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The Beautiful Blue Danube

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You are viewing the 2024 itinerary. Select your departure year
20242025
8 days From $2,495 per person
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Discover the beautiful blue Danube on our brand-new 8-day relaxing river cruise, featuring daily shore excursions and tours of Vienna and Budapest

Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager
Special Offer

Offer ends April 30th - $200 off any 2024 or 2025 River Cruise. Plus enjoy a free cabin upgrade on any 2024 River Cruise. Offer only available by phone.

View Terms and Conditions

2024 Tour code: DPZ24

About the tour

This effortless itinerary offers the perfect introduction to the must-see highlights of the Danube River. Enjoy leisurely cruising through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary with plenty of time to admire the delightful river scenery. From the imperial grandeur of Vienna and the vibrant spirit of Budapest, discover the mix of cultures, history, and landscapes along this iconic river's banks. You'll enjoy all these sights while spending each night in your private cabin aboard the MS Imperial.

Unforgettable Experiences

Budapest
Budapest
Immerse yourself in the sensational ‘Pearl of the Danube’ - Budapest - with a guided tour of its striking castle, stunning buildings, and impressive monuments.
Vienna
Vienna
Discover the Baroque streets and imperial palaces of Vienna on a sightseeing tour.
Wachau Valley
Wachau Valley
Sail through the verdant valleys and vineyards of the beautiful Wachau Valley before visiting the 11th-century Melk Abbey with beautiful views across the Danube.
Bratislava
Bratislava
Admire ornate buildings, fascinating museums, and interesting galleries on a guided tour of Bratislava, the Slovakian capital.
Linz
Linz
Explore a charming blend of ancient and modern architecture on a guided tour of lovely Linz.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 – Munich to Passau

Your journey towards your Danube cruise begins as you arrive in Munich, Germany. Make your way through Munich to the railway station to join your train to Passau. Because you have an open ticket, you may select the train that best aligns with your arrival and sightseeing goals. Upon arrival in Passau head to the dock to join your Tour Manager and fellow travelers aboard our luxurious Amadeus cruise ship. Enjoy a warm welcome with a cocktail in the lounge and time to find your cabin ahead of tonight's multi-course dinner. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - Picturesque Melk Abbey, beautiful Wachau Valley and charming Dürnstein

This morning we visit Melk Abbey, an 11th-century Benedictine Abbey that stands atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. It's here we see the abbey's church, one of the most beautiful Baroque churches north of the Alps.

After lunch, we cruise through the scenery of the Wachau Valley, truly a highlight of the river. This scenic area of green valleys and vineyards is dotted with picturesque riverside towns and commanding fortresses.

Austria's Wachau Valley is a famous wine-making region, which makes it the perfect stop on our cruise to sample the renowned local wine. There's free time in the quaint village of Dürnstein to do just that, or simply wander the charming streets, soaking up the fairytale landscapes.

After dinner back onboard, a real treat awaits us in the lounge tonight. As we sail into the magnificent city of Vienna, we're joined by four past members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra who whisk us away with their performances of well-known classical pieces. Overnight ship

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Discovering the magic of Vienna

Vienna beckons today with its grandeur and elegance and we head into the city for a guided tour visiting the illustrious Ringstrasse boulevard. Here, we see many of Vienna's most ornate buildings including the world-renowned Opera House, where the greatest singers of our time have graced the stage, and the imposing Parliament Building.

After our tour, there's time to explore the city at leisure. The city's vibrant energy is infectious, and it's easy to lose yourself in the magnificent atmosphere. Wander through the city centre and marvel at the striking St. Stephen's Cathedral, or delve into one of the countless museums that bring the city's history to life. You could also indulge in the famous Sacher Torte, a Viennese delight, at one of the cosy coffee shops. During dinner this evening, we begin our overnight sail toward Budapest. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Striking Budapest

We arrive into Budapest after breakfast and this afternoon, we're introduced to the beauty and history on a sightseeing tour of this captivating city. Known as the 'Pearl of the Danube', Budapest has plenty of impressive buildings and monuments on both sides of the river. From the State Opera House and St Stephen's Basilica to Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion, each sight is more remarkable than the last. After dinner back on board this evening, we enjoy the enchanting ambience of a traditional Hungarian Folklore troupe. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – The beautiful Danube Bend

After a morning at leisure in Budapest with time to wander and explore, we begin cruising to Bratislava after lunch. Enjoy some of the onboard amenities as we navigate the scenic Danube bend, passing the village of Visegrad famous for its dramatic hilltop castle and the town of Esztergom, the former capital of Hungary. Sip cocktails on the sun deck with your fellow travelers or relax with a game of shuffleboard as we continue cruising by the delightful landscapes of the Danube for the rest of the day. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Bratislava

This morning we arrive into the historic Slovakian capital of Bratislava, welcomed by its castle overlooking the river. Enjoy some down time before we set out on a fascinating guided tour after lunch. Bratislava is divided neatly into two parts by the waters of the Danube, and we have time to get to know both the Baroque Old Town and the newer city. Later this afternoon we continue sailing overnight. Ovenight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – Lovely Linz

After a relaxed morning of cruising, we arrive into Linz this afternoon. The town is known for its gorgeous old town as well as its mix of baroque and modern architecture. On a guided tour, we discover the charming Main Square, explore the quaint old town with its historic architecture, and stroll through the serene City Park. The rest of our day is at leisure and you can experience Linz's vibrant atmosphere at your own pace. This evening we enjoy a Gala dinner on board, as we begin our final cruise towards Passau. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – Return to Munich

It's time to disembark and say goodbye to our wonderful crew, new friends, and fellow travelers this morning. We transfer as a group to Munich airport for flights departing after 4pm or make your own to Munich airport for earlier flights.

 

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Ship

MS Amadeus Imperial