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Danube

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bucolic and blue

A luxury river CRUISING on the Danube

As rivers go, the Danube’s great influence throughout European history cannot be denied. Rising in the Black Forest of Germany, it pushes 1,770 miles to the Black Sea, making its determined presence known in 10 different countries and four capitals—Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, and Belgrade, more than any other river in the world. Time invested on the Danube is richly rewarding. Its cities, towns, and villages beckon with intriguing histories and architectural nods to the people and cultures that came before.

Along the Danube

The scenery? Positively transformational, whether it’s the vineyards, apricot orchards, and castles of the Wachau Valley; the horseshoe-shaped Danube Bend; rugged Iron Gates gorges; or natural wonders of the Danube Delta. For centuries, this waterway has worked its way into the hearts and minds of those who experience it, inspiring the legend of the Danube Mermaid, Strauss’s Blue Danube Waltz, the Bulgarian National Anthem, Danube-class ships in the Star Trek universe, and more. So much more. 

Danube Routes

Routes

Best of the danube

4 Nights Danube | Riverside Mozart
Captivating Danube Capitals: Budapest Bratislava & Vienna
DETAILS
Captivating Danube Capitals: Budapest Bratislava & Vienna
Three regal Habsburg capitals in five days make this the ideal Danube River getaway. As you navigate the historical sights and rich cultures of Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria, you’ll come face to face with Budapest’s monumental Hungarian Parliament Building lining the banks of the Danube, Heroes’ Square, and the photogenic Castle District; Bratislava’s whimsy, amazing pedestrian Old Town, and imposing hilltop castle; and Vienna’s regal bearing and Baroque splendor. An additional stop in 2,000-year-old Tulln, an exciting assortment of RIVERSIDE CHOICE activities in each port, and the excellent wines and breathtaking scenery of the Wachau Valley round out this cruise in an unforgettable way.
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3 Nights Danube | Riverside Mozart
A Dash of the Danube: Vienna to Budapest
DETAILS
A Dash of the Danube: Vienna to Budapest
This short but mighty journey introduces you to some of the Danube’s most memorable riverbank destinations. First, waltz your way through Vienna’s grandness as you embark your ship. This renowned City of Music is where some of the greatest minds and most impressive talents called home over the centuries—names like Strauss, Mozart, Freud, Klimt, Marie Antoinette, and others. From here, cruise southeast for a stop in Esztergom, Hungary’s capital during the Middle Ages. How about heading up Castle Hill to admire the treasures at the country’s largest church—or maybe hiking or biking as you see the sights? Finally, raise a glass of Tokaji aszú (Hungarian wine) in Budapest to toast the tenacious capital's incredible beauty and many highlights on both sides of the Danube.
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Wien

Vienna

Austria

Vienna is a city that defies simple description. Over the centuries, it has been an imperial city, seat of the Holy Roman Empire, capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and capital of sovereign Austria. Today, Vienna retains the grand Baroque architecture, historic style, and Lebenskunst (art of living) that attracted famous composers like Mozart and Strauss. It's a wonderland of lavish palaces and cathedrals, world-class museums and music venues, atmospheric coffee houses, and romantic fiakers (horse-drawn carriages) clip-clopping past it all.

Budapest

Budapest

Hungary

One of the most beautiful cities in the world, the wonders of Budapest rise up along both banks of the Danube in a truly impressive way. Along with Heroes' Square with its Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, awe-inspiring Hungarian Parliament Building, and the lavish Castle District with photogenic Fishermen's Bastion, the city is home to a captivating Jewish district and the second-largest synaguge in the world, an intricate underground cave system, and some of Europe's most famous thermal baths.

Bratislava

Bratislava

Slovakia

With neighboring capitals like Vienna and Budapest, it might be easy for the Slovakian capital to get overshadowed. Remarkably, it doesn't. Bratislava is perfect for those who want to be transported to another time. Even fom a distance, its 9th-century clifftop castle strikes an impressive pose. Down below, the bustling pedestrian-only Old Town is a charming collection of Old World architecture, like Michael's Gate, St. Martin's Cathedral, the Old Opera House, and the Neoclassical Primate's Palace. There's even a surprise or two, with Napoleon's cannonballs lodged in historic walls and an unexpected statue of Cumil the Sewer Worker peering up from below street level!

