river cruise from germany to budapest

• Flight Cancellation
• Airport Taxi
• Train or Buses
• Bike Bookings
• Travel Insurance
• Things to do

8-Day Danube River Cruise from Germany to Budapest (Itinerary Guide)

Are you considering a Danube River Cruise and wondering what the experience will be like? We’re here to tell you, it’s a wonderful way of traveling that makes the journey as fun and interesting as the destination.

One of the things we loved about our first European river cruise wass the ability to visit multiple destinations in multiple countries.

We recently partnered with Avalon Waterways on their 8 Day Legendary Danube Cruise which typically goes from Nuremberg, Germany to Budapest, Hungary, passing through Austria, with the option of visiting the Czech Republic for a day!

GLOBUS DISCOUNT JUST FOR YOU!

We’ve secured an exclusive yTravel discoun t: Save $100 per person on select 2023 and 2024 Globus and Avalon Waterway Vacations. Use the code: YTRAVEL when booking online at the Globus and Avalon Waterways websites, by calling Globus and Avalon Waterways directly, or booking with a preferred Travel Advisor. Terms & Conditions .

Our cruise in late June was altered slightly as the Danube River was unusually low (hello global warming), which meant the ship could not get into Nuremberg. We departed instead from Vilshofen, about 2-hours southeast of Nuremberg.

Avalon were excellent about this unexpected itinerary change, compensating everyone by offering the opportunity to take the optional excursion to Salzburg or Czech Republic at no additional cost and giving everybody 30 Euro to spend in Regensburg.

Making sure you’re happy is something I’ve seen time and time again with Globus’ range of brands.

In our previous posts we shared what the Avalon Waterways experience is like onboard the ship, and why it was a great European river cruise for families .

In this post, we are going to dive more into detail for each day of the 8-day itinerary, sharing the different excursions we did and experiences we had.

• A Note on Land Excursions

With each stop on the cruise, you can choose from 2-3 excursions ranging from traditional guided city tours, to hiking and biking adventures, and more specific optional experiences like food and wine tours.

Traveling as a family of four was great as we could split up and choose activities to suit all our interests. For kids over the age of 16 , they can also go off and do tours on their own. It was great as it gave us different dinner conversations as we each shared our experiences and could live vicariously through each other. 

This also meant, as content creators, we could gather even more insights to share with you which will help you make a better decision about which tours will be best for you!

Why cruise on the Danube River?

Morning yoga, afternoon tea, free time in vilshofen, guided tour of regensburg, free time in regensburg, sausages and beer at historische wurstküche, onboard: live entertainment with lindsey hamilton, guided city walk, hiking in passau with hristo, sky grill on the deck, scenic sail, evening drink in linz, the sound of music in salzburg, cesky krumlov, a medieval beauty awaits, live entertainment with brett reid, power walk to melk abbey, melk abbey tour, icon of a millennium, scenic sail through wachau valley, cornhole tournament on the skydeck, classical music concert in vienna: the royal waltz, treasures of vienna’s rngstrasse, biking in vienna with hristo, skydeck grill, optional excursion: bites and highlights of vienna, onboard entertainment: pressburger duo entertainment. popular slovakian duo, farewell dinner and tunes (and fun dancing game), tour budapest: queen of the danube, hike to the citadel & buda castle, optional excursion: bites and highlights of budapest, optional tour: wine tasting in the hungarian countryside, onboard: farewell cocktail, illumination sailing, day 8: disembarkation, final thoughts.

The Danube River is often referred to as the “Queen of Europe’s Rivers.” At over 2,800 kilometers, it is the second largest and longest river in Europe, connecting ten countries as it waves its way from Germany’s Black Forest to the Black Sea.

A river cruise along the Danube is a journey filled with history, culture, and stunning landscapes . It will transport you to charming medieval towns, spectacular valleys and gorges, and vibrant cities bursting with architectural wonders and fascinating history. Not to mention great food, wine, art, and music!

Sailing the Danube River is a cultural experience to remember, and Avalon Waterways run several cruises along the Danube River of varying lengths, and in both directions, year-round. 

You can cruise it on an 8-day itinerary like we did, on shorter 4-day cruises, or longer 14-day cruises that go from Amsterdam to Budapest and include cruising on the Rhine River.

Daily Events on the Avalon Ship

Instead of repeating myself for each day of this river cruise itinerary with Avalon Waterways, I’ll describe the daily activities here.

Some days we missed Afternoon tea (shattered children) because we were out wine tasting or exploring Cesky Krumlov and Salzburg for the day – but they will still have it for those who can make it!

Your adventure host will run a 30-minute morning exercise class, usually yoga. Check the schedule each day for the time, but it was normally 7am for us.

It was a relaxing way to get ready for each day, and a good opportunity to stretch those tired muscles from days of exploring. As with all yoga classes you can adapt poses to suit your ability level. Our yoga class was in the premium lounge; I would have loved it to be on the top deck!

Breakfast is generally 7am-9am each morning in the restaurant. There is a buffet with every breakfast food you can imagine from baked beans, to pancakes, omelets, sausages, cereal, yogurt and even vegemite! You can get sparkling wine also if you’re in the mood.

Or there are options you can order from a menu like Belgian waffles or eggs benedict. If you want a lazier morning staring at the view from your suite, you can order a continental breakfast in bed.

If you are having lunch on the ship, it is typically a more casual style buffet in the Panorama lounge with a variety of choices.

On some days when the weather and views were fantastic, the chefs prepared us a wonderful BBQ lunch on the SkyDeck. Lunch always comes with complimentary beer and wine!

The daily event on board Avalon Visionary our girls ensured they never missed was afternoon tea. In the panorama lounge was a large selection of cakes, sandwiches, and yummy sweets.

The girls would pile their plates with black forest cake, cheesecake, chocolate mousse, and macarons – perfect after a day of exploring.

New on Avalon river cruises in 2023 is a complimentary Happy Hour every afternoon about an hour before dinner. Head to the panorama lounge for selected cocktails, beer, and wine to enjoy views and conversations.

It was a great way to interact with other passengers. Kids can also get mocktails, which our girls really enjoyed.

One of the best things to love about an Avalon Waterways river cruise is the four course, fine dining experience every evening in the restaurant on eye level with the river and fantastic service. It was some of the best food we had on our 4-week Europe trip.

Each dinner course has about 4 selections – to suit all tastes and diets – some will be regional, some will be Avalon specialties, and some will be regular appearances like steak and grilled chicken for those with plainer taste buds.

The wines also change every evening, and they are mostly from the region that you are traveling through.

Dinner is usually at 7pm every evening . And if you are somehow still hungry, there are 24-hour snacks like mixed nuts, cookies, and cakes in the club lounge as well as an espresso machine (including hot chocolate). Kids will love raiding these!

Worried about keeping on top of the Danube river cruise itinerary and daily activities? Your cruise director will hold a port talk each evening before dinner and give you all the information you need for the following day on board the ship and on land. 

8-Day Danube River Cruise Itinerary

Day 1: vilshofen, germany.

Day one is all about embarkation: Getting checked in to your room, unpacking, exploring the ship, getting to know the crew and fellow passengers, and enjoying a welcome drink and dinner.

Another important task to attend to is informing the chef of any dietary requirements. There is an afternoon meeting, but you can still talk to them if you miss it. As mentioned in our things to love about our Avalon Visionary cruise , I was thrilled to be taken such great care of with my gluten free requirements.

Our flight arrived early in the morning from Verona; thankfully we were allowed to board the ship and enjoy the amenities.

It gave us plenty of time to explore, take photos, and eat a delicious light lunch (the first indication food on this Danube River cruise was going to be awesome).

Vilshofen is a small village located on the Danube, you can explore at leisure while you’re waiting for the cruise to start. I took Kalyra and the girls up to the village for a mani pedi. After three weeks of walking 10 – 15 miles a day my feet needed it.

After, the Captain of our cruise, Captain Thijs, was kind enough to take us to a small swimming beach on the cruise dinghy. We never pictured we’d be swimming in the Danube River on this trip.

It was a cool experience and a great way to experience a little German culture with groups of friends and jet skiers milling about at the beach bar. 

Day 2: Explore Regensburg, Germany

We began our half day in Regensburg on a guided tour with a local guide, Mattea. He led us over the oldest stone bridge in Germany to the old historical part of the city, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Regensburg is one of the best-preserved cities in Germany as it was not bombed during the Second World War.

This city has a history of feast and famine which Mattea shared as we wandered the cobblestone streets and looked at the architecture of the buildings and squares. He told an interesting story of the wealth and prestige that was once a part of Regensburg due to its position on the Danube River and the Spice and Silk Road.

But, by the 1950s and 60s, it was an ugly and poor city without any industries (a reason it was not bombed). The city changed this around by bringing a university into Regensburg and a BMW factory in the 80s. The city is now one of the top 10 wealthiest cities in Germany.

The other important thing they did was invest a lot of money to refurbish the buildings, which is why now you see a tapestry of colored buildings throughout the city.

After our guided tour, we had free time in Regensburg to explore the city on our own. We decided to walk along the river, sample some German pastries and coffee at a bakery, and walk inside the impressive St Peter’s Cathedral, which is very similar to the cathedral in Prague and Vienna.

Probably our favorite spot – at least Craig’s – was enjoying bratwurst (that’s German for sausage), sauerkraut, and a German beer at, what is said to be the oldest sausage kitchen in the world! Historische Wurstküche is located on the banks of the river, right near the stone bridge.

Perhaps the sausage kitchen started to feed the hundreds of hard-working people who built the bridge in a span of 11 years. Avalon gave us all vouchers for the sausage and beer experience!

We were not expecting such an incredible evening of entertainment on the ship after dinner on our second night.

