Highlights
A passionate encounter with history, tradition and culture
3 days in Budapest exploring its many faces
Cruise through the Wachau Valley, one of the most splendid regions along the Danube
The wild Puszta plain
Tradition and culture in Vienna
Gödöllö Palace, summer residence of Sissi Empress and Artstetten Castle
Gödöllö Palace, summer residence of Sissi Empress and Artstetten Castle
Itinerary
The "Beautiful Blue Danube from Passau to Budapest" cruise invites you to savor the heart of Central Europe over an 11-day journey. Setting out from Passau, this tour weaves through Budapest, Esztergom, and Vienna, offering a royal passage through cities rich in history and artistic treasures.
Highlights include tours of Artstetten Castle, the imperial Gödöllö Palace, the private world of Empress Sisi, and the Capuchin Crypt. This tour package is perfect for travelers who appreciate the fusion of cultural discovery and leisurely river cruising.
USP: An extended itinerary that delves deep into the region’s imperial past, providing a regal experience along the Danube’s storied banks.
day 1 - Passau
Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 4:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins. At 5.00 p.m. we'll set off cruising along the Danube towards the border between Austria and Germany through the attractive region of Engelhartszell. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail and evening.
day 2 - Passau - Melk - Vienna
Join us on an optional CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Visit the Melk Abbey (only on pre-booking before departure). We'll return to the ship and cruise on to Dürnstein. Enjoy some free time exploring this picturesque village, and its Baroque-style church - the most famous in the Wachau region thanks to the legend of King Richard the Lionheart. We'll return on board in the afternoon before cruising on to Vienna. After our arrival, join us on an optional CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Tour the illuminated sights of Vienna by night.
day 3 - Vienna - Esztergom
Join us on an optional CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Visit Vienna and the Schönbrunn Palace (only on pre-booking before departure).
Enjoy a free afternoon to explore this marvelous city at your own pace or take part in our optional excursion (not included in packages): Horse-drawn carriage ride though Vienna. We'll return to the ship and cruise to Budapest, passing Bratislava on the way.
day 4 - Esztergom - Budapest
Enjoy some time on your own exploring Esztergom, the former capital of Hungary. We'll then spend the afternoon cruising to Budapest. The Hungarian capital lies along the banks of the Danube and is one of the most attractive cities in Europe. Enjoy some free time sightseeing the city before returning to the ship. After dinner, join us for an optional excursion of Budapest by night.
day 5 - Budapest
Optional excursion common to both packages: Guided tour of Budapest.Budapest reveals its splendor along the Danube. The city’s architecture, shaped over the centuries, has given rise to Baroque, Neoclassical and Art Nouveau masterpieces. A panoramic tour takes you between the hills of Buda and the plains of Pest… Then you will follow the riverbanks, where you can admire the Parliament overlooking the Danube.Afternoon: free time OR optional excursions not included in the package:Visit of the Széchenyi Baths (2). Drive to this vast thermal complex. Nestled in the heart of Budapest, the Széchenyi Baths are a true architectural jewel in neo-Baroque style. A short guided visit will allow you to discover the premises before enjoying the indoor and outdoor pools, saunas and steam rooms, or simply relaxing in a steaming thermal bath. Don’t forget your swimsuits – this is a unique opportunity. Return to the ship.ORVisit of the Budapest Market Halls. Walk to the Budapest market halls. With its sparkling Zsolnay tile roof, the Great Market Hall of Budapest is the largest hall built in the 19th century. You will discover an incredible variety of products, including the famous paprika garlands. A tasting of local Hungarian specialties will conclude your visit. Return to the ship on foot.In the evening, optional CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion: Folklore evening in Budapest, where you will discover traditional Gypsy dances and costumes.
day 6 - Budapest
Enjoy this day as you please (lunch not included) or join us on an optional CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : the Puszta. We'll return to the ship early evening.
day 7 - Budapest
Enjoy this morning at leisure in Budapest or join us on an optional CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Tour to Gödöllö Royal Palace, summer residence of Sissi Empress. We'll then return on board and cruising at towards Bratislava. Enjoy an evening of onboard entertainment.
day 8 - Bratislava - Vienna
We'll arrive in Bratislava in the early morning, join us for the optional excursions proposed:
CLASSIC: Guided Tour of Bratislava and Tasting of Local Delights.
DISCOVERY: Hiking in Bratislava: The Little Carpathians. From Devin Castle, we'll take in the splendid view of Bratislava.
Our ship will cruise to Vienna.
In the evening, join us on an optional CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Concert of Viennese music (optional and subject to availability.)
day 9 - Vienna
Enjoy some free time this morning for individual sightseeing around Vienna, the imperial city, or join us on an optional CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Vienna, the Capuchin Church, and the Austrian National Library. We'll return to the ship. Enjoy a free afternoon, or join us on an optional CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion to Hofburg (only on pre-booking before departure) to visit the former palace of the Habsburgs and admire the crown jewels and splendid imperial apartments. Our ship will cruise to Melk.
day 10 - Melk - Passau
This morning will be spent cruising along the most beautiful stretch of the Wachau region. Then enjoy some free time in Melk. In the afternoon, join us on an optional CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : to Arstetten Castle, last residence of Archduke Franz-Ferdinand and his wife. We'll return to the ship in Ybbs before cruising off towards Passau. Tonight's our gala dinner and evening.
day 11 - Passau
Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.

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What's Included
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Ship Details
MS France
Partially renovated in 2016, the ship takes on a sparkling and vintage look with its anise and chocolate colors. The houndstooth-type patterns recall the elegant outfits of ladies from the sixties. The cabins display retro photographs representing Parisian monuments.The common areas are located on the upper deck and the cabins are spread over two decks and have large windows. Do not hesitate to go to the sun deck to relax!It is furnished with armchairs and sun loungers to allow you to relax while enjoying a panoramic view of the landscapes.
MS Modigliani
Named in honor of the famous Italian painter, known in particular for his portraits, the MS Modigliani sails on the Rhine and the Danube. It takes cruise passengers to discover the many wonders offered by these two romantic rivers.Completely renovated in 2011, the MS Modigliani is an intimatesized standard ship, measuring 110m long and 11.40m wide. It can accommodate 159 passengers, in 78 cabins and one suite spread over two decks. The size of a cabin is 11m2 (16m2 for the suite) offering amenities and providing guests with all the comforts they need during their stay. The elegant decoration and friendly atmosphere, are in perfect harmony with its environment. Located on the upper deck, the restaurant, where all meals are served during the cruise, offers a delicate cuisine in a refined setting, where large windows allow you to fully enjoy the panorama. On this same level is also the lounge / bar with a dance floor, while on the sun deck, an ideal place to relax and admire the landscapes, passengers can enjoy comfortable sun loungers,as well as a large shaded area.
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