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Vienna Staatsoper, or State Opera, is home to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and Vienna State Ballet, with a jam-packed program of 350 annual performances. Listen to the magical sounds of Mozart, Beethoven, Strauss and Vivaldi played out by some of the world's top conductors and performers. You could also join a behind-the-scenes 40-minute guided tour to learn about the history and architecture of this 19th-century Renaissance-style building, including the Tea Salon, Marble Hall and the richly decorated auditorium. The pastel-hued Göttweig Abbey is nestled in an emerald-green forest with superb views of the Wachau Valley from its hillside location near Krems.
Cruise Critic's Ultimate Danube River Cruise Guide
Follow the pedestrian path to walk across the bridge or take one of the city's yellow taxis, with landmarks such as Buda Castle, home to the Hungarian National Gallery on one side, and Szechenyi Square on the other. Viking offers a Heurigen Dinner shore excursion where you can sample all the best wines and foods this region has to offer. Coursing through Germany, Austria, Hungary and seven other countries all the way to the Black Sea, the Danube is the soul of Central Europe. Join us along these culture-rich banks, whose scenic vineyards, ancient monasteries and elegant cities have inspired travelers for centuries. Iconic cities like Budapest, Vienna and Prague are just a few popular examples to tack onto your cruise.
What are the best things to do on a Danube river cruise?
Surrounded by dashing amber-hued buildings, the Outdoor Thermal Pool is the warmest spot, heated to °F (36-38°C). There's also the balmy Leisure Pool, the Indoor Medicinal Pool, plus plunge pools. Saunas, steam rooms and spa treatments, such as couples' massages, are also available. Take home a memento from your time here by picking out a handmade soap made from water from the Gellert Baths, also in Budapest, containing nourishing avocado oil. The second-largest city in Bavaria, after Munich, Nuremburg is perfectly situated near the Rhine–Main–Danube Canal, which means it's actually a great stop on multiple Viking river cruise itineraries. Crammed with Gothic churches, timber-clad houses and charming squares, plus three miles of medieval city walls, dotted with original watchtowers.
The Legendary Danube River
Visit the place where monks work and worship on an exclusive Privileged Access Viking shore excursion. Savour a glass of sparkling apricot wine -- on of the region's delicious delicacies -- before enjoying a private viewing of the abbey. Before you do land on a specific river cruise line or itinerary on the Danube, there are several things you should be aware of. If you’re considering a cruise on the Danube River, here are seven things you should know prior to sailing.
One of the mightiest castles peering over the Danube is Durnstein Castle, around a 15-minute drive from Krems. This infamous medieval fortress is where Richard the Lionheart was incarcerated by Austria's Leopold V in the 12th century. Legend has it that on his return from the Crusades, King Richard refused to share his spoils with Leopold and tore up the Austrian flag, leading to his imprisonment. On an included Panoramic tour of Budapest with Viking, you can take in fantastic views of Szechenyi Bridge from Buda Hill, in Buda's sublime Castle District. Viking offers a Privileged Access shore excursion to the Alma Deutscher Mozart & Strauss performance, which takes place at the exquisite Wiener Konzerthaus. You’d disembark your current vessel, get bussed past the trouble area, and then board a different ship to continue your journey.
Classical Danube Cruise (Budapest - Passau)
7 Fantastic UNESCO Sites To Experience On A Danube River Cruise - TravelAwaits
7 Fantastic UNESCO Sites To Experience On A Danube River Cruise.
Posted: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Nuremburg is the site of Nazi party rallies and the location of the World War II war crimes trials at the Palace of Justice. The symmetrical building includes piercing spires and a central dome, with two parliament halls on either side. One can be explored during a guided tour, while the other is in use by the Hungarian National Assembly. Wander the courtyards, marvel some of the 242 sculptures and statues of Hungarian rulers and famous national figures and gaze at vivid frescoes.
Inside Look: River Cruise Inventory Available Into 2026 - TravelAge West
Inside Look: River Cruise Inventory Available Into 2026.
Posted: Thu, 11 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
The Danube is a year-round destination with the exception of January and February, when few cruise lines operate here. Summer, when the weather is hottest, is peak season and as a result Europe’s cities are particularly crowded. Because of that, we recommend taking a Danube river cruise in April, May, September and October.
Christmas Markets are big in Germany, but virtually every European city features at least one market, so it’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit and get your shopping done. Outside of winter, temperatures on the Danube range from 40s to 60s in the spring and fall, to high-70s and 80s in the height of summer. The crisp spring air welcomes new growth, with flowering fields and many cities featuring Easter markets, while summer will be the height of festivals and special events.
