Best of the Danube River Cruise

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Best of the Danube

River Cruise from Budapest to Passau

Danube River Cruise Visiting Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Linz and Passau

Cruise the Danube and uncover a mix of history, culture and local traditions. Visit Budapest’s Heroes’ Square, stroll through Bratislava’s medieval Old Town and enjoy a taste of Vienna’s famous Sachertorte. Enjoy lively evenings on board Trafalgar Reverie, or kick back and unwind, share stories over regional wines and soak up the ever-changing scenery. This Danube river cruise offers you the perfect mix of discovery, fun and relaxation on one of Europe’s most iconic rivers.

Travel: 8 days, 4 countries and 6 cities

Ship: Trafalgar Reverie

Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners

Itinerary: View Day-by-Day Trip Itinerary

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HIGHLIGHTS

On embarkation day, enjoy a welcome reception dinner with sparkling wine and a personal welcome from your Captain, Experience Director and Hotel Manager
Dinners on your first and last day on board feature a special menu
Tea time during one special afternoon sailing
Lunches and dinners include wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, coffee and water
Farewell reception with sparkling wine
Land experiences are guided by English-speaking Local Specialists and hosts


Optional Experiences are available to complement and complete your travel experience
Audio headset systems are provided on land guided tours
Bicycles are available for on-land use at your leisure

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Itinerary

DAY 1 - Embark in Budapest ⌵

Step aboard the Trafalgar Reverie, your floating home for your Danube cruise, and settle in for the night. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers over dinner hosted by your Experience Director.

DAY 2 - Cruise the Danube Bend ⌵

Today, explore both sides of the city—historic Buda and lively Pest—with your Local Specialist. Visit Heroes’ Square before heading up Castle Hill past Matthias Church to step inside Fisherman’s Bastion for views over the Danube and Parliament. Or, opt to take a foodie tour, diving into Budapest’s vibrant culinary scene and tasting local favourites. This afternoon, choose an Optional Experience to explore the Jewish district, including a visit to the Dohány Street Synagogue. In the early evening you’ll set sail, cruising through the Danube bend past the town of Szentendre and the former Royal centre of Visegrad.

Budapest City Tour

Join your Local Specialist for a walking tour through Budapest’s rich history and stunning architecture. Visit Heroes’ Square, a tribute to Hungary’s national leaders, before heading up Castle Hill. Pass the striking Matthias Church and step inside Fisherman’s Bastion, where you’ll be rewarded with views over the Danube and the city below.

Explore Budapest on a Foodie Tour

Join a Local Specialist for a guided foodie tour through Budapest, sampling a mix of sweet and savoury local favourites. Discover the city’s vibrant culinary scene as you explore markets, street food stalls and cafes, tasting authentic flavours unique to Hungarian cuisine.

DAY 3 - Through Transdanubia to Bratislava ⌵

Enjoy the early morning experience of cruising along a stretch of the Danube that defines the border between Hungary to the south and Slovakia to the north. Step ashore in Bratislava and explore its old town on a walking tour with your Local Specialist. See the historic town hall, pass through Michael’s Gate and admire St. Martin’s Cathedral. Alternatively, step back in time on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, uncovering life under Communism with stories of escapes, Soviet rule and the Velvet Revolution. Looking to stretch your legs? Join an Optional Experience hike up to Bratislava Castle for sweeping Danube views. As you cruise through the evening, you’ll pass by the southern foothills of the Little Carpathian Mountains, and cross the border to enjoy views of the plains of Lower Austria.

Included experiences:

Explore the Old Town of Bratislava: Explore Bratislava’s Old Town with your Local Specialist. Wander its historic streets, see the Old Town Hall, pass through Michael’s Gate and admire St. Martin’s Cathedral. Along the way, soak up the city’s blend of medieval and modern influences

Life Beyond the Iron Curtain: Discover Bratislava’s Cold War history as you discover key Communist-era sites with a Local Specialist, hearing stories of life under Soviet rule. You’ll meet a representative of Post Bellum, a non-profit preserving first-hand accounts of life under totalitarian regimes, ensuring these stories continue to inspire conversations about democracy and freedom today. Your visit directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

