River Cruising on The Danube - Vienna, Bratislava, Esztergom & Budapest
The ships have excellent facilities onboard with spa, pool, e-bikes, live music, wine tasting, guest speakers, cookery lessons, yoga, cards, quiz, dancing and so much more. Plus the amazing experiences you get from your destinations along the way with your ship stopping right in the heart of the destination.
Vienna, Austria I visited Vienna for a few days with friends before the sailing. We flew with British Airways from Newcastle via London Heathrow to Vienna. The flight was great and on arrival we took a taxi to the hotel which was around 50 euros.
The local transport system in Vienna is great with a local underground, train, bus and tram service. We used the underground several times at around 2.40 euros per trip or you can get a pass for a few days too. In the City centre they also have the horse drawn carriage tours and hop on hop off bus tours which are a great way to get around the City The capital of Austria and famous for Mozart, Beethoven, palaces and museums. A beautiful city, full of history and culture, so clean and so much to see and do and with an excellent, cheap public transport system its so easy to explore.
We walked and explored the Prater Amusement Park with many rides and the famous 1897 Giant Ferris Wheel which offers amazing views.
We took the ‘U’ underground into central Vienna and explored the sights on foot with many designer stores, high end jewellery and souvenir shops. Many food options from authentic cuisine to seafood, pizza, sandwiches and even McDonald’s. Also lots of street food options where you can even grab champagne along with your hotdog!
The evening we took a coach and walking tour with an excellent local guide showing us all the must see sights of St Stephens Cathedral, National History Museum, The State Opera House, The Hoftburg, The Spanish Riding School and so much more. We stayed in Vienna 1 night before our sailing, giving us the evening and the full following day to explore the city before boarding the ship late afternoon. An excellent city and will definitely return.
We then boarded and settled into our cabins ready to sail overnight to our next destination – Bratislava.
Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia Another stop on the Danube River Cruise which is on the border with Austria and Hungary. Lots of history, culture and great local wine.
It’s surrounded by vineyards and the Little Carpathian mountains, with forested hiking and cycling trails.
The pedestrianised 18th-century old town is known for its little bars, souvenirs shops, shopping mall and cafes. Beautiful architecture in Bratislava. Coffee shops, restaurants, souvenir shops. It was lovely sitting in the square watching the world go by. On the hill, the reconstructed Bratislava Castle overlooks the old town and the River Danube
UFO observation deck - Bratislava Just a short walk from the River Cruise dock and Old Town the 7th largest hanging bridge in the world with amazing panoramic views of Bratislava from the open-air observation deck in the UFO-shaped cupola. Climb over 400 steps or take the elevator and why not have dinner in the fine dining restaurant or a drink in the bar while you’re up there, too.
Esztergom Hungary - The stunning Basilica • Ground breaking 122 • Completion 1869 Absolutely stunning
Beautiful Esztergom, Hungary A lovely walk up Castle Hills many steps to reach the Basilica which is absolutely stunning inside and out. Excellent views from the hill too of the Danube below.
Budapest, what an amazing city ! Hungary’s capital, on the River Danube where the River Cruise ships dock right in the heart of the city allowing you to walk right in and see the amazing history, culture and try out the fabulous restaurants, coffee shops, shopping district, local market and street food vendors. Venture further with great transport options – e-scooters, bikes, taxi, tram and under ground.
Its 19th-century Chain Bridge connects the hilly Buda district with flat Pest. A funicular runs up Castle Hill to Buda’s Old Town, Budapest History Museum, Buda Palace and the Matthias Church.
Walk along the river on the Pest side and visit ‘The shoes on the Danube’ very moving memorial. also the Parliament Buildings and take in great view of the Buda side. Other must sees are - Heroes Square, St Stephens Basilica, The State Opera House and so much more. So much to do and see.
Maybe a day at the Zoo, ride the Budapest Eye, sail on the Danube, visit one of the many spas or shopping and some great food and a coffee watching the people go by.
Take a tour or a stroll at night and see Budapest lit up in all its glory.
A River Cruise works excellently to get the best from your time in Budapest I had such a great time and will definitely be back.