Lindsey Hamilton is an English Broadway singer who once performed as Fontaine in Les Mis and Eva Peron in the West End London. She flawlessly sang several big hits from Broadway.

But it was also part comedy show. Lindsey was quick witted and hilarious with her jokes and storytelling. She even invited our 11-year-old Savannah to sing along with her on her final song, “This is Me.” Savannah LOVED this show and asked to buy her CD and have a photo with her. 

On day two of this Danube cruise, we sailed overnight to Passau, Germany

Day 3: Passau, Germany

One bonus of having our itinerary changed is that we all got to experience Passau and the stunning afternoon scenic sail.

Originally on this day, Craig was going on a day trip to Cesky Krumlov, and I was going to stay with the girls to enjoy the included Avalon excursions. Instead, the Cesky Krumlov and Salzburg day trips were pushed back to the following day.

Our family split up for the morning’s exploration of Passau, with Craig and Savannah doing the guided hike, and Kalyra and I doing the City Walk.

The Bavarian city of Passau is known as the City of Three Rivers , due to its unique location at the confluence of the Danube, Ilz and Inn Rivers.

The Ilz is dark in color because it travels through the marshland of the Bavarian forest while the Ilz is green because of the glacial melt water from its source at St Moritz, Switzerland and you can get a good view of these two colors meeting from the castle on the hilltops above.

Kalyra and I joined Maria, a local from Passau who guided our small group through the cobblestone streets of this small hilly town.

Firstly, we passed down the cute Art Alley with brightly painted rainbow stones leading to the various art studios along it. She stopped to share the history of the town including the great fire of 1662 which destroyed most of it and the constant flooding the town must deal with, the last big one in June 2013. We stopped to look at the high flood marks that went way above our heads.

We learned more about the Church’s control for power during the Middle Ages, the Royal family including beloved Princess Sissy who stayed here – we would go on to hear a lot about her in Vienna and Budapest. We also learned more about Bavarian culture , life today in Passau including schools and coffee culture and interesting facts, like Germans can drink beer at 16!

Like Regensburg, Passau was filled with pastel-colored buildings, alleyways, and large squares. My favorite view was this one looking back on what they call the Mother Church at the end of a hilly street lined with cafes.

All roads in Passau lead to the cathedral – St Stephen’s Cathedral is home of the 5 th largest organ in the world and the largest Catholic church organ. It has 17,974 pies, with the biggest at 36ft. The other claim to fame is that Arnold Schwarzenegger once played it. News from Maria is that Vienna copied their St Stephen’s Cathedral from them. Although they do look quite different!

We had free time after, so Kalyra and I wandered around a few more cobblestone streets and stopped for a coffee and an affogato (hers for the first time!) 

I’ll let Craig share his adventure activity in Passau experience. I was very jealous seeing his photos! 

I love morning hikes and cities with rivers flowing through them so was easily inspired to get my steps in and get a panoramic view of the old town and the three-rivers from above, with our ultimate target being the Veste Oberhaus, a hilltop fortress dating to 1219.

Hristo, our enthusiastic adventure guide, gathered our group of about 15 eager passengers including young Savannah who was up for a walk with dad, then we headed off along the pedestrian pathway that straddles the river, then across the Schanzlbrücke bridge that spans both sides of the Danube. Here we paused for our first of many photos with an elevated view of the river and views back towards our Avalon Visionary cruise ship and the old town.

Once on the northern side of the river, we started our climb up the steps through the forest passing some residential buildings and the higher we went the more the views started to open up.

The path up was a combination of concrete steps with a handrail and then natural surface, and Hristo was respectful of everyone’s physical ability, with plenty of stops for drink breaks and walking at a pace so we all stayed together and he could share his commentary of the area as we progressed.

Reaching a certain elevation, we then headed east on more of level trail parallel to the Danube below towards the fortress, with points along the way offering views above the treetops of the Passua below.

Arriving at the Veste Oberhaus fortress was a time for a bathroom break, then a brief walk through the grounds taking in some of the displays and Hristo sharing more commentary of the history of the fortress.

The fortress was built in 1219 by Ulrich II, the first prince-bishop of Passau. The intention was to express the military strength of the bishopric and support the bishop’s status as an elector of the Holy Roman Empire, granted in 1217, and also to protect against both external enemies and internal threats.

It is currently the site of a museum, a youth hostel, and a restaurant, as well as an open-air theatre dating to 1934.

The views from here of old town Passau and the three rivers is spectacular, a view worth seeing and worth the climb! Savannah was reveling in the adventure, chatting with the other passengers, and taking her own photos.

The walk back down was gentle, and we crossed back over the Danube this time crossing the Prinzregent-Luitpoldbrücke bridge. Once back on the city side of the river, we walked around to the point where the three rivers converge for more photos, and then strolled through the cobblestone streets of the city center taking in the beautiful architecture of the buildings, and a morning market.

I loved this start to the day, it was a great combination of adventure and exercise to walk off all the delicious cruise food, learning about the history of Passua, and great photo opportunities.

What a treat we were given when we all returned to the ship. The Chef’s team decided to take lunch up on the SkyDeck so we could enjoy the beautiful sunny weather and the views of Passau – the pastel pink Mother Church on one side and the castle perched on top of the hill on the other.

Lunch was a fantastic BBQ spread of burgers, minute steak, salads, paired with regional wine and beer and finished with ice cream! How to make the kids happy after a day exploring on land! 

It was time to bid farewell to Bavaria as we departed after lunch for our scenic sail to Linz, Austria.

It was gorgeous sailing away from Passau as we got to see the three rivers converging from behind the boat. The river then turned green for most of the afternoon.

It was spectacular sitting up the front of the boat with an expansive one-eighty-degree view of the gently sloping tree-covered mountains and river in front of us.

Cruise Director, Csaba shared commentary along the way to help us learn more about the river. And one time, he had us all lined up at the edge of the boat to throw coins at a statue on a small island as we came out of a lock for good luck! It was loads of fun and only one of us on the ship hit the target for luck.

I loved how the smaller nature of the river cruise gave us the opportunity to do things like this as if we became a group of friends, not just separate passengers.

We also used this time to enjoy the lounge chairs on the top deck and play a game of giant draughts/checkers together. It was a good bonding time and allowed me to teach Savannah a few strategic moves.

As we were leaving Linz the next day for a full day excursion, Craig and I decided to head into Linz after dinner to walk around the square, soak up a bit of the buzzing, young atmosphere, and have a drink at a pub.

The girls decided to stay in their room for some quiet teen time. There was also a movie and popcorn happening in the Club Lounge. Since it was Elvis and we’d all seen it before, we decided to skip it. 

Day 4: Linz / Salzburg / Cesky Krumlov (Austria & Czech Republic)

Today you could choose to join a guided tour of Linz in the morning and a hike to Postlinbnerg viewpoint in the afternoon or take one of the optional excursions to Salzburg Australia or Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic.

It is a difficult decision to make. Kalyra decided to come with me to Salzburg, and Savannah went with Craig to Cesky Krumlov.

Part of me wishes I stayed in Linz, as I heard so many great things about the tour and city. But alas, the Hills are alive with…

Yes, Maria was calling me to this pretty little town in Austria.

Literally, Maria from Salzburg was our local tour guide. She joined us in Linz for the 75-minute bus ride to Salzburg where she shared with us about the town and people, and of course, the Sound of Music – the true story of the Von Trapp Family .

Surprisingly, not many Austrians, especially those from Salzburg have seen the Sound of Music. After the war, Austrians wanted to move on and forget about what happened. They did not want to be reminded and see Nazis once again marching across their Residenzplatz Square.

Salzburg did not belong to Austria until the 19 th Century , so they have a very different background and personality and are proud of it. The town is small, easy for walking, and colorful like the previous towns visited on this river cruise along the Danube.

We visited several historical locations in the tour starting in the picturesque Baroque gardens of the Mirabell Palace , which was originally built by the bishop Wolf Dietrich for his beloved mistress (and he also had 16 children!)

Maria pointed out several spaces that were used in the filming of the Sound Of Music including Pegasus Fountain in front of the palace Maria and the children danced around, and the steps in front of the Rose Hill where they sang Do Rei Me. I decided to embarrass my teen daughter, Kalyra, by doing the same thing!

Not only is Salzburg famous for the Von Trapp family and the Sound of Music, but also Mozart . He was born here so we visited the outside of his house of birth, learned more about his geniuses and rebellious personality (which I loved) and his premature death.

No thanks to the blood-letting practices of this time, Kalyra and I later had an apple strudel and coffee at Cafe Tomaselli , a café he would often frequent.

Unfortunately, right as our tour finished and free time started, it poured with rain. Kalyra and I were going to head to the fortress for views but instead had a sausage plate in a small restaurant to escape the rain. It did dampen our time in Salzburg a little – something that no one can control or help.

But our spirits picked up on the journey home when the sun came out and we stopped in at Mondsee (Mond Lake), this stunning lake popular for holidayers only 30-minutes outside of Salzburg.

We visited Basilika St. Michael , which is the church Maria got married in the Sound of Music. This is a Basilica Minor given that title by a pope for its beauty – and it was!

The town here was beautiful with its row of colorful buildings and restaurants and stunning lake. Kalyra and I finished off a good day together with a bowl of Austrian ice cream – it was as good as the long lines indicated – and a walk down to the lake.

Here’s Craig with insights into Cesky Krumlov.

I first heard of Cesky Krumlov 25 years ago when a friend visited who said if you can’t get to Prague, a great alternative on a smaller scale is here, so I was excited when I noticed Cesky Krumlov as an option on our cruise itinerary.

This is a full-day guided optional excursion to the picturesque medieval and bohemian town, Savannah was keen ti join me and our day started with a 90-minute bus ride while our guide shared fascinating commentary as we admired the scenery.

