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Vacations By Rail · Escorted rail & river cruise

Munich, Bavaria & the Classic Danube

Eleven days from Munich to Budapest combining Bavaria, rail, and Danube cruise.

Illustration of Munich, Bavaria & the Classic Danube

Vacations By Rail operates this 11-day escorted journey combining Bavaria and a luxury Danube river cruise, starting in Munich and ending in Budapest. The first three days explore Munich and its surroundings on land, with a guided city tour that visits Marienplatz and its famous glockenspiel, a beer-tasting visit to the Hofbrauhaus, and a guided ascent of Neuschwanstein Castle set in the Alpine foothills. From Passau, a train carries you to board the five-star MS Amadeus Cara for seven nights of all-inclusive cruising through five countries. The ship travels through the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley, calling at Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest, with guided tours of each city's landmarks including imperial palaces, baroque old towns, and concert halls. A Tour Manager and Cruise Director escort you throughout, and all meals, drinks with dinner, and excursions are included. This package suits couples and history enthusiasts seeking guided comfort with cultural immersion and fine dining.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 1 is unguided; you make your own way to the hotel in Munich.
  • Flights and airport transfers are not included; arrange these separately.
  • Day 6 offers a choice excursion; your final itinerary depends on which you select.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Munich

    Arriving in Bavaria

    Arrive in Munich and make your own way to the hotel; meet the Tour Manager and group for a first dinner together.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Munich

    Soaking up the sights and flavors of Munich

    Sightseeing tour of Marienplatz, the Town Hall and glockenspiel, and the Church of St. Peter, followed by a beer-history visit to the Hofbrauhaus.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3overnight: Munich

    Marveling at fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle

    Guided visit to Neuschwanstein Castle in the foothills of the Alps, with entrance included.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: Ship

    Boarding our luxurious ship in Passau

    Free morning in Munich, then train to Passau and coach to the river to board the MS Amadeus Cara, with a welcome cocktail and first dinner onboard.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Ship (moored at Linz)

    Sailing through enchanting landscapes to Linz

    Guided tour of Passau's Old Town and St Stephen's Cathedral, then cruise into Austria mooring overnight in Linz.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: Ship

    Cultural Salzburg or idyllic Cesky Krumlov

    Choice of excursion: Salzburg's Getreidegasse and UNESCO-listed Old Town, or the fairytale Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov and its castle.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: Ship

    Melk Abbey in the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley

    Visit Melk Abbey, then cruise through the Wachau Valley with free time in Durnstein before sailing on toward Vienna.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8overnight: Ship

    Discovering the magic of imperial Vienna

    Guided tour of Vienna's Ringstrasse including the Opera House and Parliament, with an evening performance by former Vienna Philharmonic members.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9overnight: Ship (moored at Esztergom)

    Uncovering the old-world charm of Bratislava

    Guided tour of Bratislava's Baroque old town and castle district, then continuing downstream to berth overnight at Esztergom.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  10. Day 10overnight: Ship

    Exploring Budapest, the "Pearl of the Danube"

    Cruise the Danube Bend past Visegrad, tour Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion in Buda and the State Opera House and St Stephen's Basilica in Pest, with a folklore dinner and night cruise.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  11. Day 11rail

    Traveling home

    Disembark in Budapest after breakfast; make your own way to the airport or train station.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Guided visit to Neuschwanstein Castle in the foothills of the Alps, with entrance included.
  • Day 4Board the MS Amadeus Cara luxury river cruise ship in Passau with a welcome cocktail.
  • Day 7Visit Melk Abbey and cruise through the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley with time in Durnstein.
  • Day 8Guided tour of Vienna's Ringstrasse, Opera House and Parliament, followed by an evening performance by former Vienna Philharmonic members.
  • Day 10Tour Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion in Buda and the State Opera House and St Stephen's Basilica in Pest, then enjoy a folklore dinner and night cruise.

Included

  • Escorted throughout by our experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
  • 3 nights' 4-Star hotel accommodation
  • 7-night cruise onboard MS Amadeus Cara
  • Five-Star service onboard, complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
  • Standard Class rail travel
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of your cruise including a spectacular gala dinner
  • Drinks package with dinner every night of your cruise
  • Superb excursions included

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance (not included but can be arranged)
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Standard Class rail travel from Munich to Passau is included, along with all coach transfers and the seven-night cruise.
What is the cruise ship?
The MS Amadeus Cara, a five-star luxury river ship. You stay on the ship for seven nights (days 4 to 10) and enjoy all meals, drinks with dinner, and onboard Wi-Fi.
Is this tour escorted?
Yes. A Tour Manager and Cruise Director team guide you throughout all 11 days.
What meals are included?
Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of your cruise (days 4-10), plus dinner on days 1 and 4 in Munich and Passau, and breakfast on days 2-3 and day 11. A drinks package covers wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner each night on the ship.
What hotels are used in Munich?
Four-star hotel accommodation for three nights. The specific hotel is not named in the itinerary; confirm with Vacations By Rail when you book.
How much walking is involved?
The operator rates this Mobility Rating 2, which includes city walking tours, stairs, and guided visits to castles and abbeys, but no strenuous hiking.

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