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Cruise & Walk the River Danube

Danube cruise
Duration: 7 nights
Type: Cruise & Walks
Walking Grade: 3
from £2,499pp

Sail into the heartlands of Europe on a luxury small-ship Danube cruise aboard MS Amadeus Amara. This dramatic waterway carves a picturesque path between vineyard-clad hills, forested slopes, and imposing fortresses as we journey through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Guided walks range from gentle riverside strolls and rewarding castle climbs, to tours of historic cities such as Budapest and Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace gardens, with every step revealing a story from Europe’s past.

What you’ll love

  • Smaller ships for a more intimate experience and relaxed feel on board
  • Daily small-group guided walks and sightseeing with expert local leaders, exclusively for HF guests
  • Fully escorted from the UK by an HF Tour Manager
  • Sailing from Germany through Austria and Slovakia to Hungary 
  • Guided walking tour of Passau and up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress
  • Guided walks to the Pöstlingberg Peak in Linz, on the Danube near Bratislava, and to the Fisherman’s Bastion in Budapest
  • Sailing through the UNESCO Wachau Valley in Austria
  • A guided stroll through Schönbrunn Palace gardens in Vienna

What’s included

  • Return flights from the UK with baggage and transfers
  • Fully escorted from the UK by an HF Holiday Tour Manager
  • 7-night river cruise with accommodation in an en-suite river view cabin
  • Sailing from Passau in Germany to Budapest in Hungary 
  • Full board dining featuring breakfast, multi-course lunch and dinner with menu choices, afternoon tea and late-night snack
  • Wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
  • 24-hour complimentary tea and coffee available in the Amadeus Club
  • Welcome cocktail reception and dinner and gala dinner
  • Guided walking excursions as described in the itinerary
  • Onboard entertainment as described in the itinerary

Trip Notes

Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.

Fly to Munich and take a private transfer to your river cruise ship, Amadeus Amara, moored in Passau in Germany. Embark, unpack, and settle in before enjoying a welcome cocktail and special dinner. The ship remains in Passau overnight, giving you time to relax and begin your journey in comfort. 


Passau sits at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz. Join a guided walking tour, including a climb to Veste Oberhaus Fortress for panoramic views of the old town and its rivers. Enjoy free time this afternoon before a Bavarian-themed evening onboard with regional dishes and live music as we sail towards Linz. 


Arriving in Linz in Austria, we walk along the Danube before climbing to Pöstlingberg Mountain for sweeping views of the city and distant Alps. The ship remains in Linz until evening, giving you time to explore further at leisure before we continue our journey along the Danube. 


This morning, we arrive in Emmersdorf where you are free to explore at leisure. Known as the Gateway to the Wachau Valley, this charming riverside town boasts cobbled streets, cosy cafés, and views over the Danube. After free time to explore, enjoy lunch on board as we sail into the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley to visit the wine-growing village of DürnsteinTake a guided walk through its cobbled streets and up to Kuenringerburg Castle, where Richard the Lionheart was once held for insulting Pope Leopold V. Impressive views over the Danube reward your climb before heading back to the shipIn the afternoon, we depart for Vienna, arriving late evening. 


Travel by coach to Schönbrunn Palace for a guided stroll through its UNESCO-listed gardens, rich in Habsburg history. The afternoon is free to explore Vienna  perhaps ride the Ring tram, savour coffee and cake in a traditional café, or climb St Stephen’s Cathedral. The ship remains in Vienna until late evening when it departs for Bratislava. 


Arriving in Bratislava in Slovakia, we head to Devin for a scenic walk near its hilltop castle overlooking the Danube and Morava rivers. The afternoon is free to explore the Old Town or climb to Bratislava Castle for sweeping views. Tonight, enjoy a Viennese Waltz performance onboard and learn a few steps yourself. 


Relax onboard as we sail into Hungary, passing iconic sights like the Chain Bridge and Parliament Building. This afternoon, join a guided walk to Fisherman’s Bastion for stunning views over Budapest. Tonight, enjoy an illuminated city cruise, gala dinner, and folklore show—a perfect finale to your Danube adventure. 


Bid farewell to the crew and transfer to the airport for your flight home from Budapest, taking with you unforgettable memories of Europe’s great river and the walks that brought its history to life. 


Amadeus Amara

Each cabin features a spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower, luxurious Rituals bath products, and a hairdryer, along with a fixed panoramic window or drop-down panoramic window that fills the space with natural light. Thoughtful touches like a comfortable bed, generously-sized wardrobe, secure in-room safe, flat-screen TV, individual climate control and direct dial telephone ensure a restful and well-equipped stay.

Ship facilities

  • Indoor swimming pool
  • Restaurant
  • Panorama lounge bar
  • Massage room
  • Fitness room
  • Lift between the Haydn and Mozart decks (sun deck not accessible by lift)
  • Shop
  • Amadeus Club with 24 hour tea and coffee station
  • Chess board, shuffleboard and loungers on sun deck
Construction: 2025
Flag: Germany
Length x Width 135m x 11.4m
Draft: 1.3m
Decks: 4
Cabins/Suites: 70/12
Max.passenger: 164
Crew members: approx. 46
Speed: 25 km/h

 

Deck plan

 

 

Guest reviews

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Holiday prices

Date (Start - End) Itinerary Double / Twin Room Single Room Notes / Offers Trip Notes Book
2026

07 Oct - 14 Oct 2026

7 nights

Itinerary

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£2,499 pp

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Trip Notes
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Duration:
7 nights
Type:
Cruise & Walks
Walking Grade:
3

7 nights from £2,499pp

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