How much does it cost?

From £2,999 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $4,051 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.

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.

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.

Great Rail Journeys · River cruise, escorted tour

Delights of the Danube: Budapest to Passau

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

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.

Price history

Across 5 checks, this price has risen £300 since 4 Jul, to £2,999.

Each point is a day we checked this operator's own page, not a weekly average, and the line holds flat between checks rather than guessing at movement we did not see. 3 of 5 points are a live read of the operator's page. Hollow points are values shown when the trip was first listed here and never confirmed with the operator.

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

Day 1railovernight: Frankfurt
From London to Frankfurt
Your holiday begins as we meet at London St Pancras this morning. Boarding the Eurostar service, we travel to Brussels then continue by rail to Frankfurt for an overnight stop. One of the world's most important financial hubs, Frankfurt is a modern city yet one that still retains historic charm in its picturesque centre. On arrival, we check in to our hotel, enjoying our first dinner together in the restaurant this evening.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2railovernight: Linz
Onwards by rail to Linz
Breakfast is served in our hotel this morning, before we continue our journey. Heading to Frankfurt's train station, we travel by rail through scenic Bavaria to Austria. We catch our first glimpse of the Danube as we cross over it on the approach to historic Regensburg, before our route runs alongside the river as we reach Passau. Crossing into Austria, we arrive at our destination, Linz. This thriving city blends historic and modern architectural styles and is known for its pretty Old Town. Arriving early this evening, we check in to our hotel and enjoy a three-course dinner together.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3railovernight: Budapest, aboard ship
Boarding our luxurious ship in Budapest and illuminated cruise
Exploring Linz on a guided tour after breakfast, we uncover its vibrant art scene and attractive Old Town. This afternoon, we travel by rail to the Hungarian capital of Budapest, where our luxurious ship awaits. Welcomed onboard by our friendly crew, we enjoy a refreshing cocktail in the lounge and admire the views before our first dinner on board - accompanied by an enjoyable performance from a traditional Hungarian folklore troupe. Once the sun begins to set, we embark on a magical night-time cruise along the Danube, taking in the illuminated sights of Budapest.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4overnight: Aboard ship, cruising the Danube Bend
Exploring Budapest, the 'Pearl of the Danube'
This morning, we delve deeper into the beauty and history of Budapest that we saw illuminated last night. On a sightseeing tour of the Hungarian capital, known as the 'Pearl of the Danube', we explore its impressive buildings and monuments, from Heroes Square, the State Opera House and St Stephen's Basilica, to Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion. There's time at leisure after lunch on board. Sailing upstream through the evening, we navigate the scenic Danube Bend, passing the village of Visegrad and Esztergom, a former capital of Hungary.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5overnight: Aboard ship, cruising towards Vienna
Uncovering the old-world charm of Bratislava
Making our way to Slovakia's capital, we are welcomed by views of Bratislava Castle's gleaming white walls. On our tour, we admire attractive squares, idyllic streets, grand palaces and historic churches, and from the hilltop castle, soak up views across the terracotta roofs of the Old Town and the SNP Bridge. After the tour and lunch onboard our ship, you have free time to explore at leisure. This evening, we set sail again after dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6overnight: Vienna, aboard ship
Embracing the imperial majesty of Vienna
After a peaceful overnight cruise, the noble city of Vienna beckons. On arrival, we embark on a guided tour to uncover Austria's imperial heritage, making our way to the illustrious Ringstrasse boulevard to see the Opera House and the Parliament. As the tour ends, there's time to explore the city at leisure. Tonight, a real treat awaits us in the lounge as we're joined by four previous members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7overnight: Aboard ship, cruising towards Linz
Melk Abbey and the scenic Wachau Valley
Arriving in the riverside village of Dürnstein, there's free time to wander the charming streets. Back on the ship, we enjoy lunch as we set sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley - one of Austria's most famous wine-making regions. Docking in Emmersdorf this afternoon, we set out for a visit to Melk Abbey, an 11th-century Benedictine abbey, where on our guided tour we see the abbey's church, one of the most beautiful Baroque churches north of the Alps.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8overnight: Aboard ship, overnight cruise to Germany
Salzburg & the Austrian Lake District or Český Krumlov
Waking in Linz, there are two excursions to choose from after breakfast. The first option is a day trip to Salzburg, stopping in the Austrian Lake District for a photo opportunity before a guided tour exploring Getreidegasse and the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town. Alternatively, join an excursion to Český Krumlov, a small Czech town, to explore the palatial castle and the UNESCO-listed Old Town. We return to our ship for dinner on board and set sail for an overnight cruise to Germany.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9overnight: Passau, aboard ship
Crossing the German border to Passau
Today, we conclude our relaxing cruise along the Danube. Drifting through beautiful scenery into Germany, we admire rising hills covered with vineyards and orchards. After lunch, we arrive in our final port of call, Passau, and get to know the town on a guided tour of the 'Three Rivers City'. Tonight, we enjoy our farewell gala dinner on our ship.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10railovernight: Cologne
From the Danube to the Rhine-side city of Cologne
It's time to leave our ship this morning as we say goodbye to our wonderful crew after breakfast. Making our way to the rail station, we board a train for a journey through Germany to the city of Cologne, dominated by its Gothic cathedral. After checking in to our hotel for an overnight stop, there's free time to explore before our final dinner together this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11rail
Homeward bound
Leaving Cologne by rail after breakfast, we travel to Brussels where we then board the Eurostar to London. On arrival at London St Pancras, your Danube holiday comes to a conclusion.
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

Tour Manager: Escorted throughout your tour by our experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
Accommodation: 3 nights' 4-Star hotel accommodation
Cruise: 7-night cruise onboard MS Amadeus Riva
Five-star service onboard
Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
Transportation: First & Standard Class rail options available; Eurostar Plus on First Class departures; all rail and coach travel throughout your tour
Food & Drink: Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day, including a spectacular gala dinner
Drinks package with dinner every night of your cruise
Luggage: Complimentary luggage service from your home to the ship and back (one case per cabin)
Excursions & Entertainment: A superb choice of excursions

Not included

Cancellation & Travel Insurance
Gratuities/tips (discretionary; not included in the price, no daily charge added)

Questions travellers ask

How much does it cost?: From £2,999 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $4,051 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
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.
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.