Danube Rhapsody

8 Days Passau Return
Danube Rhapsody
Danube Rhapsody
Danube Rhapsody
New Release River Cruise

Overview

Amadeus
Cruise Operated By:
 (11) Reviews
Total No. of River Cruises 31
This journey is a call to wonder: step aboard and embark on an 8-day river cruise from Passau to the majestic Danube city of Budapest and back. Gently carried by the river’s rhythm, you’ll uncover Europe’s most iconic chapters. Your route takes you through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary, linking world-famous cities like Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest with cultural treasures such as Melk Abbey and the imposing Basilica of Esztergom. From imperial history to vibrant present, follow the trail of the Austro-Hungarian Empire while enjoying the Danube’s unrivaled beauty: dramatic cliffs, sun-drenched read more vineyards, and tranquil riverbanks guide you through one of Europe’s most romantic river regions.
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Our Price From
A$3,634 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $224 per person
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Trip Length
8 Days
Trip Starts
Passau
Trip Ends
Passau
Cruise Ship
1 Trip Review
Passengers
158
Crew
46
Launched
2024
Cruise Code
DPP
Rivers Sailed
Countries Visited:

Itinerary

Embarkation from 4:00pm

Step on board and let anticipation transform into pure holiday joy. Once settled, the ship sets sail, and your eyes are soon captured by the stunning Schlögener Loop. Begin your journey with a welcome cocktail, followed by an exquisite dinner to start your voyage in style.

Wachau Highlights – Baroque, Wine & Waltz

In Emmersdorf, history hangs in the air: the grand Melk Abbey rises before you. Our guided visit opens the doors to Austria's largest Baroque monastery. Then the Wachau unfolds its treasures along the scenic passage through this UNESCO-protected landscape. Vineyards, castle ruins, charming towns – and you right in the middle. After lunch, explore the picturesque village of Dürnstein up close, with pauses to savor selected local wines.

In the evening, step onto the dance floor for a waltz lesson aboard – the perfect prelude to your arrival in Vienna.

Vienna in Full Splendor

Vienna welcomes you as a former imperial capital of European significance. For centuries, it was the political and cultural heart of the Habsburg monarchy, whose grandeur is still palpable today. During the morning city tour, travel along the famous Ringstrasse, passing the State Opera, Parliament, Burgtheater, and City Hall. A guided stroll then leads to the city's heart: through the Hofburg, along Kohlmarkt and Graben, to the iconic St. Stephen's Cathedral. Time remains to explore the bustling streets on your own.

In the afternoon, choose between the City Shuttle to highlights such as the Opera and Schönbrunn Palace, or a guided E-bike tour along the Danube to Klosterneuburg Abbey, including a visit of its stunning interiors. Back on board, the ship heads downstream toward Hungary.

Budapest by Night with Folklore on Board

Budapest seems to float on cloud nine, and it's easy to fall for the “Queen of the Danube.” In the morning, the ship docks, and after lunch, enjoy a panoramic city tour of Buda and Pest. Marvel at the Great Market Hall, Parliament, State Opera, Heroes' Square, Matthias Church, and Fisherman's Bastion – simply soak it all in. As night falls, the city lights up for a magical evening cruise, accompanied by a fiery onboard folklore performance.

Hungary's Heart – Horses, Castles & Basilica

Today brings an unforgettable excursion to the vast Puszta. The seemingly endless plains evoke a profound sense of freedom. Expert riders showcase their skill in an enthralling horse show. Alternatively, savor Budapest's culinary delights on a tasting tour through the Hungarian capital.

In the afternoon, wander the charming artist village of Szentendre, explore the Visegrád castle ruins, and enjoy the breathtaking view over the Danube Bend. The Basilica of Esztergom impresses with its size and elegance. The ship awaits nearby, just a few steps away for your next adventure.

The Vineyards of Rača

“Ahoj” from Bratislava – a small city with big surprises. Begin with a city tour past St. Martin's Cathedral and Palais Grassalkovich, ascending to Bratislava Castle for panoramic views over the city. A guided walk through the historic old town includes the Primatial Palace, St. Martin's Cathedral, Academia Istropolitana, and the main square with the Old Town Hall and Maximilian Fountain. Pause for a traditional Pressburger Kipferl before admiring the Opera House and Ganymedes Fountain.

In the afternoon, the Rača wine region awaits: visit a family-run vineyard, learn about winemaking, and sample the local wines right among the sunlit vines. Later, your floating premium hotel is ready in Hainburg.

Sweet Treats or Scenic Heights – Linzer Torte & Pöstlingberg

After lunch, Linz reveals its unique charm. Stroll through the old town, discovering elegant townhouses, Renaissance villas, the historic cathedral with the Bruckner organ, and the modern glass architecture of the Ars Electronica Center and Lentos Museum. From afar, the Pöstlingberg basilica watches over the city. Pause for coffee and a slice of Linzer Torte, or opt for a scenic walk atop Pöstlingberg with views over Linz and the Danube, including a visit to the basilica and some leisure time for photos. In the evening, a festive gala dinner crowns your journey.

