The Blue Danube - Passau to Budapest
7 nights on the Danube, Passau to Budapest.
Day by day
Breakfast includedLunch includedDinner includednot included
INCLUDEDComplimentary excursionHERITAGE COLLECTIONAdd-on
Day 1: Passau
BLDCheck-in 11:00 PM
Embark in charming Passau where German tradition and Italian beauty meet the river magic.
Day 2: Linz
BLDCheck-in 6:00 AM
Linz is a true city when it comes to “the meeting of old and new.” The charming Baroque city meets cutting-edge architecture.
Shore excursions
Pleasure & History: A Day Full of Flavour & CultureHERITAGE COLLECTION$30
Travel by coach from Linz to Tragwein for a guided visit and tasting at Bauernkrapfen Schleiferei, discovering the traditional production of sweet Austrian Krapfen.
Continue by coach to the Mitterkirchen Open-Air Museum.
Enjoy a guided visit that transports guests approximately 2,700 years into the past, exploring recreated prehistoric dwellings and discovering how people lived in the Machland region.
Continue to a local restaurant and enjoy a traditional Austrian snack.
Travel to the Farthofer Distillery or similar producer for a Mostelleria experience, learning about cider-pear production and enjoying a regional tasting.
Conclude with free time for purchases or a visit to the largest cider pear orchard in Europe before returning to the ship.
Day 3: Melk - Dürnstein
BLDCheck-in 3:00 PM
Explore Austria’s Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, by visiting the famous Dürnstein Abbey. A Baroque church complex renowned for its blue-and-white tower is one of the landmarks along the Danube. Walk the scenic paths, the Treppelweg, an old term for towing paths, once used by workers and animals to pull boats upstream before engines existed. Pause at Dürnstein’s charming City Hall, nestled in the village square amidst vivid streets and period buildings along the Danube.
Shore excursions
Melk AbbeyHERITAGE COLLECTION
Travel from the ship to Melk Abbey by coach.
Walk from the parking area to the Abbey entrance, taking in the imposing architecture and surrounding views.
Enjoy a guided Abbey tour with the Abbey curator, exploring ornate interiors, the magnificent library, ceremonial halls and frescoed ceilings while learning about centuries of Benedictine history.
After the tour, enjoy free time in the landscaped gardens, with views over the Danube and Wachau Valley.
Walk back to the parking area, before returning to the ship by coach.
Walking Tour Dürnstein with AbbeyINCLUDED
Walk along the scenic Treppelweg toward the town, enjoying views along the Danube.
Explore Dürnstein’s historic City Hall and surrounding landmarks during a guided walk through the charming streets.
Continue to Dürnstein Abbey for a guided visit, including the monastery and chapel, where guests can appreciate the historic architecture and richly decorated interiors.
Walk back to the ship.
Day 4: Vienna
BLDCheck-in 4:00 AM
Step ashore from the Century Star vessel in Vienna, where the Danube meets the heart of the city. Enjoy the stunning Baroque gardens of Belvedere Palace, with lavish fountains, sculptures, and scenic views of Vienna. Marvel at the Vienna State Opera House, which opened in 1869 with a staging of Mozart’s Don Giovanni. Travel through Baroque, Gothic, and modern design at the heart of Vienna and the famous Stephansplatz. Wander through Michaelerplatz, a landmark square located in front of the Hofburg Palace. Admire the Hofburg Palace, the seat of power for Habsburg rulers for over 600 years. Today, it houses the office of the Austrian President, countless museums, and the renowned Spanish Riding School, famous for its Lipizzaner horses.
Shore excursions
City Tour ViennaINCLUDED
Begin with a panoramic coach tour through Vienna, passing major streets and landmarks.
Continue with a walk through the gardens of Belvedere Palace, admiring its Baroque architecture and landscaped grounds, followed by continuing toward the Opera House.
Walk to Stephansplatz via Hofburg Palace, Michaelerplatz and the Imperial Stables, exploring Vienna’s imperial heritage along the way.
Pause at St. Stephen’s Cathedral; the program does not include an interior visit.
Board the coach near the Opera House and return to the ship.
Schönbrunn PalaceHERITAGE COLLECTION$142
Travel by coach via Vienna’s Ringstrasse and past Naschmarkt to Schönbrunn Palace.
Walk to the palace entrance, followed by a stroll through the gardens.
Enjoy a guided tour of the palace, including the Sisi and Maria Theresa rooms as part of the Grand Tour.
Learn about the Habsburg dynasty and life within Vienna’s former imperial summer residence.
Enjoy free time, then walk to the car park before returning to the ship.
Day 5: Bratislava
BLDCheck-in 5:00 AM
Visit the capital city of Slovakia, Bratislava, once the coronation city for Hungarian kings. Today, it’s a charming city of colorful Baroque buildings and medieval churches. Explore Bratislava Castle, perched above the Danube, offering panoramic views of Bratislava, Austria, and Hungary.
Shore excursions
City Express BratislavaINCLUDED
Depart the ship by tourist train and travel to Bratislava Castle.
Explore the castle grounds, learning about the history of the castle and enjoying panoramic views over the city and Danube.
Continue by train to the Old Town, followed by a guided walking tour through historic streets, charming squares and notable landmarks.
The tour concludes near the Opera House or Danube bank, where guests receive directions to return to the ship independently.
Small Carpathian Tour, Ceramics Factory & Wine TastingHERITAGE COLLECTION$158
Travel by coach to Červený Kameň Castle.
Enjoy a guided visit of this beautifully preserved fortress, exploring its historic rooms, courtyards, art and furnishings.
