budapest to passau
budapest to passau
Join Travel + Leisure Magazine Award-winning travel advisor, Rachel Shoemaker, on Uniworld's stunning S.S. Maria Theresa to cruise the Danube on an exclusive 'Music of the Danube' sailing
music of the danube
August 2nd - 9th, 2026
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The Danube in Perfect Harmony
Embark on the Music of the Danube River Cruise, a limited‑edition journey aboard the S.S. Maria Theresa. From Budapest’s medieval charm to Vienna’s imperial grandeur, every stop blends culture with unforgettable performances. Experience exclusive highlights: a private Mozart & Strauss concert, a Sound of Music tour and show, an organ recital in the Wachau Valley, and even a lively Bavarian yodeling workshop. Each day offers a perfect harmony of history, music, and discovery, creating memories that linger long after the river fades from view.
Embark on a special edition Music of the Danube River Cruise, beginning in Budapest aboard your floating boutique hotel, the majestic S.S. Maria Theresa. Revel in Budapest’s fusion of medieval and modern vibes before setting sail along the iconic Danube. Along the way, delight in exclusive musical experiences: a private Mozart and Strauss concert in Vienna, a Sound of Music tour and performance in Salzburg, an organ recital in the Wachau Valley, and even a lively yodeling workshop in Bavaria. Onboard, enjoy intimate performances such as “Little Mozart,” a piano prodigy recreating the composer’s earliest triumphs, and a vibrant Hungarian folk band paired with cultural storytelling.
Beyond the music, explore cultural treasures including the Vienna Art History Museum, Dürnstein’s charming lanes, Melk Abbey’s Baroque splendor, Linz’s artistic heart and countryside traditions, and Passau’s riverside beauty with Europe’s largest cathedral organ. Each day offers a perfect harmony of history, culture, and sound, blending immersive excursions with unforgettable performances. Your journey will be enriched by both grand concert halls and intimate local traditions, ensuring a deeper connection to the spirit of Central Europe.
Your unforgettable voyage concludes in Passau, carrying with you not only the memories of captivating landscapes but also the harmonies of the Danube’s timeless musical heritage.
Optional extensions include a pre-cruise visit to Budapest and a post-cruise visit to Prague.
FROM MOZART IN VIENNA TO FOLK SONGS IN BAVARIA, DISCOVER THE DANUBE THROUGH ITS MUSIC AND HISTORY.
Day 1: Embarkation
Touch down at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. Should your cruise package feature a group arrival transfer or if you've opted for a private transfer, a friendly Uniworld representative will warmly greet you and ensure a smooth transfer to the ship. Upon arrival at the ship, you will be warmly welcomed aboard and shown to your stateroom.
Once you're settled, immerse yourself in Budapest's inspiring blend of history and vibrant culture before dinner.
Budapest, Hungary
Day 2: Hungarian Harmonies & Local Flavors
Budapest dazzles with its enchanting blend of medieval charm and modern flair. Choose between two captivating experiences: a panoramic city tour with a visit to the Franz Liszt Academy, where you’ll enjoy a student orchestra performance, or a guided culinary walk featuring local treats from strudel to salami.
This evening, immerse yourself in Hungary’s folk traditions with a lively Hungarian Folk Performance, followed by the Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner.
Budapest, Hungary
Day 3: Bratislava’s Stories, Vienna’s Serenades
Begin your day in Bratislava, choosing from three distinct excursions: a guided walk through the medieval Old Town, a scenic hike to Bratislava Castle with panoramic views, or an eye‑opening exploration of life behind the Iron Curtain. Each option reveals the city’s unique history, resilience, and charm, with time to browse local shops or enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. In the afternoon, relax onboard as the ship sails toward Vienna, taking in the scenery from the Sun Deck.
Upon arrival, the evening crescendos with a private Mozart & Strauss concert in one of Vienna’s historic halls, performed by world‑class musicians and singers—a highlight of this special Music of the Danube sailing.
Bratislava, Slovakia &
Vienna, Austria
Day 4: Masters, Melodies & Imperial Grandeur
Spend the day immersed in Vienna’s cultural treasures, from its exquisite art and imperial grandeur to its world‑famous music. Choose between exclusive early access to the Vienna Art History Museum with an art historian or a guided stroll along the Ring Street and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Later, enjoy leisure time to explore on your own—perhaps visiting the Albertina Museum or cycling through Danube Island and Prater Park with a ride on the Ferris wheel.
This special edition sailing also features Mythos Mozart, a multimedia experience that brings the composer’s genius to life in five immersive rooms, blending history and art into a modern celebration of Vienna’s musical legacy.
Vienna, Austria
Day 5: Wachau Wonders & Organ Recital
Spend the day in the breathtaking Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site of vineyards, medieval towns, and baroque splendor. In Dürnstein, choose between a wine tasting at Austria’s oldest winery or a cultural talk on the valley’s saffron legacy, paired with time to wander its charming streets and castle ruins. In Melk, explore the magnificent abbey and its celebrated library, a beacon of learning and architecture. Adventurers may opt to cycle the famed Danube bike path between the two towns, taking in scenic river views and villages along the way.
This special edition sailing also features an exclusive organ concert in the Wachau Valley, filling historic abbey walls with music that echoes the region’s timeless spirit.
Dürnstein & Melk (Wachau Valley), Austria
Day 6: Sound of Music or Linz Traditions
Nestled in the Alps, Salzburg shines as Mozart’s birthplace and the iconic backdrop of The Sound of Music. Choose a full‑day excursion to explore its baroque squares, visit Mozart’s home, and relive cinematic magic with a special performance of songs from the film in Mondsee’s famous wedding church. Alternatively, discover Linz, where you’ll stroll past historic landmarks including Mozart’s apartment, savor the city’s signature Linzer Torte, and journey into the countryside for a farm visit with local cider and specialties.
Whether immersed in Salzburg’s musical legacy or Linz’s artistic and culinary traditions, this day offers unforgettable experiences framed by Austria’s spectacular alpine scenery.
Linz & Salzburg, Austria
Day 7: Folk Traditions & Farewell Dinner
Known as the City of Three Rivers, Passau sits at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz, where cultures and landscapes beautifully converge. Choose between a guided walking tour that showcases the city’s landmarks and Europe’s largest cathedral organ, or an invigorating hike along the Ilz River through woodlands and scenic trails. Later, enjoy panoramic views from Kloster Mariahilf before returning to the ship.
This special edition sailing also features an unforgettable organ concert in Passau, filling the historic cathedral with music that resonates as the perfect finale to your journey. The evening concludes with the Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner, celebrating the memories made along the Danube.
Passau, Germany
Day 8: Fond Farewells
As your unforgettable journey along the Danube comes to a close, it’s time to disembark the ship. Should your cruise package encompass a group departure transfer, or if you’ve arranged a private transfer, you’ll be smoothly escorted to Munich Airport for your journey home. Relish these last moments, cherishing the rich tapestry of memories formed throughout your adventures in this picturesque and culturally rich region.
Safe travels as you carry the spirit of this exquisite adventure with you!
Passau, Germany
Double Occupancy - $5399 to $9099 per person
Double Occupancy - from $5399 per person
Single Occupancy - from $6699 per person
Single Occupancy - $6699 to $17999 per person
International airfare
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Optional tours or Masterpiece Collection excursions
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, or spa treatments
What's Not included:
2-9 August, 2026
What's Included In This Adventure
What's Included
Accommodations aboard the S.S. Maria Theresa in your selected stateroom category
Daily excursions and tours, including exclusive musical experiences
All onboard meals, plus Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wines, spirits, and specialty coffees
