5 nights · Germany Bavaria · River cruise · Departs Passau (Germany) · Visiting Wachau Valley, Vienna, Bratislava, Melk, Linz · Aboard A Rosa Cruises on the Arosa Donna
Image courtesy of A Rosa Cruises ©
This river cruise sails the Danube, departing Passau.
| Cruise line | A Rosa Cruises |
|---|---|
| Ship | Arosa Donna |
| Duration | 5 nights |
| Port calls | 6 |
| Departures | 3 sailings |
| From fare | $733 per person |
| Year built | 2002 |
| Guests | 245 |
| Cabins | 100 |
| Crew | 50 |
| Length | 125 m |
| Beam | 11 m |
| Cruising speed | 13.0 kn |
Passau sits where the Danube, Inn and Ilz meet, their contrasting waters framing one of Bavaria’s most handsome old towns. Walk its baroque lanes to St Stephen’s Cathedral, famed for its historic organ. From the fortress of Veste Oberhaus, rooftops and rivers unfold in a memorable view. Passau rewards a leisurely call: explore on foot, pause beside the water, and watch three waterways shape the city’s character.
Follow the Danube into Austria’s Wachau Valley, where vineyard terraces, medieval towns and fortified abbeys line a UNESCO-listed landscape. At Dürnstein, blue-and-white church towers mark the town where Richard the Lionheart was held captive. Melk Abbey commands the western entrance, its grand Baroque rooms overlooking the river and surrounding hills. Sample Grüner Veltliner from steep local vineyards, or explore by bicycle, boat or on foot.
Arrive in Vienna by river and give the city more than a passing glance. Its imperial centre rewards a slow walk, from St Stephen’s Cathedral to the grand Ringstrasse boulevards. Set aside time for Schönbrunn Palace, once the Habsburgs’ summer residence, or choose the Kunsthistorisches Museum for its remarkable collections. Then take a seat in a traditional coffeehouse; in Vienna, coffee and cake are part of the city’s daily ritual.
Bratislava rewards a day ashore with a walkable old town, a lively Danube waterfront and a castle above the river. Explore the lanes around Michael’s Gate, then climb to Bratislava Castle for wide views across the city and beyond. Pause at a café terrace before following the riverside promenade. Slovakia’s capital is compact, making its historic centre easy to discover on foot.
Follow the Danube into Austria’s Wachau Valley, where vineyard terraces, medieval towns and fortified abbeys line a UNESCO-listed landscape. At Dürnstein, blue-and-white church towers mark the town where Richard the Lionheart was held captive. Melk Abbey commands the western entrance, its grand Baroque rooms overlooking the river and surrounding hills. Sample Grüner Veltliner from steep local vineyards, or explore by bicycle, boat or on foot.
Melk stands at the western end of Austria’s Wachau, a UNESCO-listed Danube valley. Its vineyards, apricot orchards and medieval towns make the river journey especially rewarding. High above the water, Melk Abbey commands attention with its baroque church, imperial rooms and celebrated library. Founded as a Benedictine monastery in 1089, it remains active and ranks among Austria’s most memorable cultural landmarks.
Linz rewards curious travelers with a rare blend of imperial architecture, modern art and working-city energy. On the Danube, its compact center makes an easy introduction to Upper Austria, while cafés serve the famous Linzer Torte. At Ars Electronica Center, interactive exhibitions explore technology and the future; nearby Lentos Art Museum adds a striking riverside counterpoint. Ride the Pöstlingbergbahn for broad views over the city and river, then return to the baroque Hauptplatz.
Passau sits where the Danube, Inn and Ilz meet, their contrasting waters framing one of Bavaria’s most handsome old towns. Walk its baroque lanes to St Stephen’s Cathedral, famed for its historic organ. From the fortress of Veste Oberhaus, rooftops and rivers unfold in a memorable view. Passau rewards a leisurely call: explore on foot, pause beside the water, and watch three waterways shape the city’s character.
Published August 5, 2026
Last updated October 28, 2026
Author: J. Richard
Good to know: Prices are quoted per person based on double occupancy and include all applicable taxes and fees. Availability and prices can change quickly, so please continue through the booking process to confirm the latest availability and pricing before you pay.
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