01904 521 936
Tour Search



River CruiseRiver Cruise

Delights of the Danube: Budapest to Passau - Fly

 
4.6 stars(48 reviews)
You are viewing the 2026 itinerary. Select your departure year
202520262027
Duration
8 days
From per person
£1,999
Tour code
DLZ26
Mobility Rating 1
View Dates & Pricing
View Dates & Pricing
Gallery
Map

A fly-cruise holiday sailing from Hungary to Germany on one of Europe's most diverse rivers, exploring culture, architecture and picturesque towns

Fly to Budapest, the 'Pearl of the Danube' for a luxurious cruise through beautiful nature and the historic cities of central Europe. Enroute, uncover quaint villages, hillside vineyards and local cuisine.

After exploring the fascinating cities of Bratislava and Vienna, marvel at the 11th-century Melk Abbey in Austria's scenic Wachau Valley. Choose to spend a day in historic Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, or explore the fairytale Czech town of Český Krumlov.

Finally, discover the German city of Passau before flying home from Munich.

Interested in this tour but haven't found a date that works for you?
You might also like our similar tour The Classic Blue Danube: Passau to Budapest!

Unforgettable experiences

Experiencing the beauty of Budapest on an evening Danube cruise
Experiencing the beauty of Budapest on an evening Danube cruise
See the sparkling Danube from a new perspective during an evening cruise, marvelling at the sight of Budapest’s illuminated buildings casting a magical glow on the river.
Enjoying a tour of elegant Vienna
Enjoying a tour of elegant Vienna
Uncover the home of the influential Habsburg empire on a tour of the Ringstrasse’s majestic architecture, viewing spectacular buildings including the Opera House and Hofburg palace.
Sailing the verdant Wachau Valley to Melk Abbey
Sailing the verdant Wachau Valley to Melk Abbey
Cruise amid the vineyards of the beautiful Wachau Valley before visiting the 11th-century Melk Abbey to bask in beautiful views across the Danube.rdant valleys and vineyards of the beautiful Wachau Valley before visiting the 11th-century Melk Abbey with beautiful 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 Sound of Music during a sightseeing tour.
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, an exploration of Slovakia’s compact capital is an enchanting experience.

Discover more amazing experiences

Explore a world of incredible destinations and travel moments, from hidden gems to iconic sights.

Budapest

Fairytale Bavaria & Delights of the Danube

13-day holiday

Explore the majestic mountains and castles of Bavaria and cruise leisurely along the delightful Danube, one of Europe's most iconic rivers.

View Cruise

Prague

Imperial Cities & Delights of the Danube

13-day holiday

Explore the historic sites of Berlin and Prague by rail before embarking on a luxury Danube river cruise through Vienna and the Wachau Valley.

View Cruise

Bratislava

Glacier Express, Austrian Alps & Danube Cruise

14-day holiday

Experience the legendary Glacier Express before embarking on a cruise, discovering the cultures and beauty along the Danube river.

View Cruise

Budapest - Passau

DAY1To Budapest where we board our luxurious ship

Your holiday begins as you fly from London Heathrow to Budapest. Our luxurious ship awaits us here, where we're greeted with a refreshing cocktail in the lounge and admire the views before our first dinner on board - accompanied by an enjoyable performance from a traditional Hungarian folklore troupe.

Once the sun begins to set, we embark on a magical night-time cruise along the Danube, taking in the illuminated sights of Budapest. From the piercing spires of the iconic neo-Gothic Parliament building to Buda's huge Baroque castle, the state buildings lining both banks are lit up, as well as the Chain Bridge. Whether you choose to relax in the cosy 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 - the perfect start to our cruise.

*If you would like to travel by rail, view our Rail & Cruise option here.

Please Note - For departure 8th September our ship will be the MS Amadeus Nova.

For departure 1st October our ship will be the MS Amadeus Star.

Includes
  • Dinner
DAY2Exploring Budapest, the ‘Pearl of the Danube’

This morning, we delve deeper into the beauty and history of Budapest that we saw illuminated last night. On a sightseeing tour of the Hungarian capital, known as 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 on the Buda hills, each site reveals the grandeur and charm of this appealing city.

There's time at leisure after lunch on board. You could explore the castle district further, pick up some souvenirs or Hungarian paprika at the Central Market Hall, or relax in one of the city's extensive parks.

Sailing upstream through the evening, 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'll have the best views as we pass the village of Visegrad, famous for its hilltop castle, and Esztergom, the former capital of Hungary.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY3Uncovering the old-world charm of Bratislava

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

Despite being a national capital, beautiful Bratislava is nicknamed the 'Little Big City' due to its compact size. On our tour, 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 the tour and lunch onboard our ship, you have free time to explore at leisure. Enjoy wandering the Old Town's charming streets, where each corner reveals delightful views, or head out of the centre to uncover iconic Soviet-era architecture, such as the inverted pyramid of the Slovak Radio building or the 12-ton stainless steel linden flower in the Union Fountain. This evening, we set sail again after dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY4Embracing the imperial majesty of Vienna

After a peaceful overnight cruise, the noble city of Vienna beckons. On arrival, we embark on a guided tour to uncover Austria's imperial heritage. With our expert guide, we make our way to the illustrious Ringstrasse boulevard. Here, we see many of Vienna's most ornate buildings including the world-renowned Opera House and the imposing Parliament.

Following the tour, there's time to explore the city at leisure. It's a delight to stroll amongst its scenic streets, marvelling 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 indulge in a slice of famous Sachertorte, a delicious Viennese cake, at one of the grand coffeehouses.

