Slovakia
Squeezed snugly between Austria and Hungary, Slovakia's compact capital packs a punch in history, culture and striking beauty. Included in the price is a guided walking tour of Bratislava, exploring the dramatic contrast between its grand baroque palaces built by Hungarian nobility and the architectural legacy of its not so distant communist past. On board ship this evening, enjoy a speciality dinner showcasing the best of the cuisine of this region.
- Day 8overnight: On board A-ROSA DONNA
Wachau Valley, Krems & Melk Abbey
Krems an der Donau is a small town that punches well above its weight both culturally and scenically. Opt to join an excursion to see its quaint churches and museums, continuing to Durnstein and the majestic Melk Abbey overlooking the Danube. If you stay on board, enjoy the Wachau Valley, a picture-perfect UNESCO-listed stretch of the Danube between Melk and Krems, with quaint towns backed by lush countryside and vineyards. The ship arrives at Melk at 12.30. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner on board as you sail north towards the Austrian border.
- Day 9railovernight: Cologne
Engelhartszell to Cologne
Arrive in Engelhartszell at 07.00. Disembark after breakfast, transfer to Passau and take the train to Cologne. You stay overnight at the Hotel Mondial am Dom (4 star), located close to the station and the UNESCO-recognised gothic cathedral, on a bed and breakfast basis. The rest of the day is free to explore Cologne's many attractions, including the old town, chocolate museum and the cathedral.
- Day 10rail
Cologne to London
This morning after breakfast you return to Cologne station for the start of your journey home. Travel on the high-speed ICE service to Brussels, where you change trains and board the Eurostar service to London, savouring the light cold meal and drinks included in your Standard Premier service before returning to London St. Pancras International for the final leg of your journey home.
Included
- 1st Class rail from London to Passau and return
- Overnight stay in Nuremberg in a 4* hotel on the outbound journey on a bed and breakfast basis
- Overnight stay in Cologne in a 4* hotel on the inbound journey on a bed and breakfast basis
- 7-night cruise on a Premium All-Inclusive basis: S grade cabin with private bathroom
- Extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner, either served or gourmet buffet dining
- Special welcome and farewell dinners
- Al Fresco BBQ
- Regional specialities, afternoon tea and snacks
- Tea, coffee and water available 24 hours
- High-quality drinks (11am-11pm): tea, coffee and coffee specialities, soft drinks, beers, sparkling wine and a selection of wines, cocktails and long drinks (exceptions are champagne, top branded drinks and some specialities, subject to surcharges)
- Included walking tour of Bratislava and speciality dinner on board ship in the evening
- Nightly entertainment in the lounge
- Use of all on-board facilities including the A-ROSA SPA, sauna, swimming pool, relaxation and fitness room
- 15% discount on SPA treatments
- Services of on board cruise director
- Services of the A-ROSA destination scout in Vienna
- FREE Wi-Fi
- All port taxes
Not included
- Champagne, top branded drinks and some drink specialities (subject to surcharges)
- Spa treatments (15% discount applies)
- Optional excursions (bookable on board)
