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The Classic Blue Danube Cruise

 
4.6 stars(16 reviews)
You are viewing the 2027 itinerary. Select your departure year
20262027
Duration
8 days
From per person
$1,995 $1,795
Tour code
DDZ27
Mobility Rating 1
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Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager
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Relax on a stunning cruise vacation along one of Europe's most diverse rivers, admiring the Danube's natural beauty and the elegant cities lining its banks

Uncover the beauty and culture of up to five countries as you set out on a luxurious cruise down the "Blue" Danube River in central Europe.

Delve into the rich history of the Ottoman and Habsburg Empires, and wander among inspiring architecture in Budapest and Vienna. Sail through the beautiful Wachau Valley, visiting Dürnstein and historic Melk Abbey. Arriving in the Slovakian capital of Bratislava, uncover the city's hidden treasures before gliding along the Danube Bend.

This tour concludes with an evening cruise, taking in the illuminated sights of Budapest.

Unforgettable Experiences

Experiencing Budapest on an illuminated evening Danube cruise
Experiencing Budapest on an illuminated evening Danube cruise
See the sparkling Danube from a new perspective during an evening cruise, marveling at the sight of Budapest’s illuminated buildings casting a magical glow on the river.
Enjoying a tour of the elegant city of Vienna
Enjoying a tour of the elegant city of Vienna
Uncover the home of the influential Habsburg Empire on a tour of the Ringstrasse’s architecture, viewing spectacular buildings, including the Opera House and Hofburg Palace.
Sailing the Wachau Valley to Melk Abbey
Sailing the Wachau Valley to Melk Abbey
Cruise amid the vineyards of Austria’s UNESCO World Heritage Wachau Valley before visiting the 11th-century Melk Abbey, basking in panoramic views across the Danube.
Discovering cultural Salzburg on a guided tour
Discovering cultural Salzburg on a guided tour
Get to know the hometown of world-famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the setting for the popular film "The Sound of Music" during a sightseeing tour of Baroque Salzburg.
Uncovering the charm of beautiful Bratislava
Uncovering the charm of beautiful Bratislava
With idyllic streets lined by ornate Baroque buildings and dotted with quirky statues, Slovakia’s compact capital is an enchanting place to experience on a guided tour.

What’s included on the tour?

Itinerary

DAY1To Passau where we board our luxurious ship

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.

Includes
  • Dinner
DAY2Sailing through enchanting landscapes to Linz

After breakfast this morning, we set out on a guided tour of Passau, a lesser-known gem of Bavaria. Dubbed the "Three Rivers City," it sits at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz Rivers. The delightful Old Town is filled with Baroque architecture, including St. Stephen's Cathedral, and lies in the shadow of the Veste Oberhaus, a 13th-century hilltop fortress.

Back on the ship in time for lunch, we begin our relaxing cruise along the Danube. Drifting through beautiful scenery into Austria, we get our first sight of rising hills covered with vineyards and orchards. The ever-changing landscapes create a picturesque backdrop, occasionally revealing charming villages, medieval castles and centuries-old monasteries that cling to the hilltops.

Our destination today is the Austrian city of Linz, where we arrive this evening and moor for the night. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY3Salzburg & the Austrian Lake District or Český Krumlov

Waking in Linz, there are two excursions to choose from after breakfast. The first is a day trip to Salzburg, a striking city overlooked by hilltop Hohensalzburg Fortress. En route, we stop in the Austrian Lake District for a photo opportunity before arriving in Salzburg. During a guided tour, we explore Getreidegasse, the street on which 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 can admire on our explorations.

Alternatively, join an excursion to Český Krumlov, a small Czech town that looks like something straight out of a fairytale. On a tour, we explore the palatial castle, perched high above a bend on the Vltava River, and soak up the views from the Cloak Bridge. A guided walk around the UNESCO-listed Old Town, followed by time at leisure, reveals picture-perfect squares and idyllic cobbled streets, many hiding a surprising history.

We return to our ship for dinner and set sail for an overnight cruise further into Austria. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY4Melk Abbey & the scenic Wachau Valley

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 as we sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley - truly a highlight of the Danube. This scenic area of green valleys and vineyards is dotted with attractive riverside towns and commanding fortresses. It is also one of Austria's most famous wine-making regions, specializing in Grüner Veltliner.

Arriving in the riverside village of Dürnstein, we 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, we continue sailing toward Vienna. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY5Embracing the imperial majesty of Vienna

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. Here, we see many of Vienna's most ornate buildings, including the world-renowned Opera House and the imposing Parliament.

