We arrive in Passau—a charming Bavarian city at the confluence of three rivers—and make our way to the port in Passau-Racklau, less than 3 km from the train station. We board the BELLA no later than 3:30 pm and set sail at 4 pm, heading downstream toward Vienna. The first scenic highlight comes almost immediately: the Schlögener Schlinge, a dramatic 180-degree bend where the Danube winds through the Bohemian Massif—a spectacular introduction to the week ahead.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: BELLA river cruise ship