Search

Leger Holidays · Escorted river cruise tour

Cruise the Danube to Vienna & Budapest by Rail

10-day Danube river cruise from Passau to Frankfurt with Eurostar and trains

Illustration of Cruise the Danube to Vienna & Budapest by Rail

Leger Holidays operates this 10-day escorted river cruise that weaves rail travel from London into a Danube voyage. Passengers board Eurostar at London St. Pancras, connect via Brussels and Frankfurt, then join the ship in Passau for seven nights of cruising through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. Days divide between time on the water and in port cities: a full day explores Vienna, Europe's imperial capital and a World Heritage Site; Budapest follows, another UNESCO treasure split by the Danube between Buda and Pest; Bratislava, Melk, and Dürnstein (with its castle linked to Richard the Lionheart) offer shorter visits. A Cruise Director and Manager remain on board throughout, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included each day on the ship. Optional guided tours and excursions are available in most ports, from Schönbrunn Palace to a traditional stud farm show. The pace is relaxed, with two nights in a hotel in Frankfurt, and the ship carries a maximum of 141 passengers.

What to know before you look closer

  • The package price excludes the cost of the connecting train from Brussels to Frankfurt; confirm this fare with Leger before booking
  • Most nights are spent onboard the ship; only two nights are in a hotel (Frankfurt)

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Frankfurt, Germany

    Make your own way to London St. Pancras International and board the Eurostar to Frankfurt via Brussels, where we have an overnight stay.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Onboard, cruising to Dürnstein

    Passau to Dürnstein

    After breakfast, we take the train from Frankfurt to Passau. On arrival, our coach transfers us to our ship. Enjoy a relaxing evening on board as we cruise towards Dürnstein.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Onboard, Vienna

    Dürnstein to Vienna

    We arrive in Dürnstein this morning, crowned by the ruins of the castle that once imprisoned Richard the Lionheart. We return to the ship for lunch and cruise to Vienna, arriving early evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Onboard, cruising to Budapest

    Vienna to Budapest

    Today you can experience the delights of Vienna, a World Heritage Site. Optional excursions include a city tour and a visit to Schönbrunn Palace. In the early evening, we cast off and cruise towards Budapest.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Onboard, Budapest

    Budapest

    We arrive in Budapest this morning, a UNESCO World Heritage Site divided by the Danube into Buda and Pest. Optional guided tour and a Budapest by Night excursion with folklore show are available.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: Onboard, cruising to Bratislava

    Budapest to Bratislava

    Enjoy a morning at leisure in Budapest, or join the optional excursion to Lajosmizse for a traditional stud farm tour and Puszta horse show. We cruise towards Bratislava this afternoon.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: Onboard, cruising to Melk

    Bratislava to Melk

    We reach Bratislava this morning; an optional walking tour with a local guide is available. The afternoon is free before we cruise towards Melk.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8overnight: Onboard, cruising to Passau

    Melk to Passau

    This morning we arrive in Melk in the Wachau Valley, with an optional excursion to the Benedictine Abbey. We relax aboard as we cruise to Passau.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9railovernight: Frankfurt, Germany

    Passau to Frankfurt

    This morning we arrive in Passau, where we disembark our cruise ship. We continue by rail to Frankfurt for an overnight stay.

    Meals: Breakfast

  10. Day 10rail

    Board the train in Frankfurt and travel via Brussels to London St. Pancras International. After arriving in London, you will make your own way home.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Arrive in Dürnstein, crowned by castle ruins that once imprisoned Richard the Lionheart, then cruise to Vienna
  • Day 4Full day in Vienna, a World Heritage Site, with optional city tour and Schönbrunn Palace visit
  • Day 5Arrive in Budapest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site divided by the Danube into Buda and Pest
  • Day 8Visit Melk in the Wachau Valley with optional excursion to the Benedictine Abbey

Included

  • Return Eurostar from London to Brussels
  • Connecting trains outbound and inbound from Brussels to Frankfurt
  • 7 nights cruising with full board
  • 2 nights hotel with continental breakfast
  • Welcome drink and Captain's Gala Dinner
  • Services of a Cruise Director and Manager on board the ship
  • Complimentary tea, coffee and Wi-Fi on board the ship

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are included?
Return Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Brussels, connecting trains from Brussels to Frankfurt outbound and return, and a rail transfer from Passau to Frankfurt on day 2 and day 9.
Is the tour escorted?
Yes. A Cruise Director and Manager travel on board the ship to assist passengers throughout the voyage.
What meals are included?
Seven nights of full board on the cruise ship (breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily), plus continental breakfast at the hotel on days 1 and 9. Breakfast is also provided on day 10 before departure.
How much walking is involved?
The activity level is moderate. You should be comfortable walking for 30-40 minutes, including stairs and platform changes, while carrying your own luggage.
What is not included?
Optional excursions (Schönbrunn Palace, city tours, horse shows, and abbey visits) cost extra, ranging from £42 to £67. Lunch and dinner on day 10 are not included.
How many people travel on the ship?
The ship has a capacity of 141 passengers.

Similar journeys