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January 28, 2025

A new tour by Riverside Luxury Cruises offers its passengers, for the 2025 summer season, an 11-day experience through some of the most fascinating cities and landscapes along the Danube: Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Wachau Valley, and much more. 

The cruise begins in Vienna, the “City of Music,” renowned for its rich cultural and musical heritage. Passengers have the opportunity to explore the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its majestic buildings along the Ringstrasse, including the State Opera and the Parliament. The proposed excursions include guided tours of the main landmarks and the chance to attend classical music concerts in historic venues. 

The first stop is Melk, where a visit to Melk Abbey is scheduled, a Benedictine monastery famous for its Baroque architecture and vast collection of ancient manuscripts. Visitors can admire the frescoes, the historic library, and enjoy panoramic views of the Danube. In the afternoon, the cruise continues to Grein, a picturesque town with a charming historic center. Excursions include a visit to Greinburg Castle, home to the Maritime Museum, and a stroll through the town center to discover Austria’s oldest continuously operating theater. 

The day begins with further explorations in Grein, followed by a visit to Dürnstein, located in the heart of the Wachau Valley, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dürnstein is famous for the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. Guests can take an excursion up to the castle ruins, which offer spectacular views of the valley, or stroll through the village streets, characterized by historic buildings and local craft shops. In the evening, the ship returns to Vienna, giving passengers the opportunity to explore the city further or attend cultural evening events. 

A full day dedicated to Vienna allows passengers to deepen their knowledge of the city. The proposed excursions include visits to Schönbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Habsburgs, with its magnificent gardens, and the Kunsthistorisches Museum, which houses one of the world’s largest art collections. For those seeking a more relaxing experience, it is possible to enjoy the city’s historic cafés or shop in the elegant streets of the center. 

The cruise arrives in Esztergom, one of Hungary’s oldest cities, known for its impressive basilica, the largest in the country. Passengers can visit the Esztergom Basilica, which dominates the landscape with its grandeur, and explore the Christian Museum, which houses a rich collection of religious art. Excursions also offer the opportunity to stroll along the Danube banks and discover the city’s history, once the capital of Hungary. 

After a morning in Esztergom, the ship continues to Budapest, the “Pearl of the Danube.” Upon arrival, guests can take a panoramic city tour, including Fisherman’s Bastion, the Hungarian Parliament, and Heroes’ Square. In the evening, a night cruise is recommended to admire the illuminated monuments reflecting on the Danube, offering a breathtaking spectacle. 

Two full days are entirely dedicated to Budapest, giving guests the opportunity to deepen their exploration of the city. Excursions include visits to Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Széchenyi Thermal Baths, one of the largest thermal complexes in Europe, and the Central Market Hall, ideal for tasting Hungarian cuisine and purchasing artisanal products. For culture lovers, tours of major museums and traditional music performances are available. 

The next stop is Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Passengers can explore the historic center, characterized by cobbled streets, medieval and Baroque buildings, and visit Bratislava Castle, which offers a panoramic view of the city and the Danube. The proposed excursions also include a visit to St. Martin’s Cathedral and the Primate’s Palace. For those wishing to immerse themselves in the local culture, tastings of Slovak specialties and folk performances are available. 

The following day, the stop in Tulln, known as the “City of Flowers,” allows guests to visit the city’s gardens, including the famous Garten Tulln, a vast exhibition park dedicated to horticulture. Additionally, visitors can explore the Egon Schiele Museum, dedicated to the famous expressionist painter born in Tulln. 

Next, the cruise sails through the Wachau Valley, one of Austria’s most renowned wine regions. During the journey, passengers can admire breathtaking landscapes, characterized by terraced vineyards, historic monasteries, and picturesque villages along the Danube banks. Highlights of the valley include Göttweig Abbey and the medieval village of Spitz. Some excursions include wine tastings and vineyard walks to discover the region’s winemaking traditions. 

The journey concludes in Vienna, offering one last opportunity to explore the city before disembarkation. Guests can take advantage of the morning for a visit to the Belvedere, home to Gustav Klimt’s famous painting The Kiss, or enjoy a stroll through the Prater, the city’s historic amusement park. For those seeking a gastronomic experience, Vienna’s cafés offer specialties such as Sachertorte and Apfelstrudel, perfect for ending the cruise with a sweet memory of the Austrian capital. 

This cruise offers a complete experience of the wonders surrounding the Danube, combining visits to historic cities, breathtaking natural landscapes, and opportunities for cultural immersion. 

Don’t miss updates, offers, and reviews on Riverside Luxury Cruises on our website Cruising Journal. 

Mara Di Dio

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