Duration
11 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
9 Ports
25 September
Setting sail from Passau
The pretty Bavarian town of Passau, situated close to Germany's border with Austria, enjoys a unique setting at the confluence of three rivers: the Inn, the Ilz and the Danube. Passau grew rich on the back of the medieval salt trade, and went on to become the most important bishopric in the Holy Roman Empire; the narrow cobbled streets of the handsome old town, the Altstadt, haven't changed all that much in the centuries since.
Our tip
If you get a chance to go to an organ concert in the cathedral, snap it up. And try not to schedule a Sunday in Passau - nothing will be open.
26 September
Germany: Munich
Lederhosen, oompah bands, great frothing steins overflowing with beer - Munich is the place to revel in all things Bavarian, not least during the famous Oktoberfest celebrations. But this is also a cultured, modern city, with some fantastic museums and galleries, elegant royal palaces and some of Germany’s best Christmas markets.
27-28 September
Germany: Garmisch-Partenkirchen
29 September
Germany: Passau
The pretty Bavarian town of Passau, situated close to Germany’s border with Austria, enjoys a unique setting at the confluence of three rivers: the Inn, the Ilz and the Danube. The narrow cobbled streets of the handsome old town, the Altstadt, are quite delightful.
30 September - 1 October
Austria: Linz (Salzburg)
The city of Linz is included on river cruise itineraries due to its proximity to Salzburg, which is where you’ll most likely be headed. Salzburg’s Altstadt attracts millions of visitors every year with its fairytale skyline of domes and spires, and the city is renowned as both the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for ‘The Sound of Music’.
2 October
Austria: Dürnstein
One of the prettiest towns in Austria’s Wachau Valley, little Dürnstein charms visitors with its handsome 16th century architecture. Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned in the castle that sits on the hillside above the town, and the region is also famous for its wine.
3 October
Austria: Vienna
Formerly the centre of the Habsburg Empire, Vienna is as grand a European capital as you can imagine, jam packed full of thrusting, bombastic buildings that stand as a reminder of Austria’s glorious imperial heyday.
4 October
Slovakia: Bratislava
Bratislava, Slovakia’s quaint little capital, straddles the Danube close to the border with Austria and Hungary. The compact old town is the best place to begin your exploration, before heading up to the hilltop castle for commanding views of the city and surrounding countryside.
5-6 October
Arriving in Budapest
Budapest is one of Eastern Europe's most appealing cities, a vibrant and welcoming capital that straddles the Danube. The history of Budapest has been somewhat turbulent - ransacked by the Mongols in 1241, occupied by the Ottoman Turks for over a century, and almost flattened by the Soviets in 1945 - but plenty of older buildings survive, including the imposing Parliament and iconic St Stephen's Basilica. Although a pedant might point out that Budapest has only really existed since 1873; up until then the city's two distinct halves, Buda and Pest, were separate towns.
Don't miss
If you are a music lover, you can’t miss a performance at the Opera House – affordable, and great music in a wonderful building.
Your home from home
What we love
Rich woods are complimented by muted tones, giving these ships an airy and luxurious feel. The alternative restaurant with outside seating at the rear is an idyllic place for a relaxed lunch as you cruise to your next call and the regional cuisine served in the Dining Room is excellent.
Capacity | 130 Guests |
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Staff | 43 International Staff |
Style |
Active days followed by sophisticated evenings. |
Inclusions |
|
Length | 443 feet |
Tailor-make your trip
Where to stay in Passau
Don’t hold your breath for anything amazing. That said, the Residenz Passau is quite nice.
Excursions from Passau
Burghausen is a short drive away and well worth a visit, not least for its magnificent castle.
Our favourite hotel in Budapest
We like the Hotel Palazzo Zichy on the Pest side of the river, which used to be the residence of Count Nándor Zichy.
A taste of Hungary
If you’re a wine lover, you really should visit the world’s oldest classified wine region, known for its sweet Tokaji aszú dessert wine.