Upon arrival at Cesky, we enjoyed a 90-minute guided walking tour with a local expert who shared interesting historical facts and stories as we wandered the cobblestone streets and across bridges taking in the town’s architecture and top attractions such as the Castle, once the home to the Rosenberg dynasty for 300 years beginning in the early 1300’s, walked across the Lavka pod Zamkem (a picturesque wooden bridge connecting the castle grounds and the city), and the historic city square.

Our guide pointed out recommended foods to try and places to eat and drink, and what I love about Avalon is the ample free time we got to explore on our own, and with that knowledge in hand Savannah and I had a further two hours to explore on our own.

We relaxed and recharged over a coffee and sweet treat at a local cafe, then climbed the steps to the top of the castle tower (small fee) for fantastic views out over the city, I highly recommend you do this if able.

For lunch we took one of our guides recommendations and headed to Papa’s with a wonderful view of the river from the outdoor terrace. I went with the local suggestion of Confit duck leg , red cabbage, and dumplings and thoroughly enjoyed it, washed down with a local beer. While Savannah kept it safe and simple and ordered a pizza!

We then stretched our legs and took in some more stores and cobblestone streets, before finishing off with a local ice cream, Trdelnik, in a cinnamon coated cone that Savannah devoured.

This evening, an Australian singer Bret Reid, who lives in Austria, came onboard with his guitar to sing a variety of catchy tunes we all danced to. We loved being able to share some Australian banter with him. A highlight was when he played Land Down Under and brought up Aussies and kiwis – including myself – to shake the clappers and tambourine and sing along with him!

So much fun! Thank you, Brett, for that lovely taste of home.

Sail overnight to Melk, Austria.

Day 5: Melk – Vienna, Austria

It was pretty waking up to serene Melk this morning. We had two activities to choose from, this time Savannah and I went for a power walk with Hristo to Melk Abbey, and Craig and Kalyra joined the guided tour to the Abbey, which included a look inside.

After a couple of days of consuming a lot of information on guided city tours, I decided to have a break and appreciate the beauty of Melk Abbey in a different way.

Our walk took us along the river and into the forest where we walked for about an hour with nothing but the sound of birds. The trail took us to the bottom of the hill with views of the Abbey sitting above the town. Hristo was fantastic at taking photos of Savannah and I as we walked.

We then walked through the cute and colorful village before heading up the stairs into the abbey. Our tour did not give us permission to go inside the abbey, but we could enjoy the beauty of the outside and inside the church to see its elaborately decorated ceiling.

I’ll let Craig tell you more about the Abbey itself as they dove a little deeper. I was very happy with this relaxing and pretty hiking experience to Melk Abbey.

Kalyra and I joined the guided tour of Melk Abbey. Founded in 1089, this is a Benedictine abbey above the town of Melk on a rocky outcrop with a gorgeous location overlooking the Danube and adjoining the Wachau Valley.

Starting off in the grounds outside, we enjoyed a guided tour of the interior ( no photos allowed ) and was impressed with the artifacts on display and the architectural beauty including the Imperial Staircase and Imperial Corridor.

The abbey contains the tomb of Saint Coloman of Stockerau and the remains of several members of the House of Babenberg, Austria’s first ruling dynasty.

It is a spiritual, intellectual, and cultural center, and the school which was returned to the abbey after the Second World War, now serves nearly 900 pupils of both sexes.

The highlight was definitely spending time inside the incredible library, one of the best I’ve seen, with countless medieval manuscripts, including a famed collection of musical manuscripts, and frescos by Paul Troger. I wish I could show you proof with my images, but you’ll just have to go and see it for yourself!

Now came one of my favorite parts of our Danube River cruise – the afternoon scenic sail through the Wachau Valley, known for its vineyards and cycling trail . As it was right after lunch, we could enjoy it with a glass of wine. (You can also buy your own drinks outside of complimentary hours).

The Wachau Valley in Austria lies between the towns of Melk and Krems and stretches for 36 kilometers . There’s no better place to take in its beauty than aboard a cruise ship with panoramic views. It is also renowned for its wine production, particularly the Grüner Veltliner and Riesling varieties.

We were all excited to finally see our first castle as we entered the valley. The stunning scenery continued with more castle ruins, rolling hills, and terraced vineyards. What I loved most were the charming colorful villages on the river’s edge that looked as if they were painted on.

It was so picturesque, and I was envious of the many cyclists we saw riding the river path. I made a mental note that perhaps that would be a fun adventure in the future.

Once again, Csaba gave us commentary as we sailed along the Wachau. 

After the most scenic part of the cruise, Hristo hosted a cornhole competition for the passengers. It is a fun way to come together for an hour and play with beautiful views. Savannah put up a good fight and narrowly lost to Craig! As I threw a corn sack as good as I roll a bowling ball, I sat out asthe photographer! 

After dinner, we had the most unexpected highlight of the Avalon cruise: a classical music concert in an elegant Viennese hall performed by a costumed cast of top European singers and the Original Vienna Salon Orchestra.

It was Kalyra’s favorite experience, which I was a little surprised about. Although, she does love music and listens to it all day long so I can understand why she was enamored. Note: we couldn’t take photos or video during the performance, but our memories are fond!

Firstly, we were all a little taken aback at how grand and impressive Vienna looked from outside the bus windows. It made me immediately change my decision from the bike ride to the city tour for the next day. I had to see more of this stunning capital of Austria.

As I’m sure you all know, Vienna is home to the Royal Waltz and classical music with the rock stars of the time, Mozart, and Strauss, living and performing here. 

Vienna was the City of Music because musicians were freelance so you’re always asking for work or looking for jobs. As it was a wealthy city this is where the money was. And the famous musicians already here attracted young people to learn from or hang out with.

I was worried it wouldn’t be good as classical music can be a little dry, and dare I say boring. When I’m wrong, I’ll say I’m wrong. Many agreed that this was one of the best things we did on the trip. And can you believe it, it was funny?

It was lovely to hear so many of these world-famous songs like The Merry Widow and the Blue Danube Waltz played in the place where they were originally created.

We were given a CD of the songs as a souvenir after the concert.

Avalon had an evening snack ready for anyone who was still hungry after the performance. I wish I was after sampling some of the Hungarian goulash! You will never go hungry on an Avalon River cruise!

Day 6: Vienna, Austria

As mentioned, I decided to join the guided city tour last minute and I’m so glad I did. I was on my own as the girls decided to join Craig for the scenic bike ride. Others went to Kunsthistorisches Museum.

On this full day in Vienna there were also optional excursions you could take after lunch. Some chose to visit Schonbrunn Palace, cultural gem of Austria and summer residence of the Habsburg family.

As our family are lovers of food tours, we joined the Bites and Highlights food tour of Vienna. 

Vienna is stunning with an incredible history that we learned on this city tour with our exceptional guide, which began with a drive around Vienna’s Ringstrasse – or Ring boulevard. This 3.5-mile circle road was once the old Roman fortification walls.

Emperor Franz Joseph ordered the dismantling of it to build an impressive boulevard. He also had to create more space and jobs in the city but also to show off Vienna’s wealth and power. All Vienna’s important buildings are here, including its many museums and impressive Parliament buildings.

I loved learning all about the Royal Habsburg family , one of the most prominent and important dynasties in European history, as we wandered through the Hofburg palace, which is now an area that hosts many museums and beautiful public gardens.

I especially loved hearing about Princess Sissy , someone I never heard about until this river cruise. Her life was very similar to Princess Diana, beautiful and adored, but a little rebellious and thrown into a life and spotlight she didn’t want. But unlike Sissy, Dianna was an exceptional Mother.

We also learned about the arranged marriage by-proxy of Napoleon to Marie Louse, daughter of Emperor Francis II who was Napoleon’s arch enemy (that’s what they did back then, strategy marriages).

And about Queen Maria Therese who was one of the best leaders (and only female) of the Austrian empire. And I learned that her daughter was Marie Antoinette!

You learn so much history in Europe, it’s quite fascinating to follow the threads of these stories from country to country and put it all into place.

After the tour, thanks to our guide’s suggestion, I climbed up the 348 narrow stone spiral stairs of St Stephen’s cathedral spire . I’m so glad I did as the views were extraordinary. It was one of my favorite things to do in Vienna.

I then had time to wander on my own and soak up the beautiful architecture of the city. Before this cruise, Vienna was never on my radar, now it’s a place I’d love to come back to and experience more. It’s regularly voted as one of the best places to live, has a lot of green spaces, and a thriving arts and music scene.

I (Craig) and the kids joined guide Hristo and another Australian couple for an adventurous two-hour bike ride in and around Vienna. Besides walking, bike riding is my favorite way to explore a city and Vienna has a fantastic bike path system.

With over 1600 kilometers of bike trails, Vienna is one of the most bike friendly cities in the world and perfect for families like ours who love to explore on two wheels.

We started our tour by cycling along the path that runs parallel to the Danube River, stopping at viewpoints for some photos while hearing interesting commentary from Hristo.

There’s several bridges that cross the river to the island side of Vienna that make for interesting vantage points, including one of the lock systems which was fascinating to get a close up look of.

About half way in to our ride we crossed the river to the 21 kilometer long Danube island, a favorite recreational region of the local Viennese, and an expansive network of trails invites the adventurous to hike, jog, cycle and skate.

We biked past bathing areas with flat beaches, as well as natural bathing sites, a water slide park, water ski area and plenty of places to grab a bite to eat and drink with river views – this side of the river looked like a place you could spend an entire day with more time!

From here, we headed back into the city and followed a short section of the designated city path trail, taking a look at the HUGE amusement park, the Prater , before our legs called it quits and we headed back to the ship.

Whether you join the city tour or this bike tour, Vienna is best explored with two feet, whether you use them walk or cycle is up to you!

