Classical Danube Passau to Budapest

This afternoon, embark and settle in your cabin. This evening, meet fellow travelers at a Welcome Cocktail, followed by a beautifully prepared Welcome Dinner.

This morning, your vessel arrives in one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. On the morning tour, immerse yourself in the historic atmosphere of the town, which boasts architecture from many different centuries and a 12th century bridge. In the afternoon, choose between a visit to the 600-year-old Weltenburg Abbey, which is situated on the banks of the Danube and houses the oldest monastic brewery in the world, and a trip to the 18th century Thurn and Taxis Palace with beer tasting at their traditional brewery. This evening, enjoy a special Bavarian theme on board with regional delicacies and live music.

The vessel returns this morning for a short stop at the three-rivers city of Passau, lying at the confluence of the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz. In the morning, take a guided walking excursion. At St. Stephen’s Cathedral, see an organ with 17,774 pipes and 233 registers, the second largest in the world. Passau is also the starting point for the full day excursion to Salzburg with lunch at a local restaurant. For those remaining on board, relax on the Sun Deck and take in the scenery as the vessel moves toward its late afternoon visit to Linz. Join the walking tour and stroll on streets squares boasting unique churches, concert venues, and plenty of artists who come to the city to thrive. Before returning to the vessel, sample perhaps the famous Linzer Torte.

Set on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube, the Baroque Benedictine abbey of Melk awaits you this morning with its frescoes created by pre-eminent artists of the 18th century, and a magnificent library with priceless manuscripts. During lunch on board, the ship continues to Dürnstein, a picturesque wine growers’ village located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Wachau Valley. Explore the village with a local guide or choose an excursion to a local vineyard to sample some of the region’s famous Grüner Veltliner wines. The ship arrives in Vienna later this evening and remains overnight.

There is much to see in Vienna: its imperial palaces, the Museum Quarter displaying works by Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt and other artists, the impressive buildings along the “Ringstrasse“, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the famous Vienna State Opera among many others. This afternoon, perhaps venture to Schönbrunn Palace, the sumptuous summer palace and gardens of Empress Maria Theresia and the Habsburg Empire. Cap off your Vienna experience with a “Sound of Vienna“ concert in a local hall. Listen to the “Alt Vienna“ orchestra play popular pieces from Vienna’s classical era. The vessel remains in Vienna until late this evening when it departs for Bratislava.

Wake up this morning in Bratislava, a jewel on the Danube and the capital of Slovakia. Explore the city on your own or with a guided optional tour through the city. See the home of the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, the old city walls, the summer residence of the archbishop and the current residence of the president of Slovakia. This afternoon you can choose to travel outside the city to the Schloss Hof Palace and Estate — the Imperial country estate of the Habsburgs acquired by the Empress Maria Theresa.

Relax on board as the vessel makes its way to Budapest, Hungary. For those interested in exploring the Hungarian countryside, the optional excursion departs in Esztergom, with its basilica dedicated to Saint Mary, and continues to Szentendre, known for its art galleries and museums. Rejoin your vessel after it docks in Budapest in time for lunch. This afternoon, explore the fantastic Hungarian capital of Budapest on a panoramic tour. The unique Chain Bridge straddles the Danube, connecting the Buda side and its Fisherman’s Bastion, with the Pest side and its iconic Hungarian Parliament building.
On your last evening on board, the festive Captain‘s Gala Dinner and a lights cruise through the magnificently illuminated metropolis, accompanied by a spirited folklore performance, await you.

After breakfast, the entire AMADEUS crew bids you farewell and wishes you a safe journey home. We hope to welcome you again soon!