River & Music
8 Days
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River & Music


BudapestPassau

8 Days

A Musical Journey in the Footsteps of Great Composers along the Danube

From September 28 to October 5, 2025, embark on an unforgettable journey where the beauty of classical music merges with the cultural richness of Central Europe. On board the elegant AMADEUS Riva, you will be accompanied by the melodies of Mozart, Liszt, Strauss, and Bruckner through the heart of music history. During the day, you will discover magnificent cities and historic sites such as Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Dürnstein, Melk, Linz, and Salzburg – cities deeply connected to the lives and works of these musical legends. Walk in their footsteps and experience the inspiration behind their timeless masterpieces. In the evenings, enjoy exclusive concerts, atmospheric performances, and thoughtfully curated experiences that bring the music to life in unique settings.

Itinerary

Step into your luxurious floating hotel for the next 7 days and enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner on board. As Budapest lights up at dusk, the Panorama Lounge hosts a vibrant Hungarian folklore show with traditional dancers in colorful costumes—a lively journey through Hungary’s rich cultural heritage.

Later, take in the magic of an atmospheric light tour through illuminated Budapest from the sun deck, set to the enchanting sounds of the waltz—an unforgettable start to your musical voyage.

Stay Budapest

Over Night

Excursions

In the morning, discover Budapest on the trail of Franz Liszt with fascinating excursions. In the evening, you have the option to visit Esztergom. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Danube Bend and explore highlights such as the impressive Esztergom Basilica—the largest church in Hungary and an architectural model for St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

After dinner, the first musical highlight awaits you on board: soprano Rebeca Olvera enchants the audience with an atmospheric recital, accompanied on the piano.

Stay Budapest

Departure at 1:30pm

Excursions

Stay Esztergom

6:30pm - 8:00pm

Excursions

Bratislava, a city where history and music intertwine in a truly unique way, has long been considered a hidden gem of the European classical tradition. As a cultural crossroads between Austria, Hungary, and the Bohemian lands, Bratislava played a key role in the careers of Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Ludwig van Beethoven—all of whom performed here and left their mark on the city.

In the morning, take the opportunity to join guided excursions through Bratislava—a city where culture and everyday life blend in perfect harmony. Stroll through the winding lanes of the Old Town with its cobbled streets, charming squares, elegant palaces, and vibrant cafés. Discover the city’s rich history in its museums and galleries, or enjoy the breathtaking view from the castle hill, where majestic Bratislava Castle rises above the Danube.

Stay Bratislava

8:00am - 11:00pm

Excursions

Vienna, one of the world’s great cultural capitals, carries the legacy of legendary composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. The Vienna State Opera and the Musikverein continue to set global standards in classical music, while elegant palaces and traditional coffeehouses keep the city’s musical spirit alive.

In the morning, you’ll discover Vienna’s majestic beauty, with the afternoon free for additional excursions or time at your leisure. The highlight of the day is an optional visit to the Vienna State Opera, where you can experience Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia in a unique production—an unforgettable evening in the heart of the City of Music.

Stay Vienna

Arrival at 7:00am

Excursions

Nestled in the heart of the Wachau Valley, the picturesque towns of Dürnstein and Melk offer a perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Dürnstein enchants with its charming medieval streets and the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive—a place full of romantic beauty. Just a short cruise away, Melk Abbey rises majestically above the Danube, a Baroque masterpiece and beacon of Austria’s artistic and spiritual heritage. In these magical places, time seems to stand still—offering the perfect moment to enjoy one of Austria’s most culturally rich and scenic regions.

Excursion idea: Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Wachau Valley—and perhaps taste some of the region’s famous wines, like Grüner Veltliner and Riesling.

In the afternoon, we continue our journey to the magnificent Melk Abbey. There, in the historic Koloman Hall, you will experience an exclusive concert performed by an ensemble of the Vienna Philharmonic, featuring masterworks by Mozart, Brahms, and other iconic Viennese composers.

After the concert, enjoy a special Meet & Greet with the musicians—a rare opportunity to engage with world-class artists and gain personal insights into their craft.

