The Danube is one of the great rivers of Europe, and you can see it all from the stylish comfort of a river cruise ship. Most river cruise lines offer Danube itineraries on small, elegant ships that are purpose-built for river cruising. These ships don’t have the expansive dining and entertainment spaces of larger ocean-going ships; instead, they have an intimate feel and staterooms that are downright luxurious, plus highly personalized service. You’ll feel pampered as you sail effortlessly from one charming European village to another.
In addition to a lovely ship, breathtaking scenery and a close-up look at European culture, a nice thing about a Danube cruise is that a wide variety of itineraries is available.
If you have limited time to cruise, you can get a taste of the Danube on a three-night cruise between two great European cities: Budapest and Vienna.
A typical seven or eight-night cruise would take you from Passau on the Germany/Austria Border, to Vienna and on to Budapest; some itineraries travel up the Main-Danube canal to Nuremberg, too. These cruises can be combined with a pre- or post-cruise stay in the beautiful city of Prague (which is not on the Danube, but not far away). Another option is a week-long cruise of the lower Danube, which begins in Budapest and proceeds south through the stunning Iron Gates gorge between Serbia and Romania, then on to Bucharest.
For a spectacular European vacation, there are cruises of about 20 nights that will take you all the way from Amsterdam to the Black Sea, sailing through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia and along the border between Romania and Bulgaria.
There’s variety in the scenery and ports of a Danube cruise, too. Expect to see fields of flowers, steep cliffs topped by brooding castles, lush vineyards, small towns and major, centuries-old cities. Pack your comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing on shore. Bicycles are often available on your ship or in port, which is also a fun way to explore.
One more note: the Danube is beautiful in all seasons and especially during December, when Christmas markets can be found all along the river. The twinkling lights, music and food (think hot sausages and gingerbread) – combined with hand-made gifts for sale – create an unforgettable experience.
To talk about the Danube itinerary that’s best for you and to select a luxurious ship, talk with Anita, your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert.
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