Danube Rhapsody River Cruise (Passau - Passau)

Upon arrival in Munich, you will be met by your local guide who will assist you in the transfer to Passau port. A guided Passau city tour will be provided en-route. The setting of the old town, created by Italian baroque masters in the 17th century, shows soaring towers, picturesque places, enchanting promenades and romantic lanes. Take in highlights such as St. Stephen's Cathedral, in which the world's largest cathedral organ sounds, the majestic fortress Veste Oberhaus on the Danube's side and the Pilgrimage Church "Mariahilf" on the Inn's side. 

In the afternoon you will be transferred to Passau port to join your River Cruise. Settle in to your cabin and explore the range of facilities on board your ship as you embark on your 7-night cruise along the Danube. Sit back with a welcome cocktail in one of the lounge areas, followed by a tasty welcome dinner.

Today you will wake up in Emmersdorf where you will enjoy an included excursion to Melk Abbey. Melk Abbey is an Austrian Benedictine abbey and one of the world's most famous monastic sites. The impressive Baroque abbey was built between 1702 and 1736 and is the biggest monastery complex of the Austrian baroque period. The Abbey's church features frescos by Johann Michael Rottmayr and the impressive library contains countless medieval manuscripts and frescos by Paul Troger. A guided tour takes you through the abbot's chambers, along the Imperator's walk, through the marble hall, the balconies and the library. 

This morning you will embark on an included city tour of Vienna. This tour will give you an overall impression of the most important sights Vienna has to offer. First you will drive along the famous Ringstrasse, passing several magnificent buildings like the stunning opera house, the parliament, the Court Theatre or Vienna's imposing city hall. The tour is followed by a guided walk through the city centre where you will get to know Vienna at its fullest. You will start at the well-known Hofburg Imperial Palace, walk along the Kohl market and finish at Vienna's iconic St. Stephen's Cathedral. Before returning to the ship you have some free time to stroll along the pedestrian area.

An optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace will be offered in the afternoon (payable locally). One of the most important cultural and historic monuments in Austria, the 1,441 room Baroque palace is surrounded by a magnificent garden, known as the Gloriette, giving unforgettable views over the palace area. The ship will depart Vienna in the late evening.

Budapest is known as the Queen of the Danube, and you can see why with such beautiful sites such as Buda Castle, Heroes Square and the Fisherman's Bastion. Enjoy a full day at leisure in the Hungarian capital, where your ship will be docked for the night, for sightseeing at your own pace. Alternatively, you can partake in a guided city tour in the afternoon (payable locally). 

In the evening, discover another view of Budapest with an evening cruise and watch as the riverside buildings are illuminated at night and enjoy a folklore show hosted by the crew on board your ship.

Take in some further sightseeing, shopping or just relax prior to the ship's departure for the next destination, Esztergom, shortly after lunch.

An optional excursion to Szentendre and Esztergom will be offered in the afternoon (payable locally). One of Hungary's oldest cities, Esztergom was formerly the capital and is home to the Basilica, the main Roman Catholic church of Hungary. You will sail towards Bratislava in the evening.

You will arrive at Bratislava in the early morning. The city is small and best explored on foot. Following breakfast, enjoy an included walking tour of this compact city. During this tour you will get to know the capital of the young Slovakian Republic. The gorgeous old town has maintained its Gothic-Baroque style. The tour passes St. Martin's Cathedral and the Grassalkovich Palace and continues up to the hill where you will have a stunning panoramic view of the city and surrounding areas. Afterwards, you have the opportunity to participate in a guided walking tour through the restored old town. From Michael's Gate you will take a leisurely stroll through the historic city centre where you can admire sights such as the Primatial Palace and St. Martin's Cathedral, a former coronation cathedral for Hungarian kings, as well as the Academia Istropolitana, the oldest university of the city, which dates back to the 15th century. In addition to numerous palaces, you will also walk past the main square with the old City Hall, the Opera House and Maximilian Fountain.

Today, you will have free time to explore Linz, a UNESCO City of Media Arts, at your own pace. Discover this city's charming old town filled with historic baroque architecture as well as its stunning natural landscape. Alternatively, you can partake in a guided walking tour of the city in the afternoon (payable locally).

This evening you will enjoy a Captain's Gala Dinner while the ship travels to Passau. 

It is time to say goodbye after a full week of delights aboard your cruise vessel. You will be met by our local representative and transferred to Munich to enjoy a morning city tour. Highlights will include the Nymphenburg Palace, King's Square with its three temple buildings in the classical Greek style, the Bavarian National Museum, the Angel of Peace monument, the elegant buildings and shops along Maximilian Street, the Maximilianeum, the National Opera House, the Royal Palace, Stachus Square and the medieval city gates. 

After some free time for further sightseeing or shopping in Munich, you will be transferred to Munich airport for your flight home, with guide assistance. (Luggage will be stored in coach) 

Please note for the 12 September & 26 September river cruise you will have a post night stay in the Leonardo Hotel & Residence Munich on a bed and breakfast basis, a Munich city tour will be included en route to the hotel. You will depart Munich the following day with a guided transfer to the airport for your return flight home.