After the tour, you have some time to explore the city at leisure. It is a delight to stroll amongst its scenic streets, marveling at the striking St. Stephen's Cathedral or entering one of the countless museums and galleries that bring the city's history to life. You may choose to visit Schönbrunn Palace, once the summer residence of the ruling Habsburg family, or have a seat at a grand coffeehouse to indulge in a slice of Sachertorte, a famous and delicious Viennese cake.

Tonight, a real treat awaits us in the lounge, as we are joined by four previous members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra who whisk us away with their performances of well-known classical pieces. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY6Uncovering the old-world charm of Bratislava

After a relaxed overnight sailing, we make our way to Slovakia's capital and are welcomed by views of Bratislava Castle's gleaming white walls. Arriving this morning, we set out on a guided tour of the Baroque old town and castle district.

Despite being a 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.

Later this afternoon, we continue downstream to Esztergom, the former capital of Hungary until the mid-13th century, where we berth for the night. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY7To Budapest, the ‘Pearl of the Danube’

As we sail onward this morning, we navigate the scenic Danube Bend, passing the village of Visegrad and its striking hilltop castle.

Arriving in Budapest, we get an overview of the "Pearl of the Danube" during a visit to Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion on the Buda side of the city, enjoying incredible views. After lunch onboard, we continue our explorations in Pest, admiring impressive landmarks, including the State Opera House and St. Stephen's Basilica. A performance by a traditional Hungarian folklore troupe accompanies dinner onboard this evening.

Afterward, we embark on a nighttime cruise along the Danube, taking in the 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 lights cast a magical glow across the Danube - the perfect ending to our cruise. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY8Traveling home

This cruise vacation has showcased the beauty of the Danube from Passau to Budapest. As we sailed in five-star luxury, we enjoyed views of natural wonders, such as the Wachau Valley and Danube Bend, with pretty villages lining the river's banks. In its iconic cities such as Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest, we have uncovered imperial history and grand landmarks. Throughout this cruise from Bavaria to Hungary, the spectacular Danube has revealed the treasures of central Europe.

After breakfast this morning, it is time to say goodbye to our crew and disembark for the final time and begin your travels home.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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. Please reference our Mobility Ratings Information, and if you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-877-929-7245.

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Ships

More information on the different ships that are used on this tour.

Find out more
MS Amadeus Riva Cabin DS | Vacations by Rail
Deluxe Suites - Upper Deck

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.

Find out more
MS Amadeus Riva Cabin A1 | Vacations by Rail
Deluxe Stateroom - Upper Deck

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.

Find out more
MS Amadeus Riva Cabin B1 | Vacations by Rail
Deluxe Stateroom - Middle Deck

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.

Find out more
MS Amadeus Riva Cabin C1 | Vacations by Rail
Classic Stateroom - Lower Deck

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.

Find out more

Enhance your holiday

Extend your stay

Many of our guests choose to spend additional nights before or after their trip. Vacations By Rail would be happy to make hotel arrangements for you.

Reviews

4.6 stars4.6 / 5 · 16 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (12)
  2. 4 stars
    (2)
  3. 3 stars
    (2)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

Mr Derek Pottenger

5 stars

Submitted 13 Sep 2024

The Amadeus Imperial is clearly a 5 star ship and the cruise was a very relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable experience. The trip was exceptionally well curated and managed by the two cruise directors/managers Kate and Linda.

Collected by Trustpilot

Steele Stewart

5 stars

Submitted 04 Sep 2024

Everything was wonderful. Great value for the money.

Collected by Trustpilot

Katheryn Carlin

5 stars

Submitted 28 Aug 2024

Very good service and wonderful people handling everything.

Collected by Trustpilot

Margaret Deans

5 stars

Submitted 28 Aug 2024

Clean, modern ship with spacious mid-level cabins. Friendly, bilingual staff. Excellent menus and service. Comprehensive tours.

Collected by Trustpilot

Margaret Deans
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Maureen O'Tallaghan Shcoll

5 stars

Submitted 27 Aug 2024

Pleasantly surprised on the quality of the ship, crew and food

Collected by Trustpilot

pb

5 stars

Submitted 27 Aug 2024

Absolutely delightful from the very beginning! Our Tour Directors Kate and Linda made it the most delightful holiday! Always available! To answer questions and provide assistance ... Do they ever sleep? And Captain Tom and his Staff simply could not be better hosts! This was a most wonderful holiday! Much more than expected, actually. Of course, the Danube offered exquisite views!

Collected by Trustpilot

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