Join me for a "Danube Waltz" in Eastern Europe!

The Danube River is one of the most important and historic rivers in all of Europe.  Five European capitals are on the banks of the Danube - Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Belgrade, and Bucharest.  History and culture are around every bend of the Danube.  And there is no shortage of cruise lines to help you make the most of your river adventure.  It's a perfect destination for a first-time river cruiser.

Recently, I sailed with my wife and a group of friends from Budapest, Hungary to Passau, Germany on Viking's Danube Waltz itinerary.  Along the way, we visited Bratislava, Slovakia and Vienna, Krems, and Linz in Austria.

My top excursion recommendations and landmarks/sites to visit:

In BUDAPEST, you MUST walk along Castle Hill to Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church and see the Danube River and the city below.  And sailing past the Hungarian Parliament building lit up at night is simply stunning.  

My Viking excursion recommendations:

• Panoramic Budapest - This is a great, 3.5 hour overview tour that combines seeing a large area by coach with some walking stops and free time. Along the elegant Andrássy Avenue, admire the National Opera House. Pass Heroes’ Square, a spacious plaza of monuments and statues commemorating the Magyar state. Across the river, explore the more traditional Buda side of the city. Here, visit the Castle District with its massive hilltop castle complex, the turreted Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church. From the heights of Buda Hill, take in views of the famous Chain Bridge. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore the enchanting Buda Hill Castle area at your leisure, before returning to your ship.
• Dohány Street Synagogue & Jewish Budapest - Explore Budapest’s Jewish history and heritage, including the Jewish Quarter and massive synagogue. A century ago, Budapest had a thriving Jewish community. In the years leading up to and including World War II, half of the city’s 250,000 Jews were killed. It's a very tragic history and story that's important to understand.  (additional fee)

BRATISLAVA is not a stopping point for some cruise lines, making it a more "authentic" port . . . very quaint and historic, a little gritty, with great beer halls.  While exploring this compact city, don't miss Konditorei Kormuth, a dessert cafe where "history, culture, and tradition meets delicious taste", located near Bratislava's Main Square and within walking distance of your ship.

My Viking excursion recommendations:

• Bratislava Walking Tour - a 2-hour tour that allows you to discover one of Europe's most intimate capitals by foot. Bratislava was built on a smaller scale than other European capitals, so you can explore with ease.

• Imperial Schloss Hof - Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach from your ship to this baroque masterpiece, located on 173 acres in eastern Lower Austria. Discover the imperial splendor of Schloss Hof, a stunning estate that once belonged to the Hapsburg monarchy.  (additional fee)

We had only one day in VIENNA, certainly not long enough!  If you can spend an extra day or tag a couple of days at the beginning or end of your cruise, do so . . . so much to see.  

My Viking excursion recommendations:

• Panoramic Vienna - This is a great, 3.5 hour overview tour that combines seeing a large area by coach with some walking stops and free time. See the magnificent Hofburg Palace, winter residence of the Hapsburgs and home of the Spanish Riding School with its Lipizzaner horses. Admire the Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, crowned with a gleaming spire and colorful roof tiles. And view the beautiful Vienna State Opera concert hall, its facade adorned with elaborate frescoes depicting Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute.

• Schönbrunn Palace - Tour the magnificent home of the Hapsburg Dynasty, built to rival the sprawling Château de Versailles. There will be free time to explore the formal gardens.  (additional fee)

• Mozart & Strauss Concert - If you still have energy after a jam-packed day, let the Vienna Residence Orchestra serenade you! During this exclusive, after-dinner performance, lose yourself in Vienna’s most beloved music. In a historic venue, witness the period come to life as costumed singers and dancers take to the stage. And enjoy the beautiful strains of Strauss waltzes and selections from Mozart’s The Magic Flute. Then, the magic continues during a scenic drive after dark through an illuminated Vienna.  (additional fee)

In KREMS, the highlight was the Benedictine Abbey of Göttweig.  The abbey monks serve up great wine!  

My Viking excursion recommendations:

• Göttweig Abbey - Visit a working Monastery of over 900 years. Experience a Benedictine abbey where monks work and worship during an exclusive visit to Göttweig Abbey perched high on a hill. Locally produced wine is available for tasting!

• In the afternoon, opt for FREE time to shop in the small village of Krems and be sure to enjoy a coffee and pastry at Cafe Konditorei Hagmann. On our visit, the cruise line offered a continual shuttle from town to the ship throughout the afternoon.

