Danube Cruise – our classic!

From the Three Rivers City of Passau to the splendid city of Budapest and back: On this route, you will experience the several thousand years of cultural history of Europe up close. Traveling from Germany through Austria and Slovakia to Hungary, you will explore world-famous capitals such as Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava along the way. And while you walk in the footsteps of the once-glorious Austro-Hungarian monarchy, you will simultaneously experience the romantic Danube landscape at its most beautiful.

Day 1 | Arrival in Passau – Embarkation

Bus journey to Passau and embarkation. At around 6:00 PM, it’s time to “cast off.” While you navigate the “Schlögener Schlinge,” you will be welcomed by the cruise director.

Day 2 | Krems

Begin your discovery journey in the picturesque Wachau in the town of Dürnstein. During a tour, explore the traditional architecture, the baroque abbey with its famous blue tower, and the most renowned wine village in the region. Afterwards, we invite you to enjoy a glass of wine before your bus heads to Krems. In Krems, you will start a tour at the historic Steiner Tor from the 15th century, the city’s landmark. Afterwards, you can explore the pedestrian zone and shopping street, shop, or relax with a coffee.

Day 3 | Budapest

By noon, you will arrive in Budapest, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, which has preserved its unique charm through loving restorations in recent years. The majestic Danube flows right through the heart of the city, dividing it into the vibrant districts of Buda and Pest. Your tour begins in Pest, where you will pass by the impressive Great Market Hall, filled with delicious gourmet stalls and lively stands. Admire the magnificent baroque buildings such as the Hungarian State Opera in elegant neo-Renaissance style and the world-famous Parliament building, which has been the symbol of Budapest since 1904. At Heroes' Square, known for its impressive monuments of Hungarian kings, you will make a photo stop to capture unforgettable moments. Then, you will cross one of the seven bridges of the city and reach the picturesque district of Buda. Here, a visit to the Castle Hill awaits you, where you can admire the splendid Matthias Church and the famous Fisherman's Bastion (if open for visits). Enjoy the breathtaking view of the sparkling city before heading back to the ship. In the evening, a light cruise awaits you, accompanied by a folklore show on board.

Day 4 | Budapest – Esztergom

In the afternoon, you will embark on an excursion from Budapest to discover the fascinating cities of Szentendre and Esztergom. You will start your excursion in Szentendre, a charming artists' village just a few kilometers from Budapest. The picturesque town is known for its vibrant art scene, museums, and galleries, including the famous Margit Kovács Museum. The main square Foetér, surrounded by baroque and rococo buildings, invites you to stroll and linger. After a relaxed tour, you will continue to Esztergom, the old residence city of the Hungarian kings and the seat of the archbishop. Here, you will find the impressive basilica, the largest church in Hungary, with its magnificent architecture and fascinating history. Afterwards, you will return to the ship in Esztergom.

Day 5 | Bratislava – Vienna

This morning, you will get to know the capital of the relatively young Slovak Republic. The old town has largely preserved its Gothic-baroque style, which underscores the charm of the city. Your tour will take you past St. Martin's Cathedral and the Grassalkovich Palace, finally ascending to the castle hill, from where you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the city and the surrounding landscape. Afterwards, a guided walk through the historic city center awaits you, where you will discover numerous Renaissance townhouses, baroque palaces, and squares. Along the way, you will pass the oldest university in the country, the Michaeler Gate, as well as the Old Town Hall, the Maximilian Fountain, and the Opera.

Day 6 | Vienna

For centuries, Vienna was the imperial capital and residence of the Habsburgs and developed into a cultural and political center of Europe during this time. You will drive along the famous Ringstraße, past various magnificent buildings such as the State Opera, the Parliament, and the Burgtheater. You will also pass Vienna's impressive City Hall. During a subsequent tour through the city center, you will get to know Vienna in depth. Through the famous Hofburg, the former imperial residence, you will stroll along Kohlmarkt and Graben to the city’s landmark, St. Stephen's Cathedral. Afterwards, there will still be time for a stroll through the pedestrian zone.

Day 7 | Emmersdorf

Today, you will visit the Benedictine Abbey of Melk, one of the most famous monasteries in the world and the largest monastery complex of Austrian Baroque. The Abbey of Melk was built between 1702 and 1736. Particularly noteworthy are the abbey church with frescoes by Johann Michael Rottmayr and the impressive library with its countless medieval manuscripts and frescoes by Paul Troger. During a guided tour, you will see the rooms of the prelature, the Emperor's corridor, the Marble Hall, and the library. Back on board, you can enjoy the last stretch of this journey back to Passau. In the evening, you are invited to a captain's gala dinner.

Day 8 | Passau – Departure

After breakfast, disembarkation takes place, and our bus awaits you for your journey home.

(All time indications are provisional and always subject to changes due to high or low water, altered lock times, and other unforeseen events.)

• Transfer trips in a modern coach
• Cruise as described
• 7x overnight stays in the booked
  cabin category
• 7x full board: breakfast buffet,
  lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, midnight snack (starts with
  dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8)
• Beverage package for lunch and dinner including a selection of non-alcoholic
  drinks, quality wine, draft beer,
  filter coffee, and tea
• Welcome cocktail
• Welcome dinner and gala dinner
• Illuminated boat trip in Budapest with folklore show
• German-speaking onboard tour guide
• Free participation in the
  onboard entertainment program and use of all onboard facilities
• All port, lock, embarkation, and
  disembarkation fees
• Luggage transportation from ship dock to
  cabin and back
• Modern "Quietvox" audio system on
  all shore excursions

Cabin for single use on request

• Guided tours of Krems and Dürnstein with wine tasting
• Budapest – Queen of the Danube
• Szentendre & Esztergom
• Bratislava, Coronation City of Slovakia
• Vienna, Imperial Residence City
• Melk Abbey – the Baroque World Heritage Site

The ship has 4 decks with 72 cabins and 12 suites. All of these, located on the outside, have a modern design. It is no coincidence that the room concept of SILVER by AMADEUS has been awarded multiple times. The suites feature a walk-in balcony and a particularly spacious bathroom. Of course, you also have the best views of the river landscape from the expansive sun deck, the glass-protected outdoor lounge "River Terrace", the panorama bar, and the panorama restaurant, where you will also be spoiled with first-class cuisine.