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

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY5Melk Abbey and the scenic Wachau Valley

Arriving in the riverside village of Dürnstein, there's free time to wander the charming streets and admire 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.

Back on the ship, we enjoy lunch as we set 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, specialising in Grüner Veltliner.

Docking in Emmersdorf this afternoon, we set out for a visit to Melk Abbey. 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.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY6Salzburg and the Austrian Lake District or Český Krumlov

Waking in beautiful Linz, there are two excursions to choose from after breakfast.

The first option is a day trip to Salzburg, a striking city overlooked by Hohensalzburg Fortress set high on a hill. Enroute, we stop in the Austrian Lake District for a beautiful photo opportunity before arriving in Salzburg. During a guided sightseeing 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 into Czechia to visit Český Krumlov, a small Bohemian town that looks like something straight out of a fairytale. On a tour, we explore the palatial castle, occupying an imposing position high above a bend on the Vltava river. A guided walk around the UNESCO-listed Old Town - followed by time at leisure - reveals idyllic streets and picture-perfect squares surrounded by ornately gabled Baroque houses.

We return to our ship for dinner on board and set sail for an overnight cruise into Germany.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY7Crossing the German border to Passau

Today, we conclude our relaxing cruise along the Danube. Drifting through beautiful scenery into Germany, we admire 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.

After lunch, we arrive in our final port of call, the Bavarian town of Passau. We get to know the town as we embark on a guided tour of Passau, which is known as the 'Three Rivers City' because 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.

Tonight, we enjoy our farewell gala dinner on our ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY8Homeward bound

After breakfast this morning, it's time to disembark and bid farewell to our wonderful crew.

This fly-cruise holiday has showcased the beauty of the Danube from Budapest to Passau. From natural wonders such as Danube Bend and the Wachau Valley to the famed cities and pretty villages lining its banks, the Danube has revealed the beauty of central Europe.

Transferring by coach to Munich airport, you catch your flight back to London, where your holiday comes to an end.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Travel timings in your Holiday Confirmation are provisional and are subject to change. We will confirm your travel times in your final itinerary around 10-14 days before your departure. Eurostar or Flight times will be confirmed to you approximately 30-50 days before departure.

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 holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

What’s included on the tour?

Ships

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

MS Amadeus Cara Cabin DS | Great Rail Journeys

Travel in luxury and style when you choose one of our Deluxe Suites. Our largest en-suite cabins, at 26.4 square metres, a walk-out balcony, walk-in wardrobe an river-view lounge area.

MS Amadeus Cara Cabin A1 | Great Rail Journeys

These en-suite cabins are stylish and impressively spacious at 17.5 squre metres, with a panoramic window balcony, walk-in wardrobe and seating area.

MS Amadeus Cara Cabin B1 | Great Rail Journeys

These en-suite cabins are stylish and impressively spacious at 17.5 squre metres, with a panoramic window balcony, walk-in wardrobe and seating area.

MS Amadeus Cara Cabin C1 | Great Rail Journeys

Our Classic Staterooms offer quality, and elegance with space to relax in comfort at the end of the day. And we recognise the importance of having somewhere inviting to retire to after an engaging day of cruising or excursions. These 16 square metre en-suite cabins offer a wide picture window and large walk-in wardrobe.

Enhance your holiday

UK Rail Connections

We can book UK rail tickets from your local station to and from the starting/finishing destination of your tour, such as York, London, Edinburgh, and Harrogate. Please call one of our Tour Advisors to discuss your requirements.

UK Rail Connections
Flight upgrades

Flight upgrades are available. For information regarding the types of upgrades offered by the various airlines we use, call our expert team for details.

Flight upgrades
London Hotels

Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.

Read more

We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.

London hotels

Reviews

4.6 stars4.6 / 5 · 48 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (35)
  2. 4 stars
    (8)
  3. 3 stars
    (4)
  4. 2 stars
    (1)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

June Samways

5 stars

Submitted 22/Jul

Amadeus excellent river boat, first class

from Great Rail Journeys
Hi June, Thank you for your review. I am glad you had such a wonderful time on board the MS Amadeus Imperial! Best wishes, Richard
1 comment

Collected by Trustpilot

Mrs Wigham

5 stars

Submitted 08 Sep 2024

Terrific holiday. Great guides, well planed holiday. Wonderful food. Fun staff and a thoroughly enjoyable week. I would highly recommend this holiday!

Collected by Trustpilot

Penny

5 stars

Submitted 08 Sep 2024

Beautiful river, superb ship, a lovely holiday

Collected by Trustpilot

PAULINE

5 stars

Submitted 08 Sep 2024

Fabulous trip with great daily tours. Fantastic food, great entertainment and very comfortable staterooms..All staff extremely helpful too

Collected by Trustpilot

Angela Neathey

5 stars

Submitted 06 Sep 2024

Lovely roomy cabin, great food and good company - what more could anyone want?

Collected by Trustpilot

Angela Hastings

5 stars

Submitted 04 Sep 2024

Great experience overall. The food was first class, the cabins were comfortable and the everyday housekeeping was top class. The cruise manager and her duty worked their bones off to keep us all happy and entertained. And lastly but not least the beautiful excursions were well chosen with and was well balanced.

Collected by Trustpilot

Show 6 more reviews
River Cruise Holidays 2026

Download the brochure

Experience the magic of cruising along some of Europe’s most picturesque waterways. Glide serenely along the romantic Rhine, explore the blue Danube or meander through the enchanting Douro Valley. With our river cruises, you’ll drift through beautiful landscapes and historic towns.

Download PDF Order brochure

Related inspiration from our journey blog