Search

No longer offered

Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale. We keep the page for reference and comparison. Live alternatives are under Similar journeys below.

Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

Imperial Cities & Delights of the Danube

Berlin to Passau: rail and Danube cruise through five imperial cities

Illustration of Imperial Cities & Delights of the Danube

Vacations By Rail's Imperial Cities and Delights of the Danube combines 11 days of rail and river cruising through five countries: Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria. The journey departs Berlin and ends in Passau. You begin with a guided tour of Berlin's Cold War landmarks, then travel by first-class rail to Prague for two nights of exploration around Prague Castle and Charles Bridge. On Day 4, you board the luxury MS Amadeus Riva and cruise the Danube, visiting Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna. The ship then sails through the Wachau Valley wine region, where you tour the medieval Melk Abbey, and you choose between a day in Salzburg (Mozart's birthplace and the Austrian Lake District) or the Czech fairytale town of Český Krumlov. Throughout the voyage, all meals, drinks at dinner, and guided excursions are included. The pace is relaxed, suited to travelers who want cultural immersion without logistical complexity.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 1 is unguided: you make your own way to the Berlin hotel; the Tour Manager meets the group for dinner.
  • Day 9 offers a choice between two excursions (Salzburg with the Austrian Lake District, or Český Krumlov); your final destination depends on which you select.
  • The from-price does not include travel insurance or the optional Reichstag dome visit and Schönbrunn Palace excursions.
  • No current departure dates are published in the evidence; confirm availability and dates directly with Vacations By Rail.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Berlin

    Arrival in Berlin, a city of contrast

    Make your own way to the hotel; afternoon free to explore Berlin, including options like the Reichstag dome (registration required), the East Side Gallery or Museum Island. Meet the Tour Manager and travel group for a three-course dinner.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Prague

    Discovering Berlin and by rail to Prague

    A guided sightseeing tour visiting Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin Wall and the Brandenburg Gate. Train to Prague, passing the sandstone cliffs of Bohemian Switzerland, arriving in the late afternoon.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Prague

    Uncovering the historic charm of Prague

    A guided walking tour beginning at Prague Castle, including St. Vitus Cathedral and St. George's Basilica, crossing Charles Bridge to the Old Town Square and its astronomical clock. Afternoon free to explore.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: Ship

    To Budapest where we board our luxurious ship

    Rail to Budapest to board the ship, welcomed with a cocktail, followed by dinner with a Hungarian folklore performance and a nighttime illuminated Danube cruise past the Parliament building and Chain Bridge.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Ship

    Exploring Budapest, the 'Pearl of the Danube'

    A sightseeing tour of Budapest including Heroes Square, St. Stephen's Basilica, Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion. The ship sails upstream through the Danube Bend past Visegrad and Esztergom.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: Ship

    Uncovering the old-world charm of Bratislava

    A guided tour of Bratislava including its castle, Old Town squares and quirky statues. Free time to explore before the ship sets sail again after dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: Ship

    Embracing the imperial majesty of Vienna

    A guided tour of Vienna's Ringstrasse, including the Opera House and Parliament. Free time to explore, with an evening performance by former members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8overnight: Ship

    Melk Abbey and the scenic Wachau Valley

    Free time in Dürnstein, then sailing through the Wachau Valley wine region. Docking at Emmersdorf for a guided tour of the 11th-century Melk Abbey.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9overnight: Ship

    Salzburg and the Austrian Lake District or Český Krumlov

    Choice of a day trip to Salzburg, including the Austrian Lake District and a guided tour of Getreidegasse and the Old Town, or an excursion to Český Krumlov to explore its castle and UNESCO-listed Old Town. Overnight cruise into Germany.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  10. Day 10overnight: Ship

    Crossing the German border to Passau

    Cruising through vineyard-covered hills into Germany, arriving in Passau, the 'Three Rivers City', for a guided tour including St. Stephen's Cathedral. Farewell gala dinner onboard.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  11. Day 11rail

    Traveling home

    Disembark after breakfast and make your way to Passau's railway station to board the train to Munich's airport, then continue home.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Rail journey from Berlin to Prague passes the sandstone cliffs of Bohemian Switzerland.
  • Day 4Board the luxury ship in Budapest and cruise the illuminated Danube past the Parliament building and Chain Bridge at night.
  • Day 5Ship sails upstream through the Danube Bend past Visegrad and Esztergom.
  • Day 8Sail through the Wachau Valley wine region and tour the 11th-century Melk Abbey.
  • Day 10Cruise through vineyard-covered hills into Germany and arrive in Passau, the Three Rivers City, for a guided tour including St. Stephen's Cathedral.

Included

  • Escorted throughout your tour by our experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
  • 3 nights' 4-Star hotel accommodation
  • 7-night cruise onboard MS Amadeus Riva
  • Five-star service onboard
  • Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
  • First Class rail travel
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 10 dinners
  • Drinks package with dinner every night of your cruise
  • Superb excursions included

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes first-class rail travel from Berlin to Prague and from Passau to Munich Airport, plus all coach transfers.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Vacations By Rail provides a Tour Manager and Cruise Director team throughout the 11 days.
What hotels are included?
Three nights in four-star hotels: one in Berlin, two in Prague. The remaining seven nights are on the MS Amadeus Riva cruise ship.
What meals are included?
All 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 10 dinners. During the cruise, a drinks package is included with dinner every night.
How much walking is involved?
The operator rates this Mobility 3, indicating substantial walking on guided city tours and excursions such as Prague Castle, Vienna's Ringstrasse, and Melk Abbey.
Can I choose my own excursion on Day 9?
Yes. You may choose either a day trip to Salzburg and the Austrian Lake District, or an excursion to Český Krumlov.

Similar journeys