Great Rail Journeys
Imperial Cities & Delights of the Danube
13 daysfrom $5,207
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted River Cruise & Rail Holiday
Fairytale Bavaria & Delights of the Danube
Explore the majestic mountains and castles of Bavaria and cruise leisurely along the Danube River, one of Europe's most iconic and diverse rivers.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Stuttgart
To Stuttgart
Meeting at London St Pancras, board the Eurostar to Paris, then continue to Stuttgart. Famous as the birthplace of Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, the city is a blend of history, innovation, and natural beauty. Dinner together this evening.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2railovernight: Füssen
Alpine beauty in Füssen
Journey by rail to Füssen on the banks of the Lech River. Three nights here amongst stunning alpine surroundings. Time to explore the historic old town, High Castle, St Mang's Abbey or enjoy a riverside stroll before dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 3overnight: Füssen
The fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle
Visit one of Bavaria's finest castles. Entrance included with spectacular views overlooking the Schwangau Valley. Commissioned by King Ludwig II, built in Romanesque Revival style with soaring towers, turrets, ornate carvings, murals and an opulent throne room.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 4railovernight: Füssen
Beautiful views on the Zugspitze Railway
Ascend Germany's highest mountain, the Zugspitze, aboard the scenic Zugspitze Railway through meadows, rocky terrain and snow-covered mountains. Final leg by cable car to the summit with panoramic views of up to 400 peaks across four countries. Descend via beautiful Lake Eibsee before returning to Füssen.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 5railovernight: On board (Budapest)
To Budapest where we board our luxurious ship
Travel by rail to Budapest. Board the luxurious ship, welcomed with a cocktail. First dinner on board followed by entertainment from a traditional Hungarian Folklore troupe. Evening night-time cruise along the Danube taking in illuminated sights including the Parliament building, Buda Castle and Chain Bridge. Note: 4th September departure uses MS Amadeus Nova; 27th September departure uses MS Amadeus Star.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 6overnight: On board (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. Leisure time after lunch. Sail upstream through the Danube Bend passing Visegrad and Esztergom.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 7overnight: On board (underway)
Uncovering the old-world charm of Bratislava
Arrive in Bratislava with views of the gleaming white castle. Guided tour of attractive squares, palaces, historic churches and quirky statues. Views from the hilltop castle across the Old Town and SNP Bridge. Free time to explore at leisure. Set sail again after dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 8overnight: On board (Vienna)
Embracing the imperial majesty of Vienna
Guided tour of Vienna's Ringstrasse boulevard including the Opera House and Parliament. Leisure time to explore St Stephen's Cathedral, museums, Schönbrunn Palace or enjoy Sachertorte at a coffeehouse. Evening performance by four former members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra on board.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 9overnight: On board (Emmersdorf/Melk area)
Melk Abbey and the scenic Wachau Valley
Free time in Dürnstein to wander charming streets and see the Baroque church tower and hilltop castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. Lunch on board while sailing through the Wachau Valley. Dock at Emmersdorf for a guided tour of 11th-century Melk Abbey, one of the most beautiful Baroque churches north of the Alps.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 10overnight: On board (underway to Germany)
Salzburg and the Austrian Lake District or Český Krumlov
Wake in Linz. Choice of two excursions: (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) Visit to Český Krumlov in Czechia, exploring the palatial castle and UNESCO-listed Old Town. Return to ship for dinner and overnight cruise into Germany.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 11overnight: On board (Passau)
Crossing the German border to Passau
Conclude the Danube cruise drifting through beautiful scenery into Germany past vineyards, orchards, villages, medieval castles and monasteries. After lunch, arrive in Passau for a guided tour of the 'Three Rivers City' including the Baroque Old Town, St Stephen's Cathedral and Veste Oberhaus fortress. Farewell gala dinner on board.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 12railovernight: Cologne (or Frankfurt on 4 Sep departure)
From the Danube to the Rhine-side city of Cologne
Disembark after breakfast. Coach to Munich, then train through Germany to Cologne. Free time to explore the city dominated by its Gothic UNESCO World Heritage cathedral. Final dinner together. Note: on the 4th September departure, overnight will be in Frankfurt instead.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 13rail
Homeward bound
Depart Cologne by rail to Brussels, then board the Eurostar to London St Pancras. Holiday concludes on arrival.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Escorted throughout by experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
- 5 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
- 7-night cruise on board the MS Amadeus Cara
- Five-star service on board
- Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
- Eurostar Standard class travel
- Standard class rail travel throughout
- All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
- Breakfast and dinner each day
- 6 lunches
- Drinks package with dinner every night of the cruise
- Complimentary luggage service from home to the ship and back (one case per cabin)
- Entrance to Neuschwanstein Castle
- Zugspitze Railway journey
- A superb choice of excursions
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
- Tips/gratuities (at guest's discretion)
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