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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted Rail-Cruise

Delights of the Danube: Budapest to Passau

Eleven-day escorted rail-cruise from London to Cologne via Budapest, Vienna, and the Danube

Illustration of Delights of the Danube: Budapest to Passau

Great Rail Journeys operates this 11-day escorted journey combining rail travel with a luxurious river cruise through Central Europe. You depart London by Eurostar, travel by train through Frankfurt and Linz, and board the five-star MS Amadeus Cara in Budapest for a seven-night cruise down the Danube. The ship carries you through Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria, stopping in Bratislava, Vienna, and the Wachau Valley, where you visit the 11th-century Melk Abbey. On Day 8 you choose between a guided excursion to Salzburg in the Austrian Lake District or to the Czech town of Český Krumlov. The cruise concludes at Passau, Germany, where you board a train to Cologne to see its Gothic cathedral before returning to London. Throughout, an experienced tour manager and cruise director accompany the group. Meals, drinks onboard, guided excursions, and entertainment such as a Vienna Philharmonic performance are included. This tour suits couples, first-time cruisers comfortable with guided travel, and repeat rail travellers seeking a more immersive Central European experience.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 8 offers a choice of excursion (Salzburg or Český Krumlov); the operator confirms both are included but you select one route only.
  • Three hotel stays are noted 'or similar' for the Frankfurt and Linz stops; the Cologne hotel varies by departure date (Cologne, Wurzburg, or Mainz on 19 August departures).
  • Single supplement is substantial: GBP 4,599 for a single cabin versus GBP 2,699 per person for a double, reflecting river-cruise cabin pricing.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Frankfurt

    From London to Frankfurt

    Meet at London St Pancras and board the Eurostar to Brussels, then continue by rail to Frankfurt for an overnight stop. Frankfurt is a dynamic city with historic charm in its picturesque centre. Check in to hotel and enjoy first dinner together.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Linz

    Onwards by rail to Linz

    After breakfast at the hotel, travel by rail through scenic Bavaria to Linz, Austria. Linz is a modern city on the Danube known for its pretty Old Town. Arrive early evening, check in to hotel and enjoy a three-course dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: MS Amadeus Cara (Budapest)

    Boarding our luxurious ship in Budapest and illuminated cruise

    Explore Linz on a guided tour uncovering its vibrant art scene and attractive Old Town. Travel by rail to Budapest where the ship awaits. Welcome cocktail onboard, dinner with a traditional Hungarian folklore performance. Evening night-time cruise along the Danube viewing illuminated Parliament building, Buda Castle and Chain Bridge. Note: For departures on 6th September the ship will be MS Amadeus Nova; for 29th September the ship will be MS Amadeus Star.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (Danube Bend)

    Exploring Budapest, the 'Pearl of the Danube'

    Sightseeing tour of Budapest including Heroes Square, State Opera House, St Stephen's Basilica, Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion. Lunch onboard with free time in the afternoon. Evening sailing through the Danube Bend passing Visegrad and Esztergom.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (underway)

    Uncovering the old-world charm of Bratislava

    Arrive in Bratislava with views of the gleaming white castle. Guided tour of the 'Little Big City' including attractive squares, grand palaces, historic churches and quirky statues. Views from the hilltop castle over the Old Town and SNP Bridge. Free time to explore after lunch. Set sail again after dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (Vienna)

    Embracing the imperial majesty of Vienna

    Guided tour of Vienna's Ringstrasse including the Opera House and Parliament. Free time to explore St Stephen's Cathedral, museums, Schönbrunn Palace or enjoy Sachertorte at a grand coffeehouse. Evening onboard entertainment by four former members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (Emmersdorf/Melk area)

    Melk Abbey and the scenic Wachau Valley

    Free time in Dürnstein to wander the charming streets and see the Baroque church tower and hilltop castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. Lunch onboard while sailing through the picturesque Wachau Valley. Dock at Emmersdorf and visit the 11th-century Melk Abbey with its stunning Baroque church.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (underway to Germany)

    Salzburg and the Austrian Lake District or Český Krumlov

    Two excursion options: (1) Day trip to Salzburg with a stop in the Austrian Lake District, guided tour of Getreidegasse and the UNESCO-listed Old Town; or (2) Excursion to Český Krumlov in Czechia, visiting the palatial castle and UNESCO-listed Old Town. Return to ship for dinner and overnight cruise into Germany.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (Passau)

    Crossing the German border to Passau

    Final day of the Danube cruise drifting through beautiful scenery into Germany with vineyards, orchards, charming villages, medieval castles and monasteries. Guided tour of Passau, the 'Three Rivers City' at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, including the Baroque St Stephen's Cathedral and Veste Oberhaus fortress. Farewell gala dinner onboard.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  10. Day 10railovernight: Cologne (or Wurzburg/Mainz for 19 Aug departure)

    From the Danube to the Rhine-side city of Cologne

    Disembark after breakfast and travel by rail through Germany to Cologne on the Rhine. Visit the Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest church in northern Europe. Check in to hotel with free time to explore before final dinner together. Note: For departure 19th August (Standard Class) stay in Wurzburg at Maritim Wurzburg; for 19th August (First Class) stay in Mainz at AC Mainz.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  11. Day 11rail

    Homeward bound

    Depart Cologne by rail after breakfast, travel to Brussels and board the Eurostar to London St Pancras, where the holiday concludes.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Evening cruise along the Danube in Budapest, viewing the illuminated Parliament building, Buda Castle, and Chain Bridge.
  • Day 4Guided sightseeing tour of Budapest including Heroes Square, State Opera House, and Fisherman's Bastion.
  • Day 6Vienna evening entertainment featuring four former members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra performing onboard.
  • Day 7Cruise through the Wachau Valley and visit the 11th-century Melk Abbey with its Baroque church.
  • Day 9Guided tour of Passau, the Three Rivers City, including the Baroque St Stephen's Cathedral and Veste Oberhaus fortress.

Included

  • Escorted throughout by experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
  • 3 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
  • 7-night cruise onboard MS Amadeus Cara (or MS Amadeus Nova/Star on selected departures)
  • Five-star service onboard
  • Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
  • First Class and Standard Class rail options available
  • Eurostar Plus on First Class departures
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Breakfast and dinner each day
  • 7 lunches
  • Drinks package with dinner every night of the cruise
  • Complimentary luggage service from home to ship and back (one case per cabin)
  • A superb choice of excursions included

Not included

  • Cancellation and travel insurance
  • Tips/gratuities (at guest's discretion)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Eurostar from London to Brussels, rail through Frankfurt and Linz to Budapest, and rail from Passau to Cologne are all included. You may choose Standard Class or First Class (Eurostar Plus on First Class departures).
Is this escorted or independent?
Fully escorted. Great Rail Journeys provides an experienced Tour Manager and Cruise Director team throughout the 11 days.
What is included in the price?
Three nights' four-star hotel stays, seven nights on MS Amadeus Cara, breakfast and dinner each day, seven lunches, drinks package with dinner on the cruise, all rail and coach travel, guided excursions, and complimentary luggage service from home to ship and back.
Which ship am I booked on?
Most departures use MS Amadeus Cara. The 6 September departure uses MS Amadeus Nova; other selected departures may use MS Amadeus Star. Great Rail Journeys will confirm your vessel when you book.
When does the tour run?
Departures are scheduled in June, July, August, and September 2026 and 2027.
How much walking is involved?
The tour includes guided walking tours in Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Passau, and Cologne, plus free time to explore on foot. There are castle visits and some stairs, but no difficult multi-hour hikes.

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