Budapest to Vienna cruise!

Ginny Scott on 17 October 2016
This year’s Gold Conference was on board the luxury Scenic Jewel for a three night cruise between Budapest and Vienna. Having not been to either city before, I decided to have three nights in Budapest at the beginning, and add two nights in Vienna at the end so that I could explore the cities in a bit more depth.

Budapest is split into two parts by the Danube, and I had booked a small eclectic 4* boutique hotel called the Milford Suites in the Buda part of the city, just a few streets down from the historic castle district which sits on the top of the hill. A funicular runs up Castle Hill to the Old Town, where the Budapest History Museum traces city life from Roman times onward. Trinity Square is home to 13th-century Matthias Church and the turrets of the Fishermen’s Bastion, which offer sweeping views.

I had booked a private walking tour of St Matthias’ church which proved to be excellent, and there was also an organ recital for about 15 minutes when we were there which was very good. The highlight though was an impromptu choral recital in the church entrance by a small boys’ choir – they were obviously on a day out somewhere – and that was quite special.

Our second day was spent exploring the flatter Pest area of the city. We walked across the famous Chain Bridge – a suspension bridge built in the 1840’s – and along the embankment to the famous ‘Shoes on the Bridge’ monument. It is comprised of sixty pairs of iron shoes of all sizes, including children’s shoes – in memory of the 3500 people who were shot and thrown into the Danube during World War 2.

Walking further along, we came to the famous and quite breathtaking Parliament building where again I had booked a walking tour.

Our final morning, and we used the remains of our hop on hop off bus tickets to do a river cruise around Margaret Island which proved to be a relaxing hour, and then we headed off to soak in hot water at the famous Gellert Baths before boarding the river cruiser.

We were very lucky as Scenic had one of their 4* Emerald ships docked alongside so we managed a quick inspection of that impressive ship, before locating our own cabins and settling in for three nights. The Scenic Jewel is a very elegant ship and the small cabins are beautifully appointed. Apart from the small number on the lower deck, they all have folding patio doors which open on to a small balcony. The balcony is fully glazed, but at the touch of a button, the top half of the window drops down to waist height - very clever indeed.

We enjoyed the food and wine which were of an exceptionally high standard. The staff were brilliant and it created a really nice ambience. We set sail and arrived in Vienna for the second part of the trip. Whilst on board, we enjoyed two excursions: a private evening recital at the Palais Liechtenstein which was a bit special, and also a trip out to the Schonbrunn Palace which was also lovely.

On arrival in Vienna, we checked into the Marriott for a two night stay. This hotel was particularly well situated on the ring road which encircles district one and makes all the main parts of the city centre walkable. We walked all day for two days (thank goodness for Per Una Footglove and the Marriott Spa) - we went to the Belvedere Museum to see the Gustav Klimt exhibition which for me was a highlight, to the Leopold museum, the Spanish Riding school, the two Jewish museums and also we enjoyed a walk around St Stephens’ Cathedral right in the centre.

Finally our trip was over and we headed home. I enjoyed both cities very much – Budapest was in my opinion probably scenically the prettier of the two as the views from the citadel on the hill were fantastic, but Vienna city centre has so many impressive old buildings, especially in the Jewish quarter and the Klimt art was stunning. I would happily go back to either city very soon!