Continue to Pezinok, for a tasting of regional wines at Vinum Galeria Bozen.
On the return journey, spend time visiting a traditional Majolica ceramic factory and a small family-run artisan business, discovering local craftsmanship.
Return to the ship.
Day 6: Esztergom
BLDCheck-in 7:00 AM
Welcome to the time machine of Europe: Esztergom Castle, gilded with Roman, medieval, Ottoman, and Habsburg history. It’s known as the largest church in Hungary, offering the spellbinding views of the Danube. Pass through Gabicevo lock one of the biggest inland navigation locks in Europe where the lock lifts or lowers ships by around 20–23 meters, depending on river conditions.
Shore excursions
Basilica EsztergomHERITAGE COLLECTION$82
Ride the mini train from the pier to Esztergom Basilica.
Enjoy a guided visit of the Basilica and Treasury, discovering its impressive architecture, historic artworks and sacred artifacts.
Return to the ship by mini train.
Day 7: Budapest
BLDCheck-in 5:00 PM
Experience the dual personality of Budapest as you cross the historic Petofi Bridge over the Danube. Feel the spark and bustle of Pest side give way to charm to the royal, scenic Buda. Glimpse at the famous Gellert Hill, steeped in stories of yore, echoing along the banks of the Danube. The hill was named after Saint Gellert, who was thrown from its heights during a pagan revolt in 1046. Take a photo of the Parliament building, which is the home of the Holy Crown of Hungary. The central dome’s height is 96 meters (315 feet), a mystical number honouring the year 896 AD, when the country was founded. The architecture of the building bears a strong resemblance to the Palace of Westminster in London. Cross the imposing Margaret Bridge. It’s named after a medieval princess, St Margaret, who lived on the island located in the middle of the Danube River. Continue to St. Stephen’s Basilica named after St. Stephen, the first King of Hungary and founder of the Hungarian state. Inside, the basilica houses the Holy Right Hand of St. Stephen, one of the country’s most treasured relics. The building’s dome rises 96 meters, matching the height of the Parliament dome, symbolizing the balance between church and state. Take a stroll to Gresham Palace, a grand Art Nouveau landmark at the heart of Budapest. Soak in the atmosphere of pedestrian-friendly Zrinyi Street, known for its cafés, shops, and historic buildings. Later tour the famous Kossuth Square named after Lajos Kossuth, a Hungarian national hero. Continue to the Heroes’ Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the Museum of Fine Arts and the Palace of Art. It also houses the imposing Millennium Monument, featuring the Archangel Gabriel at the top and statues of Hungary’s kings and leaders below. After exploring splendours of Budapest return to Century Star for departure to the former capital of Hungary, Esztergom.
Shore excursions
City Tour BudapestINCLUDED
Discover Budapest on a scenic coach and walking tour. Begin across Petőfi Bridge, passing Gellért Hill and taking in panoramic views of the city.
Enjoy a photo stop opposite the Parliament, one of Budapest’s most recognizable landmarks.
Continue across Margaret Bridge toward St. Stephen’s Basilica before walking through the pedestrian zone along Zrínyi Street to Gresham Palace for free time.
Continue along the Danube to Parliament, followed by exploring Kossuth Square, the historic heart of Hungary’s capital.
Continue toward Heroes’ Square for a guided exploration of its monumental statues and landmarks.
Return to the ship via Andrássy Avenue, passing the Opera House.
Carriage Ride Throught the PusztaHERITAGE COLLECTION$136
Travel by coach from Budapest to the Puszta at Lajosmizse.
After a short break, board traditional horse-drawn carriages, followed by a carriage ride across the Hungarian countryside.
Enjoy a traditional Hungarian horse show, showcasing the skill and agility of the region’s famous horsemen, followed by a visit to the stables.
The experience concludes with enjoying pogácsa, traditional Hungarian bread, paired with wine.
Return to the ship by coach.
Day 8: Budapest
BLDCheck-in NA
Disembark ship and return home inspired by the history, culture, and breathtaking scenery experienced throughout your cruise.
Your ship
Choose Your Stateroom
Fares are per person and vary by cabin grade, departure date and party size. Century does not sell online: a specialist confirms current pricing, and cancellation terms are confirmed with them when a booking is placed.
All fares per person, based on double occupancy.
Departure dates(13)
- 23 Mar 2027$2,999Sold out
- 20 Apr 2027$2,999
- 27 Jul 2027$2,999
- 24 Aug 2027$2,999
- 7 Sep 2027$2,999
- 16 Nov 2027$2,999Sold out
- 21 Mar 2028$2,999
- 18 Apr 2028$2,999
- 16 May 2028$2,999
- 11 Jul 2028$2,999
- 8 Aug 2028$2,999
- 5 Sep 2028$2,999
- 3 Oct 2028
Select a stateroom above to see what it includes.
Area: 172 sq. ft. Bathroom: Shower
Area: 194 sq. ft. Bathroom: Shower
Area: 300 sq. ft. Bathroom: Shower
What is included
- Inclusive Airfare: Enjoy complimentary international flights when selecting premier cabin categories.
- Seamless Arrival & Departure: Benefit from curated airport transfers when coordinated through Century Air.
- Expert Guidance: Benefit from the insights and storytelling of a professional, English-speaking tour guide throughout your journey.
- Curated Exploration: Complimentary shore excursions—one at every port—with the opportunity to upgrade from our Signature Collection.
- Elegant Dining: Savor all meals as highlighted in your personal itinerary.
- Refined Pairings: Enjoy an unlimited selection of complimentary beers and fine wines during lunch and dinner.
Enquiries for The Blue Danube - Passau to Budapest route to a cruise specialist.