Explore the history and culture of Bavaria, spending 3-nights
in Munich with a visit the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle. Then
embark on a 7-night luxury Danube River cruise visiting renowned
cities of Vienna, Budapest, and more
From beautiful Bavaria to the glorious surroundings of the
Wachau Valley and Europe's fantastic cities, this rail and cruise
vacation is a showcase of diverse scenery.
The adventure begins on land, with three days in Munich in the
heart of Bavaria. Our time here takes us to Neuschwanstein Castle
and introduces Munich's highlights and flavors while touring the
city. Heading to Passau, we join a five-star luxury cruise on the
Danube River, winding through the various cultures that line its
shores and visiting cities like Salzburg, Vienna, Bratislava and
Budapest.
Unforgettable Experiences
Visit Neuschwanstein Castle
Climb into the foothills of the Alps to Neuschwanstein Castle, a 19th-century castle so magnificent it inspired Disney, where stunning views and grand interiors set a fantastic backdrop for our guided tour.
Experience Hungary’s capital, Budapest
Immerse yourself in the sensational "Pearl of the Danube" - Budapest - with a guided tour of its striking castle, stunning buildings and impressive monuments.
Discover the best of Vienna
Discover Vienna’s imperial grandeur as we wander the city’s Baroque streets and set our sights on its magnificent palaces on a sightseeing tour.
Admire the Melk Abbey
Sail through the verdant valleys and vineyards of the beautiful Wachau Valley before visiting the 11th-century Melk Abbey, whose beautiful views stretch across the Danube.
See Austria’s stunning destinations
While docked in Linz, you can choose to explore the spectacular Austrian lakes or immerse yourself in the creative culture of Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart.
Taste authentic Bavarian beer
Learn about the history of beer brewing in Bavaria while touring Munich, and then get a taste of it for yourself while sampling local brews and the foods that pair with them.
What to Expect on a Vacations By Rail River Cruise
What’s included on the tour?
Tour Manager
Escorted throughout your tour by our experienced Tour/Cruise Manager team
Transportation
Standard Class rail travel on local rail networks
All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
Accommodation
3 nights’ 4-Star hotel accommodation
Cruise
7-night cruise onboard Amadeus Cara
Five-Star service onboard from our English-speaking crew
Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
Excursions & Entertainment
A superb choice of excursions
Food & Drink
Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of your cruise including a spectacular gala dinner
Drinks package with dinner every night of your cruise
Not Included
Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
Flights and Airport transfers
Itinerary
Arriving in Bavaria
Your European adventure begins today in Munich, the capital of
Bavaria. Located in southeastern Germany, the scenic region of
Bavaria is surrounded by lush forests and the picturesque peaks of
the Bavarian Alps. Tradition runs deep here, with well-preserved
villages, medieval castles and beer-making heritage setting the
stage for fascinating explorations.
As you arrive today, make your own way to our centrally located
hotel for check-in. Take some time to get settled in and acclimate
to your new surroundings, perhaps strolling around the city to get
your first looks at the historic buildings. Return to the hotel
early this evening to meet with the Tour Manager and your group of
fellow travelers. We have our first dinner in the hotel's
restaurant following a quick introductory meeting. Overnight
Munich.
Includes
Dinner
The sights and flavors of Munich
Today, we get to know Munich on a guided sightseeing tour. After
meeting at the Fish fountain, we wander the historic streets,
admiring the city's charming main square, Marienplatz, home to the
neo-Gothic Town Hall and the famous glockenspiel. We also see the
Church of St. Peter, with its exterior boasting eight clocks.
Afterward, we stop for food and drink in typical Munich style by
sampling local food and beers. Munich is renowned for its beer and,
after learning about the history of brewing in Bavaria and the
influence of the "Reinheitsgebot" purity law at the Oktoberfest
Museum, we visit Munich's oldest beer house, the Höfbrauhaus.
The rest of the day is spent at leisure, enjoying the city. One
option is to stroll through the city's many green spaces. The
17th-century Hofgarten's Renaissance gardens stand behind Munich
Residence, the former home of Bavarian dukes and kings, while the
expansive English Garden is larger than New York's Central Park.