Disembarkation after breakfast

After breakfast, we bid farewell – perhaps with a sense of anticipation for your next journey along the Danube.

Trip Inclusions

  • Luxury accommodation in an outside river-view stateroom of your choice: Spacious Mozart Suites with a walk-out balcony, stateroom cabins on Mozart and Strauss Decks with drop-down Panorama Retractable Windows offering a wide-open view (except AMADEUS Brilliant)
  • Individual climate control and in-room safe
  • Choice of bed configuration in all categories (double or twin bedding)
  • Bottled water in every stateroom

  • Gourmet dining featuring breakfast, multi-course lunches and dinners with menu choices (including vegetarian options), afternoon tea and late-night snack
  • Free-flowing hand-selected wines from the best wine regions, draft beer, soda as well as coffee and tea with every lunch and dinner
  • Coffee and tea available 24 hours a day in the AMADEUS Club
  • Welcome Cocktail Reception & Dinner and Gala Dinner

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard
  • Onboard fitness center open 24 hours a day
  • All gratuities on board are included in your cruise fare

  • Personalized service of an experienced, multilingual AMADEUS Cruise Director
  • AMADEUS digital audio system for all guided excursions
  • Immersive cultural or musical performances as part of the AMADEUS Experience, along with a diverse array of onboard enrichment programs, including fascinating lectures, cooking demonstrations, and music by our onboard musicians
  • Complimentary use of onboard bicycles for independent exploration
  • All port taxes, embarkation, disembarkation and lock fees included in your cruise fare
 

Life On Board

Amadeus Imperial
Amadeus Imperial

The Amadeus Imperial offers its 168 passengers a total of 72 spacious deluxe cabins and 12 suites. The highlight of this ship is the newly designed atrium on board with its stunning reception and staircase. Read more

On Board Inclusions
On Board Inclusions

The ambiance onboard invites you to relax in the morning before your discovery tours and unwind in style at the end of a full day's activities. Read more

Excursions
Excursions

Amadeus' excursion programs allow you to decide how you'd like to get to know each destination. Select from a wide range of optional inspiring and eventful shore excursions. Read more

Gourmet Dining
Gourmet Dining

Amadeus' exclusive menus reflect the traditions and cultures of regional cuisine and at the same time are diverse enough to satisfy an international appetite. Read more

Optional Shore Excursions

Excursion Packages can be only pre-booked while individual excursions can be booked onboard

Introductory Excursion Package $592

Enjoy a package of these pre-selected excursions for a discounted rate when purchased in advance. Additional shore excursions can be purchased onboard. View Excursions

  • Day 2 - Melk Abbey - A Baroque Jewel
  • Day 3 - Vienna - Imperial Discovery Tour
  • Day 4 - Budapest - Castle Hill & Historic Wonders
  • Day 5 - Puszta - The Equestrian Traditions of Hungary
  • Day 6 - Bratislava - Beauty on the Danube
  • Day 7 - Linz Walking Tour with Linzer Torte Tasting

Intermediate Excursion Package $740

Enjoy a package of these pre-selected excursions for a discounted rate when purchased in advance. Additional shore excursions can be purchased onboard. View Excursions

  • Day 2 - Dürnstein with Abbey and Tasting
    Melk Abbey - A Baroque Jewel
  • Day 3 - Vienna - Imperial Discovery Tour
  • Day 4 - Budapest - Castle Hill & Historic Wonders
  • Day 5 - AMADEUS Taste: Flavors of Budapest
    Esztergom, Visegrád Castle and Szentendre
  • Day 6 - Bratislava - Beauty on the Danube
  • Day 7 - Linz Walking Tour with Linzer Torte Tasting

Full Excursion Package $943

Book our full excursion package prior to departure for a great value. Create your personalised shore excursion program by choosing your favorite tours from our list of exciting options in each port. Please note, a discounted excursion may not be exchanged for another while during your cruise. View Excursions

  • Day 2 -
    Dürnstein with Abbey and Tasting
    AMADEUS Experience: Waltz Lesson on Board
    Melk Abbey - A Baroque Jewel
  • Day 3 -
    Vienna - Imperial Discovery Tour
    City Shuttle - Schwedenplatz, Opera & Schönbrunn Palace
    OR AMADEUS Active: E-Bike Tour to Klosterneuburg Abbey
  • Day 4 -
    Budapest - Castle Hill & Historic Wonders
    AMADEUS Experience: Evening Cruise with Folklore Show on Board
  • Day 5 -
    AMADEUS Taste: Flavors of Budapest
    Esztergom, Visegrád Castle and Szentendre
    Puszta - The Equestrian Traditions of Hungary
  • Day 6 -
    AMADEUS Taste: Between Vines and History - Discovering the Rača Wine Region
    Bratislava - Beauty on the Danube
  • Day 7 -
    Linz Walking Tour with Linzer Torte Tasting
    OR AMADEUS Active: Pöstlingberg Panorama Walk

