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Vacations By Rail · River Cruise

The Classic Blue Danube Cruise

Eight-day Danube River cruise from Munich to Budapest with guided tours

Illustration of The Classic Blue Danube Cruise

Vacations By Rail operates this 8-day escorted river cruise down the Danube, traveling from Munich through five European countries to Budapest. You begin with a regional train ride to Passau, where you board the MS Amadeus Riva for seven nights of guided sightseeing and riverside travel. The journey mixes river sailing with guided shore excursions: a tour of Vienna's imperial architecture and an evening performance by former Vienna Philharmonic musicians; a visit to the 11th-century Melk Abbey; a guided exploration of Bratislava's Baroque old town; and an illuminated evening cruise of Budapest's landmarks. All meals, drinks with dinner, and onboard entertainment are included. A Tour Manager and Cruise Director escort you throughout, managing logistics and leading the guided tours. The cruise appeals to first-time rail travelers seeking comfort, couples looking for a romantic all-inclusive escape, and history enthusiasts drawn to Habsburg and Ottoman heritage sites.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of USD 1,695 excludes flights and airport transfers; budget airlines and rail options from your nearest airport to Munich are separate.
  • Day 3 offers a choice excursion: Salzburg and the Austrian Lake District, or Cesky Krumlov; the operator will confirm which is assigned to your departure.
  • Cancellation and travel insurance are not included and must be purchased separately.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: ship

    To Passau where we board our luxurious ship

    Arrive at Munich; using a Bayern Pass flexible ticket, board a train to the border town of Passau, then transfer independently to the ship. Welcome cocktail, meet the Tour Manager and group, first five-course dinner in the ship's restaurant.

  2. Day 2overnight: ship

    Sailing through enchanting landscapes to Linz

    A guided tour of Passau, the 'Three Rivers City', including St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Veste Oberhaus fortress. The ship cruises through Austria and moors overnight in Linz.

  3. Day 3overnight: ship

    Salzburg & the Austrian Lake District or Cesky Krumlov

    Choice of a day trip to Salzburg via the Austrian Lake District, with a guided tour of Getreidegasse and the Baroque Old Town, or an excursion to Cesky Krumlov to explore its castle and UNESCO-listed Old Town. Overnight cruise further into Austria after dinner.

  4. Day 4overnight: ship

    Melk Abbey & the scenic Wachau Valley

    Dock in Emmersdorf and visit the 11th-century Melk Abbey, then cruise through the Wachau Valley wine region, stopping in Durnstein, before continuing overnight toward Vienna.

  5. Day 5overnight: ship

    Embracing the imperial majesty of Vienna

    A guided tour of Vienna's Ringstrasse, Opera House and Parliament, with free time to explore St. Stephen's Cathedral or Schonbrunn Palace. An onboard evening performance by former Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra members.

  6. Day 6overnight: ship

    Uncovering the old-world charm of Bratislava

    A guided tour of Bratislava's Baroque old town and castle district, then sailing downstream to Esztergom, the former capital of Hungary, to berth for the night.

  7. Day 7overnight: ship

    To Budapest, the 'Pearl of the Danube'

    Sailing through the Danube Bend past Visegrad, arriving in Budapest to visit Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion, then the State Opera House and St. Stephen's Basilica in Pest. Evening Hungarian folklore performance and a nighttime illuminated cruise of Budapest.

  8. Day 8

    Traveling home

    Disembark after breakfast, say goodbye to the crew, and begin travels home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Guided tour of Passau, the Three Rivers City, including St. Stephen's Cathedral and Veste Oberhaus fortress.
  • Day 4Visit the 11th-century Melk Abbey and cruise through the Wachau Valley wine region.
  • Day 5Guided tour of Vienna's Ringstrasse, Opera House and Parliament, followed by an evening performance by former Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra members.
  • Day 7Evening Hungarian folklore performance and illuminated nighttime cruise of Budapest's landmarks.

Included

  • Escorted throughout your tour by our experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
  • 7-night cruise onboard MS Amadeus Riva
  • Five-star service onboard
  • Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
  • 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 is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

Questions travellers ask

Is all the train travel included?
Yes. The package includes a Bayern Pass regional train ticket from Munich Airport to Passau and all coach transfers throughout the tour.
What ship will I sail on?
You will sail aboard MS Amadeus Riva, which features five-star service, complimentary onboard Wi-Fi, and full meal service.
Are meals and drinks included?
Yes. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included every day of the cruise, plus a drinks package with dinner each night and a gala dinner.
What is the activity level?
The tour has a Mobility Rating of 1, meaning minimal walking beyond ports and guided city tours on level ground.
Is the tour guided or independent?
Vacations By Rail provides an experienced Tour Manager and Cruise Director team to escort you throughout. All shore excursions are guided.
What is not included?
Flights, airport transfers to Munich, cancellation and travel insurance, and any personal expenses are not included. Additional hotel nights before or after the cruise are available on request.

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