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Your cruise will also feature regional cuisine - think river-caught fish, local produce in season, fruit from the surrounding orchards, and German, Austrian, and Hungarian wines. Along the way it shadows centuries-old storybook villages that appear unchanged by time and cuts through sophisticated world capitals, like Vienna and Budapest. And that’s all without mentioning the entertainment and facilities onboard your ship. Other hotspots along the Danube include the verdant Wachau Valley in Austria, which tumbles down to the riverbanks; and medieval Esztergom, Hungary’s former capital, which is home to the country’s largest church, Esztergom Basilica. The Danube either flows through or delineates part of the border of Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine.
Durnstein, Austria
Nuremburg is the site of Nazi party rallies and the location of the World War II war crimes trials at the Palace of Justice. The symmetrical building includes piercing spires and a central dome, with two parliament halls on either side. One can be explored during a guided tour, while the other is in use by the Hungarian National Assembly. Wander the courtyards, marvel some of the 242 sculptures and statues of Hungarian rulers and famous national figures and gaze at vivid frescoes.
Why Viking
Vienna Staatsoper, or State Opera, is home to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and Vienna State Ballet, with a jam-packed program of 350 annual performances. Listen to the magical sounds of Mozart, Beethoven, Strauss and Vivaldi played out by some of the world's top conductors and performers. You could also join a behind-the-scenes 40-minute guided tour to learn about the history and architecture of this 19th-century Renaissance-style building, including the Tea Salon, Marble Hall and the richly decorated auditorium. The pastel-hued Göttweig Abbey is nestled in an emerald-green forest with superb views of the Wachau Valley from its hillside location near Krems.
Danube Classics Vienna 2024 (10 destinations)
Fall in love with some of the world's most scenic rivers, passing charming landscapes and cityscapes. Add to that a well-timed, well-chosen glass of wine or classic cocktail (best enjoyed at sunset, up on deck) – and the temptation becomes too great to resist. From magnificent Old-World architecture to medieval town squares to historic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, discover some of the top destinations and experiences we offer on our Danube River journeys. On a guided visit with Viking, learn about how patrons have been bathing here since 1913, before enjoying the warm medicinal waters.
Follow the pedestrian path to walk across the bridge or take one of the city's yellow taxis, with landmarks such as Buda Castle, home to the Hungarian National Gallery on one side, and Szechenyi Square on the other. Viking offers a Heurigen Dinner shore excursion where you can sample all the best wines and foods this region has to offer. Coursing through Germany, Austria, Hungary and seven other countries all the way to the Black Sea, the Danube is the soul of Central Europe. Join us along these culture-rich banks, whose scenic vineyards, ancient monasteries and elegant cities have inspired travelers for centuries. Iconic cities like Budapest, Vienna and Prague are just a few popular examples to tack onto your cruise.
There are glass mosaics and stained-glass windows by Miksa Roth and the showpiece 16-sided domed central hall to see. If you're on a river cruise, one of the best views of the building is from the water. Your Danube River cruise will be filled with memorable experiences unique to the region. Included walking tours are a great way to discover popular landmarks and learn about the history and heritage of the cities and towns on your itinerary. Celebrate Vienna and Salzburg’s musical legacy, and savor the culinary delights of Budapest and Bratislava’s brewing heritage. Enjoy scenic sailing through the Wachau Valley and admire sleepy villages along the Danube.
The Danube is a year-round destination with the exception of January and February, when few cruise lines operate here. Summer, when the weather is hottest, is peak season and as a result Europe’s cities are particularly crowded. Because of that, we recommend taking a Danube river cruise in April, May, September and October.
European river cruise line includes suites, butlers, and prices up to $60k - Business Insider
European river cruise line includes suites, butlers, and prices up to $60k.
