The Beautiful Blue Danube: Passau Round Trip

Your holiday begins as we meet at London St Pancras this morning*. Boarding the Eurostar service, we travel to Brussels then continue by rail to Frankfurt, via Cologne, for an overnight stop.

This bustling city on the Main River is one of the most important in Germany. Perhaps surprisingly for a global financial and business hub, its medieval Old Town retains a quaint atmosphere. The centrepiece is the historic Römer, a triple-fronted building with distinctive crow-stepped gables that has acted as the city hall for more than 600 years.

On arrival, we check in to our hotel for the night and enjoy our first dinner together as a group this evening.

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

• Dinner

A guided walking tour of Frankfurt after breakfast introduces us to its attractive Old Town that sits surrounded by gleaming towers. The heart of the medieval centre is Römerberg square, lined by a huddle of colourful half-timbered buildings and the small, medieval Old Nicholas Church.

This afternoon, we journey by rail to Passau where our luxurious ship awaits. We're greeted onboard by our friendly crew and sip on a welcome cocktail while taking in the waterside views from the lounge. After settling into your cabin and familiarising yourself with our ship's facilities, we indulge in our first delicious five-course dinner on board and set sail downstream on our first cruise of the holiday.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Docking in Emmersdorf this morning, we set out for a visit to Melk Abbey after breakfast. This 11th-century Benedictine Abbey stands atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. On our guided tour, we see the abbey's church, one of the most beautiful Baroque churches north of the Alps.

Back on the ship, we enjoy lunch as we sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley - truly a highlight of the Danube. This scenic area of valleys and pretty towns is one of Austria's most famous wine-making regions, specialising in Grüner Veltliner.

Arriving in riverside Dürnstein, there's free time to sample the local produce or simply wander the charming streets and admire its powder blue Baroque church tower. Dürnstein is also home to the hilltop castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned during the 12th century, and we get a great view of it from the riverside.

After dinner onboard, we sail into magnificent Vienna. On arrival, a real treat awaits us in the lounge as we're joined by four previous members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra who perform well-known classical pieces.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The noble city of Vienna beckons today as we embark on a guided tour to uncover Austria's imperial heritage. With our expert guide, we make our way to the illustrious Ringstrasse boulevard. Here, we see many of Vienna's most ornate buildings including the world-renowned Opera House and the imposing Parliament.

Following the tour, there's time to explore the city at leisure. It's a delight to stroll amongst its scenic streets, marvelling at the striking St Stephen's Cathedral or entering one of the countless museums and galleries that bring the city's history to life. You may choose to visit Schönbrunn Palace, once the summer residence of the ruling Habsburg family or indulge in a slice of famous Sachertorte, a delicious Viennese cake, at one of the grand coffeehouses.

During dinner this evening, we begin our overnight cruise towards Budapest.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arriving in Budapest after breakfast, we're introduced to the city's beauty and history on a sightseeing tour of the Hungarian capital - dubbed the 'Pearl of the Danube'.

We explore its impressive buildings and monuments. From Heroes Square, the State Opera House and St Stephen's Basilica on the flatter Pest side, to Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion on the Buda hills, each site reveals the grandeur and charm of this appealing city.

After dinner back on board this evening, we enjoy the enchanting ambience of a traditional Hungarian Folklore troupe before a highlight of our cruise. A magical night-time cruise along the Danube reveals the incredible illuminated sights of Budapest. From the piercing spires of the iconic neo-Gothic Parliament building to Buda's huge Baroque castle, the state buildings lining both banks are lit up, as well as the Chain Bridge. Whether you choose to relax in the cosy lounge or take in the panoramic views from the sun deck, this is the best way to see this beautiful city as the flickering lights cast a magical glow across the Danube.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A morning at leisure in Budapest provides wonderful opportunities to uncover the city further. You could explore the castle district, pick up some souvenirs or paprika at the Central Market Hall, or relax in one of the city's extensive parks. Alternatively, unwind with a morning visit to one of Budapest's famed spas, including the Gellért thermal baths in an Art Deco building beside the river.

Sailing upstream after lunch, we navigate the scenic Danube Bend. This section of the river has a long and fascinating history and from the sun deck or panoramic windows in the bar, you'll have the best views as we pass the village of Visegrad, famous for its hilltop castle, and Esztergom, the former capital of Hungary. Continuing overnight, our route follows the border between Hungary and Slovakia.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Making our way to Slovakia's capital, we are welcomed by views of Bratislava Castle's gleaming white walls.

Despite being a national capital, beautiful Bratislava is nicknamed the 'Little Big City' due to its compact size. Wandering the utterly charming streets, where each corner reveals delightful new views, we admire attractive squares, idyllic streets, grand palaces and historic churches. Keep an eye out for some of Bratislava's quirky statues, including a sculpture commemorating Schöne Náci, an eccentric local character, and Čumil, a subterranean worker peeking out of a manhole. From the hilltop castle, soak up views across the terracotta roofs of the Old Town and the SNP Bridge - also known as the UFO bridge because of its futuristic design.

After lunch, we set sail back to Austria, enjoying delightful views of forested hills occasionally topped with romantic castle ruins.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a relaxed morning of cruising, we arrive in Linz this afternoon for a guided tour. This thriving city blends historic and modern architectural styles. The focal point of life in Linz is the Hauptmarkt, one of the largest main squares in Austria. Wandering the charming lanes of the Old Town reveals timeless scenes and impressive churches, while its 14th-century castle now houses a museum.

The rest of our day is at leisure, and you can experience the welcoming atmosphere of this vibrant and forward-thinking city at your own pace. With a mix of traditional Austrian elegance and a booming cultural scene, you could spot public art installations or venture into renowned modern galleries.

Back on our ship this evening, we enjoy a farewell gala dinner as we begin our final cruise towards Passau.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

As our ship docks in the Bavarian town of Passau, it's time to bid farewell to our wonderful crew after breakfast as we disembark.

Leaving Passau by rail, we travel by train to Cologne via Frankfurt. Standing on the Rhine River, this grand city is dominated by its Gothic cathedral with two piercing spires. Just outside Cologne's main train station, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a symbol of the city, and the largest church in northern Europe.

On arrival, we check in to our hotel and enjoy our final dinner together this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This rail-and-cruise holiday has showcased the beauty of the Danube from Passau to Budapest and back. From natural wonders such as the Wachau Valley and Danube Bend to the elegant cities and pretty villages lining its banks, this spectacular river has revealed the treasures of central Europe.

Leaving Cologne by rail, we travel by train to Brussels via Frankfurt. In the Belgian capital, we board the Eurostar for the final leg of our journey back to London St Pancras, where your holiday comes to an end.

• Breakfast