We returned to the ship for another SkyDeck grill for lunch. It was a sunny day and the views of Vienna with a glass of white wine after a morning exploring were wonderful! 

Time for tasting the delights of Viennese cuisine.

Our local guide Tom met us on the ship and took us on the train to our first stop right near St Stephen’s Cathedral – a wine bar. While not our kids favorite stop, we certainly enjoyed tasting wine from a nearby Viennese winery. There are several about 30 kms outside of the city.

The girls were right in the middle of the food tour as we continued. This time to experience some Vienna fast food – a sausage stand . Tom bought out two different varieties: pork and beef; and cheese paired with sweet and spicy mustards.

We also learned a little history as we walked through the city, passing by the building Mozart first performed when he was six years old, and Marie Theresa heard him and invited him to the palace; and the Jewish Square with an interesting monument to the 65,000 Jews killed in the Second World War. It’s designed to look like a library to represent the knowledge that was lost.

The next two stops were the girl’s favorites.

First, sampling the famous Sacher cake , a chocolate cake invented by Austrian Franz Sacher for the Prince. It is one of the most famous Viennese culinary specialties. You can visit the famous hotel where the original was made for a hefty price. But it’s commonly made everywhere now, and we were trying a version from a small bakery.

We also tried a cake that was a little moister as it had been drenched in rum – but fake rum as the bright pink icing attracts the attention of kids.

More chocolate was needed, so we headed to a chocolatier that transforms different Austrian desserts into chocolates. One was a red currant flavor representing the Linzer cake, and the other was apricot dumplings – a Viennese comfort food.

We finished our food tour in one of Tom’s favorite tapas style restaurants with authentic Austrian food for some delicious spinach dumplings . They tasted like my Maltese aunties’ spinach triangles that I would devour as a child.

It was fitting that as we sailed away from Vienna to Budapest in the afternoon, a popular Slovakian duo played some classical tunes for us in the Panorama lounge. They were a lot of fun and demonstrated some of their own Slovakian instruments. 

While we did not stop in Slovakia on this Avalon river cruise, other ones do, we did pass through it on our sail and even stopped quickly in Bratislava to drop them off at home!

And, for our farewell gala evening, we had a fun song and dance party competition, which Savannah ended up winning.

It was a wonderful evening of dancing with the other passengers and some of the crew. I think Csaba said we were the best dancing passengers he had seen! We may have all had a little too much good wine that evening – except for Savannah of course!

Overnight sail to Budapest.

Day 7:  Budapest, Hungary

Our early morning sail into Budapest was exceptional.

If there is one morning not to sleep in, it’s this one. We woke up just in time to see us sailing into Budapest. It was quite special It is an impressive skyline that we’ll see more of in the evening on this day of the river cruise.

Budapest is actually named after the two cities lying on either side of the Danube. The Buda side is the hilly part to the city, and the Pest the flatter part.

Like Vienna this was a full day exploring Budapest that involved a choice of included excursions in the morning and optional activities in the afternoon. On this day, Craig explored Budapest with the girls, and I had a full day on my own!

I (Craig) and the kids did the city bus tour with a local guide to get acquainted with the city, which started on the PEST (flat) side of the river and headed towards Heroes Square via Andrássy Avenue, a major thoroughfare through the city lined with impressive architectural buildings.

Heroes Square is noted for its iconic Millennium Monument with statues featuring the Seven chieftains of the Magyars and other important Hungarian national leaders, as well as the Memorial Stone of Heroes, often erroneously referred as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Next stop was a cafe in City Park to taste Kürtőskalács , a chimney-shaped pastry made from sweet yeast dough, which is cut into strips, brushed with melted butter, and wrapped around a cone-shaped baking roll. It is then rolled in granulated sugar and spit-roasted on a rotisserie until golden brown. 

We then headed across to the BUDA (hilly) side of the city, and took in exterior views of the Buda Castle, and distant views across the river to the Hungarian Parliament Building and the Széchenyi Chain Bridge (which was currently closed to traffic at time of visit in July 2023).

Once again, we had some free time to explore on our own and this bus tour was a nice introduction to the city, to get our bearings, and to see what we might like to go back and explore more in-depth at the end of our cruise.

I was glad I decided to choose the adventure activity for this day in Budapest: Hike to the Citadel. I was feeling a little dusty after our fun dance party the evening before, so hiking in the heat sweated it all out of me quickly and I felt great by lunch time back on the ship.

It was just Hristo and myself, and again he made sure to capture lots of photos for me. I’m set for Instagram for the rest of the year.

As it was just us, we could extend our hiking tour, which usually goes to the Citadel on top of the hill on the Buda side for views.

The Citadel is the fortification located upon the top of Gellért Hill, which once held strategic importance in Budapest’s military history. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987.

There are many walking trails up there as well as a monument – Statue of Liberty – which is currently closed for renovation. You can see this statue from almost anywhere in Budapest.

We continued over to Buda Castle to explore the ground and see more beautiful views. After three weeks exploring many cathedrals and castles in Europe, I was happy just to walk around the grounds and see the view!

We then crossed the river and walked through town and the central market before returning to the boat. 

One of the best ways to get to know a culture is via its food, and we always sign up for food tours wherever we go. A bites and highlights tour of Budapest introduced us to foods and knowledge I would not have experienced otherwise.

I (Craig) and the kids headed off with our group and tour leader to the Great Market Hall , one of the largest indoor markets in Budapest and boasts beautiful neo-Gothic architecture. Here, you’ll find lots of fresh produce, fish, meat, spices, cured meats, and dairy products.

Here we started off by trying several types of local honey. I love honey, I eat it every day at home and if there’s one thing with honey, the key is to source it as close to your home as possible when thinking of the health benefits and allergies.

Next up we tried various cuts of meat, from regular salamis to pork fat, tongue, and even horse meat, which was a first for me. When in Hungary…

From here we walked down some lovely pedestrian streets to Central Cafe and Restaurant 1887 where we tried a deep fried flatbread, Lángos, a common street food served warm with sour cream and grated cheese and onions – very filling!

Of course it’s no food tour without a chocolate shop, and the kids were happy our next destination was Impact Shop , a special design and gourmet shop offering ethical, sustainable, natural goods made by social enterprises and NGOs from all corners of Hungary.

Lastly, we jumped on the tram and headed to our final treat of the tour, strudels. Savannah went with an Apple Strudel which capped of our great two hours of tasting Budapest.

I snuck away from Craig and the girls for the wine tasting tour in the Eteyk wine region located just outside Budapest, known for its chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and sparkling wines.

Don’t worry if, like me, you did not know Hungary had wines as most of their wine is not exported. Why? Hungarians love wine, and they can’t keep up with production for their own countrymen, let alone have enough to export.

I loved this wine tasting tour. Our guide Michael was engaging, friendly and informative. We visited two small, family-run Hungarian wineries and sat in their tasting rooms and cellars with the owners to sample four generous servings of their different wines that ranged from chardonnay to pinot noir.

It was exactly the kind of local wine experience you want. Fantastic wine, friendly service filled with laughter and rich conversations. As you do with any great wine, we chatted about Hungarian lifestyle and culture, the importance of wine and how they grow and make their wines, language differences, politics, religion, climate change, and many other topics.

I loved getting to know, not just the Hungarians, but also the other cultures on our tour – Australians, Canadians, Serbian.

When it all became a little too heavy for us, the owner of one of the vineyards would say, “As my father says, son, at least we have wine to drink.” And he would top up our glasses. Cheers to that. 

The farewells continue with a glass of complimentary sparking wine and some hors devourers. The crew came out to celebrate a great cruise, I love how time was taken to acknowledge the outstanding service of all staff.

A special surprise treat on our last night on the Avalon river cruise was a night sail of Budapest to see its evening illumination glory. Budapest is quite magical at night. It was wonderful sailing past Parliament House and Buda Castle sparkling as they stood guard over the Danube River.

It was the perfect, quiet evening to end a fantastic Danube River cruise with Avalon Waterways.

The drizzly weather matched our sadness this morning at having to leave the ship. For disembarkation, you have to check out of your rooms by 9am but could stay on the boat until 3pm. So, relax and make use of the amenities or explore Budapest.

A river cruise in Europe is a memorable and effortless travel experience that I would do again in a heartbeat. 

We visited places I never would have thought to visit before, learned fascinating history about the area, discovered great new food and wine, and met a lot of wonderful people we cruised alongside. 

The travel blues hit straight away as we walked off the ship and back into managing luggage, researching places to eat, and playing tour guide as we finished out the final few days of our Europe trip in Budapest and the Loire Valley, France. 

The blues hit even harder when we arrived back in Raleigh and had to cook and clean. There is just no match for the delicious food and service we experienced on board Avalon Waterways . 

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of art and music, or simply seeking a relaxing getaway, a river cruise along the Danube promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you spellbound at every turn.

Username or email address  *

Password  *

Remember me Log in

Lost your password?

Danube Dreams (Eastbound)

• Get inspired by the possibilities.
• Build your ideal trip.
• Visit the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in Berlin
• Take a guided walk to visit Hradčany Castle Grounds in Prague
• Visit the Altes Rathaus and Porta Pretoria in Regensburg
• Explore Passau's cobblestone streets and galleries of Artists’ Alley
• Join the the tour of Vienna's gilded landmarks such as the Imperial Palace
• River Cruises
• Wine Tasting
• Village Visits
• Adventure Options
• Czech Republic
• Danube River
• European Union

Full Itinerary

Day 1: berlin, germany, day 2: berlin.

• 1 Breakfast

Day 3: Berlin | Dresden | Prague

Day 4: prague, day 5: regensburg | deggendorf | embark.

• 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

Day 6: Passau | Schlögen Oxbow.

• 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 7: Linz

Day 8: melk | wachau valley | dürnstein, day 9: vienna, day 10: bratislava, day 11: budapest, day 12: budapest | disembark, avalon envision, dates & prices, my preferred start date.

