Romantic Danube

EMBARKATION – VILSHOFEN. Board your cruise ship in Vilshofen to begin your Romantic Danube cruise.

This afternoon, you’ll take part in an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration with traditional beer and Bavarian folk music and dancing.

Passau is a German city located in the Southeast of Germany on the Austrian border. It is situated at the confluence of the rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz. The Three Rivers City, as it’s also known, is unique for its three contrasting currents of blue, green and black. Old Town of Passau is home to towering buildings of striking architecture: the majestic fortress Veste Oberhaus, the Pilgrimage Church Mariahilf and St Stephen's Cathedral. Many of Passau’s attractions can be found in this area, including the New Bishop’s Residence, the Gothic Town Hall, as well as many churches and museums. Visitors can stroll along the riverfront promenades and romantic lanes whilst enjoying the picturesque landscape. For modern art, The Museum of Modern Art and Glass Museum Passau are recommended as they offer something a bit different. Theatre and cabaret are a popular evening pastime, with performances at the former Prince Bishopric Theatre or some lively cabaret and Jazz at the Scharfrichterhaus. Visitors will also find many traditional local Bavarian and Austrian cafes and restaurants offering a cosy atmosphere with home cooked food from local produce.

PASSAU. Cruise to Passau, known as the “City of Three Rivers” where you’ll have the option to join a guided walking tour in the city; hike into the hills for a visit to the “Veste Oberhaus,” Passau’s Castle Hill; or take part in a River Inn bike tour.

Linz is a city in northern Austria located on both banks of the Danube River and is a short distance from Salzburg and Vienna. Linz has been awarded UNESCO City of Media Arts status and prides itself on offering a broad spectrum of events, activities and cultural institutions. Enjoy popular open air concert such as Klassik am Dom and extravagant street performances, which attract large crowds and popular international artists. Art galleries and centres are in abundance around the city as well as many museums housing international collections and depictions of the history and heritage of Linz. The architecture of the city also plays an important role in Linz’s cultural heritage with Main Square, Old Town and Mariendom Cathedral being some key attractions. Families will enjoy a trip to Postlingberg, located high up in the mountains and featuring a zoo, the Grottenbahn and spectacular views of the river and city below.

LINZ, AUSTRIA. Arrive in Linz where you’ll have the option to choose from several activities. Choose to spend a full-day in nearby Salzburg, Austria on a tour that will take you through the city’s historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. Or, opt for a full-day excursion to the charming Czech mountain town of Český Krumlov, where you’ll stroll its cobblestoned streets and admire views of Baroque and Renaissance buildings, followed by a tour of Krumlov Castle. 

After these full-day tours, a brief walking tour in Linz is also available. 

For those who choose not to join a full day excursion, spend your morning on a walking tour through Linz’s old city center and past the Mozart House OR a guided bike ride along the “Cultural Mile” and the Danube. In the afternoon, join a guided whiskey distillery tour.

Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria. Located on the Danube River in the East of the country, the city is renowned for its strong music heritage and rich culture, and is the largest German speaking city in the world, outside of Berlin. In 2001, Vienna was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts magnificent architecture. The city is home to over 27 castles and 150 palaces including the symbolic Gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral and the iconic Schönbrunn Palace. Art and music are in abundance and all tastes are catered for. Live music venues offer everything from Rock to Opera. Enjoy world class performances at Vienna State Opera and experience the epicentre of international concert life at Musikverein. Modern and historical art can be found in indoor and outdoor spaces around the city, and a visit to the famous Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) is highly recommended. Enjoy views of the city from the Danube Tower and the Giant Ferris Wheel, then relax in the ample cosy coffee houses, cafes, bars and restaurants where traditional and international cuisines are served, as well as the locally produced wines.

VIENNA. Spend your morning on a walking tour of Vienna’s most notable sites, including the Opera House, the former Imperial Palace, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, ending in the historic city center. Alternatively, join a guided bike tour of the city’s attractions.

Spend the afternoon at your leisure, either continuing to explore the city or back at the ship relaxing on board.

Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria. Located on the Danube River in the East of the country, the city is renowned for its strong music heritage and rich culture, and is the largest German speaking city in the world, outside of Berlin. In 2001, Vienna was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts magnificent architecture. The city is home to over 27 castles and 150 palaces including the symbolic Gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral and the iconic Schönbrunn Palace. Art and music are in abundance and all tastes are catered for. Live music venues offer everything from Rock to Opera. Enjoy world class performances at Vienna State Opera and experience the epicentre of international concert life at Musikverein. Modern and historical art can be found in indoor and outdoor spaces around the city, and a visit to the famous Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) is highly recommended. Enjoy views of the city from the Danube Tower and the Giant Ferris Wheel, then relax in the ample cosy coffee houses, cafes, bars and restaurants where traditional and international cuisines are served, as well as the locally produced wines.

VIENNA. After arriving in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, you’ll have three activities to choose from. History buffs will enjoy learning about the country’s history during the “Coronation City of Kings” walking tour, while foodies can eat their way through the city on a “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For a more active adventure, hike to Bratislava Castle where you can enjoy sweeping views of the city.

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located over the River Danube. It is one of the largest cities in the European Union and much of its historical sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Originally formed in 1873 by the joining of Buda, Pest and Old Buda, the city suffered heavy destruction during World War II and was rebuilt into the country's political, cultural and commercial hub it is now. Bridges and railways connect the city over the Danube, including the six small islands situated on the river themselves. Some of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites include Chain Bridge, Budapest Parliament, the striking Matthias church and the iconic Royal Palace visible from every location within Budapest City. The Castle Hills district architecture represents over a thousand years of the city's history with examples of Roman, Turkish, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. Budapest also has a rich Jewish heritage and is home to the largest synagogue in Europe. The city has an abundance of restaurants offering international cuisines, as well as traditional Hungarian dishes ,including goulash soup, a very popular lunchtime dish. Hungarians enjoy their coffee so a traditional cafe is never hard to find.

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Explore both sides of Budapest. Begin on the Buda side with a guided tour of the Castle District, including Fisherman’s Bastion, a panoramic viewpoint, and Matthias Church. Or, for a more active option, you can join a guided hike to Castle Hill. 

 Your guided tour will take you past the Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square, and the “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial.

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located over the River Danube. It is one of the largest cities in the European Union and much of its historical sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Originally formed in 1873 by the joining of Buda, Pest and Old Buda, the city suffered heavy destruction during World War II and was rebuilt into the country's political, cultural and commercial hub it is now. Bridges and railways connect the city over the Danube, including the six small islands situated on the river themselves. Some of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites include Chain Bridge, Budapest Parliament, the striking Matthias church and the iconic Royal Palace visible from every location within Budapest City. The Castle Hills district architecture represents over a thousand years of the city's history with examples of Roman, Turkish, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. Budapest also has a rich Jewish heritage and is home to the largest synagogue in Europe. The city has an abundance of restaurants offering international cuisines, as well as traditional Hungarian dishes ,including goulash soup, a very popular lunchtime dish. Hungarians enjoy their coffee so a traditional cafe is never hard to find.

BUDAPEST – DISEMBARKATION. After a leisurely breakfast on board, you’ll disembark in Budapest and prepare for your flight home. Or, if you’ve opted to extend your trip with a stay in Budapest, our team will assist you with transfers to your hotel.