Great Rail Journeys
The Classic Blue Danube: Passau to Budapest
11 daysfrom $3,204
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted River Cruise
The Beautiful Blue Danube: Passau Round Trip
Discover the beautiful blue Danube on our brand-new 9-day relaxing river cruise, featuring all the must-see cultural and classical highlights.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Frankfurt
From London to Frankfurt
Your holiday begins as we meet at London St Pancras. Boarding the Eurostar service, we travel to Brussels then continue by rail to Frankfurt, via Cologne, for an overnight stop. Frankfurt's medieval Old Town retains a quaint atmosphere with the historic Römer as its centrepiece. On arrival, we check in to our hotel for the night and enjoy our first dinner together as a group.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2railovernight: Onboard MS Amadeus Cara (sailing)
Discovering Frankfurt and boarding our luxurious ship in Passau
After breakfast, we continue our rail journey to Munich, then by coach to Passau where our luxurious ship awaits. We are greeted onboard by the friendly crew and sip on a welcome cocktail while taking in the waterside views. After settling into your cabin, we indulge in our first delicious five-course dinner on board and set sail downstream.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 3overnight: Onboard MS Amadeus Cara (Vienna)
Melk Abbey and the scenic Wachau Valley
Docking in Emmersdorf, we visit Melk Abbey, an 11th-century Benedictine Abbey atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. Back on the ship, we enjoy lunch as we sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley. Arriving in riverside Dürnstein, there's free time to sample local produce or wander the charming streets. After dinner onboard, we sail into magnificent Vienna where former members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra perform classical pieces.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 4overnight: Onboard MS Amadeus Cara (sailing to Budapest)
Embracing the imperial majesty of Vienna
A guided tour uncovers Austria's imperial heritage along the illustrious Ringstrasse boulevard, including the world-renowned Opera House and the imposing Parliament. Following the tour, there's time to explore the city at leisure, visit Schönbrunn Palace or indulge in Sachertorte at a grand coffeehouse. During dinner this evening, we begin our overnight cruise towards Budapest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 5overnight: Onboard MS Amadeus Cara (Budapest)
Exploring Budapest, the 'Pearl of the Danube'
Arriving in Budapest after breakfast, we enjoy a sightseeing tour of the Hungarian capital. We explore Heroes Square, the State Opera House, St Stephen's Basilica, Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion. After dinner back on board, we enjoy a traditional Hungarian Folklore troupe performance followed by a magical night-time cruise along the Danube revealing the illuminated sights of Budapest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 6overnight: Onboard MS Amadeus Cara (sailing)
Sailing the beautiful Danube Bend
A morning at leisure in Budapest to explore the castle district, Central Market Hall, or relax in one of the city's parks or famed spas such as the Gellért thermal baths. Sailing upstream after lunch, we navigate the scenic Danube Bend, passing the village of Visegrad and Esztergom, the former capital of Hungary. Continuing overnight along the border between Hungary and Slovakia.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 7overnight: Onboard MS Amadeus Cara (sailing to Linz)
Uncovering the old-world charm of Bratislava
Making our way to Slovakia's capital, we are welcomed by views of Bratislava Castle's gleaming white walls. We wander the charming streets of the 'Little Big City', admiring attractive squares, grand palaces and historic churches, and spotting quirky statues including Schöne Náci and Čumil. From the hilltop castle, soak up views across the terracotta roofs of the Old Town and the SNP Bridge. After lunch, we set sail back to Austria.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 8overnight: Onboard MS Amadeus Cara (sailing to Passau)
Arrival in the cultural Austrian city of Linz
After a relaxed morning of cruising, we arrive in Linz for a guided tour. The focal point of life in Linz is the Hauptmarkt, one of the largest main squares in Austria. The Old Town reveals timeless scenes and impressive churches, while its 14th-century castle now houses a museum. The rest of the day is at leisure. Back on the ship this evening, we enjoy a farewell gala dinner as we begin our final cruise towards Passau.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 9railovernight: Cologne (or Würzburg/Mainz/Bonn on 19 Aug departure)
From Passau to Cologne
As our ship docks in Passau, we bid farewell to our wonderful crew after breakfast and disembark. Leaving Passau by coach, we travel to Munich, then by train to Cologne. This grand city on the Rhine is dominated by its Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest church in northern Europe. On arrival, we check in to our hotel and enjoy our final dinner together. Note: on the 19th August departure, the overnight stop will be in either Würzburg, Mainz or Bonn.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 10rail
Homeward bound
Leaving Cologne by rail, we travel by train to Brussels via Frankfurt. In the Belgian capital, we board the Eurostar for the final leg of our journey back to London St Pancras, where your holiday comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Escorted throughout by experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
- 2 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
- 7-night cruise onboard Amadeus Cara
- Five-star service onboard
- Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
- First & Standard Class rail options available
- Eurostar Plus on First Class departures
- All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner each day of the cruise including a spectacular Gala Dinner
- Drinks package with Dinner every night of the cruise
- Complimentary luggage service from home to the ship and back (one case per cabin)
- A superb choice of excursions
- Onboard entertainment from former members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
- Hungarian traditional folklore troupe performance
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
- Tips/gratuities (at guest's discretion)