Munich's culinary scene extends far beyond beer and includes many
options for you to discover on your own this evening. Overnight
Munich.
Includes
Breakfast
The fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle
One of Bavaria's finest castles awaits us after breakfast
today. Entrance to the castle is included, and during our time
here, we can enjoy spectacular views overlooking the Schwangau
Valley. Commissioned by the reclusive King Ludwig II of Bavaria,
the castle is an architectural masterpiece. It was the inspiration
for the castle in Disney's Sleeping Beauty, showing testament to
the king's romantic vision.
Built in a striking Romanesque Revival style, it features
soaring towers, turrets and battlements, all of which are set
against a backdrop of rugged mountains and verdant forests. Its
interior is just as impressive, with ornate carvings, lavish murals
and an opulent throne room. Interestingly, the castle's
construction was plagued by setbacks and financial difficulties and
was never fully completed during King Ludwig's lifetime.
During our free time here this afternoon, you can soak in all
its grandeur and see why it inspires millions of people. We return
to Munich later this afternoon and have dinner together at our
hotel this evening. Overnight Munich.
Includes
Breakfast, Dinner
To Passau, where we board our magnificent ship
The morning is yours to have a leisurely breakfast at the hotel
and wrap up your sightseeing in Munich. You might like to revisit
the Marienplatz, head to Odeonsplatz to see its Roman architecture
or look for souvenirs in the local shops. You could also spend a
morning relaxing at our hotel before we walk to Munich's railway
station to join the train to Passau, Germany - a city located on
the shores of the Blue Danube.
A motorcoach awaits our arrival in Passau this afternoon and
takes us to the banks of the Danube, where our luxurious ship
awaits. Stepping aboard, we are greeted with a refreshing cocktail
in the lounge and shown to our onboard accommodations. Take some
time to settle in and familiarize yourself with our magnificent
ship, and this evening, we indulge in our first delicious
five-course dinner on board. Overnight ship.
Includes
Breakfast, Dinner
Sailing through enchanting landscapes to Linz
After breakfast, we begin our relaxing cruise downstream.
Drifting through beautiful scenery into Austria, we get our first
sight of amazing river landscapes. Rising hills covered with
vineyards and orchards create a picturesque backdrop, occasionally
revealing charming villages, medieval castles and centuries-old
monasteries that cling to the hilltops. Delight in the scenery
while relaxing on the sundeck or in the lounge.
We arrive in Linz later this afternoon, having enjoyed lunch
onboard, as well. The town is known for its lovely old town and its
mix of Baroque and modern architecture. We spend the night here
amongst the welcoming atmosphere with picturesque views over the
skyline. Tonight, enjoy another delicious multi-course dinner on
the ship. Overnight ship.
Includes
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The beautiful Austrian Lake District or stunning Salzburg
We wake up in beautiful Linz, where you can choose between a
day in the Austrian Lake District, the Salzkammergut, or a visit to
Salzburg. The first option sees us heading into the country for a
day in the lakes, where we stop at UNESCO-listed Hallstatt, one of
Austria's most photographed villages thanks to its pastel-colored
houses. We also visit Hallstätter See Lake and Mondsee, a pretty
town set on the lake of the same name and famous for its
15th-century parish church featured in "The Sound of Music."
Alternatively, travel via Mondsee to Salzburg, a beautiful
Baroque city on the banks of the Salzach River. During a guided
sightseeing tour, we explore Getreidegasse Street, famed for its
traditional shops with metal signboards and the place where Mozart
was born. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with
stunning Baroque architecture, beautiful churches, quaint squares
and charming alleyways that we admire as we meander through. We
return to our ship for dinner and set sail for a pleasant overnight
cruise. Overnight ship.
Includes
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The Melk Abbey, 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. This village is also home to the renowned
castle where Richard I of England was imprisoned, and we get a
great view of it from the riverside. Our journey continues down the
Danube over dinner as we sail toward Vienna. Overnight ship.
