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Delights of the Danube

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Let the blue waters of the Danube be your guide for this rail and cruise adventure through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany.

You are viewing the 2023 itinerary. Select your departure year
20232024
9 days From $3,895 per person
Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager
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2023 Tour code: GR-DLRA-23

About the tour

Immerse yourself in centuries of history and wondrous sights that recall the heritage of multiple cultures on this 9-day rail and river cruise adventure. The journey commences in London and takes us by train through Brussels, Wurzburg, and Budapest. A luxury Amadeus river cruise vessel greets us at the harbor in Budapest, and it is from here that our cruising voyage begins. First, explore Budapest's sights by both day and night, and then enjoy time in places like Bratislava, Vienna, Mondsee, and Regensburg. Guided tours adjoin optional excursions and fantastic cultural enrichments to create a journey that is like none other. Enjoy sights of the Danube Bend and the scenic Wachau Valley. Find yourself transported back in time at Melk Abbey. Onboard the ship, a Hungarian folklore show and a private performance by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra are just some of the extras we enjoy. Fantastic chef-prepared meals make each day one of indulgence. There is something new - or very old - awaiting your discovery each moment on this fantastic voyage.

Highlights

What’s included

Itinerary: Budapest - Passau

Some departures run a reversed itinerary – View reversed Passau - Budapest itinerary (GR-DDRA-23)

Itinerary: Passau - Budapest

You are viewing the reversed itinerary – switch back to Budapest - Passau itinerary (GR-DLRA-23)

Day 1 - London to Wurzburg By Rail

Your adventure begins as you arrive at London St. Pancras. Make your way to our designated Departure Office to meet your Tour Manager and fellow travelers, then together, board the Eurostar train bound for Brussels. From here, we switch trains and continue toward Cologne and later Wurzburg. This evening, join the group for dinner in the onsite restaurant. Overnight Wurzburg

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - To Budapest/Ship Embarkation

The trip toward the Danube continues with a train ride from Wurzburg to Vienna and then from Vienna to Budapest. Here, we meet our Amadeus river cruise vessel, featuring endless amenities and well-appointed cabins for our journey. Settle into your accommodations, then join your fellow travelers in the lounge for a welcome drink and a toast to the adventures to come. After a multi-course dinner, we get our first taste of the local flair with a traditional Hungarian folklore show. The day concludes with an evening cruise around Budapest, presenting all the riverside buildings and attractions illuminated in nighttime lighting. Overnight ship. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Budapest

Relish in the opportunity to see the sites of Budapest by daylight on today's guided tour. We begin after breakfast with a coach transfer into the city, beginning on the Pest side. We pass St. Stephen's Basilica, a stunning Neoclassic church that holds claim as the largest in Hungary. Heroes' Square is next on the itinerary, and you can step off the coach here and walk amongst the monuments. Back on the coach, we drive along Andrássy Avenue, which is lined with impressive mansions and Neo-classic townhouses. This UNESCO World Heritage Site street also hosts a variety of high-end shops. We venture through the old Jewish Quarter and cross the Elisabeth Bridge to reach Buda Castle, built in the 1200s. Enjoy just over an hour to explore the castle itself and the surrounding district, which includes Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church. From here, the tour continues to Gellért Hill, where fantastic views over the Danube River and Buda Castle abound.

Return to the ship in time for lunch and spend the afternoon lounging on the ship's decks or relaxing in your cabin. Early this evening, we begin our cruise toward Bratislava via the incredibly scenic Danube Bend. This portion of the river boasts mountains on both banks, picturesque towns, ruined castles, deep forests, beautiful homes and riverside churches. We pass through here as the sun is setting, and the golden evening light makes the scenery evening more enchanting. Enjoy a multi-course dinner before turning in for the night. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Bratislava

Start your day with relaxation aboard the ship as our route proceeds toward Bratislava. Enjoy breakfast in the restaurant, then soak in the changing scenery from the River Terrace or with a drink in hand in the Panorama Bar. There are shuffleboards and chess boards on which to play with fellow travelers and plenty of lounge chairs on the Sun Deck. We dock after lunch and set out on a guided tour of Bratislava, the Slovakian capital. Tucked amongst the foothills of the Carpathian Mountain and straddling the Danube River, this city features a world of contrasts between the Baroque Old Town and the new city. Our excursion presents popular sites in both, ranging from the Old Town Hall and Main Square in Old Town to the Slavin Monument. We have the opportunity to walk through the last remaining medieval gate, Michalska Gate, and visit places like the Cathedral of St. Martin. The Presidential Palace, Bratislava Castle and the parliament buildings are other highlights of our tour. While moving between destinations, gaze upon beautiful examples of Gothic architecture, modern museums and charming pedestrian plazas. There is so much to uncover. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – Discover Vienna & Its Music

