Great Rail Journeys
The Classic Blue Danube: Passau to Budapest - Fly
8 daysfrom $2,536
Great Rail Journeys · Fly-Cruise
Delights of the Danube: Budapest to Passau - Fly
A fly-cruise holiday sailing from Hungary to Germany on one of Europe's most diverse rivers, exploring culture, architecture and picturesque towns
Day by day
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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)
