The Beautiful Blue Danube
- Duration
- 8 Days
- Prices:
- On request
Voyage down the Danube to visit the capitals of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. See the majesty of the old Empire at Hofburg Palace in Vienna, examine medieval manuscripts at the massive Benedictine abbey in Melk and soak in the relaxing Turkish baths of Budapest.
This 8-day river cruise takes you to several of the great cities on the Danube River in Central Europe.
Your voyage down the Danube begins in Vienna, Austria’s capital and the former seat of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The city is consistently ranked one of the world’s most livable cities and for good reason. It boasts stunning architecture, a robust culinary scene, and one of the world’s great art cultures. Erstwhile home of Mozart and Beethoven, Vienna is often dubbed the “City of Music.” The city’s renown is due to the Habsburgs, who ruled the Austrian Empire for six centuries. Their Imperial Palace, the Hofburg, is a grand statement of majesty. You can visit the masterworks of their private collection at the Kunsthistorisches Museum or Art History Museum, which is full of paintings by Breughel, Durer, Vermeer, Raphael and Rubens. Be sure to tour Vienna at night to get a full view of its beauty.
From Vienna, sail to Melk aboard the MS Beethoven. The MS Beethoven is a state-of-the-art vessel equipped with a dance club, bar, dining room and sundeck in addition to its comfortable staterooms. The ship offers a perfect vantage point to witness the breathtaking beauty of these great cities.
Melk is one of the most visited towns on the Danube. Melk Abbey is an eleventh-century Benedictine Abby with a massive Church dome and gorgeous libraries. Visit the scriptorium to see hundreds of medieval manuscripts before admiring the abbey’s marble rooms and wall frescoes by Paul Troger. Nearby Schallaburg Castle is one of Austria’s best examples of Renaissance architecture, with sprawling gardens alongside its royal estate.
The capital of Slovakia, Bratislava is an often-overlooked city that rewards visitors with a vibrant café and restaurant scene and a fascinating clash of classic and modern architecture. Climb the New Bridge, popularly dubbed the UFO Bridge due to its UFO-shaped tower, to see the two clashing sides of the city. Gaze to the left to see the charming old town, full of pedestrian-only walkways in the shadow of the reconstructed Bratislava Castle. Then look right to see the concrete jungle of the city’s Soviet era. It’s a striking mix of old world and new.
Further down the Danube is Budapest, the capital of Hungary. Budapest comprises the two individual cities of hilly Buda and flat Pest. The city is still recovering from a century of turmoil following the decadence of the nineteenth century, but it remains one of Europe’s most striking capitals. Visit the Hungarian Parliament Building on the edge of the Danube to see one of the world’s best examples of Gothic Revival architecture. At Saint Stephen’s Basilica pay homage to the country’s first king, Saint Stephen, before hitting up the vibrant food and drink scene. Wash down hearty Hungarian goulash with some distinctly-sweet Hungarian white wine before heading to the bars to try fiery palinka. Take advantage of the city’s natural hot springs by soaking at the Turkish Baths of Gellert or Szechenyi. After Budapest, visit Esztergom to see the centre of Roman Catholicism in Hungary before returning to Vienna.
There's no better way to see these great cities than to see them from the banks of the river that defines them.
- Duration
- 8 Days
- Prices:
- On request
Itinerary View Trip Map
Vienna
Boarding in Vienna in the end of the afternoon. Presentation of the crew and welcome cocktail. Tour of Vienna by night. Sailing during the night to Melk.
| Meal Plan | Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 7 Nights |
| Accommodation |
MS Beethoven |
| Location | View map |
-
MS Beethoven
The very elegant four-star cruise ship contains 90 cabins, some with French balcony, for 180 passengers. The MS Beethoven offers you a wide range of privacy, well-being and leisure activities. For dining, the cruise ship features a gorgeous restaurant with delicious regional cuisine and delightful, …
The very elegant four-star cruise ship contains 90 cabins, some with French balcony, for 180 passengers. The MS Beethoven offers you a wide range of privacy, well-being and leisure activities. For dining, the cruise ship features a gorgeous restaurant with delicious regional cuisine and delightful, attentive service.
In the evening, you have the possibility to enjoy the spacious lounge with bar and a dancefloor, to have some glass of wine or fruity cocktails. During the day you can enjoy the sun on the large sun deck with deckchairs.Facilities
- Bar
- Dining Area
- Gift Shop
- Radar
- Radiophone
- Sundeck
- WiFi
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
Melk
Full board on board. Excursion to the abbey of Melk. Created in 1089, it hosts Benedictine monks for more than 900 years. Its impressive library room has a remarkable marble room, and frescoes by Paul Troger, and stunning views on the Danube River. Cruise to Durnstein, through the beautiful Wachau Valley. In the middle of the afternoon, arrival in Durnstein. Discovery of this charming village with our accompanist. Situated at the foot of the ruins of the castle, famous for its legend of Richard Lion Heart.
Return on board in the end of the afternoon. Cruise toward Bratislava.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Bratislava
Full board on board. Excursion to the capital of Slovakia. The charm of Bratislava lies in its old city, with splendid baroque palaces, churches, and pleasant squares.
Afternoon spend sailing to Kalocsa.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Kalocsa
Full board on board. Excursion to the Puzsta, including a horse show. Also named the Great Plain, in the 19th century, this huge grassland was considered the wild west of Hungary. Afternoon spend sailing to Budapest, the "pearl of the Danube".
Arrival during the night.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Budapest
Full board on board. Free day in Budapest or guided tour of the city. Separated by the Danube River, Buda, cultural and ancient town, and Pest, popular and lively part of the capital, the two parts are joined by nine bridges, including the famous Bridge of Chains.
Free afternoon. Traditional show in Budapest. Sailing during the night to Esztergom.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Budapest to Esztergom
Full board on board. Free time in Esztergom, one of the most ancient Hungarian town, dominated by its basilica, the biggest one of central Europe.
Afternoon spend sailing to Vienna. Gala evening. Sailing during the night.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Vienna
Full board on board. Guided visit of Vienna and Schonbrunn Palace. Guided tour of the Hofburg Palace, former residence of the Habsburgs during six centuries.
Possibility to attend a concert of Viennese music (optional and subject to availability). Overnight.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Vienna
Buffet breakfast on board and disembark.
End of our services.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
2023: MS Beethoven: May 13, 27; Jun 3, 10, 17, 24; Jul 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Aug 5, 12, 19, 26; Sep 2, 9, 16, 23
PRICE INCLUDES:
- All meals specified in itinerary
- Drinks including water, wine, beer, fruit juices and coffee served by CroisiEurope during meals on board and all drinks from the bar (except champagne and drinks on the wine list)
- Double-occupancy cabin with shower in private bathroom
- Excursions mentioned in the itinerary
- Onboard entertainment
- Assistance from onboard multi-lingual host/hostess
- Welcome cocktail
- Gala dinner and evening
- All port fees
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Visa fee if applicable
- Meals and beverages not specifically idicated
- Items of a personal nature
- Gratuities
- Transfers
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please enquire.
23 Sep 2023