Individual Excursions

You can also pre-purchase individual excursions or prchase them onboard during your river cruise. View Excursions


    Dürnstein with Abbey and Tasting $103
    AMADEUS Experience: Waltz Lesson on Board $0
    Melk Abbey - A Baroque Jewel $123
    Vienna - Imperial Discovery Tour $92
    City Shuttle - Schwedenplatz, Opera & Schönbrunn Palace $50
    OR AMADEUS Active: E-Bike Tour to Klosterneuburg Abbey $275
    Budapest - Castle Hill & Historic Wonders $117
    AMADEUS Experience: Evening Cruise with Folklore Show on Board $0
    OR AMADEUS Taste: Flavors of Budapest $117
    Esztergom, Visegrád Castle and Szentendre $117
    Puszta - The Equestrian Traditions of Hungary $163
    AMADEUS Taste: Between Vines and History - Discovering the Rača Wine Region $143
    Bratislava - Beauty on the Danube $115
    Linz Walking Tour with Linzer Torte Tasting $87
    OR AMADEUS Active: Pöstlingberg Panorama Walk $70

River Cruise Reviews (1)

Amadeus River Cruises Reviews
Reviews 1 Review
Average Rating 5 out of 5
5 Star
100%
4 Star
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
  1 , NSW, Australia, Aug 2025
Absolutely loved the cruise. The accommodation was spacious, clean and inviting. Food was truly 5 star quality as was the service. I gained several pounds due to my inability to curtail my food input. 😃I cannot praise all the staff enough from our servers at meal times to reception and room cleaners. Everyone was friendly and helpful. The tours we read more chose were enjoyable and well managed. The other guests we met added to our trip as they too were very nice.Thank you Amadeus and Global Journeys for the smooth passage from booking to departure and I would 100% book with you again.

Dates & Pricing

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From $3,634
From $4,794
From $6,720
Friday 16 Apr 2027 16 Apr 27 Passau
Friday 23 Apr 2027 23 Apr 27 Passau
Details
Amadeus Nova
Exclusive Savings
River View
A$3,634
Save $224
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 07 May 2027 07 May 27 Passau
Friday 14 May 2027 14 May 27 Passau
Details
Amadeus Nova
Exclusive Savings
River View
A$3,900
Save $230
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 12 Jun 2027 12 Jun 27 Passau
Saturday 19 Jun 2027 19 Jun 27 Passau
Details
Amadeus Mira
Exclusive Savings
River View
Sold Out
Unavailable
Sold Out
Wednesday 23 Jun 2027 23 Jun 27 Passau
Wednesday 30 Jun 2027 30 Jun 27 Passau
Details
Amadeus Nova
Exclusive Savings
River View
A$4,094
Save $234
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 10 Jul 2027 10 Jul 27 Passau
Saturday 17 Jul 2027 17 Jul 27 Passau
Details
Amadeus Star
Exclusive Savings
River View
A$4,094
Save $234
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 01 Aug 2027 01 Aug 27 Passau
Sunday 08 Aug 2027 08 Aug 27 Passau
Details
Amadeus Nova
Exclusive Savings
River View
A$3,900
Save $230
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 22 Aug 2027 22 Aug 27 Passau
Sunday 29 Aug 2027 29 Aug 27 Passau
Details
Amadeus Nova
Exclusive Savings
River View
A$4,094
Save $234
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Thursday 09 Sep 2027 09 Sep 27 Passau
Thursday 16 Sep 2027 16 Sep 27 Passau
Details
Amadeus Amara
Exclusive Savings
River View
A$4,094
Save $234
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 22 Sep 2027 22 Sep 27 Passau
Wednesday 29 Sep 2027 29 Sep 27 Passau
Details
Amadeus Star
Exclusive Savings
River View
A$4,094
Save $234
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 29 Sep 2027 29 Sep 27 Passau
Wednesday 06 Oct 2027 06 Oct 27 Passau
Details
Amadeus Mira
Exclusive Savings
River View
A$4,094
Save $234
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 11 Oct 2027 11 Oct 27 Passau
Monday 18 Oct 2027 18 Oct 27 Passau
Details
Amadeus Imperial
Exclusive Savings
River View
Sold Out
Unavailable
Sold Out
Thursday 14 Oct 2027 14 Oct 27 Passau
Thursday 21 Oct 2027 21 Oct 27 Passau
Details
Amadeus Riva
Exclusive Savings
River View
A$3,900
Save $230
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Amadeus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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