Linz

Linz

Austria

Austria’s third-largest city, Linz is a European Capital of Culture worth exploring. Highlights include the Feichtinger House with its Glockenspiel, Castle Museum, Lentos Art Museum, and the Neo-Gothic Mariendom with its impressive stained-glass windows and 20,000-person seating capacity. A hike up Pöstlingberg Hill delivers outstanding views over the Danube and is best followed by a coffee and piece of scrumptious Linzer Torte, invented here as the world's first cake!

Passau

Passau

Germany

Situated along the Route of Emperors and Kings where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers meet, Passau was settled as early as the Neolithic Age. During the Renaissance, this City of Three Rivers was a major manufacturing center of swords, crafting bladed weapons stamped with the Passau wolf, which legend claimed would grant invulnerability. Today, the most famous sights lining the narrow cobblestone streets of the Old Town are the artistic Town Hall and the Baroque St. Stephen's Cathedral with its green-domed towers and one of the largest organs in the world. 

Wachau Panorama

Wachau Valley

Austria

What were the robber barons doing in the little rose garden? What makes Dürnstein unique? And anyway, what do you do as a river cruiser in the Wachau? Quite simple: enjoy, enjoy and enjoy again. The Wachau Valley is pastoral perfection. A synthesis of nature's arts: rugged mountains almost 3,000 feet / 900 meters high, terraces for winegrowing, and again, churches and castles from the Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque eras. No wonder unesco has placed its protective hands over this world heritage site. More than 18 miles / 30 kilometers you will sail, yet a single foot you won’t want to miss. The steep slopes keep out cold winds and radiate the heat of the sun again in the evening. Wine and fruit grow here as in the biblical stories of Adam and Eve. The best apricots come from this region. They find their way into chocolates, delicious dumplings, jam and noble brandy. Is your mouth watering? Good! Come aboard. We will spoil you with these delicacies.

Durnstein

Dürnstein

Austria

If ever a town was the embodiment of quaint, it's Dürnstein. Sitting right at the entrance to the celebrated Wachau Valley on one of the Danube’s most beautiful stretches, everything about this village is hospitable—even the vineyards extend right to the riverbanks to greet visitors. Highlights include the striking blue and white Stiftskirche, and the castle ruin looming over town that once imprisoned King Richard the Lionheart, according to legends. Welcoming shops and wine taverns serving up the Wachau's delectable wines and sweet apricots make this a wonderful place to spend time. 

Melk

Stift Melk

Austria

No visit to the Wachau Valley is complete without visiting Austria’s prettiest abbey. Built on a rocky promontory overlooking the Danube, Melk Abbey's origins date back to 1089. Today, it is one of Europe's finest examples of Baroque architecture, where Benedictine monks still farm the land and operate what is now the oldest school in Austria. Highlights include the library of ancient manuscripts, frescoed ceiling, stunning spiral staircases, and the ornate abbey church. 

Krems

Krems

Austria

Whether it's a 27,000-year-old grave (the oldest in Austria) or production of delectable apricot brandy, Krems has much to offer. First mentioned in 995 AD, Krems became prosperous as a trade center for salt and wine. Its cobblestoned Old Town is home to well preserved buildings, like the 15th-century Steiner Tor (city gate), symbol of the city. Also worth seeing: the Krems Art Mile with Austria's only caricature museum and the State Gallery of Lower Austria; 11th-century Göttweig Abbey; and wine! Surrounded by vineyards, Krems produces some of the country's best wines!

Grein

Grein

Austria

Tucked between the Blue Danube and green hills sits the charming village of Grein. It's primarily known for its castle, which has been towering over the river for 500 years. The former hunting castle features a knights' hall, stone theater lined with Renaissance-era pebbles from the river, and diamond vault. Grein is also home to Austria's oldest still-active theater, which is filled with oddities, like locking front-row seats, a curtained-off toilet right in the theater so audience members wouldn't miss the performance, and a "jail seat" where prisoners could watch the show through a window!Typical Austria. The rococo theatre in Grein was built in 1793 solely to provide a little diversion for the guests passing through. It is located in the middle of the enchanted old town and is still preserved. Its wooden hall is situated in today’s town hall. You have to have seen it. And then there is Greinsburg Castle with its maritime museum. A perfect overview of the history of navigation on the Danube!

Sail the river danube

Riverside Mozart

The Riverside Mozart is an exceptional phenomenon. As one of the most luxurious river cruise ships on the Danube, and certainly the most well-appointed, she knows – just like her famous namesake – how to captivate and constantly surprise her guests.

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WBC 6 08 08 2022 Austria

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