Danube Rhapsody 2026 Excursions

Excursions and Packages​

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Cruise your way and choose from a carefully curated selection of immersive and inspiring excursions and adventures! Select one of our packages offered at a discounted rate when purchased in advance or book individual shore excursions at regular rates on board your cruise.

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Package A | for only $ 358 per person
 

Enjoy a package of these pre-selected excursions for a discounted rate when purchased in advance

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• Melk Abbey - A Baroque Jewel

• Vienna - Imperial Discovery Tour

• Budapest - Castle Hill & Historic Wonders

• Esztergom, Visegrád castle and Szentendre

• Bratislava - Beauty on the Danube

• Linz with visit of the ARS Electronica

 

Package B | for only $ 545 per person
 

Enjoy a package of these pre-selected excursions for a discounted rate when purchased in advance.

 

• Melk Abbey - A Baroque Jewel

• Dürnstein with Abbey and tasting

• Vienna - Imperial Discovery Tour

• AMADEUS Active: Scenic bike tour in Vienna

• Budapest - Castle Hill & Historic Wonders

• AMADEUS Taste: Flavors of Budapest

• Esztergom, Visegrád castle and Szentendre

• Bratislava - Beauty on the Danube

• AMADEUS Active: Hiking in Linz

 

Package C | for only $ 657 per person

 

Enjoy a package of these pre-selected excursions for a discounted rate when purchased in advance.

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• Melk Abbey - A Baroque Jewel

• Dürnstein with Abbey and tasting

• Vienna - Imperial Discovery Tour

• Visit to Schönbrunn Palace

• Budapest - Castle Hill & Historic Wonders

• Puszta - the equestrian traditions of Hungary

• Esztergom, Visegrád castle and Szentendre

• Bratislava - Beauty on the Danube

• AMADEUS Taste: Vineyard Raca and the Carpathian wine region

• Linz with visit of the ARS Electronica

 

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Melk Abbey - A Baroque Jewel

 

Melk Abbey is an Austrian Benedictine abbey and one of the world’s most famous monastic sites. The impressive Baroque abbey was built between 1702 and 1736 and is the biggest monastery complex of the Austrian baroque period. The abbey’s church, with frescos by Johann Michael Rottmayr, and the impressive library with countless medieval manuscripts and frescos by Paul Troger are particularly noteworthy.

 

A guided tour takes you through the abbot’s chambers, along the imperator’s walk, through the marble hall, the balconies and the library.

 

Duration: approx. 2 hours

 

Walking grade: Level 3: The excursion by bus is followed by a longer walk. You may need to climb several stairs.

 

Price: $ 78

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Dürnstein with Abbey and tasting

 

Explore Dürnstein, a hidden gem in the heart of the magnificent Wachau Valley. This peaceful village offers the unique combination of breathtaking scenery, traditional architecture and a surprising array of local culinary delicacies. As you walk past the town hall and castle ruins, your guide will make stops for you to savior treats made with the local specialty – Apricots.  Indulge your taste buds with a sip of an Apricot juice, brandy or liquor, before continuing your walk to the charming 700-year old Schloss Dürnstein.  Standing just outside the castle walls, you have a mustn’t miss photo opportunity of the towering cliffs and vistas along the mighty Danube.  Make a stop to explore the famous Abbey and afterwards, you are invited for a glass of wine to toast the end of your Dürnstein exploration.

 

Duration: approx. 2.5 hours

 

Walking grade LEVEL 5: Considerable walk with longer distances. This may include uneven surfaces and some stairs.

 

Price: $ 66

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Vienna - Imperial discovery tour

 

While it may take days or weeks to fully discover Vienna, this tour will give you an overall impression of the most important sights Vienna has to offer. First, you will drive along the famous Ringstrasse, passing several magnificent buildings like the stunning opera house, the parliament, the Court Theatre and Vienna’s imposing city hall.

 

The panoramic drive is followed by a guided walk through the city center where you will get to know Vienna at its fullest. Begin at the well-known Hofburg Imperial Palace, walk along the Kohl market and finish at Vienna’s iconic St. Stephen’s cathedral. Before returning to the ship, enjoy free time to stroll along the pedestrian area.

 

Duration approx. 3.5 hours

 

Walking grade Level 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.

 

Price $ 59

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Visit to Schönbrunn Palace

 

Travel by coach to one of the most beautiful sights of Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace. As one of the most important cultural heritage sites in Austria, Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens were declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. The reign of Maria Theresia signified the most splendid era for Schönbrunn.

