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Great Rail Journeys · Fly-Cruise

Delights of the Danube: Budapest to Passau - Fly

Danube river cruise from Budapest to Passau via Vienna and Bratislava

Illustration of Delights of the Danube: Budapest to Passau - Fly

Great Rail Journeys operates this eight-day fly-cruise down the Danube from Budapest to Munich, combining cultural exploration with luxury riverside travel. You fly from London Heathrow to Budapest, where you board the five-star MS Amadeus Cara or a sister ship for a seven-night cruise through five countries. Days alternate between sailing and guided excursions: in Budapest you explore Heroes Square and the State Opera House, then cruise past the illuminated Parliament at night; in Vienna the Ringstrasse tour includes the Opera House, and evening entertainment features former Vienna Philharmonic members; you visit the 11th-century Melk Abbey while sailing the Wachau Valley's vineyards; and you choose between Salzburg's UNESCO Old Town or the fairytale Czech town of Český Krumlov. The itinerary concludes in Passau, the Three Rivers City, before you fly home from Munich. All meals, drinks with dinner, excursions and transfers are included, and an experienced tour manager accompanies the group throughout.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is a cruise-focused tour; rail travel is minimal (coach transfers between ship and excursions). The package is primarily a river vacation.
  • Single supplement is the same price as the double room rate (£1899), making it a significant premium for solo travelers; confirm the exact single cabin pricing with the operator.
  • Day 6 offers a choice of two excursions; your final destination on that day depends on which you select, and both require all-day commitment.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (or allocated ship)

    To Budapest where we board our luxurious ship

    Your holiday begins as you fly from London Heathrow to Budapest. Our luxurious ship awaits, where you are greeted with a refreshing cocktail and enjoy your first dinner on board accompanied by a traditional Hungarian folklore troupe performance. As the sun sets, embark on a magical night-time cruise along the Danube, taking in the illuminated sights of Budapest including the neo-Gothic Parliament building, Buda's Baroque castle and the Chain Bridge.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (or allocated ship)

    Exploring Budapest, the 'Pearl of the Danube'

    A sightseeing tour of Budapest explores Heroes Square, the State Opera House, St Stephen's Basilica on the Pest side, and Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion on the Buda hills. Free time after lunch to explore the castle district, visit the Central Market Hall or relax in the parks. Sailing upstream through the evening, navigate the scenic Danube Bend passing Visegrad and Esztergom.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (or allocated ship)

    Uncovering the old-world charm of Bratislava

    Arrive in Slovakia's capital, welcomed by views of Bratislava Castle. Tour the 'Little Big City' admiring attractive squares, grand palaces and historic churches, including quirky statues such as Schöne Náci and Čumil. Views from the hilltop castle across the Old Town and the UFO Bridge. Free time to explore the Old Town or discover Soviet-era architecture. Set sail again after dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (or allocated ship)

    Embracing the imperial majesty of Vienna

    Guided tour of Vienna's Ringstrasse boulevard 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 entertainment from four former members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (or allocated ship)

    Melk Abbey and the scenic Wachau Valley

    Arrive in Dürnstein for free time to wander the charming streets and admire the powder blue Baroque church tower and the hilltop castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. Enjoy lunch on board while sailing through the picturesque Wachau Valley, green valleys, vineyards and riverside towns. Dock in Emmersdorf for a guided visit to the 11th-century Benedictine Melk Abbey, one of the most beautiful Baroque churches north of the Alps.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (or allocated ship)

    Salzburg and the Austrian Lake District or Český Krumlov

    Wake in Linz with a choice of two excursions. Option 1: Day trip to Salzburg with a stop in the Austrian Lake District, then a guided tour of Getreidegasse and the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town. Option 2: Excursion to Český Krumlov in Czechia, a fairytale Bohemian town with a palatial castle above the Vltava river and a UNESCO-listed Old Town. Return to the ship for dinner and set sail overnight into Germany.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (or allocated ship)

    Crossing the German border to Passau

    Cruise through beautiful scenery into Germany, admiring hills covered with vineyards and orchards, charming villages, medieval castles and centuries-old monasteries. After lunch, arrive in Passau, the 'Three Rivers City' at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers. Guided tour of the Baroque Old Town including St Stephen's Cathedral and the Veste Oberhaus fortress. Farewell gala dinner on board.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8

    Homeward bound

    After breakfast, disembark and bid farewell to the crew. Transfer by coach to Munich airport for the flight back to London.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1After boarding the MS Amadeus Cara in Budapest, a night-time cruise along the illuminated Danube reveals the neo-Gothic Parliament building and Buda's historic silhouette.
  • Day 2Guided sightseeing tour of Budapest includes Heroes Square, the State Opera House, St Stephen's Basilica, Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion on the Buda hills.
  • Day 4Vienna's Ringstrasse tour showcases the Opera House and Parliament; evening entertainment performed by four former members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
  • Day 5Sail through the Wachau Valley past green vineyards and riverside towns, then visit the 11th-century Benedictine Melk Abbey.
  • Day 6Choice of excursion: either a guided tour of Salzburg's UNESCO Old Town or a day trip to the fairytale Bohemian town of Český Krumlov with its hilltop castle.

Included

  • Flights from London Heathrow to Budapest and Munich to London Heathrow
  • 7-night cruise onboard the MS Amadeus Cara (or MS Amadeus Nova / MS Amadeus Star on selected departures)
  • Five-star service onboard
  • Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner each day of the cruise including a spectacular Gala Dinner
  • Drinks package with dinner every night of the cruise
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Escorted throughout by experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
  • A superb choice of excursions
  • Hungarian traditional folklore troupe performance
  • Onboard entertainment from former members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance
  • Tips/gratuities (at guest's discretion)

Questions travellers ask

Is this trip escorted or independent?
Great Rail Journeys escorts the group throughout with an experienced tour manager and cruise director team. All excursions, transfers and meals are organized.
What is included in the price?
Flights from London Heathrow to Budapest and Munich to London, seven nights on the five-star MS Amadeus Cara or sister ship, all meals including daily breakfast, lunch, dinner and a gala dinner, drinks with dinner each night, all excursions, coach transfers, Wi-Fi, and entertainment.
Which ship will I sail on?
The MS Amadeus Cara, MS Amadeus Nova or MS Amadeus Star (selected departures). All are five-star luxury river cruise vessels.
How much walking is involved?
Expect city walking tours in Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava and Passau, plus walking through town centers and castle grounds. Free time in many ports allows you to explore at your own pace or rest.
What is not included?
Cancellation and travel insurance, and tips or gratuities (at your discretion). Optional UK rail connections and hotel stays before or after the tour can be added.
When does this tour run?
Departures run in June, July, August, September and October, with dates in 2026 and 2027. Great Rail Journeys lists six scheduled departures.

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