Cruise the Danube to Vienna and Budapest
Embark on the journey of a lifetime as you set sail from the ‘three rivers’ city of Passau, cruising through the heart of Europe. As you glide along the majestic Danube, our carefully crafted itinerary takes you to stunning ports of call, offering the chance to explore some of Europe’s most captivating destinations. From Vienna’s impressive architecture to Budapest’s rich historical landmarks, this river cruise promises an unforgettable experience.
Included Excursions
Day 1
Local departure by coach or Home Connect service, then to Belgium for an overnight stay.
Day 2
We continue to Germany for an overnight stay.
Day 3
Passau to Durnstein
Today, we travel to Passau, the ‘three rivers city,’ where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers converge. After boarding our ship, relax and enjoy a peaceful evening as we set sail towards Dürnstein.
Day 4
Durnstein to Vienna
We arrive in Dürnstein this morning, nestled among Austria’s renowned vineyards and dominated by the ruins of the castle that once held Richard the Lionheart. Take time at leisure to wander the charming cobbled streets, explore the picturesque courtyards, and admire the 16th-century houses.
After lunch on board, relax as we cruise towards Vienna, arriving in the early evening.
Day 5
Vienna to Budapest
Today, discover the delights of Vienna, a World Heritage Site, with its grand palaces, Baroque castles, stunning squares, and iconic monuments. Our ship docks just a short distance from the city center, giving you plenty of free time to explore at your leisure.
Alternatively, join our optional city tour in the morning to see the highlights of the capital. In the afternoon, why not join our optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace and explore its rich history and opulent interiors, including 1,441 rooms?
In the early evening, we set sail for Budapest.
Optional Vienna City Tour (£20pp)
Optional Schönbrunn Palace excursion (£15pp)
Day 6
Budapest
We arrive in Budapest this morning and dock just a short distance from the city center. After lunch on board, take the opportunity to join our optional guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city.
Explore both sides of the Hungarian capital, divided by the Danube River—historic Buda and cosmopolitan Pest—while discovering famous landmarks like the Royal Palace, Fishermen’s Bastion, Parliament Building, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Heroes’ Square, and the Chain Bridge.
Alternatively, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace before returning to the ship for a relaxing dinner.
In the evening, consider joining our optional excursion to experience Budapest by night, including a traditional folklore show.
Optional Budapest Guided Tour (£22pp)
Optional Budapest by Night excursion (£15pp)
Day 7
Budapest to Bratislava
Spend the morning at your leisure in Budapest, with free time to explore the city at your own pace.
Alternatively, join our optional excursion to Lajosmizse, where we visit a traditional stud farm. Enjoy a guided tour of the grounds by horse-drawn carriage, followed by a thrilling Puszta horse show.
Afterward, we return to the ship for lunch and continue our journey towards Bratislava this afternoon.
Optional Lajosmizse excursion (£15pp)
Day 8
Bratislava to Melk
We arrive in Bratislava this morning.
Join our optional walking tour with a local guide to discover the highlights of this historic capital, including the impressive castle and unique suspension bridge. We’ll also enjoy a taste of ‘Makovka’, a sweet white chocolate filled with poppy seeds.
After lunch on board, you’ll have free time to explore Bratislava at your own pace before we set sail towards Melk in the evening.
Optional Bratislava Guided Tour (£22pp)
Day 9
Melk to Passau
This morning, we arrive in the charming town of Melk, located in the scenic Wachau Valley.
Join our optional excursion to visit the Benedictine Abbey, one of Austria’s most renowned monastic sites, which has been home to monks for over 900 years.
Relax on board for the rest of the day as we cruise towards Passau.
Optional Melk Abbey excursion (£15pp)
Day 10
Passau to Austria
This morning we arrive in Passau, where we will disembark our cruise ship. We will continue by coach into the Austrian Tyrol for a three-night stay.
Day 11
Krimml Falls and Kitzbuhel
Join our optional excursion to the stunning Krimml Falls, followed by a visit to the world-famous resort town of Kitzbühel.
Optional Krimml Falls and Kitzbuhel excursion (£15pp)
Day 12
Innsbruck
Join us for an optional excursion to explore the stunning Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol and Austria’s fifth-largest city.
Alternatively, opt for a combined excursion that includes a ride on the Nordkettenbahnen, taking you from the city centre to the mountain terrain. Travel to the Hungerburg mountain station for panoramic views of the city, then continue by cable car to the Seegrube restaurant for an unforgettable experience.
Optional Innsbruck excursion (£15pp)
Optional Innsbruck and Nordkettenbahnen Station excursion (£22pp)
Day 13
Travel to Belgium for an overnight stay.
Day 14
Return home.
Accommodation Options
Departures
Duration | Departure Date | Hotel | Price per Person | Single Supplement | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
13 nights |
01/09/2025 | MS Serenade 1 | £2149 | £559 | |
13 nights |
08/09/2025 | MS Serenade 1 | £2149 | £559 | |
13 nights |
24/08/2026 | MS Serenade 1 | £2079 | £559 | |
13 nights |
31/08/2026 | MS Serenade 1 | £2129 | £559 | |
13 nights |
07/09/2026 | MS Serenade 1 | £2149 | £559 | |
13 nights |
14/09/2026 | MS Serenade 1 | £2149 | £559 | |
13 nights |
21/09/2026 | MS Serenade 1 | £2149 | £559 |
Important note: For operational reasons, we may occasionally need to use feeder vehicles to fulfil our tours. Similarly for operational reasons, it may be necessary to change your pickup point from your selected pickup point, but we will always notify you of these changes before you depart. Terms & Conditions apply.
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