 

The castle and park were the center of court and political life. Under the personal guidance of the Empress, it was remodelled and expanded to become a royal residence; a complex with a total of 1,441 rooms and halls was created. Visit many of the ceremonial rooms and then have the opportunity to walk around the beautifully designed gardens of the palace.

 

Duration approx. 3.5 hours

 

Walking grade Level 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.

 

Price $ 92

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OR AMADEUS Active: Scenic bike tour in Vienna

 

Step off the ship to begin your cycling discovery. Pedal at your pace as you ride along the famous Danube Cycling Path that stretches all the way to Budapest.  Meet your guide and after a short safety briefing, put on your helmet and set off on a specially selected Bike.  Your guide will discuss local life and scenery on your way to the Klosterneuburg Abbey, where according to legend, Margrave Leopold III founded the monastery during the 12th century. Here you will have time for a little break to stroll through the nature park Eichenhain or enjoy a coffee on you own, before your return bike ride back to the vessel.

 

Duration approx. 2.5 hours

 

Walking grade. Active: Active tours include challenging activities such as city hikes and bike rides that may include uneven surfaces, numerous stairs and steep inclines. We suggest to be in good physical condition and to wear appropriate attire for such activities.

 

Price $ 101

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Budapest - Castle Hill & Historic Wonders

 

Budapest, the “Queen of the Danube”, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and has managed to retain a charm of its own with the help of renovations in recent years. The Danube flows through the heart of the city, dividing it into two parts: Buda and Pest. The tour first takes you through Pest, past the Great Market Hall with its outstanding gourmet shops and stalls.

 

You will see splendid Baroque buildings such as the Hungarian State Opera in Neo-Renaissance style and the incomparable parliament building, which was finished in 1904 and has been an emblem of the city ever since then. There’s an opportunity for a photo stop at the Heroes’ Square, famous for its monuments to many Hungarian kings. Continue aross one of the seven bridges into Buda and go up to Castle Hill, where you will visit St. Matthew’s Church and the famous Fisherman’s Bastion (provided that it is open to the public). Enjoy the unforgettable view over the city before returning to the vessel.

 

Duration approx. 3.5 hours

 

Walking grade Level 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.

 

Price $ 73

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Puszta - the equestrian traditions of Hungary

 

After departing the harbour we drive out of Budapest. We will have the chance to see the landscape of the country side with some villages and cultivated areas, while our guide gives us information on present day life in Hungary. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with typical regional specialities such as Palinka (apricot schnapps) and Pogácsa, which is served as an aperitif together with salty snacks.

 

Afterwards, you can admire the fantastic relationship between Hungarian horsemen and their horses during a horse show. If you would like to ride a horse without saddle, you will have the chance after the show. You are also invited for a tasting of Hungarian salami and paprika and to enjoy a glass of local wine in the Csárda restaurant of the farm. At the end of the tour our coach will bring us back to the vessel.

 

Duration approx. 3.5 hours

 

Walking grade Level 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.

 

Price $ 104

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OR AMADEUS Taste: Flavors of Budapest

 

Your exciting excursion begins with a visit to the Market Hall. Built in 1896, this impressive building is the oldest and largest indoor market in Budapest and offers a variety of Hungarian specialties such as tokaj wine, langos and Hungarian paprika. Next, you will continue by bus to the City Park, where you’ll see the romantic Vajdahunyad Castle and the beautiful Széchenyi Baths - one of the largest and most popular thermal baths in Europe.

 

Afterwards, ride the second oldest metro in Europe to the city center and visit one of Budapest’s numerous pastry shops, where you can enjoy a slice of fluffy cake and a cup of coffee, and finally view the astonishing St. Stephen's Basilica.

 

Please note: The Market Hall is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Alternatively, we will visit the famous Budapest Opera House and drive up Gellert Hill to enjoy the spectacular view on Saturdays and Sundays.

 

Duration approx. 3 hours

 

Walking grade Level 3: The excursion by bus is followed by a longer walk. You may need to climb several stairs.

 

Price $ 73

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Esztergom, Visegrád castle and Szentendre

 

The tour departs from Budapest and takes you to the artists’ village of Szentendre, home to many generations of Hungarian artists since the early 20th century. Many museums and contemporary galleries represent the rich traditions of the visual arts in this town. Works of the ceramist Margit Kovács (1902–77) are displayed in a famous, eponymous Museum. The focal point of Szentendre is Foetér, the main square, lined with eateries, cafes, and souvenir stores.