Initial deposit is $450, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.

Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by check, money order, Visa, MasterCard, Discover/Novus, and American Express. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge

See our general terms and conditions:

• Adventure Life Terms & Conditions

We are an agent for one or more providers on this trip with specific cancellation policies and terms:

• General Terms & Conditions - Avalon Waterways/ Globus Family of Brands

For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.

• 11 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
• 7 Nights Accommodations
• Accommodations as listed
• Ground transportation as listed
• Activities as listed
• Meals as listed
• Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
• Onboard Adventure Center with active gear, bikes, maps, canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
• Complimentary fresh fruit available daily
• Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
• Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
• Panoramic windows
• Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
• Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
• Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with every lunch and dinner
• Travel Insurance
• Personal Expenses
• Flight costs (please request a quote)
• Additional excursions during free time
• Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
• Alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or on board your vessel
• Passport or Visa fees

We Love to Talk Travel

Why travel with adventure life, recognized by.

Deals of the Week   European Long Weekends   Up to 50% OFF

River Cruises from Passau to Budapest

Discover river cruises that depart from Passau and end in Budapest. Cruises from Passau to Budapest are most popular in June, with the most cruises doing this route then.

9 River cruises from Passau to Budapest with 11 reviews

Enchanting Danube (2024) (Passau to Budapest, 2024)

This was our first river cruise and everything went beyond our expectation. Services: the staff were accommodating and helpful. Tours: various excursions to choose from for different age group and they were well-organized. Ship: beautiful boutique-design ship. The only cons is a slow Wifi connection but it ain't a big deal. There were so many onboard activity that kept us entertaining. I noticed that the cruise operates in eco-friendly manner, i.e. they eliminates sing-use plastic. That's a big plus!!!!

Classical Danube Cruise (Passau - Budapest)

The entire staff was wonderful & friendly. Cabin exceeded my expectations. The only negative is I personally wished we had more free time in the cities. Tours were good but there is a limit as to how many churches one wants to see. Tour coaches were great & clean. I would recommend TourRadar to friends.

Enchanting Danube (2025) (Passau to Budapest, 2025)

Enchanting Christmas & New Year's (2025) (Passau to Budapest, 2025)

Danube Holiday Markets (2025) (Passau to Budapest, 2025)

Classic Danube Cruise (Passau - Budapest) (10 destinations)

Classic Danube Cruise (Passau - Budapest) (8 destinations)

Danube Waltz Passau to Budapest

Danube Christmas Delights Passau to Budapest

Travel styles.

• River Cruise
• Germany Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 10 Day Germany Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

FREEPHONE 9am - 8pm

08001970854

Budapest river cruises, about budapest.

Hungary’s fascinating and culturally immersive capital is separated into its component ‘Buda’ and ‘Pest’ sides by the Danube River and is a mainstay of practically all river cruises which explore this iconic waterway. Buda’s home to the majority of the city’s historical attractions, while Pest is a more lively and cosmopolitan counterpart. Budapest is one of Europe’s largest cities, packed full of elegant attractions and iconic landmarks. Of course, there’s a wide choice of excursions available which are expertly tailored to take in all the absolute must-sees.

Exploring Budapest

 As you approach the city and catch sight of its iconic Parliament Building on the banks you’d be forgiven for thinking that it was built specifically with the delight of cruisers in mind. The Neo-Gothic masterpiece was inspired by London’s Houses of Parliament and, as well as functioning in a modern-day political capacity, it is also one of the city’s key landmarks. A guided tour will tell you all about its history and give you the chance to see more of its incredible architecture.

The Castle Hill area in Buda is another of the city’s most popular areas in the heart of the city’s medieval district. Cobbled streets, baroque architecture and scenic squares all contribute to the atmosphere and cultural delights. Fisherman’s Bastion is a must-see, a 19th-century folly which boasts fairy-tale turrets and towers, as well as exceptional views.

Matthias Church is the key attraction to be found on the area’s main square and is a beautiful piece of architecture, used as the venue for numerous coronations of Hungarian kings-past. Though it suffered intensive damage during the Second World War, its interiors were rebuilt with previously unseen medieval areas exposed and plenty more to see, making it a fantastic attraction.

The Hungarian State Opera House is another incredible landmark, dating back to 1884 and built in the style of perhaps the world’s most famous venue of its kind, the Vienna Opera House. Whether you’ve time to take in a performance or not, the building is a breath-taking piece of Neo-Renaissance architecture. It is possible to take a tour, but many visitors agree that a performance is the best way to appreciate the reason that this building was built for. Also built in the neo-Renaissance style, St Stephen’s Basilica is another incredible building, which took 14 years to complete. Its 300-foot dome is undoubtedly the most striking feature, with plenty more architectural wonders to witness, both inside and out.

Budapest Tips

If a Budapest bargain is what you’re after, be sure to head for the Great Market Hall, where you’ll find such national exports as Hungarian pottery and lace. If you’re in search of some local fare, try goulash soup, with a Gundel pancake for dessert.

Filter by search

Showing 25 out of 2035 cruises.

Melodies of the Danube

7 Night Sailing

Sailing Date : 17 Apr 2024

Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences

Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!

Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person

Was £3374pp

Fly Cruise From £3239pp

Black Sea Explorer with Transylvania

14 Night Sailing

Save up to 35%* plus return flights included^ + free private door-to-door chauffeur transfers^ on select itineraries

Truly all-inclusive luxury

Was £5209pp

Fly Cruise From £5001pp

Iconic Danube

Sailing Date : 18 Apr 2024

Was £3799pp

Fly Cruise From £3647pp

Danube Dreams (Westbound)

Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included

Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard

Was £1500pp

Cruise Only From £1440pp

The Blue Danube River Cruise - MS Thomas Hardy

FREE Superior drinks package worth £400pp per week - Available on all 2024 and 2025 European river cruises!

Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.

Delicious full board dining, plus Captain's Dinner

Was £2349pp

Fly Cruise From £2255pp

Romantic Danube

Sailing Date : 20 Apr 2024

Was £4953pp

Fly Cruise From £4755pp

Celebration of Classical Music: The Danube

Was £3449pp

Fly Cruise From £3311pp

Black Sea Explorer with Bucharest

8 Night Sailing

Sailing Date : 21 Apr 2024

Was £3859pp

Fly Cruise From £3705pp

Black Sea Explorer with Bucharest & Budapest

10 Night Sailing

Was £4419pp

Fly Cruise From £4242pp

Legends of the Balkans

Danube, Rhine

Enjoy unique sightseeing activities designed to make your holiday that little bit more special

Save up to 60% on 2024 European sailings

Was £2745pp

Fly Cruise From £1531pp

Enchanting Danube

Save up to £1,500pp on Selected Sailings

All-Inclusive Luxury

Includes flights & overseas transfers

Cruise Only From £3647pp

Danube Delights & Classic Prague

World-class fleet of contemporary floating boutique hotels

Save up to 35% on 2024 Europe River Cruises

Was £3021pp

Fly Cruise From £2900pp

Danube Delights

Was £2581pp

Fly Cruise From £2478pp

North Sea to the Black Sea

22 Night Sailing

Was £8892pp

Fly Cruise From £8536pp

Sailing Date : 22 Apr 2024

Was £4277pp

Fly Cruise From £4106pp

Balkan Discovery

Sailing Date : 23 Apr 2024

Was £2679pp

Cruise Only From £2572pp

Sailing Date : 24 Apr 2024

Cruise the Heart of Europe - MS Oscar Wilde

Was £4304pp

Fly Cruise From £4132pp

Sailing Date : 25 Apr 2024

Was £2699pp

Fly Cruise From £2591pp

European Jewels

15 Night Sailing

Was £7199pp

Cruise Only From £6911pp

Gems of the Danube with Prague

Was £4041pp

Fly Cruise From £3879pp

Gems of the Danube

Was £3416pp

Fly Cruise From £3279pp

A Culinary Experience on Danube Dreams (Eastbound)

Was £2228pp

Cruise Only From £2139pp

Jewels of Europe with Prague

17 Night Sailing

Sailing Date : 26 Apr 2024

Was £5887pp

Fly Cruise From £5652pp

Jewels of Europe with Prague & Paris

20 Night Sailing

Was £7047pp

Fly Cruise From £6765pp

Sign up for exclusive deals direct to your inbox

Welcome to Cruise118.com. Can I help you in anyway today?

Danube River Cruise: Budapest to Passau

• December 4, 2023
• Jack Baumann

The Danube River, often hailed as “Europe’s Main Street,” winds through the heart of the continent, offering an unrivaled passage through captivating landscapes and centuries of history.

Embarking on a river cruise from along the Danube is an odyssey that intertwines cultural richness, scenic wonders, and a profound sense of tranquility.

Share this article!

The popular route.

There are many different ways to cruise the Danube, but the most common route, which I would recommend myself, would be the 8 day/7 night Budapest to Passau. 

A Danube River cruise from Budapest to Passau isn’t just a voyage; it’s a passage through time, culture, and natural beauty. It’s a mosaic of experiences – from the melodies of classical music and aroma of freshly baked strudel to the embrace of medieval architecture and stunning landscapes, enjoy the tranquility of cruising along one of Europe’s most legendary waterways.

From the cultural richness of Budapest to the quaint charm of Passau, this voyage along the Danube epitomizes the essence of European allure, leaving travelers with an indelible sense of wonder and a treasure trove of unforgettable moments.

This is also a great route because it mixes in big cities like Budapest, Slovakia, and Vienna, with the quaint villages and countryside of Austria and Southern Germany. The stops are also lined up so you get the big cities first and then a more laid back rural experience on the back end, or vice versa if do this in reverse, Passau to Budapest. You also get the benefit of seeing three capital cities on this itinerary which is an interesting contrast.

