Vacations By Rail
The Beautiful Blue Danube: Passau Round Trip
8 daysfrom $2,195
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted River Cruise
The Beautiful Blue Danube: Passau Round Trip - Fly
Discover the beautiful blue Danube on our brand-new 8-day relaxing river cruise, featuring all the must-see cultural and classical highlights, with stays in Vienna and Budapest.
Day by day
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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)
