Romantic Danube (Smithsonian Journeys) 2026

Overview

7-night from Vilshofen to Budapest

Follow the Danube from southern Germany to Hungary, passing through three culturally rich Central European capitals: Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest. Kick off your Cruising the Upper Danube: Romantic Ports from Bavaria to Budapest journey in style with an Oktoberfest celebration in the German port town of Vilshofen. Visit picturesque Passau, set at the junction of three rivers, and continue to Linz, where you’ll have the option to visit the World Heritage sites of Salzburg or Český Krumlov. Sail through the stunning Wachau Valley, stopping to sample wine and tour Melk Abbey, and spend a day in Vienna discovering its grand architecture and world-class art museums. Plus, enjoy specially curated tours at Melk’s Benedictine Abbey and Vienna’s Kunsthistoriches Museum, exclusively available on this itinerary. You will also have the unique opportunity to engage with and learn from two Smithsonian Journeys Experts throughout your journey whose specialized expertise will further immerse you in the history, art or culture of the region.

The details

What's included

Arrive in Vilshofen, set at the confluence of the Danube and the Vils Rivers in the heart of Bavaria. After boarding the ship, gather for an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration featuring traditional beer and Bavarian folk music and dancing. (Meals: D)
A morning cruise brings you to Passau, poised where the Danube meets the Inn and Ilz. Take a walking tour of the Old Town and visit a bakery to sample pretzels and chocolate, or hike into the hills above town for a visit to the Veste Oberhaus, a massive 13th-century fortress. Alternatively, go on a bike ride along the River Inn. (Meals: B,L,D)
Dock in Linz and set out on your choice of excursion: Take a day trip to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and the setting of The Sound of Music, where you may join a walking tour of its UNESCO-designated Old Town. Or head to the Czech mountain town of Český Krumlov to discover its stunning architecture and the storybook Krumlov Castle. Alternatively, explore Linz on a guided walk or bike ride. (Meals: B,L,D)
Sail through the beautiful Wachau Valley, a World Heritage site known for its wines. From Durnstein, choose a guided walk through the town followed by tour of nearby Melk Abbey, where you’ll meet a librarian to view meticulously restored medieval books. Instead, hike to Durnstein fortress, or ride a bike through the vineyards along the Danube. Later, gather for a tasting of local wines. (Meals: B,L,D)
Glide into Austria’s capital and see its imperial treasures, from the majestic Opera House to the grand City Hall. Combine your city tour with a guided visit to one of Vienna’s renowned art museums: opt for Kunsthistoriches Museum Wien, where one of the world’s largest fine art collections is housed within a grand neoclassical building, or venture to the baroque Belvedere Palace, built as the summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy in 1723, and admire its extensive art collection, which includes Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss. Alternatively, explore the city on a guided bike ride. Enjoy free time in Vienna this afternoon. Those that wish, may attend an optional concert this evening in one of Vienna’s iconic music venues (additional cost). (Meals: B,L,D)
Take a walking tour through the charming Old Town of Bratislava, once the capital of the Habsburg Empire, and attend a folklore performance with a string quartet at Primate’s Palace. Alternatively, sample local specialties on a “Tastes of Slovakia” tour or climb up to Bratislava Castle for panoramic views. (Meals: B,L,D)
On a morning tour of Buda’s Castle District, take in views from the fairytale turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion and admire the striking architecture of Matthias Church. In the afternoon, explore the magnificent monuments of Pest or visit the largest synagogue in Europe and see the poignant Shoes on the Danube memorial on a Jewish history tour. (Meals: B,L,D)
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (Meals: B)

Where you'll go

Your itinerary

Day 1 - Vilshofen

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Day 2 - Vilshofen

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Day 3 - Linz

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Day 4 - Scenic Cruising

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Day 5 - Vienna

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Day 6 - Bratislava

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Day 7 - Budapest

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Day 8 - Budapest

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Your next adventure awaits

Dates and pricing

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THINGS TO KNOW

Important information

Terms & Conditions

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*Hunter Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 86 089 025 696) serves as an agent, selling various travel-related products and services on behalf of many providers like airlines, coach, rail, and cruise line operators, as well as wholesalers and tour operators. As your agent, Hunter Travel Group provide booking and advisory services including making travel bookings on your behalf and arranging contracts between you and the travel service providers. Any bookings made either in-store or online will be subject to Hunter Travel Group's privacy policy, terms of use and booking conditions in addition to any third-party booking conditions and privacy policies. Prices are based on per person twin share unless otherwise stated. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. Contact a Travel Advisor to find our more information and conditions for this specific offer.

Countries Visited:

Duration:

Style:

Travel Period:

Overview

What's included

Your itinerary

Day 1 - Vilshofen

Day 2 - Vilshofen

Day 3 - Linz

Day 4 - Scenic Cruising

Day 5 - Vienna

Day 6 - Bratislava

Day 7 - Budapest

Day 8 - Budapest

Dates and pricing

Number of Passengers:

Countries Visited:

Duration:

Style:

Travel Period:

Overview

What's included

Your itinerary

Day 1 - Vilshofen

Day 2 - Vilshofen

Day 3 - Linz

Day 4 - Scenic Cruising

Day 5 - Vienna

Day 6 - Bratislava

Day 7 - Budapest

Day 8 - Budapest

Dates and pricing

Number of Passengers:

Enquire about Romantic Danube (Smithsonian Journeys) 2026