 

Continue to the imposing ruined fortress of Visegrád, where you have a glorious view of the “famous Danube Bend. The next highlight of this excursion is Esztergom, the former residence of the Hungarian kings and seat of the Archbishop. Visit the imposing domed basilica — the largest cathedral in Hungary. Built in the early 19th century, it incorporates an ornate red marble chapel from an earlier church.

 

Duration approx. 5 hours

 

Walking grade. Level 4: Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.

 

Price $ 75

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Bratislava - Beauty on the Danube

 

Get to know the capital of the young Slovakian Republic. The driving tour passes St. Martin’s Cathedral and the Grassalkovich Palace and continues to the castle hill above the old town, where you will have a stunning, panoramic view of the city and surrounding areas.

 

Afterwards a guided walking tour leads you through the old town.  Take a leisurely stroll from Michael’s Gate through the historic city center, admire sights such as the Primatial Palace and St. Martin’s Cathedral, a former coronation cathedral for Hungarian kings, as well as the Academia Istropolitana, the oldest university of the city, dating back to the 15th century. See the main square with the old City Hall, the Opera House and Maximilian Fountain. From the Main Square we continue to a cosy cozy out of the way place to enjoy the famous Pressburger rolls with nut and poppy seed filling.  We will end our walk at the historical Opera House in front of glorious Ganymede’s Fountain. Afterwards, you are free to explore or walk the short distance back to the ship.

 

Duration approx. 3 hours

 

Walking grade Level 3: The excursion by bus is followed by a longer walk. You may need to climb several stairs.

 

Price $ 73

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AMADEUS Taste: Vineyard Raca and the Carpathian wine region

 

Experience wine and village life in Slovakia on this special excursion. Travel to the outskirts of bustling Bratislava over rolling hills draped in boutique wineries and dotted with traditional buildings.  Have a truly unique experience when visiting the Raca wine district.  First, a short stroll through a family-owned vineyard introduces you to the famous Frankova vintage.  Discuss wine and life in Slovakia with the wine makers while soaking in the breathtaking panorama of Bratislava and the Danube in the distance.  Next, your guide escorts you to a rarely-visited local wine cellar, where a resident sommelier invites you for a glass of wine and a taste of local delicacies!   Raca was first mentioned as a wine growing region in 1296, Maria Therese granted leave for the delivery to Vienna of the famous Raca wine Frankova.  Since that day in 1767 wine enthusiasts have been enjoying this variant in these peaceful surroundings. Embark your coach for the return drive to the vessel.

 

Duration approx. 3 hours

 

Walking grade Level 3: The excursion by bus is followed by a longer walk. You may need to climb several stairs.

 

Price $ 89

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Linz with visit of the ARS Electronica

 

Discover Linz, the capital of Upper Austria, on a guided walking tour. Stroll through the charming Old Town beneath the castle, where historic townhouses, monastery buildings, and hidden courtyards reveal the city's rich past.

 

Explore the medieval town square, baroque townhouses, the Old Cathedral with its famous Bruckner organ, and Austria’s largest church, the New Cathedral (entry subject to opening hours and services). The iconic pilgrimage basilica on Pöstlingberg towers over the city, while the modern Lentos Art Museum and Ars Electronica Center create a striking contrast with their illuminated glass facades.

 

The tour ends at the Ars Electronica Center, where fascinating exhibitions explore AI, robotics, biotechnology, and global change (closed Mondays).

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Duration approx. 3 hours

 

Walking grade Level 5: Considerable walk with longer distances. This may include uneven surfaces and some stairs.

 

Price $ 63

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OR AMADEUS Active: Hiking in Linz

 

Discover the Northern side of the Danube – Pöstlingberg, the favorite peak of Linz

 

The Pöstlingberg is one of the most popular excursion destinations in Linz and has been delighting visitors since 1898 with the Pöstlingbergbahn, one of the steepest adhesion railways in Europe. Reaching the summit by hiking can be a challenge in parts, as it is at 539 meters. The path initially leads along the Danube through quiet residential areas, as well as past the modern building of the Anton Bruckner Private University and the Linz Zoo. Once at the top there is a wonderful view from the panoramic plateau over the city and the foothills of the Alps that you should not miss. At the highest point of the mountain, the pilgrimage basilica “Seven Sorrows of Mary” is visible from afar. Down the steep Way of the Cross (starts below the viewing platform) you reach the Episcopal High School Collegium Petrinum, and from there you can return to Linz city center within a short time.

 

Duration approx. 2.5 hours

 

Walking grade Active: Active tours include challenging activities such as city hikes and bike rides that may include uneven surfaces, numerous stairs and steep inclines. We suggest to be in good physical condition and to wear appropriate attire for such activities.

 

Price $ 43