How River Cruises Work

For those that haven’t been on a river cruise, you’ll love it! I’m a younger man in my late thirties, so I was skeptical thinking a river cruise is just for “old folks”, but that just isn’t true. European river cruises are awesome. River cruises in general are so much more preferable to the big ocean liners that you see in the Caribbean in my opinion.

Your floating hotel is small, often less than 200 passengers, making getting around the ship much more manageable. All meals are included, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and let me tell you the good cruise companies know how to treat. The food is absolutely first class, and by the end you definitely feel like you ate your money’s worth.

Activities and daily tours are also included in most river cruise packages. This makes it easy as you don’t have to think about what you’ll want to see and do, the local guides have it covered. And, if you decide you want to just relax and shop you can opt out of the daily tour and do the town on your own. The flexibility is great!

Recommended River Cruise Companies

Avalon Waterways : A leading river cruise company known for its innovative “Suite Ships” that offer spacious Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall windows, with a focus on luxury, immersive experiences, and personalized service in all the major waterways of Europe.

Viking River Cruises: Viking is the 900 lb gorilla as the world’s largest river cruise line. Renowned for its extensive fleet, immersive itineraries, and emphasis on cultural enrichment, Viking offers a range of European river cruises along the Danube, Rhine, Seine, and other iconic waterways.

AmaWaterways: Recognized for its luxurious ships, innovative design, and diverse itineraries focusing on more culinary experiences, active excursions, and cultural immersion, AmaWaterways cruises along various European rivers, including the Danube, Rhine, and Douro.

Scenic River Cruises: Celebrated for its all-inclusive luxury, Scenic offers top-notch amenities, innovative features like balcony suites with retractable windows, and diverse itineraries across European rivers like the Danube, Rhine, and Seine.

Need Some Help?

If you haven’t yet planned or booked your trip yet get professional guidance from a seasoned traveler. We can help plan your trip. From your first flight to your last night, Guidester helps you travel right!

Budapest: The Embarkation Point

The journey commences in Budapest, the stunning capital of Hungary, where the Danube splits the city into two distinct halves – Buda and Pest. As the ship sets sail, guests are treated to panoramic views of Budapest’s iconic landmarks: the majestic Buda Castle, the imposing Parliament building, and the striking Chain Bridge illuminated in the evening’s glow.

Typically, cruises will often have a short night cruise through the city. The Hungarian Parliament Building is all lit up which is one of the most impressive things I’ve ever seen!

Vienna, the capital of Austria, exudes imperial grandeur fused with artistic and musical richness. Known for its stunning architecture, including the opulent Schönbrunn Palace and the majestic Hofburg Imperial Palace, Vienna captivates visitors with its historical charm.

This cultural epicenter boasts a vibrant arts scene, classical music concerts, and captivating operas. Strolling through its charming streets adorned with coffee houses, experiencing the aroma of freshly baked pastries, and exploring its world-class museums make Vienna an enchanting destination.

As the ship glides along the river, passengers are greeted by a tapestry of landscapes that evolve from the lush Hungarian countryside to the growing urban center of Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. This compact city boasts a captivating blend of medieval history and modern vibrancy.

The charming Old Town, with its cobblestone streets and pastel-colored buildings, invites exploration of historic squares, picturesque courtyards, delightful cafes and iconic landmarks like Bratislava Castle.

Tranquil Landscapes and Historic Towns

The voyage continues into rural Austria, a land steeped in culture and architectural splendor. Quaint towns with their cobblestone streets and medieval charm, invite exploration of historic squares and picturesque castles.

Passengers revel in the scenic beauty of the Wachau Valley, adorned with terraced vineyards, rolling hills, and the captivating Melk Abbey perched high above the river. The quaint town of Dürnstein (pictured above), known for its blue church tower and rich history, offers a delightful stop to savor local wines and explore its cobblestone streets.

Linz and Passau: Disembarkation

Continuing through Austria is a stop at Linz. Blending historic charm with modern art and technology, Lenz features the Hauptplatz and cutting-edge art at the Ars Electronica Center, as well as stunning views from the top of Pöstlingbergbahn Bergstation overlooking the entire city.

And then, as the voyage navigates into southern Germany to near its end, Passau welcomes travelers with its baroque architecture and the convergence of three rivers – the Danube, Inn, and Ilz. Visitors can explore its historic old town, stroll along the riverbanks, and indulge in the town’s rich cultural heritage, making it a delightful stop on a Danube River cruise.

The Onboard Experience

Beyond the captivating destinations, the river cruise experience itself is typically one of luxury and comfort. Passengers indulge in gourmet cuisine, relax on panoramic sun decks, and enjoy enriching onboard activities such as wine tastings, live performances, and lectures that delve into the history and culture of the regions visited. 

The Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist!

Download 10 Crucial Things To Do Before Traveling Abroad to help plan your next adventure; packing tips, getting foreign currency, finding the right adapters, phone plans, and more!

Popular Posts

Nestled comfortably in the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region in north-central Italy, Bologna stands as a beacon for food enthusiasts

Welcome to the Peak District, a captivating national park in the heart of England boasting breathtaking scenery, rich history, quaint

The Danube River, often hailed as “Europe’s Main Street,” winds through the heart of the continent, offering an unrivaled passage

Recent Posts

Dürnstein on the danube: wachau valley’s hidden gem, bergen: a journey through history, culture, and natural wonders, best campervan destinations in europe, folklore and fairytales: enchanting places to visit in devon and cornwall, from the louvre to the uffizi: the best art museums in europe, leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Business Insider

See inside a new ultra-luxury river cruise line that's charging up to $59,520 per person

Posted: April 4, 2024 | Last updated: April 4, 2024

• Newcomer Riverside Luxury Cruises wants to break into the growing river cruise market.
• The ultra-luxury cruise line  operates former Crystal ships in popular European rivers like the Danube.
• Riverside's 2024 cruises start at $1,055 per person for four days.

A new ultra-luxury cruise line wants to be the swankiest travel-by-river vacation option.

To do so, it's enticing cruisers with truffle-infused butter, $320-per-person dinners, and butlers that can be beckoned with a simple WhatsApp message.

Affluent travelers , meet Riverside Luxury Cruises.

The budding company first set sail in March 2023. With a year of service under its belt, its three ships are now sailing some of Europe's most popular rivers — starting at more than $260 per person per day.

Riverside is operated by Seaside Collection, a European hotelier.

The firm had its sights set on a river cruise venture since 2018, Jen Halboth, CEO of Riverside Luxury Cruises, told Business Insider.

Ironically, COVID-19 was the reason it got into the business.

Crystal Cruises declared bankruptcy in early 2022 amid the pandemic. Shortly after, Seaside purchased and updated five of the then-defunct cruise line's ships.

Three of these vessels now make up Riverside's fleet. The other two are being leased to competitor Uniworld River Cruises.

River cruising has become increasingly popular as wealthy travelers gravitate to ultra-luxury small-ship vacations.

River cruise ships are much smaller than their behemoth ocean-based counterparts, allowing Riverside to sail in waterways like Europe's Rhine, Rhone, Danube, Main, Moselle, and Saône rivers.

Along the way, guests can explore destinations many giant ships can't easily access — like Budapest, Hungary; Frankfurt, Germany; and Amsterdam — sometimes visiting more than one port in a day.

One of Riverside's shortest and cheapest 2024 voyages starts at $1,055 per person for a four-day Danube River cruise from Passau, Germany, to Vienna.

Alcohol and excursion packages can tack on an extra $75 to $175 per person per night.

Looking to ball out? The most expensive and longest itinerary is $59,521 per person for a three-river, 22-day cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest, Hungary, in the most expensive suite with the most inclusive package.

To compare, the cheapest 2024 voyage with all-inclusive luxury competitor Uniworld River Cruises starts at $2,000 per person for an eight-day Danube River sailing.

River cruisers tend to be over the age of 55.

But the new company is targeting guests 45 years old and older, specifically those who frequent luxury vacations but have yet to try a river cruise.

"New luxury travelers want to be pampered, get off and have an adventure, and come back and be taken care of," the cruise line's CEO said.

"Pampering” they will get.

Of Riverside's three ships, the 394-foot-long, 74-foot-wide Mozart can accommodate the most guests — up to 162, not including the 82 crew.

Yes, it's larger than Uniworld's ships, which range from 32 to 159 guests. But it's also significantly smaller than Royal Caribbean's new 9,950-person Icon of the Seas ocean vessel.

Like most cruise liners, Riverside's three ships have spas, buffets, and plush lounges and bars.

During the day, travelers can enjoy lunch at the open-air grill and relax to live music courtesy of Steinway and Bösendorfer pianos, no less.

At night, they can dine on a seven-course meal at the 295 euros ($320) per-person Vintage Room.

Riverside’s ships have up to 5 restaurants. Vintage Room is the only specialty option.

The cost to dine includes a wine pairing and plates like veal with truffle and chanterelle mushrooms and "surf and turf" with beef sirloin and scallops.

But don't expect a lackluster, rushed meal at the other complimentary options: "This is not a churn-and-burn," the company's CEO said of the ships' Waterside restaurants. "You come in for fine dining."

Infused, whipped butter is apparently one of Riverside's hottest commodities.

Sometimes, it has chiles. Other times, it's infused with citrus. If you're lucky, you'll get one with truffles.

"People were raving about our butter," Halboth said. "Everyone's waiting to see what butter they'll get at dinner each night."

Need to sleep off all that dairy? You're in luck. Every cabin has a king bed.

Riverside's suites range from 194 to 883 square-feet. These high-end cabins include butler service, stocked mini-bars, and espresso machines.

Some suites also have double-sink vanities and walk-in closets, a hallmark of an ultra-luxury cruise vessel .

Does Riverside’s more than $260 per person, per day fare seem reasonable now?