Posted: Thu, 04 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Danube cruises can be great value, with our cruise through Austria, Hungary and Slovakia starting just over £2,000 per person for a week. All meals and drinks, including sparkling wines and cocktails, are included, as are snacks and afternoon tea. If you love dazzling landscapes, magnificent architecture and fabulous food, a Danube river cruise is hard to beat. Exploring Europe by water requires no internal flights and train rides and eliminates schlepping around with your luggage in tow.
Sail along the scenic Danube and see stunning landscapes unfurl as you pass quaint towns. Sail the picturesque Wachau Valley, a UNESCO Site, and admire views of hillside vineyards. With VIVA Cruises you enjoy the feeling of being in the best hands from the very beginning. That's why our service is not limited to life on board, but begins with the preparation of your trip. That's why we devise an equally diverse excursion program for each of our fascinating itineraries. Whether you are a gourmet, a nature lover or an art enthusiast, our selection of experiences will open up new perspectives for you on every voyage.
The ancient origins of its name are lost in the mists of time – with contenders including a bringer of luck, a Vedic river goddess, and even words meaning swift, violent and undisciplined. Gliding peacefully between its famous and endlessly enchanting river banks, you’ll experience for yourself the calm delights that inspired “the beautiful blue Danube” of Johann Strauss’s immortal waltz and lullaby. Music is everywhere on the shores of the river Danube – from the wild genius of Mozart in Salzburg to Beethoven, Brahms, and an entire family of Strausses in classical Vienna. You’ll follow in the wake of emperors and kings on your Danube river cruise, too. What could be a more perfect choice for your next vacation than a river cruise on the beautiful Blue Danube?
Christmas Markets are big in Germany, but virtually every European city features at least one market, so it’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit and get your shopping done. Outside of winter, temperatures on the Danube range from 40s to 60s in the spring and fall, to high-70s and 80s in the height of summer. The crisp spring air welcomes new growth, with flowering fields and many cities featuring Easter markets, while summer will be the height of festivals and special events.
Many cruises traverse the stretch between the capital cities of Vienna, Austria and Budapest, Hungary, starting or ending at either location. Cruising Europe’s waterways is a great way to see more of the region in a short period of time than you might do by land, and a river cruise can be the ideal introduction to cruise holidays for first-timers. The destinations we visit along the Danube River each offer their own unique history, traditions, local delicacies and enriching experiences. Lying on the Austrian border at the confluence of three rivers -- the Danube, Inn and Ilz -- Passau is nicknamed "Three River City". Wander the old town and you'll see soft-hued medieval buildings lining the waterways. This photogenic German city also has Roman ruins, fortified towers, a pilgrimage church and adjoining monastery.
You may recognize the abbey as one of the filming locations used in "The Sound of Music." Made popular in the late 18th century, the waltz swept across Europe from Vienna, reaching palatial ballrooms from Linz to London. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S.
Travel through the modern city of Amsterdam in Western Europe on the Danube that slowly descends into Eastern Europe passing historic landmarks, such as Salzburg (the city of music), and trendy hipster-style destinations such as Budapest. Take a Danube river cruise adventure if you enjoy history, exquisite food and unforgettable experiences. This collection of European river cruises (and European river cruise lines) will sweep you away into a dreamlike space filled with new experiences, sights, sounds, smells and gastronomic encounters. Made up of a tapestry of verdant forests, terraced vineyards and Renaissance castles, Austria's wine country is unfathomably beautiful. Situated between Melk and Krems, this swathe of the Danube runs for around 18 miles and witnessing it is one of the best things to do on a river cruise. You could soak in the views as you sail the river, capturing landmarks on camera, including the 12th-century Aggstein Castle, perched on a hilltop, with the sprawling Hinterhaus ruins on the opposite side.
Visit the place where monks work and worship on an exclusive Privileged Access Viking shore excursion. Savour a glass of sparkling apricot wine -- on of the region's delicious delicacies -- before enjoying a private viewing of the abbey. Before you do land on a specific river cruise line or itinerary on the Danube, there are several things you should be aware of. If you’re considering a cruise on the Danube River, here are seven things you should know prior to sailing.