• Wachau Valley Winery - an alternative for the afternoon would be to visit the Morwald Winery and enjoy some of Austria’s famed White Wines from vine to bottle. You will be able to sample fine vintages during a tour and tasting. Interesting fact - Morwald Winery provides all of the house wines served onboard ALL Viking ships sailing the Danube River.  (additional fee)

In LINZ, be sure to take the tram from Hauptplatz, the city’s main square, to Postlingberg Church, high on a hill overlooking the city.  Or opt for a full day trip to historic Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic or to the moving Mauthausen Memorial, a notorious Nazi concentration camp.  

My Viking excursion recommendations:

• Linz Walking Tour - Take a 2-hour stroll into this influential capital of Upper Austria. Founded by the Romans, Linz rose to prominence under the Hapsburg Empire. It was the boyhood home of Adolf Hitler. Today, it remains a vibrant cultural center. At the conclusion of your walking tour, be sure to take the tram from Hauptplatz, the city’s main square, to Postlingberg Church, high on a hill overlooking the city. Ask your guide for assistance.

• Mauthausen Memorial Site - Take this guided exploration of a notorious Nazi concentration camp and honor the memory of the victims of World War II during a solemn visit to the Mauthausen Memorial.  Truly moving.  (additional fee)

The biggest surprise was our last stop of the cruise in PASSAU, GERMANY.  Passau is known as the Dreiflüssestadt, the “City of Three Rivers", because the Danube, Inn, and Ilz all come together in a fairytale setting.  The narrow streets of Passau take you through the Old Town and past traditional patrician houses and beautiful churches, all under the gaze of Veste Oberhaus, a 13th century fortress set across the river overlooking the city and housing a museum, youth hostel and restaurant.  

My Viking excursion recommendations:

• Passau Walking Tour - Explore the Italianate-style streets of Passau, where three European rivers converge, on a 1.5 hour walking tour through delightful old-world streets, taking in a pastel rainbow of building facades as you stroll. You will see the impressive Bishops’ Residenz from which powerful prince-bishops ruled secular and religious life for hundreds of years. Continue past the 14th-century Rathaus, or Town Hall, built on the site of a former fish market on the Danube. Conclude your walk at the magnificent 17th-century St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Then enjoy free time to explore more of the city on your own before returning to your awaiting ship.

• In the afternoon, skip the offered excursions. Instead, take a short, exhilarating hike to Veste Oberhaus, a 13th century fortress set across the river overlooking the city which houses a fascinating museum and restaurant. It's easy to find, just cross the bridge over the Danube and then follow the path up hill. But ask your ship staff for directions, if needed.

Standout restaurants or foodie must-haves?

Every port along this stretch of the Danube River is known for its "cafe culture" where you can linger over coffee and desert for hours.  Beer halls are also very popular.  Be sure and experience both!  Try the weiner schnitzel anywhere it is served in Linz. Enjoy a coffee and pastry at Cafe Konditorei Hagmann and the wine tasting at Göttweig Abbey in Krems.  Don't miss Konditorei Kormuth, a dessert cafe where "history, culture, and tradition meets delicious taste", located near Bratislava's Main Square and within walking distance of your ship.

How would you describe the people and culture of this destination? Any interesting cultural lessons?

Hungarians take pride in their country and it was on full display when arriving in Budapest as they were preparing for elections. Throughout Austria, everyone we encountered were very friendly and "laid back".  All port cities were welcoming of guests. English is widely spoken, but not so much that it distracts from "experiencing" a foreign destination.

Top 5 travel tips for this trip:

1. Don't exchange currency for the Hungarian Forint.  You won't need it unless spending a few days in Budapest.  You'll get by using your credit card and a few Euros.
2. Try to extend your time in Vienna by choosing a cruise that stays overnight or adding days at either end of your trip.
3. Take all offered walking tours to get a good orientation of your port city and then strike out on your own to explore like a local.
4. Enjoy your breakfast and dinner aboard ship - you've paid for it. But try and experience local cuisine at lunch.
5. If staying in port overnight, be sure and experience the authentic Austrian and German beer halls.

What makes this destination a must-see?

The history along the Danube River comes alive in the cities that dot the shoreline. From Medieval fortresses, to grand cathedrals, to remnants of German and Soviet occupation - you are enveloped in history.  And the art and cultural that originated in this part of Europe is celebrated and on full display to be enjoyed by modern visitors.