Classical Danube River Cruise 4 Star (Budapest - Passau)

Let's begin our river cruise holiday! Upon arrival in Budapest we will be met by our local guide who will assist us in the transfer to Budapest port with a guided Budapest city tour en-route. We will take in highlights such as Heroes Square, the Synagogue and the Castle District. A must see is our walk by the Mathias Church and Fishermen’s Bastion for stunning photos of the views over the Danube and our visit to St. Stephan’s Basilica.

Please note: If a pre-cruise night is included, transfers will be provided to your hotel on arrival and the following day to the river cruise. 
 

In the early afternoon we will be transferred to the quayside in Budapest to join your River Cruise. Let's Settle in to our cabins and explore the range of facilities on board our ship as we embark on your 7-night cruise along the Danube. Sit back with a welcome cocktail in one of the lounge areas, followed by a tasty welcome dinner as we cruise through Budapest enjoying the sight of the city at night.

This morning, the boat will be moored in Budapest for the morning, and we will have free time to further explore the city. Why not take a short stroll to the nearby Central Market Hall, one of Budapest most famous and vibrant food markets. 

An optional afternoon excursion will be offered during the cruise (payable locally). This may include a visit to Szentendre and Esztergom, one of Hungary’s oldest cities, formerly the capital and home to the Basilica, the main Roman Catholic church of Hungary.

If on board an Amadeus Vessel: Enjoy a short stop in Esztergom in the evening.

If on board MS Capella: Enjoy a delightful Welcome Gala Dinner.

You will arrive at Bratislava in the early morning. The city is small and best explored on foot. Following breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of this compact city. During this tour you will get to know the capital of the young Slovakian Republic. The gorgeous old town has maintained its Gothic-Baroque style. The tour passes St. Martin’s Cathedral and the Grassalkovich Palace and continues up to the hill, where you will have a stunning, panoramic view of the city and surrounding areas. Afterwards, you have the opportunity to participate in a guided walking tour through the restored old town. From Michael’s Gate you will take a leisurely stroll through the historic city centre, where you can admire sights such as the Primatial Palace and St. Martin’s Cathedral, a former coronation cathedral for Hungarian kings, as well as the Academia Istropolitana, the oldest university of the city, which dates back to the 15th century. In addition to numerous palaces, you will also walk past the main square with the old City Hall, the Opera House and Maximilian Fountain.

Spend the afternoon exploring more of Bratislava, Slovakia’s beautiful capital. Hunt for the city’s quirky statues or simply relax with a coffee or drink and watch the world go by. Alternatively, you may choose to join an optional excursion to discover the secrets of the local wine region’s viticulture.

This morning you will embark on a city tour of Vienna. This tour will give you an overall impression of the most important sights Vienna has to offer. First you will drive along the famous Ringstrasse, passing several magnificent buildings like the stunning opera house, the parliament, the Court Theatre or Vienna’s imposing city hall. The tour is followed by a guided walk through the city centre where you will get to know Vienna at its fullest. You will start at the well-known Hofburg Imperial Palace, walk along the Kohl market and finish at Vienna’s iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. 

If on board an Amadeus Vessel: An optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace will be offered in the afternoon (payable locally). One of the most important cultural and historic monuments in Austria, the 1,441 room Baroque palace is surrounded by a magnificent garden, known as the Gloriette, giving unforgettable view over the palace area.

If on board MS Capella: An optional excursion to a Mozart and Strauss concert (payable locally) in one of Vienna’s elegant palaces or renowned music venues, combined with a scenic drive along the Ringstrasse.

Arrive at the picturesque town of Dürnstein which is named after the Medieval Castle Burgruine Dürnstein, which overlooks it. The town is the perfect spot to spend a leisurely morning; wandering the narrow cobblestoned streets, admiring beautiful buildings, shopping and relaxing with a drink in one of the local coffee shops.

If on board an Amadeus Vessel:  We will sit sail in the early afternoon, enjoy lunch on board as depart Durnstein and travel on to the town of Emmersdorf in the Melk district of Austria. An optional excursion to Melk Abbey may be available however a charge applies for this. Alternatively, if you are not partaking in this excursion, we will have the afternoon at leisure in Emmersdorf to explore this charming town at our own pace.  

If on board MS Capella:  We will sit sail in the early afternoon and enjoy lunch on board. Later we will cruise through the scenic Wachau Valley en route to Melk. This afternoon, we will enjoy a guided tour to Melk Abbey, an Austrian Benedictine abbey and one of the world's most famous monastic sites. 

Today we arrive in the historic town of Linz. Enjoy free time to explore at your own pace. Discover the medieval main square, admire Baroque townhouses, and visit the Old Cathedral, home to the Bruckner organ. You may also wish to see Austria’s largest church, the New Cathedral (entry subject to opening hours and services). 

If on board an Amadeus Vessel: Salzburg the “City of the Music” is an excursion included as standard. Enjoy a guided tour of the Old Town, passing Mozart’s Birthplace (exterior view), Getreidegasse, and Mirabell Palace, followed by an included lunch. Continue to the picturesque village of Mondsee famously featured as a filming location in "The sound of music".

If on board MS Capella: A tour of Salzburg is available as an optional excursion, (additional charge applies). Those not joining this or other optional excursions may instead enjoy a day at leisure in Linz, with time to explore at their own pace. 

If travelling on board an Amadeus vessel, we will come together this evening to enjoy the Captain’s Gala Dinner. (Please note: on board the MS Capella, the Gala Dinner takes place on Day 2.)

Today will be spent in Passau where you will have free time to explore this old town, created by Italian baroque masters in the 17th century, shows soaring towers, picturesque places, enchanting promenades and romantic lanes. Take in highlights such as St. Stephen's Cathedral, in which the world's largest cathedral organ sounds, the majestic fortress Veste Oberhaus on the Danube's side and the Pilgrimage Church "Mariahilf" on the Inn's side.

If on board an Amadeus Vessel: Spend the afternoon continuing to explore Passau, or choose to join an optional excursion and discover the flavours and culinary traditions of the region. We will remain in Passau overnight and enjoy a traditional Bavarian evening hosted by the crew on board your ship.

If on board MS Capella: After your tour in Passau, enjoy a visit to the nearby Aldersbach Brewery, founded in 1268. On arrival, you’ll be welcomed by local musicians before discovering the brewery’s long-standing traditions on a guided tour. 

This morning you will arrive into the port of Passau and disembark the ship after breakfast. You will be met by our local representative and enjoy a city tour of Munich. Highlights will include The Nymphenburg Palace, King's Square with its three temple buildings in the classical Greek style, the Bavarian National Museum and the Angel of Peace monument, the elegant buildings and shops along Maximilian Street, the Maximilianeum, the National Opera House, the Royal Palace, Stachus Square and the medieval city gates.

Please note: If your tour includes a post-cruise night, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in and can enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. A transfer to the airport with assistance will be provided the following day.