On the Beautiful Blue Danube River cruise between imperial cities & Danube romance

Day 1: Switzerland - Passau

Journey to Passau, the "City of Three Rivers", picturesquely situated at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz. At the welcome cocktail you will meet the crew, and the welcome dinner will treat you to some culinary indulgence.

Day 2: Emmersdorf & Dürnstein

In the morning your ship reaches Emmersdorf, the gateway to the Wachau. From here you have a view of the magnificent Melk Abbey, one of Europe's most important Baroque monasteries. (Optional) Take the opportunity to visit Melk Abbey.

In the afternoon you dock at Dürnstein, one of the best-known places in the Wachau. The castle ruins, where King Richard the Lionheart was once held prisoner, tower above the medieval town. The blue tower ensemble of Dürnstein Abbey is one of the most photographed landmarks on the Danube.

Stroll through narrow lanes, sample the typical apricot liqueur or enjoy the view over the vineyard slopes.

In the evening you reach the Austrian capital. Nussdorf, the charming green suburb, offers a quiet mooring with an ideal connection to the centre. The lights of the Danube metropolis – from the Giant Ferris Wheel to the Hofburg – greet you from afar.

Day 3: Vienna

Experience the unique flair of the former imperial city of Vienna on a city tour (optional). Whether St Stephen's Cathedral, Schönbrunn Palace or a leisurely stroll through the Naschmarkt – Vienna combines tradition and modernity in an incomparable way. In the evening your ship leaves the city and continues towards Hungary.

Day 4: Budapest

Around midday you arrive in Budapest, the “Pearl of the Danube”. (Optional) Visit the magnificent Gödöllő Palace, the former favourite residence of Empress Elisabeth (Sisi) and Emperor Franz Joseph, and gain fascinating insights into the life of the famous imperial couple.

Day 5: Budapest

(Optional) How about a city tour of Budapest? The Hungarian capital delights with its panorama from the Castle District, the Parliament building and the elegant bridges across the Danube. In the early afternoon it is time to say goodbye before the journey continues upstream.

Day 6: Bratislava

In the morning you arrive in Bratislava, the charming Slovak capital. The car-free old town delights with magnificent palaces, cosy cafés and playful bronze figures hidden in the lanes. The white castle towers above the city, and its terrace offers a wide view over the Danube. (Optional) Discover the compact, lively centre on a walking tour of the city.

Day 7: Linz

In the afternoon your ship reaches Linz. The city on the upper Danube combines modern art and technology with traditional charm. Visit the futuristic complex of the Ars Electronica Center, stroll through the old town or try the famous Linzer Torte. In the evening the banks of the Danube are lit up by colourfully illuminated installations.

Day 8: Passau - Switzerland

Disembarkation and return journey to Switzerland.