SAMPLE ITINERARY

The Danube River flows from the Black Forest in Germany to the Black Sea in Romania, passing through Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Croatia and Bulgaria along the way. Less industrialised than the Rhine, it is an enchanting river that inspired the famous ‘Blue Danube’ waltz by Johann Strauss. A river cruise is the perfect way to explore its historic baroque cities and diverse landscapes.

Most one week cruises start in Budapest, so it is a good idea to spend a few nights pre or post cruise experiencing all Budapest has to offer.

Onwards to Esztergom and a visit to the Basilica and sailing past the enchanting towns and villages of Hungary and Slovakia.

Bratislava is next, the compact capital of Slovakia with a delightful pedestrianised Old Town. It is surrounded by vineyards and the Little Carpathian Mountains.

As you enter Austria, Continue along the river to Melk, which has a vast 11th century Benedictine Abbey. The river then enters the picturesque Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is particularly stunning with terraced vineyards, fortresses and ancient monasteries. The banks along the river are flat and many stretches have trails that you can walk or cycle along.

Almost every stop has a hillside castle or ruin to hike or cycle to. enjoy the beautiful scenery as you wend your way towards the city of Linz. Hauptplatz is the historic main square, with baroque buildings including the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) and Old Cathedral (Alter Dom). The riverside Lentos Art Museum has a major modern art collection.

After Linz, your next stop is Austria’s elegant capital of Vienna from where the Habsburgs ruled the Austro-Hungarian Empire for 700 years. The city is known for its Imperial palaces, including the Hofburg and Schönbrunn, as well as St Stephen’s Cathedral and the Opera House. Famous residents have included Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud. You can also watch gorgeous white Lipizzaner horses exercising at the Spanish Riding School.

As your cruise comes to an end, the famous skyline of Budapest comes into view. Straddling the Danube, this imperial capital is divided into two sections by the river – Buda and Pest – and is spanned by the famous 19th century Chain Bridge. It is a collage of palatial buildings, grand domes and attractive baroque churches with soaring spires. From Roman ruins to Ottoman Turkish baths and elegant Art Nouveau facades, the eclectic mix of architectural styles reflects the city’s varied history, with numerous foreign powers having ruled here over the centuries. It is packed with history and culture, and also has the highest number of thermal springs of any city in the world. Szechenyi Thermal Bath is the largest, whilst Gellert Bath is noted for its fine architecture. Be sure to visit Buda Castle with its panoramic views over the city, and take in the superb architecture of the iconic Hungarian Parliament Building. You can also visit the National Gallery, with its huge collection of Hungarian masterpieces, and Matthias Church with its intricate rose windows.

If you wish, you can extend your cruise for another two weeks along the Lower Danube, which will take you east through Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania to the Black Sea. This is a much less explored and quieter stretch of the river. Belgrade in Serbia is one of the oldest capital cities in Europe and further east is the impressive Iron Gates Gorge. Finally you will reach Bucharest and the Danube Delta, renowned for its rich wildlife.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing a twin cabin on a full board basis, including morning and afternoon tea. An optional drinks package is available on request. Airport and port transfers are included but not flights, which can be arranged on request.

We offer a choice of river cruises at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All cruises and cabin classes are subject to availability.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance. The FCO should also be consulted.