If yes, book soon. It'll only get more expensive from here.

These fares don't offset the amount Riverside is spending on amenities like the upscale food, according to Halboth. To make up for these expenditures, the cruise line plans to raise its prices gradually over the next two years.

The company's CEO said bookings have been 'a little lighter' since the start of 2024.

But the back half of the year is "filling up" thanks to Americans: About 70 to 80% of its guests are from North America, the company said.

Riverside will operate its Mozart, Ravel, and Debussy ships for three years as it 'hones the brand,' Halboth said.

The cruise line's two additional vessels would join its fleet in the next few years.

Given the growing popularity of river cruises , it's a good time for companies like Riverside to start expanding.

However, it could face plenty of incoming competition.

Jamie Loizou, the UK managing director of luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways, is forecasting 2024 as a "pivotal" year for the river cruise industry, noting that 15 new river-based vessels are expected to launch this year, Cruise Critic reported .

More for You

This Is How Long You Can Leave Butter On the Counter, According to Land O'Lakes

Vietnam sentences real estate tycoon Truong My Lan to death in largest ever fraud case: AP explains

Coast Guard, Navy rescue 3 stranded men after spotting 'HELP' sign made with palm leaves

Harvard psychologist shares 5 toxic things 'highly narcissistic' people always do in relationships

Michael J. Fox Says ‘We Used to Bust Our Ass' to Be Famous and ‘You Had to Be Talented,' but Now It's: ‘What's That Dance Step? And You're the Most Famous Person in the World'

7 Things You Should Know If You Deposit More Than $10K Into Your Checking Account

Ron DeSantis takes on Target, and Walmart, over retail theft

European Union's Only Nuclear-Powered Navy Is Getting Ready for War

Masters neighbor refuses to sell home despite millions in offers from Augusta golf club

78 Riddles for Adults That Will Test Your Smarts

This common trait is a red flag of a toxic boss, says ex-IBM CEO: 'I used to think it was a great skill'

Krispy Kreme Has a New Partnership with Your Favorite Candy Brand

A major Burger King franchisee in California says he can't roll out order kiosks fast enough due to the state's new $20 fast-food minimum wage

Zendaya Wears a Stormy Gray Gown with a Heart-Racing Deep V-Neckline

Texas Removes 1.3 Million Children From Health Care Plan

Meet the 55 newest dog breeds to get recognized by the American Kennel Club

9 Insider Secrets You Should Know From a Goodwill Employee

‘Gladiator II' First Look Gets Thumbs Up & Loud Cheers From Exhibs At CinemaCon

Burger King's menu adds a new twist on a British classic

Department store closes its doors after 201 years

Highlights of Eastern Europe

10 days | budapest to bucharest.

4.4/5   342 reviews

• Dates and Pricing
• Ship Details

Choose when you want to travel

Tuesday April 16, 2024

Bucharest to Budapest

End Date: Thu Apr 25, 2024 Thursday April 25, 2024

Pricing displayed above is Single Occupancy Pricing. Click here to view Standard/Double Occupancy Pricing.

Book early for the best pricing and availability.

Friday April 19, 2024

Budapest to Bucharest

End Date: Sun Apr 28, 2024 Sunday April 28, 2024

Wednesday April 24, 2024

End Date: Fri May 3, 2024 Friday May 3, 2024

• Prices exclude additional port charges of $220 per person.

Available Offers

River Heritage Club savings and amenities are available to guests after completing their first Uniworld cruise. Exclusive savings are based on the cruise or cruise/tour-only price (including any upgrades and single supplement). Savings are combinable with all current Uniworld promotions. All applicable discounts are applied sequentially; fixed savings amounts are deducted prior to applying any percentage-based discounts. Restrictions may apply.

Saturday May 25, 2024

End Date: Mon Jun 3, 2024 Monday June 3, 2024

Thursday May 30, 2024

End Date: Sat Jun 8, 2024 Saturday June 8, 2024

Monday July 8, 2024

End Date: Wed Jul 17, 2024 Wednesday July 17, 2024

Friday July 12, 2024

End Date: Sun Jul 21, 2024 Sunday July 21, 2024

Saturday July 13, 2024

End Date: Mon Jul 22, 2024 Monday July 22, 2024

Wednesday July 17, 2024

End Date: Fri Jul 26, 2024 Friday July 26, 2024

Friday September 6, 2024

End Date: Sun Sep 15, 2024 Sunday September 15, 2024

Wednesday September 11, 2024

End Date: Fri Sep 20, 2024 Friday September 20, 2024

Friday September 20, 2024

End Date: Sun Sep 29, 2024 Sunday September 29, 2024

Wednesday September 25, 2024

End Date: Fri Oct 4, 2024 Friday October 4, 2024

• All fares are per guest in US dollars based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted.
• Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice.
• Availability of all stateroom categories cannot be guaranteed.
• Single Supplement applies for single accommodation.
• Itineraries, hotels, and vessels may change, and substitute visits to other sites may occur during your trip due to water level fluctuations and other uncontrollable factors.
• The order of sightseeing and docking ports are subject to change according to port authority assignments.

River Duchess

Suite rhine deck.

Stateroom Category 1 /4

Suite - River Duchess

Suite Floorplan - River Duchess

• Lavishly appointed riverview suite (214 sq ft - 20 sq m) with a French balcony
• Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite
• Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, backlit magnifying mirror & heated mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers
• Additional amenities and services include in-suite butler service, packing and unpacking assistance, in-room breakfast, daily fruit and cookie plate and an elegant evening snack, Nespresso coffee machine and fine teas, fully stocked mini bar, bottle of wine upon request, shoeshine, and free laundry service

French Balcony Rhine Deck

Stateroom Category 2 /4

French Balcony - River Duchess

French Balcony Floorplan - River Duchess

• Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (151 sq ft - 14 sq m) with a French balcony
• Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

Deluxe Danube Deck

Stateroom Category 3 /4

Deluxe - River Duchess

Deluxe Floorplan - River Duchess

• Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (151 sq ft - 14 sq m)

Classic Moselle Deck

Stateroom Category 4 /4

Classic - River Duchess

Classic Floorplan - River Duchess

S.s. beatrice, royal suite rhine deck.

Stateroom Category 1 /6

Royal Suite - S.S. Beatrice

Royal Suite Floorplan - S.S. Beatrice

• Luxurious riverview royal suite (390 sq ft - 36.2 sq m) with spacious living room
• Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat and flat-screen TV with infotainment center
• Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, backlit magnifying mirror, heated mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, separate rain shower and tub, plush towels, towel warmers and a secluded toilet area
• Additional amenities and service include: in-suite butler service; packing and unpacking assistance; in-room breakfast; daily fruit and cookie plate, and an elegant evening snack; Nespresso coffee machine and fine teas; fully stocked mini bar; bottle of wine upon arrival; shoe shine; and free laundry service

Grand Suite Rhine Deck

Stateroom Category 2 /6

Grand Suite - S.S. Beatrice

Grand Suite Floorplan - S.S. Beatrice

• Luxurious riverview grand suite (310 sq ft - 28.8 sq m)
• Grand suites include handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat and flat-screen TV with infotainment center
• Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, a rain shower and tub, backlit magnifying mirror, heated mirror and a secluded toilet area

Stateroom Category 3 /6

Suite - S.S. Beatrice

Suite Floorplan - S.S. Beatrice

• Luxurious riverview suite (225 sq ft - 20.9 sq m)
• Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmers, backlit magnifying mirror, heated mirrors, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

Deluxe French Balcony Rhine Deck

Stateroom Category 4 /6

Deluxe French Balcony - S.S. Beatrice

Deluxe French Balcony Floorplan - S.S. Beatrice

• Luxurious riverview stateroom (150 sq ft - 14 sq m) with a French balcony
• Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center
• Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

French Balcony Danube Deck

Stateroom Category 5 /6

French Balcony - S.S. Beatrice

French Balcony Floorplan - S.S. Beatrice

Stateroom Category 6 /6

Classic Floorplan - S.S. Beatrice

• Luxurious riverview stateroom (150 sq ft - 14 sq m)

Similar trips you may also like

Zurich & the Rhine River Valley

10 days | nuremberg to zurich.

2024 | Follow the Rhine’s course through Germany, visiting two more countries at the heart of Europe along the way, to delight in the wide array of wonderful experiences this region is home to.

Grand Central Europe

15 days | vienna to basel.

2024 | Why choose between the quaint scenery of the Rhine and the awe-inspiring sights along the Danube when you can combine both for the ultimate journey down the two longest rivers in Central Europe?

Portraits of Eastern Europe

19 days | prague to bucharest.

2024 | An in-depth journey offering fresh new adventures in the Old World.

Stay up to date on all things Uniworld

We'll keep you up-to-date with our latest news, travel inspiration and special promotions.

Privacy Policy

Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.

Request a Quote

We're here to answer your questions about Uniworld cruises and ships, as well as any of our special offers.

Please note that someone from our team will reach out to you based on this request, but unless you have checked the box to continue to receive News and Special Offers, the information you've provided in this form will be used for this request only.

Please view our Privacy Policy for more details.

• Monday–Friday from 6:30 am to 5:30 pm (PT)
• Saturday from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm (PT)
• Closed on Sundays

Receive our latest offers, news & travel inspiration

We'll keep you up-to-date with our latest news, travel inspiration and special promotions.

