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Delights of the Danube (Rail & Cruise)

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Experience the magic of the blue Danube

9 days From £1,695 per person
Operated by our sister company Great Rail Journeys

2023 Tour code: DLR23

About the tour

Aboard the state of the art Amadeus Queen, which comes replete with its own swimming pool, experience the magic of the blue Danube from the elegance of Imperial Vienna, to the twin-cities of Buda and Pest. This tour is operated by our sister company Great Rail Journeys.

Highlights

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - London to Wurzburg

Begin today at London St Pancras*, where you'll meet your Tour Manager as well of the rest of your group, to start your journey to Europe. Board the Eurostar travelling to Brussels, then change for the service to Wurzburg, via Cologne.

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

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - Budapest

We make the short walk to Nuremberg station for our train to Budapest, travelling via Vienna. Arriving in Budapest, we meet your Amadeus ship where we are welcomed with a cocktail in the lounge before dinner. Perhaps take some time to relax with your feet up, and to refresh after your journey. Later take in the illuminated sights as we sail around the city on a memorable night cruise.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Discovering Budapest

This morning we enjoy a guided coach and walking tour, introducing us to Budapest's main sights. We pass impressive buildings and monuments on both sides of the Danube, including the neo-Gothic Parliament building, the magnificent State Opera House and St Stephen's Basilica, Budapest Castle, Matthias Church and Fishermen's Bastion.

We return to the ship for lunch, after which you have some free time before we begin cruising to Bratislava, passing through the splendid Danube Bend along the way. This section of the river has a long and fascinating history and from the sun deck or panoramic windows in the bar, you'll be able to see castle ruins, churches, pretty houses hidden in the hills and dense forests, all soaked in the golden glow of twilight.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Bratislava

We moor up in Bratislava this afternoon. After lunch, we set out on a guided coach tour of the Slovakian capital. Located in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, Bratislava straddles the Danube which neatly divides the city into two parts; the Baroque Old Town (Stare Mesto) and the new city. This picture-postcard destination boasts historic Gothic buildings, several universities, a wealth of museums and galleries, and a refreshing cosmopolitan atmosphere. The historic centre features delightful cobblestoned roads, pedestrianised plazas, 18th century rococo buildings and street cafés galore. Following our excursion, you have plenty of free time to explore.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - The history and music of Vienna

After a calm night of cruising, we arrive into glorious Vienna for a sightseeing tour. This is a chance to relish in Austria's Imperial heritage, one full of tradition and rich in architectural, artistic and musical heritage. You'll see many of Vienna's most ornate buildings, including the impressive Opera House - one of the leading opera venues in the world, as well as the grand Parliament Building.

After dinner we are entertained by a private classical music recital.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Melk Abbey

Today we reach Austria's Wachau Valley, a famous wine-making region. We arrive in the idyllic village of Dürnstein where you have free time. As we sit down to lunch on board, we begin cruising along the Wachau Valley, a scenic area with vineyards rising up from the river, picturesque riverside towns, and commanding fortresses. We then journey by coach to Melk Abbey, enjoying entrance to this 11th century Benedictine Abbey.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Salzburg or the Austrian Lake District

On Day 7 we disembark in Linz, where you have a choice of excursions. You could head into the countryside for a day amidst the spectacular Austrian lakes. Make stops in UNESCO listed Hallstatt, one of Austria's most photographed villages thanks to its traditional, pastel-coloured houses perched between the mountains and Hallstättersee Lake, as well as Mondsee. This pretty town is set on the lake of the same name and its most famous sight is the 15th-century parish church, which featured in 'The Sound of Music'. Otherwise, travel by coach to Salzburg, via Mondsee, one of Austria's most famous cities and known as the birthplace of Mozart. A guided sightseeing tour reveals the city's renowned Baroque architecture, a well-deserved UNESCO World Heritage site. We rejoin the ship in Passau.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - Regensburg

Regensburg is our port of call this morning, which we explore on foot. This medieval town contains many buildings that testify to its history as a trading centre which had a huge influence on the whole region from the 9th century onwards. Back on board tonight, we attend the Captain's gala dinner, a chance to don our evening wear and celebrate our cruise experience. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 - London

We disembark after breakfast to start the journey back to the UK by rail.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We will write to you around 10 weeks before your departure date with the precise meeting times for your tour group.

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.

Trains

Eurostar
Thalys

Ships

MS Amadeus Silver III
MS Amadeus Riva

Enhance your holiday

Upgrades

UK rail connections
London hotels