Classical Danube River Cruise 4 Star (Passau - Budapest)

Upon arrival in Munich, we will be met by our local guide who will assist us in the transfer to Passau port with a guided Passau city tour en-route. Let's discover the beauty of this elegant German city. Created by Italian baroque masters in the 17th century, it is filled soaring towers, picturesque places, enchanting promenades and romantic lanes. Let's 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. 

In the afternoon we will be transferred to Passau port to join our River Cruise. Settle in to our cabin and explore the range of facilities on board our ship as we embark on our 7-night cruise along the Danube. Sit back with a welcome cocktail in one of the lounge areas, followed by a tasty welcome dinner.

Today will be spent at Passau where you will have free time to explore more of this charming old town at your own pace.

This evening we set sail towards Linz and enjoy a traditional Bavarian evening hosted by the crew on board our ship.

This morning, disembark the ship for an included full day excursion to Salzburg and Salzkammergut with lunch included. A two-hour coach ride will bring you to Salzburg - the city of music. The old town with its world-famous Baroque architecture is one of the best-preserved city centres north of the Alps. It was adopted by UNESCO in 1997 and is included on its list of World Cultural Heritage Sites. Salzburg is also the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. During the guided tour through the old town you will see the birth house of the musician (outside only), as well as other well-known attractions, such as the Getreidegasse. This long yet narrow shopping street runs parallel to the river in the centre of town. The street is famous for its old-style signage outside each store, indicating the profession found within. You will continue to the Mirabell Palace, a beautiful castle with gardens, built by an archbishop for his beloved courtesan. Look out for the Garden of Dwarfs and the Garden of Roses, as they are especially beautiful.

After the included lunch, you will head to the picturesque village Mondsee in Salzkammergut, which was the film location for the well-known movie “The Sound of Music”. Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you head back to the ship which will be docked in Linz.

Arrive into the charming town of Emmersdorf in the Melk district of Austria. Here, you can take an optional excursion to visit Melk Abbey (payable locally) or continue on with your ship to Durnstein.

The boat will depart Emmersdorf and travel on to the town of Durnstein where you can spend a leisurely afternoon shopping and relaxing with a drink in one of the local coffee shops. The ship will depart Durnstein towards Vienna in the late afternoon.

This morning you will embark on an included 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. Before returning to the ship you have some free time to stroll along the pedestrian area.

This evening, there will be an optional ‘Sound of Vienna’ concert (payable locally), a chance to experience some of the classical music for which Vienna is known. 

You will arrive at Bratislava in the early morning. The city is small and best explored on foot. Following breakfast, enjoy an included 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.

Today, an optional excursion to Szentendre and Esztergom will be offered in the morning (payable locally). One of Hungary's oldest cities, Esztergom was formerly the capital and is home to the Basilica, the main Roman Catholic church of Hungary.

The ship continues to Budapest where it will be docked for the night. In the afternoon, you will have a panoramic guided tour of Budapest where we will see the unique Chain Bridge connecting the Buda side, with its Fisherman’s Bastion, and the Pest side, with its iconic Hungarian Parliament building.
Tonight, experience another side of the city with an evening cruise along the Danube to see the sights of the city at night. Look out for Budapest's spectacular parliament which is particularly beautiful when illuminated. 

This evening you will enjoy a Captain's Gala Dinner on board. 

It is time to say goodbye after a full week of delights aboard your Amadeus ship. After breakfast, you will be met by our local guide and we will head to the airport for our flight home. It's time to start thinking about where to go on our next river cruise holiday!