After a night of cruising along the Danube's blue waters, we dock in Vienna, Austria, this morning. Imperial heritage brims from the core of this remarkable locale. We join a guided tour of the city after breakfast and get a glimpse at the most significant points of interest. Our motorcoach travels along one of the most famous 3-mile roadways in the world, the Ringstrasse. This byway plays host to several local highlights, including the Imperial Palace, Parliament, the Natural History Museum and other magnificent sights.

This evening, a true Viennese treat awaits us. After dinner we are joined by musicians from the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra for a private performance. Their musical talents carry through the night and make the evening one to remember. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Wachau Valley/Melk Abbey

We dock in Durnstein this morning with a day of wonderful sights and fantastic adventures ahead. Begin the morning with independent sightseeing in this riverside destination. Many of the most incredible attractions, such as Durnstein Castle, the monastery and wineries, are located within walking distance from the docks. A locally themed buffet lunch is served as the ship sets out on the Danube once again. This afternoon's cruising takes us through the picturesque Wachau Valley, where rolling vineyards and ancient castles are perched upon hilltops. Our cruise director offers insightful commentary for this portion of the journey, offering tales and facts that enhance the experience. We stop in the Valley to visit Melk Abbey, a Benedictine Monastery built in the early 1700s, and home to the Abbey Church, considered one of the most beautiful Baroque churches north of the Alps. Our guided tour includes access to the grounds and the amazing interiors. Outside, an expansive terrace offers superb views over the Wachau Valley and Danube. After we return to the ship, our cruise continues toward Linz. Soak in the continually changing scenery ahead of tonight's multi-course dinner in the restaurant. Overnight ship. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – Salzburg/Austrian Lake District

Enjoy breakfast as the ship approaches its next port of call, Linz. We disembark here, where you can choose from one of two excursions. You may wish to head further into the countryside for a day spent amidst the spectacular scenery of the Austrian lakes. Make stops at UNESCO listed Hallstatt, one of Austria's most photographed villages thanks to its traditional pastel-coloured houses, Hallstättersee Lake, and Mondsee. This pretty town is set on the lake of the same name and its most famous sight is the 15th-century parish church, which was featured in the wedding scenes of "The Sound of Music." Alternatively, travel by coach to Salzburg, via Mondsee, one of Austria's most famous cities and known as the birthplace of Mozart. A guided sightseeing tour reveals the city's internationally renowned Baroque architecture, a well-deserved UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both options rejoin the vessel in Passau at the end of the day and include boxed lunches for all travelers who request them. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - Regensburg

The Danube River under the morning's glow is truly a magical sight. Relish in its offerings over breakfast and as the ship approaches Regensburg. Here, a walking tour provides a grand introduction to Old Town. There is no shortage of sights to behold, including the Stone Bridge, Old Town Hall, the Regensburg Cathedral and the Portia Praetoria. There are remnants of the town's Roman occupation scattered throughout the city and beautiful architecture that has been built across the ages. Find yourself surrounded by medieval masterpieces and buildings that hint at the city's history as a trade center. Patrician houses with their tall towers and narrow winding streets complete the pictorial atmosphere. This evening, sport your finest evening wear for tonight's gala dinner. Overnight ship. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 - Tour Conclusion

Having traveled throughout the night, the beautiful Amadeus vessel docks for the final time in Passau this morning. Following breakfast, we are transferred to the Passau train station to begin our journey back to London by way of Frankfurt and Brussels. As our Eurostar train arrives at London St. Pancras, your Danube rail and cruise expedition concludes. 

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 1 - London to Wurzburg By Rail

Your adventure begins as you arrive at London St. Pancras. Make your way to our designated Departure Office to meet your Tour Manager and fellow travelers, then together, board the Eurostar train bound for Brussels. From here, we switch trains and continue toward Cologne and later Wurzburg. This evening, join the group for dinner in the onsite restaurant. Overnight Wurzburg. 

