The Beautiful Blue Danube

Your elegant Danube cruise vacation begins in the Bavarian city of Munich. On arrival, make your way to the airport's train station between Terminals 1 and 2, and using your Bayern Pass flexible ticket, board the train to the pretty border town of Passau in southern Germany.

Transfer independently from the railway station to the banks of the Danube, where our luxurious Amadeus ship awaits boarding. You are greeted on board by the friendly crew and can enjoy a welcome cocktail while taking in the waterside views from the lounge. After settling into your cabin and familiarizing yourself with the ship's facilities and amenities, meet the Tour Manager and your travel group, and together, we indulge in our first five-course dinner of our cruise in the ship's restaurant. Overnight ship.

• Dinner

Docking in Emmersdorf this morning, we set out for a visit to Melk Abbey after breakfast. This 11th-century Benedictine abbey stands atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. On our guided tour, we see the abbey's church, one of the most beautiful Baroque churches north of the Alps.

Back on the ship, we enjoy lunch while sailing through the picturesque Wachau Valley - truly a highlight of the Danube. This scenic area of valleys and pretty towns is one of Austria's most famous wine-making regions, specializing in Grüner Veltliner. Arriving in Dürnstein, you have free time to sample the local produce or wander the charming streets, admiring its powder blue Baroque church tower. Dürnstein is also home to the hilltop castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned during the 12th century, and we get a great view of it from the riverside.

After dinner on the ship, we sail into Vienna. On arrival, a treat awaits us in the lounge as we are joined by four previous members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra who perform well-known classical pieces. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The noble city of Vienna beckons today as we embark on a guided tour to uncover Austria's imperial heritage. With our expert guide, we make our way to the illustrious Ringstrasse, where we see many of Vienna's most ornate buildings, including the world-renowned Opera House and the imposing Parliament.

As the tour ends, you have time to explore the city at leisure. It is a delight to stroll amongst its scenic streets, marveling at St. Stephen's Cathedral or entering one of the countless museums and galleries that bring the city's history to life. Listen for the clip-clop of horses hauling elegant carriages as you wander through Vienna's historic streets, with each corner revealing the city's beauty. You may choose to ride the Ferris wheel in Prater Gardens or visit Schönbrunn Palace, once the summer residence of the ruling Habsburg family. After exploring, you could visit a grand coffeehouse to indulge in a slice of Sachertorte, a famous and delicious Viennese cake.

During dinner this evening, we begin our overnight cruise toward Budapest. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arriving in Budapest after breakfast, we are introduced to the city's beauty and history on a sightseeing tour of the Hungarian capital, the "Pearl of the Danube."

We explore its impressive buildings and monuments. From Heroes Square, the State Opera House and St. Stephen's Basilica on the flatter Pest side, to Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion in the Buda hills, each site reveals the grandeur and charm of this appealing city.

After dinner on board this evening, we enjoy the enchanting ambiance of a traditional Hungarian Folklore troupe before a highlight of our cruise. A nighttime cruise along the Danube reveals the incredible illuminated sights of Budapest. From the piercing spires of the neo-Gothic Parliament building to Buda's Baroque castle, the state buildings lining both banks are lit up, as well as the Chain Bridge. Whether you choose to relax in the lounge or take in the panoramic views from the sun deck, this is the best way to see this beautiful city as the flickering lights cast a magical glow across the Danube. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A morning at leisure in Budapest provides opportunities to uncover the city further.

You could explore the castle district, pick up some souvenirs or paprika at the Central Market Hall, or immerse yourself in history at one of Budapest's fascinating museums. Alternatively, unwind with a morning visit to one of the city's famous spas, including the Gellért thermal baths in an Art Deco building beside the river or the ornate Széchenyi baths in the expansive City Park.

Sailing upstream after lunch, we navigate 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 have the best views as we pass the village of Visegrad, famous for its hilltop castle, and Esztergom, the former capital of Hungary. Continuing overnight, our route follows the Danube as it provides the natural border between Hungary and Slovakia. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Making our way to Slovakia's capital, we are welcomed by views of Bratislava Castle's gleaming white walls.

Despite being the national capital, Bratislava is nicknamed the "Little Big City" due to its compact size. Wandering the charming streets, where each corner reveals delightful new views, we admire attractive squares, idyllic streets, grand palaces and historic churches. Keep an eye out for some of Bratislava's quirky statues, including a sculpture commemorating Schöne Náci, an eccentric local character, and Čumil, a subterranean worker peeking out of a manhole. From the hilltop castle, soak up views across the terracotta roofs of the Old Town and the SNP Bridge - also known as the UFO bridge because of its futuristic design.

After lunch, we set sail back to Austria, enjoying views of forested hills occasionally topped with romantic castle ruins. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a relaxed morning of cruising, we arrive in Linz this afternoon for a guided tour. This city blends historic and modern architectural styles. The focal point of life in Linz is the Hauptmarkt, one of the largest main squares in Austria. Wandering the charming lanes of Old Town reveals timeless scenes and impressive churches, while its 14th-century castle now houses a museum.

The rest of our day is at leisure, and you can experience the welcoming atmosphere of this vibrant city at your own pace. With a mix of traditional Austrian elegance and a booming cultural scene, you could spot public art installations or venture into renowned modern galleries.

Back on our ship this evening, we enjoy our farewell gala dinner as we begin our final cruise toward Passau. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This cruise vacation has showcased the beauty of the Danube from Passau to Budapest and back. From natural wonders such as the Wachau Valley and Danube Bend to the elegant cities and pretty villages lining its banks, this river has revealed the treasures of central Europe. We have explored iconic locations in Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava and Linz, and also been treated to authentic musical performances as we embraced the history and culture of the Danube.

After breakfast this morning, it is time to say goodbye to our crew and disembark for the final time. Your Danube River cruise comes to an end as you transfer independently to Passau's railway station and use your Bayern pass flexible ticket to travel to Munich, where the journey concludes.

• Breakfast