Experience grand old capitals and picturesque towns on this Danube river cruise from charming Passau to historic Budapest.
Explore Regensburg, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe, before heading back to Passau, where there is an optional excursion to the romantic city of Salzburg and stunning scenery of the Salzkammergut.
Your luxurious ship docks in the heart of the Wachau's UNESCO-protected landscape. Take the opportunity to visit Melk's Benedictine Abbey with its world-famous library, before cruising to the musical city of Vienna. See the sights, including St Stephen's Cathedral and Hofburg Palace, on an optional tour and perhaps enjoy an evening concert.
Discover Slovakia's fascinating capital, Bratislava, where there is an optional tour to the Imperial Schlosshof Palace, once the country estate of the Empress Maria Theresia. This superb holiday concludes in the diverse city of Budapest, home to the Fisherman's Bastion and the iconic Chain Bridge.
L143 Operated by Amadeus River Cruises
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Classical Danube Itinerary
Day 1 - UK - Passau (Germany)
Fly from the UK and embark your ship in the afternoon. Enjoy a welcome cocktail and welcome dinner on board.
Day 2 - Regensburg
After breakfast, arrive in the medieval town of Regensburg where there is an optional guided tour. Highlights include the Town Hall, St Peter's cathedral and the Stone Bridge. Later, we return to the ship for lunch. This afternoon, there is an optional excursion to Weltenberg Abbey, one of the oldest monasteries in Bavaria, where you can sample the world-famous dark beer. Or perhaps explore the beautiful historic Thurn and Taxis Palace, before visiting a traditional brewery. There is a typical Bavarian evening on board tonight. The ship heads back to Passau.
Day 3 - Passau - Linz (Austria)
Arrive back in Passau at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers. Join the optional walking tour of Passau before returning to the ship in Linz where there is an optional city walk to explore its beautiful main street and square. Perhaps try one of the famous Linzer Tortes before returning to the ship. There is also the option to take the full day excursion to Salzburg including the Salzkammergut area and lunch.
Day 4 - Melk/Emmersdorf - Vienna
This morning, the ship docks at Melk/Emmersdorf in the heart of Wachau's UNESCO-protected landscape. Take the optional excursion to Melk Abbey, Austria's largest baroque monastery, or go on a walking tour of Durnstein. Alternatively, there is the opportunity to visit a local vineyard and sample some of the region’s famous Gruner Veltliner wines. Spend the afternoon cruising to Vienna.
Day 5 - Vienna
After breakfast, there is an optional city tour taking in the Ringstrasse and the historic centre, home to St Stephen's Cathedral. This afternoon, perhaps take the optional excursion to Schonbrunn Palace, the summer palace of the Habsburg empire with its beautiful gardens. Perhaps join the "Sound of Vienna" concert excursion before the ship sets sail late evening for Bratislava.
Day 6 - Bratislava (Slovakia)
Arrive in Bratislava during breakfast. This morning, perhaps join the optional city tour which takes in the summer residence of the archbishop, the restored old town and the magnificent Primatial Palace. After lunch on board, perhaps take the optional excursion to the Imperial Schloss Hof Palace, once the country estate of Empress Maria Theresia. Or explore the history of wine in Hungary along the Little Carpathian wine route, before enjoying a wine tasting on the way back. Captain's Gala Dinner on board tonight.
Day 7 - Esztergom (Hungary) - Budapest
This morning, admire the Basilica in the Archdiocese of Esztergom, Hungary's largest church. Take the optional excursion to Szentendre with its numerous galleries and museums. At lunchtime, a coach takes you to Budapest to rejoin the ship. There is an optional city tour of Budapest with highlights including the Fisherman's Bastion, and St Matthew's Church. Back on board, there is a Hungarian folklore show this evening followed by an evening cruise through the illuminated city.
Day 8 - Budapest - UK
Disembark your ship after breakfast and transfer to the airport for the return flight to the UK.
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary. Please note, the reverse itinerary also visits Durnstein where there is an optional city tour and wine tasting - please contact us for details.