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - Continue by rail to Passau

We make our way to the Wurzburg station for the train to Paasau. On arriving in Passau, we meet our Amadeus ship and we are welcomed with a cocktail in the lounge before dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Regensburg

Regensberg is our port of call this morning, which we explore on foot. This medieval town contains many buildings that testify to its history as a trading centre and to its influence on the whole region from the 9th century onwards. We enjoy dinner back on board tonight.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Salzburg or the Austrian Lake District

We arrive into Passau this morning where you have a choice of excursions. You could head further into the countryside for a day spent amidst the spectacular scenery of the Austrian lakes. Make stops in UNESCO listed Hallstatt, one of Austria's most photographed villages thanks to its traditional pastel-coloured houses perched on the tiny plain between the mountains and Hallstättersee Lake, as well as Mondsee.This pretty town is set on the lake of the same name, and its most famous sight is the 15th-century parish church, which featured in the wedding scenes of 'The Sound of Music'.

Otherwise, travel by coach to Salzburg, via Mondsee, one of Austria's most famous cities and known as the birth place of Mozart. A guided sightseeing tour reveals the city's internationally renowned Baroque architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Melk Abbey

On  Day 5 we journey by coach to Melk Abbey, enjoying entrance to this 11th century Benedictine Abbey which stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube and is home to the Abbey Church, considered one of the most beautiful Baroque churches north of the Alps. We then make our way to Austria's Wachau Valley, a famous wine-making region. We arrive in the idyllic village of Dürnstein where you have time at leisure. As we sit down to lunch on board we begin cruising along the picturesque Wachau Valley, an extremely scenic area with green valleys and vineyards rising up from the river, picturesque riverside towns, and commanding fortresses with sweeping views.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - The history and music of Vienna

After a calm night of cruising, we arrive into glorious Vienna, for a comprehensive sightseeing tour. This is a chance to relish in Austria's Imperial heritage, one full of tradition and rich in architectural, artistic and musical heritage. You'll see many of Vienna's finest ornate buildings, including the impressive Hofburg Palace. This vast complex of buildings demonstrates the awesome power and wealth commanded by the Habsburgs. You'll also take in the impressive Opera House, one of the leading opera venues in the world, as well as the grand Parliament Building.

Tonight a real treat awaits us on board, where after dinner we are joined by musicians from the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra for an exclusive, private recital. Be whisked away by the music as you immerse yourself in this singularly exceptional experience, as the Vienna Philharmonic is one of the most popular and skilled orchestras in the world.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Arrival in Bratislava

Your morning is at leisure aboard before we moor up early this afternoon. After lunch, we set out on a guided coach tour of Slovakian capital. Located in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, Bratislava straddles the Danube which neatly divides the city into two parts; the Baroque Old Town (Stare Mesto) and the new city. This picture-postcard city destination historic Gothic buildings, several universities, a wealth of museums and galleries, and a refreshing cosmopolitan atmosphere. The historic centre features delightful cobbled stoned roads, pedestrianised plazas, pastel 18th century rococo buildings and street cafés galore. Following our excursion, we return to the ship for another delicious, 5-course dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - Discovering Budapest

This morning we arrive at the scenic Danube Bend. This section of the river has a long and fascinating history and from the sun deck or panoramic windows in the bar, you'll be able to see castle ruins, churches, pretty houses hidden in the hills and dense forests.

After lunch on board, we enjoy a guided coach tour of Budapest, introducing us to Budapest's main sights. We pass impressive buildings and monuments on both sides of the Danube, including the neo-Gothic Parliament building, the magnificent State Opera House and St Stephen's Basilica, Budapest Castle, Matthias Church and Fishermen's Bastion. Later take in the illuminated sights as we sail around the city. We are also treated to a performance from a local Hungarian folk band in the lounge.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 - Stuttgart

We disembark after breakfast to start the journey back home via Stuttgart, where we spend the night. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 - London

Following breakfast, we are transferred to the train station to begin our journey back to London. As our Eurostar train arrives at London St. Pancras, your Danube rail and cruise expedition concludes. 

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.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Train

Eurostar

Ships

MS Amadeus Silver II
MS Amadeus Silver III
MS Amadeus Star

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