Danube Rhapsody River Cruise (Passau - Passau)

Our Danube adventure begins as we arrive in Munich, where we are welcomed by our local guide before travelling to Passau.

En route, we enjoy a guided tour of this elegant riverside city, beautifully positioned at the meeting point of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers. Highlights of our tour include:

• St. Stephen's Cathedral, home to one of the world's largest cathedral organs
• The impressive Veste Oberhaus fortress overlooking the Danube
• The pilgrimage church of Mariahilf on the banks of the River Inn

Please note: If a pre-cruise hotel stay is included, transfers will be provided to your hotel on arrival and to the river cruise the following day.

This afternoon, we transfer to Passau port and board our river cruise ship for the start of our seven-night Danube Rhapsody journey.

After settling into our cabin, there's time to explore the ship's facilities before enjoying a welcome cocktail and our first dinner on board as we begin sailing along the Danube.

We wake up this morning in Emmersdorf, where we visit the magnificent Melk Abbey, one of Austria’s most celebrated Benedictine monasteries.
This remarkable Baroque masterpiece is renowned for its:

• Richly decorated church
• Elegant marble hall
• Historic library 
• Beautifully preserved abbey buildings

During our guided tour, we'll explore the abbot's chambers, the Imperial Corridor, balconies and magnificent library while learning about the abbey's fascinating history.

After lunch on board, we cruise through the beautiful Wachau Valley towards the picturesque town of Dürnstein.

Dominated by the ruins of its medieval castle, Durnstein is a delight to explore on foot:

• Wander its cobbled streets
• Browse independent shops
• Relax in a café
• Sample some sweet treats from one of its well-known chocolate shops

Later this afternoon, we continue sailing towards Vienna.

Today we arrive in the elegant city of Vienna.

Our guided sightseeing begins with a panoramic coach tour along the famous Ringstrasse, passing many of the city's grand landmarks, including:

• The State Opera House
• Parliament
• Burgtheater 
• City Hall

We then continue on foot through Vienna's historic centre, visiting highlights including:

• The Hofburg Imperial Palace
• The bustling Kohlmarkt
• The magnificent St. Stephen's Cathedral

Following our tour, we can return to the ship or spend the afternoon exploring Vienna independently before re-joining our cruise.

Spend a relaxing morning cruising along one of Europe's most beautiful waterways as we make our way towards Budapest.

Take time to unwind on board while enjoying ever-changing views of the Danube's picturesque landscapes.

After lunch, we arrive in Hungary's capital for a panoramic guided tour.

We'll discover many of Budapest's iconic landmarks, including:

• The historic Chain Bridge
• Fisherman's Bastion
• The magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building

All while learning about the city's rich history and distinctive character.

As darkness falls, enjoy another perspective of Budapest during an evening cruise, when the city's illuminated riverside landmarks create a spectacular setting.

Later, we'll enjoy a traditional folklore show hosted on board by the crew.

This morning is free to explore Budapest at your own pace. You may wish to:

• Visit the lively Central Market Hall
• Browse local produce and pick up a few souvenirs
• Enjoy more time discovering the city

Early this afternoon, we set sail once more along the Danube.
We'll make a short stop in Esztergom this evening before continuing overnight towards Bratislava.

Today we arrive in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.

Our guided walking tour introduces us to this compact and welcoming city, including St. Martin's Cathedral, once the coronation church of Hungarian kings, and Grassalkovich Palace, the official residence of the Slovak president.

Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore the beautifully restored Old Town, where highlights include:

• Michael's Gate
• The Old Town Hall
• The Opera House
• Main Square 
• Maximilian Fountain

This morning is spent relaxing on board as we continue our journey along the Danube towards Linz.

Enjoy the facilities on board while watching the scenery drift by.

After lunch, we arrive in Linz, a UNESCO City of Media Arts.

Spend free time exploring its attractive Old Town, where historic Baroque architecture sits alongside a vibrant cultural scene and beautiful riverside surroundings.

This evening, we celebrate our final night on board with a memorable Captain's Gala Dinner as we cruise back towards Passau.
 

After breakfast, we disembark our ship and travel to Munich for a guided sightseeing tour.

Highlights include:

• Nymphenburg Palace
• Königsplatz
• The Bavarian National Museum
• The Angel of Peace
• Maximilianstraße
• Maximilianeum
• The National Opera House
• The Royal Palace
• Stachus Square 
• Munich's historic medieval city gates

Following free time for lunch or some last-minute shopping, we transfer to Munich Airport with guide assistance for our return flight home.

Please note: Selected departures may include a post-cruise overnight stay in Munich. Where applicable, accommodation, transfers and airport assistance will be provided. Details will be confirmed before travel.