Stay Vienna

Departure at 12:30am

Stay Duernstein

8:00am - 12:00pm

Excursions

Stay Emmersdorf

3:00pm - 7:00pm

Excursions

Linz masterfully blends Austrian history with innovative art and was once a place of retreat for composer Anton Bruckner. His legacy remains deeply rooted in the city—from the charming Old Town to its vibrant cultural scene. At the lovingly curated Anton Bruckner Museum, located in his birthplace, you’ll delve into the composer’s life and work. Highlights include his original baton, top hat, and organ console.

Next, visit the Baroque St. Florian Monastery, where Bruckner once sang in the boys’ choir and later served as organist. A guided tour includes the magnificent abbey church and a short concert on the famed Bruckner Organ.

The afternoon is yours to explore Linz at your own pace.

Stay Linz

Arrival at 6:00am

Excursions

Nestled between the Alps and the Salzach River, Salzburg is the birthplace of Mozart and a world-renowned center of classical music. Your scenic journey to the city offers views of rolling hills and charming villages—settings made famous by The Sound of Music.

Once in Salzburg, visit Mozart’s birthplace and former residence, where original exhibits provide deep insight into the life of this musical genius. A stroll along the historic Getreidegasse brings the city’s rich past to life. Other highlights include the beautiful Mirabell Palace and Gardens, as well as the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress with its sweeping panoramic views.

In the evening, enjoy a festive farewell on board with a moving concert by German and Austrian brass musicians—a perfect musical finale to this exceptional journey.

Stay Linz

Departure at 11:00pm

Excursions

After breakfast, we bid you farewell. We hope to welcome you again soon!

Stay Passau

Arrival at 8:00am

We reserve the right to make amendments to the timetable and program.

Highlights

  • Enjoy two concerts on board and one in the outstanding Kolomani Hall right in the World Unesco Heritage sight Melk Abbey.
  • Travel with members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
  • Feel enchanted by local stars with folkloristic music – in Budapest and Linz.
  • Optional: Enjoy the amazing Vienna State Opera

Dates & Prices


Loading available dates

Inclusions

Musical Program Onboard & Ashore

  • Concert with members of the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra at Melk abbey’s Kolomani Hall
  • Recital by soprano Rebeca Olvera accompanied by pianist Anna Hauner
  • Exclusive concert of the Altenberg Trio on Board
  • Evening cruise with folklore performance in Budapest
  • Typical Brass band evening concert on board in Linz
  • Meet & Greets, autograph sessions with the artists

Suites & Staterooms

  • 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
  • Individual climate control and in-room safe 
  • Choice of bed configuration in all categories (double or twin bedding)

Gourmet Dining

  • Gourmet dining featuring breakfast, multi-course lunches and dinners with menu choices (including vegetarian options), afternoon tea and late-night snack
  • Water, coffee, tea, and wine during lunch and dinner
  • An Array of Amenities 

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard

  • Onboard fitness center open 24 hours a day
  • All gratuities on board are included in your cruise fare

Voyage of Discovery

  • Personalized service of an experienced, multilingual AMADEUS Cruise Director 
  • AMADEUS digital audio system for all guided excursions 
  • Complimentary use of onboard bicycles for independent exploration 
  • Onboard fitness center open 24 hours a day
  • All port taxes, embarkation, disembarkation and lock fees included in your cruise fare 

Additional Services

Transfer

You're in good hands with us from the start: Let us book you a transfer from the airport or train station to the ship port and back. The following rates apply per transfer for 1-2 people:

Budapest (Hungary)

Train Station - Port $ 79

Airport - Port $ 136

Budapest City Centre - Port $ 73

Passau (Germany)

Port - Train Station $ 73

Port - Airport Munich $ 345

Drinks Package

Including all alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages (Champagne, Wine, Spirits, Cocktails, Water, Softrinks, Tea, Coee, etc.) from €400 per person

Vienna State Opera

Performance on Oct 1st 2025 “Il barbiere di Siviglia” including transfers, price depending on ticket category from 300€ per person
 

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