14Nights

Danube Intensive 2025 - BASIC

Highlights of the Danube Cataracts Cruise

Complete relaxation between towering cliffs and cultural highlights.

From Passau to Vienna, Budapest, Kalocsa, Mohács, Vukovar, Belgrade, Cataracts, Novi Sad, Ilok, Cruising Day, Bratislava and Melk to Passau.

With a stroke of the bow, a violin begins to weep. The young, the artistic and business people sit beneath the golden ceiling of the Book Café in Budapest. This city of many influences is a place where people, culture and architecture come together to create a unique atmosphere. Visitors who dock in Belgrade will be able to smell peach trees and wood smoke as they make their way to the imposing fortress. They’ll also be able to try pljeskavica, a kind of burger served with cream cheese and flatbread. There’s more to Vienna than the Sissi Museum, the cathedral and Prater; there’s also an endless array of charming and innovative shops, cafés and museums. Plus, the Carpathian Mountains aren’t far away. First, though, you must pass through the “Iron Gates”. Looking on disapprovingly is a 40-m-high portrait carved into the cliffs of a king who ruled here until 106 A.D. The deep-blue water flows through the vertical cliffs of this mighty canyon, taking many a passenger’s breath away. The Wachau valley seems rather gentle by comparison. This area’s mild climate means that sun-kissed grapes can be grown to produce exquisite wines. This UNESCO World Heritage Site also boasts idyllic ruined castles and picturesque villages. A region for true connoisseurs.

Vienna

Once you've settled into Vienna for a few hours, you won't want to leave in a hurry. You want to visit the countless cafés, where the traditional Viennese coffee house culture is still lived today. And also the great history around the emperors, Sissi and the Habsburgs with their pompous lifestyle contributes to the fascination of this city. Or you can listen to the sounds of Viennese classical music. In addition, the Austrian capital can also inspire on a culinaric level: it is not for nothing that the famous Wiener Schnitzel and the Sachertorte could establish themselves almost everywhere in the world.

Budapest

On one bank of the Danube is hilly Buda with its Fisherman’s Bastion and Castle Hill; on the other, there’s flat Pest with its House of Parliament. These two beautiful districts couldn’t be more different. Perhaps that’s why it took until 1873 for the two cities on opposite sides of the river to merge and form Budapest.

Bratislava

Slovakia’s capital is situated exactly at the point where the country meets Austria and Hungary. This makes it the only capital city in the world that borders more than one neighbouring country. Due to its location, Bratislava has been an ethnic melting pot since ancient times. This influence can be seen in every corner of the city.

Cataracts

The Cataract Passage is probably the most impressive stretch on this Danube cruise in terms of scenery. It leads through deep gorges along steep cliffs. The “Iron Gate”, a Danube gorge that used to be considered dangerous, is particularly exciting. The worst thing you can do these days is not being quick enough to pull out your camera to capture beautiful photos.

Itinerary

Passau, also known as the ‘city of three rivers’, is picturesquely situated at the point where the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers meet in Bavaria. You should definitely try the regional cuisine in Passau. The highlights include local specialities such as ‘Dreiflüsseforelle’ (three-river trout) and sweet treats such as ‘Dreiflüsseschnitte’ (three-river cake)

 Vienna has a rich history, with its emperors, Elisabeth of Austria and the ostentatious Habsburgs, adding to its fascination. Music also plays a big part of any visit where the First Viennese School of composers Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven were equally inspired by the city. Explore The Hofburg Palace, take a ride on the Riesenrad Ferris Wheel or visit the famous traditional coffee houses. The Austrian capital also produces excellent cuisine, with Wiener schnitzel and Sachertorte worth trying. 

 Vienna has a rich history, with its emperors, Elisabeth of Austria and the ostentatious Habsburgs, adding to its fascination. Music also plays a big part of any visit where the First Viennese School of composers Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven were equally inspired by the city. Explore The Hofburg Palace, take a ride on the Riesenrad Ferris Wheel or visit the famous traditional coffee houses. The Austrian capital also produces excellent cuisine, with Wiener schnitzel and Sachertorte worth trying. 

Do you know how many bridges Budapest has? There are seven in total – and they span the river between the neighbourhoods Buda and Pest. The most well known is probably the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. Take a look at Budapest’s imposing structures for yourself as you cruise down the Danube. And if you go out onto the sun deck of your A-ROSA ship, you’ll also have an unobstructed view of Budapest’s famous parliament building. The perfect way to experience a stunning city.

Do you know how many bridges Budapest has? There are seven in total – and they span the river between the neighbourhoods Buda and Pest. The most well known is probably the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. Take a look at Budapest’s imposing structures for yourself as you cruise down the Danube. And if you go out onto the sun deck of your A-ROSA ship, you’ll also have an unobstructed view of Budapest’s famous parliament building. The perfect way to experience a stunning city.

Kalocsa

Arr 08:00 am Dep 09:00 am

During your Danube cruise, the ship will call at Kalocsa, where we will stop briefly. This town lies to the south of Hungary’s capital, Budapest. Its best-known tourist attraction is the Paprika Museum. Did you know that Kalocsa has the largest pepper-growing area in the world?