Viking Cruises on the Danube River
Many cruises traverse the stretch between the capital cities of Vienna, Austria and Budapest, Hungary, starting or ending at either location. Cruising Europe’s waterways is a great way to see more of the region in a short period of time than you might do by land, and a river cruise can be the ideal introduction to cruise holidays for first-timers. The destinations we visit along the Danube River each offer their own unique history, traditions, local delicacies and enriching experiences. Lying on the Austrian border at the confluence of three rivers -- the Danube, Inn and Ilz -- Passau is nicknamed "Three River City". Wander the old town and you'll see soft-hued medieval buildings lining the waterways. This photogenic German city also has Roman ruins, fortified towers, a pilgrimage church and adjoining monastery.
The ancient origins of its name are lost in the mists of time – with contenders including a bringer of luck, a Vedic river goddess, and even words meaning swift, violent and undisciplined. Gliding peacefully between its famous and endlessly enchanting river banks, you’ll experience for yourself the calm delights that inspired “the beautiful blue Danube” of Johann Strauss’s immortal waltz and lullaby. Music is everywhere on the shores of the river Danube – from the wild genius of Mozart in Salzburg to Beethoven, Brahms, and an entire family of Strausses in classical Vienna. You’ll follow in the wake of emperors and kings on your Danube river cruise, too. What could be a more perfect choice for your next vacation than a river cruise on the beautiful Blue Danube?
Too high and ships can’t sail under the bridges; too low and ships can’t operate. Accelerated snow melt, heavy rain and drought are the chief interrupters of river itineraries, but cruise lines are adept at handling disruptions and have contingency plans in place. Your ship may organize special events, such as bringing dancers onboard to perform the Viennese Waltz while in Austria or hosting a lecture on Bavarian beer by a local expert in Germany.
Travel through the modern city of Amsterdam in Western Europe on the Danube that slowly descends into Eastern Europe passing historic landmarks, such as Salzburg (the city of music), and trendy hipster-style destinations such as Budapest. Take a Danube river cruise adventure if you enjoy history, exquisite food and unforgettable experiences. This collection of European river cruises (and European river cruise lines) will sweep you away into a dreamlike space filled with new experiences, sights, sounds, smells and gastronomic encounters. Made up of a tapestry of verdant forests, terraced vineyards and Renaissance castles, Austria's wine country is unfathomably beautiful. Situated between Melk and Krems, this swathe of the Danube runs for around 18 miles and witnessing it is one of the best things to do on a river cruise. You could soak in the views as you sail the river, capturing landmarks on camera, including the 12th-century Aggstein Castle, perched on a hilltop, with the sprawling Hinterhaus ruins on the opposite side.
With a length of almost 2,900 kilometers, the river runs from the Black Forest to the Black Sea and crosses ten countries on its journey. Accordingly, there is a lot to see and experience on a river cruise on the Danube. With Vienna and Budapest, two of Europe's most beautiful and important cities lie on the banks of the Danube, their magnificent buildings bearing witness to their centuries-old history. But travelers should also have seen historic cities such as Regensburg, Passau, Linz and Bratislava.
While most river cruise lines pause cruising between January and mid-March, a few will sail during these months, giving them a year-round presence. Cruising during low season means fewer crowds and lower cruise fares, and you’ll see the cities and towns in a much different light. When it comes to European river cruising, the Danube is unequivocally a popular choice, as it traverses through multiple countries, offering a variety of landscapes, cultures and a wealth of history. Due to its popularity amongst all cruisers, practically every river cruise line sails along the Danube, so there are fortunately lots of choices to choose from.
Your cruise will also feature regional cuisine - think river-caught fish, local produce in season, fruit from the surrounding orchards, and German, Austrian, and Hungarian wines. Along the way it shadows centuries-old storybook villages that appear unchanged by time and cuts through sophisticated world capitals, like Vienna and Budapest. And that’s all without mentioning the entertainment and facilities onboard your ship. Other hotspots along the Danube include the verdant Wachau Valley in Austria, which tumbles down to the riverbanks; and medieval Esztergom, Hungary’s former capital, which is home to the country’s largest church, Esztergom Basilica. The Danube either flows through or delineates part of the border of Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine.
With overnights in Vienna, Passau and Budapest, enjoy more time to fully explore. The winter season is an ideal time to visit, with fewer travelers and easier access to landmarks. Among the companies offering cruises along the Danube are A-ROSA Cruises, with whom we have partnered to bring you our remarkable river cruise. A-ROSA has 20-plus years of experience in sailing couples, families, groups and solo travellers along some of Europe’s loveliest rivers in laidback style, giving you lots of freedom to explore port stops at your own pace. Although you can arrange it yourself, river cruise lines will offer these city stays as an add-on package to the cruise, which includes hotel accommodations, transfers, some meals and tours, with plenty of free time to explore on your own. Best of all, land programs offered by the cruise lines will be fully escorted by a cruise director who will look after your every need.
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