Includes
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Discovering the magic of Vienna
After a peaceful overnight cruise, Vienna beckons with its
grandeur and elegance, and we arrive for a guided tour. This is a
chance to relish Austria's Imperial culture - one full of tradition
and rich in architectural, artistic and musical heritage.
With our expert guide, we wander the winding streets and make
our way to the Ringstrasse. Here, we see many of Vienna's most
ornate buildings, including the world-renowned Opera House and the
imposing Parliament Building.
After our tour, there's time to explore Vienna at leisure. You
could visit Schonbrunn Palace, once the summer residence of the
Habsburg family, or indulge in the famous Sacher Torte, a Viennese
delight, at one of the cozy coffee shops. Alternatively, you could
explore the city center 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.
Tonight, a real treat awaits us in the lounge as 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
Docking in Bratislava
Following a relaxing morning of sailing, we arrive in the
Slovakian capital of Bratislava, welcomed by its castle overlooking
the river. We set out on a fascinating guided tour after breakfast.
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 castle district.
As we explore the enchanting streets, we are surrounded by
Bratislava's historic buildings, Baroque palaces and wealth of
fantastic museums and galleries. Returning to the ship in time for
lunch, we continue downstream to Hungary and to Esztergom, the
former capital, where we berth for the night. Enjoy the changing
scenery as we float down the river and a chance to enjoy the ship's
amenities or socialize with your fellow travelers. Overnight
ship.
Includes
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The fascinating city of Budapest
As we sail toward Budapest this morning, we navigate the scenic
Danube Bend, passing the village of Visegrad, famous for its lovely
hilltop castle. Arriving in Budapest, we are introduced to its
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.
There is some free time to continue exploring before dinner back
on board this evening. After we eat, enjoy the ambiance of a
traditional Hungarian Folklore troupe and a nighttime cruise along
the Danube River, taking in the illuminated sights of Budapest.
From the Gothic-style Parliament building to Buda Castle, the state
buildings that line the banks are all sensationally lit up, as well
as the stunning Chain Bridge. Budapest's elegant scenery is the
perfect ending to our Danube cruise. Overnight ship.
Includes
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tour Conclusion
Europe's diverse cities and enchanting culture have paved the
course for a memorable vacation. Having tasted authentic Bavarian
beer, visited palaces and wandered through capital cities, where
history and modern life intertwine, our trip comes to a close this
morning.
After breakfast, it is time to disembark for the final time and
say goodbye to the wonderful crew of our Amadeus ship. You are free
to make your way to Budapest's airport or train station at your
leisure for your journey home.
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.
Train & Ship Information
See more details about this tour's trains and ships.
Travel the rivers in the utmost comfort and style when you
choose to stay in one of our incredible Deluxe Suites. These cabins
are larger than the others on board, at 26.4 square metres, and
come with additional touches that adds just that extra touch of
opulence.
With your first steps into your Deluxe Stateroom, the impressive
amount space is immediately apparent, with plenty of room for
luggage, clothes and souvenirs included in your 17.5 square
metres.
With your first steps into your Deluxe Stateroom, the impressive
amount space is immediately apparent, with plenty of room for
luggage, clothes and souvenirs included in your 17.5 square
metres.
We take great pride in the quality, comfort and elegance that
makes up the 16 square metres of our Classic Staterooms, which make
up the majority of our on board accommodation. And we recognise the
importance of having somewhere inviting to retire to after an
engaging day of cruising or excursions.
Deutsche Bahn, headquartered in Berlin, operates trains to all
parts of Germany and neighboring countries. The rail company offers
a range of services in different train fleets. For long-distance
journeys, Deutsche Bahn operates the Intercity Express (ICE) trains
that boast comfortable seats with adequate legroom. There's Wi-Fi
accessibility and a charging socket at every seat. The onboard
catering service makes meals, drinks and snacks available during
the journey. There are various generations of ICE trains - ICE 1,
2, 3, and 4. ICE 3 can reach a top speed of almost 190 mph. ICE 4
trains come with a family area, children's area, quiet zone and
newly modeled ergonomic seats.