Mohács

Arr 12:30 pm Dep 01:30 pm

This idyllic little town on the Danube in southern Hungary is a delightful place to visit. Its pleasant location, snug alleyways and generous squares lend it a relaxing atmosphere. The country’s southernmost Danube ferry plies back and forth here, before the river leaves Hungary and flows into the Black Sea. Your river cruise will take you to one of the Danube’s most beautiful towns, which is also a carnival hotspot.

Vukovar

Arr 07:00 pm Dep 07:30 pm

The Croatian city of Vukovar is located in the eastern part of the country and was the most heavily contested area during the Croatian War. Even today, the water tower of Vukovar on the outskirts of the city serves as a reminder of the destruction that occurred at that time.

Belgrade is a well-kept secret among Europe’s many metropolises. The capital of the Republic of Serbia, it is the country’s political, cultural and economic centre. It has a population of around 1.7 million, making it the country’s most populous city too. Belgrade’s location makes it a hub for travel between central and south-eastern Europe. During your Danube cruise, you’ll get to experience Belgrade up-close and enjoy this wonderfully varied city.

Belgrade is a well-kept secret among Europe’s many metropolises. The capital of the Republic of Serbia, it is the country’s political, cultural and economic centre. It has a population of around 1.7 million, making it the country’s most populous city too. Belgrade’s location makes it a hub for travel between central and south-eastern Europe. During your Danube cruise, you’ll get to experience Belgrade up-close and enjoy this wonderfully varied city.

Kreuzen Katarakten zwischen 08:00 & 18:00 Uhr

Novi Sad

Arr 08:00 am Dep 08:00 pm

The capital of the autonomous province of Vojvodina makes quite an impression, with the mighty Petrovaradin fortress occupying the right bank of the Danube and the picturesque old town of Novi Sad standing atop the left bank. With around 220,000 inhabitants, it is Serbia’s second-largest city. Tourists are captivated by the old town – which looks as though it could almost be Italian. Will it cast a spell on you too? During this Danube cruise, you’ll have the chance to find out.

Ilok

Arr 11:30 pm Dep 11:59 pm

Stopp zur Zollabfertigung.

During your cruising day, enjoy watching the scenery drift by as you look forward to the next towns and cities. Our tip: the SPA-ROSA is a great place to unwind and pamper yourself during your day on the river.

Bratislava, the youngest capital in Europe, is situated exactly at the point where the country meets Austria and Hungary. This makes it the only capital city in the world that borders more than one neighbouring country. Due to its location, Bratislava has been an ethnic melting pot since ancient times. Cultures meet and merge together. The streets of the old town – lined with well-preserved baroque and rococo city palaces – are filled with the sound of people speaking different languages.

Bratislava, the youngest capital in Europe, is situated exactly at the point where the country meets Austria and Hungary. This makes it the only capital city in the world that borders more than one neighbouring country. Due to its location, Bratislava has been an ethnic melting pot since ancient times. Cultures meet and merge together. The streets of the old town – lined with well-preserved baroque and rococo city palaces – are filled with the sound of people speaking different languages.

"Gateway to the Wachau": Step into the UNESCO World Heritage Site and admire the Danube valley from above. The town of Melk with its impressive Benedictine monastery sits majestically enthroned on a hill and offers you a breathtaking view. A perfect blend between city and nature.

Today we dock again in Passau. You will return home from the Queen of the Rivers with so many beautiful and wonderful impressions. And if you don't want to leave us quite yet, why not explore the city and region on your last day? You can also extend your cruise in one of our partner hotels. See you soon and ahoy!

A-ROSA BASIC

The tariff for flexible (or spontaneous) relaxation. For certain travel dates we offer the "A-ROSA Basic" tariff with a limited contingent at short notice.

The rate A-ROSA Basic incl. Full Board includes the following services:

  • Indulge all day, every day: Comprehensive breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets, embarkation refreshment and daily coffee time (A‑ROSA ALVA, A‑ROSA ALEA and A‑ROSA CLEA: the main courses are served at the table)
  • Kids Club available on family cruises and all year round on the A-ROSA SENA
  • Water dispensers
  • A-ROSA App with information about your cruise
  • Free use of the onboard facilities such as sauna and fitness room1

1 No sauna on board A‑ROSA ALEA and A‑ROSA CLEA.

Drinks Package Premium All-Inclusive Plus

Every wish will come true at the bar! Treat yourself to a wide variety of flavours. For just € 39 per night and person at the Premium All-Inclusive fare, you can enjoy the most popular cocktails, long drinks and spirits in addition to the already included premium drinks. (during bar opening hours)

Transfer railway station - Ship - railway station

You have the option of booking our transfer service from the railway station to the ship and back for € 40 per person in Passau and € 30 per person in Cologne. The transfer service is only offered on the day of embarkation and disembarkation. For further information, please see your travel information.

Dates & Prices