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Exploring Europe by water requires no internal flights and train rides and eliminates schlepping around with your luggage in tow. 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. River cruisers can visit the vast Documentation Centre Nazi Party Rally Grounds, designed to once accommodate 50,000 people attending National Socialists rallies between 1933 and 1938. Looming over the city, the fairytale-like Nuremburg Castle is the location of the city's Art Bunker. This underground shelter was built to protect the city's art treasures during the war's air raids.
Tour the Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest
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. From grand imperial cities, such as Vienna and Budapest,and charming towns like Melk to the dramatic scenery of the WachauValley and the scenic horseshoe-shaped Danube Bend, beautifularchitecture and pastoral vistas await. Drink in incredible sightswith a rail and river cruise journey along the Danube River. What could be a more perfect choice for your next vacation than a river cruise on the beautiful Blue Danube? Springing up in the town of Donaueschingen in Germany’s Black Forest, this great waterway flows southeast for 1,785 miles before emptying itself into the Black Sea at Sulina in eastern Romania.
You’ll Experience Local Culture, Food and Drink on a Danube River Sailing
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. On a river cruise, you can discover multiple destinations – and even get to the heart of them with a guided tour, should you wish – in just one trip, all the while returning to the same luxurious stateroom and comfy bed each night. 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.
Go Glam to Attend the Vienna State Opera
Visitors can learn about the city's efforts to protect art from the air raids and how Nuremburg was turned to ruin -- and rebuilt -- through photography, film and sound records inside the bedrock bunker. Today, the castle's remnants still dominate the skyline above the sleepy town of Durnstein, affording breathtaking views of the Wachau Valley's rolling hills. The walk from the town center takes roughly 20 minutes, with the two connected by a stone wall. After, enjoy lunch at one of Europe's oldest restaurants, Peter Stiftskulinarium, within the historic St. Peter's Abbey as part of a day-long tour of Salzburg with Viking. Founded in the 7th century, the abbey is home to St. Peter's cemetery and catacombs.
Why Viking
That's why we devise an equally diverse excursion program for each of our fascinating itineraries. Whether you are a gourmet, a nature lover or an art enthusiast, our selection of experiences will open up new perspectives for you on every voyage. 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. 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.
Austria's Linz and Salzburg -- and the Czech Republic's Cesky Krumlov
(After all, is there anyone who can't hum a few bars of the "Blue Danube Waltz"?) Meandering southeast from its origins in Germany's Black Forest, the Danube isn't Europe's longest river -- the Volga takes that honor. But, on its 1,775-mile course to the Black Sea, it flows through, or borders, 10 countries -- more than any other river in the world. Using careful planning, consideration of your travelers’ goals, and this guide, it is simple to identify the best escorted rail vacation for your group tour. We are happy to book a transfer for you from the train station to the ship and back. This is available from us for 20 € per person, including luggage transport in the bus. For other good connections - especially to our on-board staff - the included tip provides.
The Upper Danube Is a Popular Itinerary for First-timers
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. 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.
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Sip on glühwein, pick up handmade crafts and listen to Christmas carols as you soak up the festive atmosphere. 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. Viking offers a Privileged Access shore excursion to the Alma Deutscher Mozart & Strauss performance, which takes place at the exquisite Wiener Konzerthaus.
Take a pew at the sublime St. Stephan's Cathedral, adorned with frescoes by Swiss-Italian Baroque painter Carpoforo Tencalla and home to Europe's largest organ, with a staggering 17,974 pipes. Enjoy magnificent views of Passau from Veste Oberhaus, a 13th-century fortress on a hill above the city, and browse Hollgasse, a narrow-cobbled walkway that's also known as Artists Alley for its many art galleries. This quaint Bavarian city is a visual feast and a history lover's dream, with half-timbered medieval, Romanesque and Gothic architecture. A highlight is the 900-year-old Stone Bridge, with its striking 16 arches crossing the Danube to the old town.
Line Riviera River Cruises and German-based A-Rosa Cruises, Riverside Luxury Cruises and VIVA Cruises. Even Disney sails on the Danube; the company operates sailings under the Adventures by Disney program in partnership with AmaWaterways. The Danube is the second-longest river in Europe and originates in the Black Forest area of Southwest Germany, flowing 1,770 miles eastward before emptying into the Black Sea. The Danube, celebrated in art and song, might be the world's most feted river.
Nuremburg is the site of Nazi party rallies and the location of the World War II war crimes trials at the Palace of Justice. 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.
This glowing retreat has an extraordinary ceiling fresco by Paul Troger from 1739 above the monumental imperial staircase -- it's one of the largest staircases of its kind in the world. Viking offers a Heurigen Dinner shore excursion where you can sample all the best wines and foods this region has to offer. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. Temperatures could be in the 30s to 50s, and there will most likely be snow. With cooler and shorter days, you also may not be able to enjoy the top deck of the ship as much as you would like. Tour one of Germany’s most renowned and intriguing cities on this full-day excursion.
Lost in the history of Europe on a Danube river cruise - The Globe and Mail
Lost in the history of Europe on a Danube river cruise.
Posted: Fri, 22 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
These sailings will cover less ground, limited to Germany, Austria and Hungary. There is no need to pack an entire wardrobe for your next adventure; instead, lighten your luggage by following this list of European river cruise packing tips. Sail along the scenic Danube and see stunning landscapes unfurl as you pass quaint towns.
Along its vast length, the Danube passes through or borders no less than ten countries, and drains into nine more. It also flows through four national capital cities - Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, and Belgrade - more than any other river in the world. Celebrate Vienna and Salzburg’s musical legacy, and savor the culinary delights of Budapest and Bratislava’s brewing heritage. Enjoy scenic sailing through the Wachau Valley and admire sleepy villages along the Danube. 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.
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. Danube River cruises include dramatic scenery and historic ports of call, including Regensburg, Germany; Vienna, Austria, and Budapest, Hungary, encompassing some of Europe's most iconic capital cities and magical towns. From wandering UNESCO World Heritage old towns to dancing the waltz in Vienna, here are some of the best things to see and do on a Danube River cruise with Viking. Following in the footsteps of the world's greatest ever composers, visiting bucolic vineyards and exploring Renaissance castles are among the best things to do on a Danube River cruise.
Considered one of the world's mosticonic waterways, the Danube is the second-longest river inEurope. With VIVA Cruises you enjoy the feeling of being in the best hands from the very beginning. That's why our service is not limited to life on board, but begins with the preparation of your trip.
