River Cruise on the Enchanting Danube – Vienna to Budapest

Overview

Perfect for first-time Danube river cruisers, this sailing makes the most of the natural and man-made highlights of the river Danube. With an overnight stay in Vienna and Budapest at either end, youll have plenty of time to uncover the architectural treasures of both cities. Between the two, youll explore the ancient UNESCO-listed Gttweig Abbey, youll marvel at the dominating Bratislava Castle, and youll watch on in wonder as you sail through some of Europes most spectacular river scenery in the Wachau Valley.

Itinerary

Day 1 – UK – Vienna

Titans VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Vienna. Upon arrival, we transfer to embark our ship, where light refreshments are available. Elegant Vienna is often a highlight of a river cruise on the Danube. Its streets are lined with baroque architecture and opulent palaces, its museums are filled with priceless works of art, and its caf windows are chock-full of delicate pastries, sugar-dusted apple strudel and slices of rich sachertorte. We remain in dock overnight, so you have the rest of the day and evening to soak up all its charms.

MS River Discovery II (4-star)

Day 2 – Vienna – Krems

We start with a city tour in Vienna this morning, taking in all the highlights like Prince Eugenes lavish Belvedere Palace, the State Opera, the sprawling Hofburg residence of Emperor Franz Joseph, and the Parliament buildings. We then set sail, spending a leisurely afternoon watching the riverscapes pass by until we reach Krems this evening.

MS River Discovery II (4-star)

Day 3 – Krems

Krems an der Donau is the gateway to the Wachau and one of the prettiest towns sitting astride the Danube. Its a historic city full of character with a long history of wine production which well learn about on our included excursion to Gttweig Abbey. The UNESCO-listed abbey complex boasts a walled courtyard and gardens, stunning baroque design and striking interior design. Well learn about the abbeys wine production and at the end of the tour, head to a local vineyard for a wine tasting. If you get a chance, be sure to sample the local Marillenschnaps (apricot brandy). This afternoon we set sail again to meander through some of the incredible scenery of the Wachau Valley. This scenic stretch will treat you to rolling hills neatly laid out with riesling vines and spectacular natural beauty. Well pass old towns and villages and castle ruins as we go.

MS River Discovery II (4-star)

Day 4 – Passau

A town built on the confluence of the rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz, Passau is warmly referred to as the City of Three Rivers. We spend the afternoon enjoying a city tour through the historic old town. We wind past the baroque architecture and along the cobblestone streets leading up to the magnificent St Stephens Cathedral, home to the worlds largest cathedral organ.

MS River Discovery II (4-star)

Day 5 – Linz

Spend your morning soaking up the elegance and creative buzz of Linz. Wander through the old town under your own steam, or perhaps join our optional city tour. The city offers a delightful mix of modern and historic architecture, including Linzer Schloss. For a better view of the city, perhaps take a ride on the Pstlingbergbahn, a narrow-gauge railway that climbs up the steep incline of the Pstlingberg hill to the north of the city. We set sail around midday for a leisurely afternoon enjoying the ship and passing views.

MS River Discovery II (4-star)

Day 6 – Bratislava

This morning, we dock in Slovakia. You might choose to join us on an optional excursion into Bratislava on the tourist train through the city. Wander through the charming old town and past the dominating Bratislava Castle (Hrad) – where 11 kings and 8 queens were crowned. After, take a wander for yourself – the old town is a perfect walkable size full of pretty pastel houses. We set sail this afternoon. Bratislava was once considered a suburb of Vienna and its caf culture has certainly been inspired by the Austrian capital. If you have time, perhaps wander into one of the atmospheric coffee houses, stylish cafs or alfresco eateries to sit, sip and see as passers-by go about their day.

MS River Discovery II (4-star)

Today includes

Day 7 – Budapest

The Danube divides this city into two: hilly Buda in the west and to the east, the flat plains of Pest. The two are interlinked by the famously beautiful chain bridge, which lights up each evening (perhaps find a spot up on deck after dinner this evening to watch the city light up around you). The beauty of this city has inspired writers, artists and musicians for centuries. On our city tour this morning, well take in the Great Synagogue, St Stephens Basilica, the Parliament buildings, City Park, Heroes Square. You then have the afternoon all to yourself. Perhaps head up to Gellrt Hill, which affords wonderful views of the city, river and mountains.

MS River Discovery II (4-star)

Day 8 – Budapest – UK

We transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.

Budapest – UK