English (USA)

English (UK)

English (Canada)

English (India)

Deutsch (Deutschland)

Deutsch (Österreich)

Deutsch (Schweiz)

Français (France)

Français (Suisse)

Nederlands (Nederland)

Nederlands (België)

• Top Capitalization
• United States
• North America
• Middle East
• Sector Research
• Earnings Calendar
• Equities Analysis
• Most popular
• NIPPON ACTIVE VALUE FUND PLC
• AMD (ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES)
• THE EDINBURGH INVESTMENT TRUST PLC
• MORGAN STANLEY
• GLOBE LIFE INC.
• Index Analysis
• Indexes News
• EURO STOXX 50
• Currency Cross Rate
• Currency Converter
• Forex Analysis
• Currencies News
• Precious metals
• Agriculture
• Industrial Metals
• Livestock and Cattle
• CRUDE OIL (WTI)
• CRUDE OIL (BRENT)

• Developed Nations
• Emerging Countries
• South America
• Analyst Reco.
• Capital Markets Transactions
• New Contracts
• Profit Warnings
• Appointments
• Press Releases
• Security Transactions
• Earnings reports
• New markets
• New products
• Corporate strategies
• Legal risks
• Share buybacks
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Call Transcripts
• Currency / Forex
• Commodities
• Cryptocurrencies
• Interest Rates
• Asset Management
• Climate and ESG
• Cybersecurity
• Geopolitics
• Central Banks
• Private Equity
• Business Leaders
• All our articles
• Most Read News
• All Analysis
• Satirical Cartoon
• Today's Editorial
• Crypto Recap
• Behind the numbers
• All our investments
• Asia, Pacific
• Virtual Portfolios
• USA Portfolio
• European Portfolio
• Asian Portfolio
• My previous session
• My most visited
• Undervalued stocks
• Quality stocks
• Momentum stocks
• Dividend Kings
• The Internet of Things
• 3D Printing
• Unusual volumes
• New Historical Highs
• New Historical Lows
• Top Fundamentals
• Sales growth
• Earnings Growth
• Profitability
• Rankings Valuation
• Enterprise value
• Top Consensus
• Analyst Opinion
• Target price
• Estimates Revisions
• Top ranking ESG
• Environment
• Visibility Ranking
• Stock Screener Home
• The future of mobility
• The food of tomorrow
• Europe's family businesses
• Circular economy
• Oversold stocks
• Overbought stocks
• Close to resistance
• Close to support
• Accumulation Phases
• Most volatile stocks
• Top Investor Rating
• Top Trading Rating
• Top Dividends
• Low valuations
• All my stocks
• Stock Screener
• Stock Screener PRO
• Portfolio Creator
• Event Screener
• Dynamic Chart
• Economic Calendar
• ProRealTime Trading
• Our subscriptions
• Our Stock Picks
• Thematic Investment Lists

GB00BMX64W89

Multiline insurance & brokers.

• Saga : Launches Full 2025 River Cruise Programme

Saga, the UK's leading specialist provider of services and products tailored for people over 50, has launched its full range of Saga River Cruises' 2025 itineraries, with up to 25 per cent off, offering early bookers the best deals and choice of cabins.

The new programme includes the expansion of Saga's river cruise collection, with the addition of a new ship, 'Spirit of the Moselle', which joins the fleet from July 2025 and which will sail along the Main and Rhine rivers in her first year, through to destinations such as Nuremberg, Frankfurt, Bamberg and the UNESCO-protected Rhine Gorge.

Carrying up to 172 guests, the ship is being built exclusively for Saga guests and comes complete with a wealth of facilities, including speciality dining, a splash pool and 92 comfortable cabins, 73 of which will have a French Balcony, plus a restaurant with panoramic views and a sun deck for the warm weather. Taking similar design cues from her two sister ships, with a focus on bright, spacious surroundings, guests can expect the same high-quality, all-inclusive experience and 'Spirit' service that they experience on other Saga cruises.

A typical Spirit of the Moselle itinerary is 'Gems of the Main River' , which offers seven nights on board and cruises the Main River stopping to experience the culture and history of the riverside towns and cities along the way. This includes medieval Nuremberg, a full day in UNESCO-listed Bamberg, an included walking tour of Bavarian Schweinfurt and a full day in Würzburg, with an excursion to visit the Residence Palace, followed by a guided walking tour of the historic centre before exploring the medieval market square of Wertheim and the picturesque cobblestone streets of Miltenberg's old town. Priced from £1,949 per person, with departure dates between July and October 2025.

Also new for 2025, Saga's river cruise guests can fly from their local airport closer to home with no extra supplement to pay on selected cruises, subject to availability. This is in addition to Saga's existing nationwide chauffeur service which picks guests up from home and takes them to the airport and back home again, for a hassle-free start and end to every cruise.

Other highlights from the 2025 programme include the new 'city explorer' itineraries, which have been designed to showcase city style breaks, albeit experienced on a river cruise.

An example of this kind of itinerary is the 'City Explorer: Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna' , which offers five nights on board Spirit of the Danube . The itinerary starts in Vienna, including the Ringstrasse and Opera House during an included tour, then sails overnight to Bratislava for a full day in the historic capital city. It then continues cruising towards Budapest for an overnight mooring offering plenty of time to uncover the city's landmark sights. Priced from £1,559 per person, with departure dates between April and October 2025.

A predicted favourite itinerary for 2025 on board Spirit of the Douro is the 'Douro Explorer' , offering seven nights on board. This cruises along the Douro through Portugal and the vineyard-clad landscapes and traditional towns of the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley, one of the oldest wine-producing regions of the world. Guests will sample regional delicacies and enjoy wine tastings along the way as well as exploring such attractions as the UNESCO-listed city of Salamanca and the medieval town of Figueira Castelo de Rodrigo, visiting the 18th-century Casa de Mateus Palace, plus port wine tasting

in Oporto. Priced from £1,521 per person, with 36 departure dates between March and July 2025.

Saga boutique river cruises offer an all-inclusive experience. There are no hidden costs on-board either with all dining and house drinks (including selected wines at lunch and dinner, house-branded spirits with mixers, draught lager, and all soft drinks), Wi-Fi, gratuities, sightseeing tours in selected ports, entertainment, luggage porterage and travel insurance also included, as well as the nationwide return shared chauffeur service from home to the airport.

Saga is committed to offering early bookers the best deals, so always launches its river cruises with up to 25 per cent off the full price, and its ocean cruises with up to 35 per cent off. Saga also offers a price promise , whereby if the price of the cruise ever drops, guests who have paid the higher price will get the value difference.

Guests can view and book these 2025 cruises at saga.co.uk/rivers-2025 or by calling 0808 273 6463.

Attachments

• Original Link

Saga plc published this content on 11 April 2024 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public , unedited and unaltered, on 11 April 2024 16:12:10 UTC .

Latest news about Saga plc

Chart saga plc.

Company Profile

Income statement evolution, ratings for saga plc, analysts' consensus, eps revisions, annual profits - rate of surprise, sector other multiline insurance & brokers.

• Stock Market
• News Saga plc

Danube river cruise ship crashed after it was 'suddenly no longer able to maneuver,' 17 passengers injured

• A cruise ship crashed into a concrete wall along the Danube river in Austria on Friday.
• A police statement said the ship "was suddenly no longer able to maneuver."
• Eleven people were treated at the hospital and another six suffered less serious injuries.

A Bulgarian cruise ship carrying over 140 passengers crashed into a concrete wall along the Danube river in Austria.

The incident occurred late on Friday in the northern Austrian town of Aschach an der Donau, local police said Saturday.

Eleven people were injured and taken to hospital as a result of the crash. Six others suffered less serious injuries that did not require hospital treatment.

Related stories

The ship had set off from Passau, a German city on the Austrian border. A police statement said that as the ship was leaving a lock chamber further down the river, "the ship was suddenly no longer able to maneuver," and its right bow and left aft crashed into the lock walls.

The second-in-command of the ship, who had been at the helm during the crash, "pressed the emergency switch, whereupon the electronics started up again." He was then able to steer the ship out of the lock.

The ship was later docked at the quay wall and emergency services were notified. The ship was able to continue its journey toward Linz, Austria.

Earlier this week, a container ship crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, collapsing a section of the 1.6-mile-long structure. The bodies of two construction workers were found after the collision, and four more workers are missing and presumed dead.

Citing the container ship's recovered data recorder, officials said the power went out on the Dali for just one minute and three seconds as it approached the bridge, Sky News reported, but that was enough for the collision to become unavoidable.

In 2019, a cruise boat hit and sank a smaller boat near Budapest, Hungary, killing 25 South Korean tourists and two crew members. The captain was sentenced to five years in prison for his role in the accident.

The Danube is the second-largest river in Europe, flowing from the Black Forest in Germany south into the Black Sea near Romania and Ukraine.

Correction: April 1, 2024 — An earlier version of this story misstated the year of the Danube ship crash in Hungary. It was in 2019, not 2023.

Watch: One of Europe's deadliest shipwrecks leaves hundreds missing

• Main content

• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures

Hungary River Cruises

Walk off your Viking Longship to discover Hungary’s fascinating capital city of Budapest on a Danube River cruise. Explore one of Europe’s great cultural capitals, known as the “City of Healing Waters,” and then savor local specialties at its bustling Market Hall.

Grand European Tour

• PRICE & BUILD

Romantic Danube

Danube Waltz

Passage to Eastern Europe

Capitals of Eastern Europe

European Sojourn

NEW! Treasures of the Danube

Christmas on the Danube

Danube Christmas Delights

Sign up to receive updates from viking.

Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content.

Company Information

• Order a Brochure
• Special Offers
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Advisors
• Media Center
• Health & Safety Program
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Manage Cookies

Viking River Cruises

• Mississippi

Viking Ocean Cruises

• Scandinavia
• British Isles & Ireland
• North America
• Caribbean & Central America
• South America
• Mediterranean
• Quiet Season Mediterranean
• Australia & New Zealand
• World Cruises
• Grand Journeys

Viking Expeditions

• Great Lakes
• Longitudinal World Cruises

4-Day Spring Sale

• Save $500-$800 per couple
• $25 Deposit
• Up to free International Airfare