Great Rail Journeys
Imperial Cities & Delights of the Danube
13 daysfrom $5,207
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted Rail-Cruise
Delights of the Danube: Budapest to Passau
Join Great Rail Journeys on an escorted Danube rail-cruise tour of Austria, Hungary and Slovakia aboard our 5-star ships.
Day by day
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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)
