Meander between cultural wonders
ROMANCE rules on the Danube — where river cruising takes you on a meander through the heart of the old Habsburg Empire,Empire calling in at some of the world’s most elegant, vibrant and influential cities. Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava and Belgrade sit along the course of Europe’s most magnificent waterway. And Prague? Well, it might not be on the Danube, but an increasing number of itineraries are including a few nights in this unmissable Czech Republic gem, either at the start or end of a glorious river cruise.
Danube’s golden treasures
A SEVEN-NIGHT cruise on the Danube unfurls an ever-changing view of the picturebook castles, medieval monasteries, luscious vineyards and tranquil villages that line the banks.
The cruise will usually start in Vienna or Nuremberg, where you will board a five-star river ship offering understated elegance, fantastic artworks and fine dining. There’s effortless sightseeing from a sun lounger, panoramic lounge or stateroom balcony.
And each day provides a chance to explore the finest European culture close up. When the ship moors in the heart of town, you are free to wander at will, or join an insightful tour with an expert guide, included in the price.
Equipped with your own state-of-theart headphones, you can move at your own pace and not miss a word.
So days are filled with art, architecture and culinary quests. On some ships, options to hike through vineyards, immerse yourself in village life or cycle with an expert guide, are offered.
Evenings usher in dining, free-flowing drinks, conversation and entertainment, followed by strolls around towns and cities, illuminated by twinkling lights.
Overnight stay in Vienna
A CROWNING jewel of any Danube river cruise is an overnight stay in impressive Vienna, with its great Habsburg palaces, treasure trove of art, stunning cathedral and Spanish Riding School.
The coffee houses here are sublime, serving the best kuchen (cake) you’ve ever tasted. You’ll hear the music of Mozart and Beethoven, and browse trendy shops in pedestrian-only streets, experiencing the gracious surroundings to the full.
Visit the legendary State Opera House, or view the Gustav Klimt exhibit at the Belvedere, including his most famous work, The Kiss. Ahead lies the visually arresting, Unesco-listed Wachau Valley, an alpine wonderland of undulating pastures, lush vineyards and sleepy villages loomed over by imposing castles.
Its centrepiece is 18th-century Melk Abbey, a Benedictine monastery that inspired the novel, The Name Of The Rose. Perched above the river, it is one of Europe’s most stunning baroque buildings — a confection of gold-leaf walls and fabulous frescoed ceilings.
At Deggendorf, feel a gentle breeze in your hair when you opt to ride through the Bavarian forest in a horse-drawn wagon, stopping to sample freshly baked bread and schnapps, en route to watch glassmakers at work.
And in Unesco-listed Regensburg, you might want to discover Germany’s oldest Jewish community, dating back more than 1,000 years, or tour the ultramodern BMW factory.
Nuremberg gives a chance to walk around the old walled city, or join a tour of fascinating wartime sites, including Courtroom 600, the venue for the historic Nuremberg Trials. Experience Prague, too CULTURALLY curious travellers who love imperial Vienna will also enjoy that other old Habsburg capital, the beautifully preserved Renaissance, Gothic and baroque city of Prague, pride of the Czech Republic.
Tagging a transfer to the beautiful City of Spires onto a cruise will make for a brilliant itinerary, blending big-city glamour and small-town simplicity.
The views from Prague’s iconic, 14thcentury Charles Bridge are stunning in the early morning or evening, when the architecture is spectacularly lit up.
And beyond the soaring spires, palaces, galleries and museums, a maze of cobbled lanes and hidden courtyards makes for a wanderer’s paradise.
Just a few streets from the Old Town Square, you can stumble across baroque chapels, gardens, charming cafes and the old Jewish quarter.
Tradition and history, music and art, even microbreweries (there’s one at Straubing) — experience them all as you explore the romantic Danube and fabulous Prague in the same holiday.
It’s a satisfying choice for anyone with a taste for great food and wine, who also appreciates the finest cultural highlights and a chance, perhaps, to hike or bike ride through the Danube’s extraordinary countryside.