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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted River Cruise

The Beautiful Blue Danube: Passau Round Trip - Fly

Eight-day Danube river cruise from Passau through Austria, Hungary, Slovakia

Illustration of The Beautiful Blue Danube: Passau Round Trip - Fly

Great Rail Journeys operates this eight-day fly-cruise holiday aboard the MS Amadeus Cara, a five-star river ship. The journey begins with flights from London Heathrow to Munich and a coach transfer to Passau, where you board the ship for a leisurely cruise through four countries. Over seven nights, the Amadeus Cara sails through the Wachau Valley wine region to Vienna, then continues to Budapest, Bratislava, and Linz. The itinerary balances guided excursions with leisure time: you tour Vienna's Ringstrasse and Opera House on Day 3, explore Budapest's Parliament and churches on Day 4, and walk Bratislava's Baroque Old Town on Day 6. All meals, drinks at dinner, guided tours, and onboard entertainment by former Vienna Philharmonic members are included. The tour suits couples and history enthusiasts seeking guided comfort with five-star service and no hidden costs.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of £1,699 per person (£2,899 single) is for the package; confirm any additional costs before booking
  • This is a river cruise, not a rail journey; the primary transport is the ship, with coach connections and flights

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (Passau/underway)

    To Passau where we board our luxurious ship

    Your holiday begins as you fly from London Heathrow to Munich airport, then transfer by coach to the pretty border town of Passau, where the luxurious ship awaits. Greeted onboard by the friendly crew, sip on a welcome cocktail while taking in the waterside views from the lounge. After settling into your cabin and familiarising yourself with the ship's facilities, indulge in the first delicious five-course dinner on board and set sail downstream.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (Vienna)

    Melk Abbey and the scenic Wachau Valley

    Docking in Emmersdorf this morning, set out for a visit to Melk Abbey after breakfast. This 11th-century Benedictine Abbey stands atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. On a guided tour, see the abbey's church, one of the most beautiful Baroque churches north of the Alps. Back on the ship, enjoy lunch while sailing through the picturesque Wachau Valley, one of Austria's most famous wine-making regions, specialising in Grüner Veltliner. Arriving in riverside Dürnstein, there's free time to sample local produce or wander the charming streets. After dinner onboard, sail into magnificent Vienna, where former members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra perform well-known classical pieces.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (underway to Budapest)

    Embracing the imperial majesty of Vienna

    Embark on a guided tour to uncover Austria's imperial heritage, making your way to the illustrious Ringstrasse boulevard to see the world-renowned Opera House and the imposing Parliament. Following the tour, explore the city at leisure, visit Schönbrunn Palace, marvel at St Stephen's Cathedral, or indulge in a slice of famous Sachertorte at one of the grand coffeehouses. During dinner this evening, begin the overnight cruise towards Budapest.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (Budapest)

    Exploring Budapest, the 'Pearl of the Danube'

    Arriving in Budapest after breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the Hungarian capital. Explore Heroes Square, the State Opera House and St Stephen's Basilica on the Pest side, and Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion on the Buda hills. After dinner back on board, enjoy a traditional Hungarian Folklore troupe performance followed by a magical night-time cruise along the Danube revealing the illuminated sights of Budapest, including the neo-Gothic Parliament building, Buda's Baroque castle, and the Chain Bridge.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (underway)

    Sailing the beautiful Danube Bend

    A morning at leisure in Budapest to explore the castle district, pick up souvenirs at the Central Market Hall, or relax in one of the city's parks. Alternatively, visit one of Budapest's famed spas, including the Gellért thermal baths. Sailing upstream after lunch, navigate the scenic Danube Bend, passing the village of Visegrad with its hilltop castle and Esztergom, the former capital of Hungary. Continuing overnight, the route follows the border between Hungary and Slovakia.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (underway to Linz)

    Uncovering the old-world charm of Bratislava

    Making your way to Slovakia's capital, welcomed by views of Bratislava Castle's gleaming white walls. Wander the utterly charming streets, admiring attractive squares, grand palaces and historic churches. Look out for 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 (UFO) Bridge. After lunch, set sail back to Austria, enjoying views of forested hills topped with romantic castle ruins.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (underway to Passau)

    Arrival in the cultural Austrian city of Linz

    After a relaxed morning of cruising, arrive in Linz for a guided tour. Explore the Hauptmarkt, one of the largest main squares in Austria, the charming lanes of the Old Town, impressive churches, and the 14th-century castle now housing a museum. The rest of the day is at leisure to experience the city's mix of traditional Austrian elegance and booming cultural scene. Back on the ship this evening, enjoy the farewell gala dinner as the final cruise towards Passau begins.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8

    Homeward bound

    Disembark and say goodbye to the wonderful crew after breakfast. Transfer by coach to Munich airport and catch the flight back to London Heathrow, where the Danube river cruise comes to an end.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Guided tour of Melk Abbey, an 11th-century Benedictine monastery with Baroque churches overlooking the Danube, followed by sailing through the Wachau Valley wine region
  • Day 3Guided tour of Vienna's Ringstrasse, Opera House, and Parliament, with leisure time to visit Schönbrunn Palace or St Stephen's Cathedral
  • Day 4Sightseeing tour of Budapest covering Heroes Square, the State Opera House, and St Stephen's Basilica, followed by a night-time cruise revealing illuminated Danube sights and a traditional Hungarian folklore troupe performance
  • Day 6Walking tour of Bratislava's Old Town to view the castle, Baroque buildings, and quirky statues, with views across terracotta roofs from the hilltop

Included

  • Escorted throughout by experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
  • 7-night cruise onboard Amadeus Cara
  • Five-star service onboard
  • Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Return flights from London Heathrow to Munich
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner each day of the cruise including a spectacular Gala Dinner
  • Drinks package with Dinner every night of the cruise
  • 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)

Questions travellers ask

Is this tour escorted?
Yes, Great Rail Journeys escorts the tour throughout with an experienced Tour Manager and Cruise Director team onboard the ship.
What is included?
The package includes return flights from London Heathrow to Munich, seven nights aboard the MS Amadeus Cara, all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), drinks with dinner, guided excursions in each port, onboard entertainment, and coach transfers.
Which ship is used?
The MS Amadeus Cara, a five-star river cruise ship with complimentary onboard Wi-Fi.
What cities does the cruise visit?
The cruise departs from Passau and visits Melk, Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, and Linz, sailing through the Wachau Valley and Danube Bend.
When do departures run?
Great Rail Journeys offers departures in July and August 2026 and 2027.
How much walking is involved?
Guided city tours in Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, and Linz involve walking through Old Towns and castle areas. Leisure time allows guests to rest onboard or explore at their own pace.

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