Grand Capitals Of The Danube

Itinerary

Grand Capitals of the Danube

Experience spectacular capital cities and scenic landscapes on this all-inclusive cruise along the beautiful River Danube. From enthralling Vienna and charming Bratislava to majestic Budapest plus the enchanting Wachau Valley, blanketed with vineyards, hilltop castles and picturesque towns and villages, this enjoyable cruise along one of the world’s most iconic rivers offers the perfect backdrop to make some lasting memories. As well as marvelling at the scenery from the spacious sundeck, the sauna or one of the lounges aboard A-ROSA BELLA, we also take three panoramic tours to admire the cityscapes from a different perspective.

Grand Capitals of the Danube

Itinerary

Day 1 – Ferry to Calais, France & overnight hotel stay in Germany

Ferry to Calais and onwards to our hotel, where we stay overnight on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 2 – Arrival & embarkation in Passau

We continue our journey to Passau where we board the A-ROSA BELLA for our six-night Danube cruise.

Day 3 – Vienna, Austria

We arrive in Vienna in the afternoon, then the rest of the day is free to explore. The Austrian capital is a real highlight of our Danube trip. With its striking Baroque palaces, wealth of museums and galleries, plus the state opera and many theatres, the city enjoys a lively cultural scene all year round. Why not explore the city on a guided tour? The Viennese are proud of their city – and rightly so!

Day 4 – Vienna

There is more time to enjoy the city and explore the local area with an excursion to the magical Vienna Woods, before our ship makes sail this evening.

Day 5 – Esztergom & Budapest, Hungary

Once the capital of Hungary, Esztergom sits right on the bank of the Danube and can be admired directly from the river. The castle tower and mighty basilica form an amazing sight, rising up from the steep bank of the Danube.

Do you know how many bridges our next port of call has? Hungary’s capital of Budapest has seven in total, spanning the river between the neighbourhoods Buda and Pest, with the most well-known being the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. Take a look at Budapest’s imposing structures as we cruise down the Danube. From the sun deck of the ship, there’s an unobstructed view of Budapest’s famous parliament building – the perfect way to experience this stunning city.

Overnighting in Budapest is always a treat. Once the sun sets, just imagine the city all lit up on both sides of the river. It’s a magical sight to behold!

Day 6 – Budapest, Hungary

We spend the day in Budapest, starting with a panoramic city tour to soak up the sights and then time at leisure. ‘Take the waters’ at one of the many popular bathhouses or discover the stunning Castle Hill – with its striking architecture and many turrets, it looks like something straight out of a fairytale.

Day 7 – Bratislava, Slovakia

Located on the left bank of the Danube, Bratislava is the youngest capital city in Europe yet throughout the Old Town, traces of the Austro-Hungarian Empire can be seen. On our included panoramic tour with our cruise escort, we discover this leisurely city of baroque and rococo, palaces and palisades, art and coffee houses and more.

We depart Bratislava mid-afternoon and sail on the delightful Danube through the evening and overnight towards the riverside town of Melk.

Day 8 – Disembarkation in Melk & overnight hotel stay in Germany

We enjoy a real treat for the senses as we experience the famous Wachau Valley between historic Krems and Melk from the deck of our ship. This fascinating river landscape of rolling hills, vineyards and fortresses is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There is even the chance to enjoy an optional excursion to Dürnstein and Melk Abbey; one of Europe’s most magnificent baroque buildings that offers a fantastic view over the Danube and the dreamlike landscape of the Wachau.

We disembark in Melk to enjoy a panoramic coach tour and head to our overnight hotel in the Frankfurt area, where a light evening meal is included.

Day 9 – Ferry home

We check out of the hotel and head to Calais for our return ferry home.

Grand Capitals of the Danube

• Return coach travel
• Return ferry crossings with included access to Club Lounge
• Accompanied by a cruise escort throughout
• First & last night at a selected hotel in Germany (JG4 rating) with dinner & breakfast
• 6-night cruise from Passau, Germany on a premium all-inclusive basis:
  • Breakfast, lunch & gourmet buffet dining
  • Special welcome dinner
  • Regional specialties
  • Afternoon tea & snacks
  • Free room service (drinks only, during bar hours)
  • Tea, coffee & water available all day & evening
  • High-quality drinks (11am-11pm): soft drinks, beers, sparkling wine & a selection of wines, spirits, cocktails & long drinks (exceptions are specialities subject to surcharges & champagne)
  • Water, bathrobe & slippers
• Free use of all on-board facilities such as sauna & fitness room
• Use of on-board e-bikes for independent exploration at selected times
• On-board entertainment (includes up to two cultural performances)
• Free A-ROSA app to help you explore
• Services of an on-board Guest Relations Manager
• Port taxes
• Excursion to Vienna Woods
• Panoramic tours of Budapest, Bratislava & Melk

Please note: there is no seating plan or dress code; free tables ensure a relaxed atmosphere among guests. Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and river conditions.

Grand Capitals of the Danube

• 6-night cruise from Passau, Germany on a premium all-inclusive basis
• Excursion to Vienna Woods
• Panoramic tours of Budapest, Bratislava & Melk

Cabins

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Accommodation

A-ROSA BELLA

A-ROSA BELLA carries around 200 passengers and offers plenty for those seeking a relaxing cruise. You can expect two restaurants, two lounges, two bars, shuffleboard, putting green, giant chess board, a spacious sun deck with recliners and sunshades, heated outdoor pool and a relaxing spa with panoramic saunas, a gym, massage showers and a relaxation area (spa treatments are available at an extra cost). The comfortable cabins are elegantly designed and offer air-conditioning, a TV, hairdryer, telephone, safe and shower/WC.

Price shown is based on two people sharing an outside cabin with picture windows. Single cabins on request.

Cabin upgrades available (situated on higher decks and complete with Juliette balconies to enjoy watching the delightful riverscapes pass by). Subject to availability.

We also spend the first and last night of our tour in a well-appointed hotel in the Frankfurt area (JG4 rating). The comfortable rooms are en suite and other facilities include a bar and restaurant.