DAY 4 - Culture and Architecture in Vienna ⌵

Welcome to Vienna, the former capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Get to know this buzzing city with a drive along the Ringstraße and a guided walk through the old town, where Vienna’s grand architecture and imperial history come to life. Then, explore further with a choice between two experiences, enjoying sweet delights or diving into the life of Mozart. Settle into a traditional coffee house and indulge in a slice of Sachertorte, experiencing Vienna’s famous cafe culture. Or, step into the world of Mozart with an immersive journey back to the 18th century, discovering the places that shaped his life and music. This afternoon, choose between two Optional Experiences. You could visit Schönbrunn Palace, the opulent summer home of the Habsburgs, or take a foodie walking tour, tasting strudels, schnitzels, and other Viennese favourites. After a day of discovery, why not end the evening with an optional classical concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart?

Included Experiences:

Vienna City Tour

Discover Vienna’s historic heart with your Local Specialist. Drive along the Ringstraße, passing landmarks like the State Opera House and Parliament, before meandering through the city’s old town.

Sample Sachertorte and Viennese Coffee

Experience a traditional Viennese coffee house, a cherished part of the city’s culture. Settle in with a rich coffee and a slice of Sachertorte, the decadent chocolate cake that has been a Vienna favourite since the 19th century.

DAY 5 - Cruise the Wachau Valley ⌵

Cruise through the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO-listed gem known for its vineyards and medieval castles. In Spitz, join your Local Specialist for a walking tour, exploring the charm of this historic riverside town, famous for their apricots. For lunch, join the Saahs family for a Be My Guest experience at Weingut Nikolaihof, Austria’s oldest winery, where you’ll enjoy homemade specialities made with organic produce straight from their gardens. Continue your cruise through the Wachau Valley, passing by the historic Melk Abbey as your ship navigates overnight into Upper Austria.

Included Experiences:

Wander Around the Sights of Spitz

Explore the charming town of Spitz with your Local Specialist, wandering its historic streets and soaking up its timeless charm. This picturesque riverside town is at the heart of the Wachau Valley, a region renowned for its prized Marillen (apricots), which have shaped local traditions for centuries.

Dine with the Saahs Family at Weingut Nikolaihof

Join the Saahs family at Weingut Nikolaihof, Austria’s oldest winery. Enjoy a homemade lunch featuring fresh organic produce from their gardens, while soaking up the warm hospitality and history of this family-run estate.

DAY 6 - See Historic Linz ⌵

Explore Linz with your Local Specialist, strolling through its historic centre and discovering the city’s rich past. Alternatively, join an optional tour to Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace and the setting for The Sound of Music. Or, if you love medieval charm, opt for an optional visit to Český Krumlov, a fairytale town with winding streets and a stunning castle. Overnight you’ll cruise through the hills of Upper Austria.

Included Experiences:

Visit Historic Linz

Explore the heart of Linz with your Local Specialist, uncovering its history as you wander through the old town. Take in the city’s charming squares, grand architecture and rich past in this vibrant hub on the banks of the Danube.

DAY 7 - Cross the Upper Austrian Hills into Passau ⌵

Cross into Bavaria and arrive in Passau, the ‘City of Three Rivers’, where the Inn, Danube and Ilz meet. Join your Local Specialist for a morning walking tour through the old town’s cobbled streets or choose a hike along the scenic Ilz River. In the afternoon, why not join an optional Bavarian beer, pretzel and music experience? Enjoying local brews, freshly baked pretzels and traditional folk music.

Included Experiences:

Passau Walking Tour

Walk through Passau’s historic streets with a Local Specialist, where medieval lanes lead to grand Baroque architecture. Soak up the city’s unique character before ending at the scenic spot where three rivers meet.

Hike Along the Ilz River

Lace up your hiking boots and set off with a Local Specialist to explore the scenic banks of the Ilz River. Follow a nature trail through woodlands, cross the river by dam and climb to a lookout with sweeping views to experience Bavaria’s natural beauty.

DAY 8 - Farewell Passau ⌵

This morning, disembark the Trafalgar Reverie and bid farewell to the captain and crew, taking with you unforgettable memories of your journey along the Danube.