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Great Rail Journeys · Fly and Cruise

The Classic Blue Danube: Passau to Budapest - Fly

Eight-day Danube river cruise from Passau to Budapest with flights

Illustration of The Classic Blue Danube: Passau to Budapest - Fly

Great Rail Journeys offers an eight-day escape along the Danube, combining flights from London Heathrow with a seven-night cruise aboard the MS Amadeus Cara from Passau to Budapest. You spend each night aboard the ship, which handles accommodation and meals, allowing you to wake in a different country without packing and unpacking. Days unfold as a blend of guided city tours and unguided exploration. In Passau you visit St Stephen's Cathedral and a riverside fortress. Day three presents a choice: join an excursion to Salzburg and the Austrian Lake District, or travel inland to Český Krumlov's castle and Old Town. The Wachau Valley day includes a visit to Melk Abbey, an 11th-century Benedictine monastery, then free time in the medieval town of Dürnstein. Vienna's guided tour covers the Ringstrasse, Opera House, and Parliament, followed by a classical concert aboard ship. Bratislava's tour traces Baroque architecture and the castle district. Budapest anchors the final days with visits to Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion, then an evening cruise past illuminated landmarks while a Hungarian folk ensemble performs. Five-star service, all meals, and drinks with dinner are included throughout.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is a river cruise, not a rail journey; the tour name includes 'Blue Danube' but train travel is not the primary transport mode.
  • Day three offers a choice of excursion (Salzburg or Český Krumlov); confirm which is available on your departure date.
  • Single supplement is GBP 1,200 above half the double price, making solo travel significantly more expensive.

Day by day

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

    To Passau where we board our luxurious ship

    Meet at London Heathrow for the flight to Munich. Transfer by coach to Passau, where the cruise ship awaits. Welcome cocktail, settle into cabin, familiarise with ship's facilities, and enjoy the first five-course dinner onboard.

    Meals: Dinner

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

    Sailing through enchanting landscapes to Linz

    Guided tour of Passau, the 'Three Rivers City', including St Stephen's Cathedral and the Veste Oberhaus fortress. Afternoon cruise along the Danube into Austria through beautiful scenery of hills, vineyards, orchards, villages, medieval castles and monasteries. Arrive and moor in Linz for the night.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (en route)

    Salzburg and the Austrian Lake District or Český Krumlov

    Choice of two excursions from Linz: Option 1 – Day trip to Salzburg with a stop in the Austrian Lake District, guided sightseeing tour of Getreidegasse and the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Option 2 – Excursion to Český Krumlov in Czechia, visiting the palatial castle and UNESCO-listed Old Town. Return to ship for dinner and overnight cruise further into Austria.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (en route to Vienna)

    Melk Abbey and the scenic Wachau Valley

    Dock in Emmersdorf and visit Melk Abbey, an 11th-century Benedictine Abbey with one of the most beautiful Baroque churches north of the Alps. Sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley over lunch. Free time in Dürnstein to sample local produce or wander the charming streets. Continue sailing towards Vienna after dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

    Embracing the imperial majesty of Vienna

    Guided tour of Vienna's Ringstrasse boulevard, including the Opera House and Parliament. Free time to explore: St Stephen's Cathedral, museums, Schönbrunn Palace, or Viennese coffeehouses. Evening entertainment by four former Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra members.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (Esztergom)

    Uncovering the old-world charm of Bratislava

    Guided tour of Bratislava's Baroque Old Town and castle district, including Bratislava Castle, quirky statues (Schöne Náci and Čumil), grand palaces, historic churches, and views from the hilltop castle over the SNP Bridge. Continue downstream to Esztergom, the former capital of Hungary, for overnight mooring.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (Budapest)

    To Budapest, the 'Pearl of the Danube'

    Sail through the scenic Danube Bend, passing Visegrad and its hilltop castle. Arrive in Budapest for a visit to Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion with views over the river and Pest. Afternoon explorations including the State Opera House and St Stephen's Basilica. Dinner accompanied by a traditional Hungarian folklore troupe performance. Evening night-time cruise along the Danube taking in the illuminated sights of Budapest.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8

    Homeward bound

    After breakfast, disembark and say farewell to the crew. Transfer by coach to Budapest airport for the flight back to London Heathrow.

    Meals: Breakfast

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, then sail the Danube past vineyards, villages, and medieval castles.
  • Day 4Visit Melk Abbey, an 11th-century Benedictine monastery with a Baroque church, then sail through the Wachau Valley and explore the medieval town of Dürnstein.
  • Day 5Guided tour of Vienna's Ringstrasse including the Opera House and Parliament, followed by a classical concert from former Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra members onboard.
  • Day 7Sail through the Danube Bend past Visegrad castle, visit Budapest's Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion, then enjoy an evening cruise past illuminated landmarks with a traditional Hungarian folklore performance at dinner.

Included

  • Tour Manager/Cruise Director team escorting throughout
  • 7-night cruise onboard the MS Amadeus Cara
  • Five-star service onboard
  • Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Flights from London Heathrow to Munich
  • Flights from Budapest to London Heathrow
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of the cruise
  • Spectacular gala dinner
  • Drinks package with dinner every night of the cruise
  • A superb choice of excursions (Passau guided tour, Salzburg or Český Krumlov, Melk Abbey, Vienna guided tour, Bratislava guided tour, Budapest overview, evening Budapest cruise)

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance
  • Tips/gratuities (at guest's discretion)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
No. Great Rail Journeys operates this as a fly-and-cruise package. You fly from London Heathrow to Munich, then travel by coach to Passau to board the ship. The Danube cruise itself is the main journey.
Is the tour escorted?
Yes. A Tour Manager and Cruise Director team escort you throughout, and all guided excursions in Passau, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest are included.
What ship do I sail on?
The MS Amadeus Cara, described as a five-star ship with inclusive meals, drinks, Wi-Fi, and entertainment.
What meals and drinks are included?
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of the cruise, plus a drinks package with dinner every night and a spectacular gala dinner.
Which cities do we visit?
Passau, Linz, Salzburg (or Český Krumlov by choice), Melk Abbey, Dürnstein, Vienna, Bratislava, Esztergom, and Budapest.
When does this tour run?
Departures are scheduled for June 2027, July 2027, August 2026, and September 2027.

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