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Danube Cruise: Vienna – Black Sea

Rates & dates.

• from 2.455,00 €

Take the amazing Danube River cruise from the majestic imperial capital of Vienna along the the mighty European river all the way to the shores of the Black Sea . Visit no less than 8 countries and 4 capitals in 12 days you will never forget. This itinerary will take you from Vienna to Oltenita, but you can also choose the opposite direction .

Day 1: ARRIVAL TO VIENNA

This Danube River Cruise starts in Vienna , one of the most fascinating European capitals, with rich history and beautiful infrastructure. You can board our ship at 18:00 and enjoy a welcome cocktail.  In the evening you are welcome to attend a classical Viennese concert (subject to availability) and experience the true spirit of this imperial city.

Day 2: VIENNA – BRATISLAVA – BUDAPEST

Start the day with the visit of magnificent  Schönbrunn Palace , the former summer residence of the Habsburg royal family and the gorgeous park that surrounds it. Alternatively, you can opt for another kind of Viennese experience: visit the backstage of the famous concert hall Konzerthaus and try a cup of aromatic coffee in one of the many city cafes. In the afternoon we will sail towards Bratislava , the capital of neighboring Slovakia. there you can join our classical tour of the city and learn all about its history while you stroll around the medieval center. If you prefer a more active afternoon, you can hike up the Devin Castle and enjoy the beautiful views of Bratislava and the Danube. Once you return to the ship, we will move onwards towards Budapest.

Day 3: BUDAPEST

Spend the day exploring Budapest , the gorgeous capital of Hungary, full of baroque, neoclassical and art nouveau buildings. Learn all about the intriguing history of the two cities, Buda and Pest , from the opposite banks of the Danube River which united only in 1873. As an alternative, you can join our off-the-beaten-paths tour of Budapest to learn about its hidden corners. Afternoon is free to explore the city on your own our join our additional excursions: Budapest Market Halls or Gallert Baths (available as a supplement). In the evening you are welcome to have some fun with other cruise guests and enjoy a traditional Hungarian entertainment. During the night, the ship will leave Budapest and sail towards the vast Pannonian planes.

Day 4: BUDAPEST – PANNONIAN PLANES – NOVI SAD

We will spend the forth day of the Danube River Cruise  sailing through the vast Pannonian plain also known as puzsta . This is the true heart of Hungary where traditional way of life is still preserved. We will make a stop in Kalosca and attend a horse show before moving on towards Serbia .

Take the amazing Danube River Cruise and visit 8 European countries

Day 5: novi sad – belgrade.

In the morning we will explore Serbia’s second largest city, Novi Sad , a vibrant and creative place, packed with galleries and alliterative music bars. Besides its Austro-Hungarian architecture, which you can observe during the city tour, Novi Sad is know for the imposing Petrovaradin Fortress situated on a hill above the Danube . This second-largest fortress in Europe became famous for hosting a popular summer music festival Exit , but it will impress you in any time of year. In the afternoon we will move to Belgrade, where you can spend the evening engaging in a traditional Serbian show.

Day 6: BELGRADE

After breakfast, your guide will take a tour of  Belgrade . The capital is famous for its diverse architectural styles, its history and the magnificent views offered by the largest confluence of two rivers (Sava and Danube) in Europe. Instead of the classical city walk, you can opt for a bike tour and learn more about the Belgrade’s recent history. In the afternoon we will leave the Serbian capital and set south.

Day 7: THE IRON GATES

We will spend the whole day enjoying the Danube River Cruise as we sail along the border between Serbia and Romania . The highlight is of course the passage through the famous Iron Gates , a narrow and over 100 kilometers long gorge where Danube squeezes between the jaw-dropping cliffs – some of them are over 500 meters high. Along the way, we will pass by the striking Golubac Fortress which guards the entrance to the gorge and the historically-significant T abula Traiana , a marble plaque honoring the Roman road that once linked the province of Dacia (today’s Romania) with the rest of the empire. In the evening, enjoy our gala dinner on board.

Day 8: RUSE & RUSENSKI LOM

In the morning we will arrive to Bulgaria . First we will visit the spectacular Rusenski Lom Nature Park , famous for its pretty river terraces, high vertical rocks and other impressive rock formations. there we will visit the UNESCO-protected Churches of Ivanovo , a group of monolithic chapels and monasteries hewn out of solid rock, noted also for its beautiful and well-preserved medieval frescoes. In the afternoon, we will return to the port town of Ruse , an elegant Bulgarian town full of belle époque buildings and vast squares. In the evening we will prepare another traditional show, this time with Bulgarian music.

Day 9: RUSE – BUCHAREST – TULCEA

Day trip to Bucharest . With its 1,8 million inhabitants the city is the largest Balkan capital . In the past known as Little Paris, Bucharest has changed a lot in recent years. Numerous booming infrastructure projects (partly funded by the EU) are changing the old face  of the Romanian capital. Especially charming has become the long neglected historic old town called the  Lipscani where narrow cobblestone streets still hold the names of the ancient guilds that resided on them. When talking about greatest attractions of  Bucharest , one simply cannot avoid mentioning the  Parliament Palace , the largest legislature building in the world. Other important buildings worth visiting are  Patriarchal Cathedral , the centre of Romanian Orthodox faith built in the 17th century and the picturesque  Stavropoleos Church . In the evening we will return to the ship and sail towards Tulcea.

Day 10: DANUBE DELTA

After reaching the port of Tulcea , we will explore the vast Danube Delta , starching over 4000 square kilometers of marshes and wetlands, creating a perfect habitat for 300 species of birds and 160 species of fish. You can choose between leisure-type of cruise along the delta or an exciting speed boat ride. Either way, this is the perfect place to end your Danube river cruise . During the night our ship will sail back up the stream towards Cernavoda.

Day 11: CERNAVODA – CONSTANTA – OLTENITA

From the port of Cernavoda we will visit Constanƫa on the shores of the Black Sea . It’s the oldest continuously inhabited city in Romania , founded back in the 7th century BC by Greek settlers from Anatolia. Nowadays, Constanƫa is a nice touristic town full of beautiful buildings and historical secrets. In the evening we will return to the ship for a gala farewell dinner. Night sail towards the port of Oltenita.

Day 12: OLTENITA – END OF THE TRIP

Today our Danube river cruise comes to an end. From Oltenita you can transfer to Bucharest and take a flight home or continue a private land tour of Romania . There is still a lot to see in this interesting country, home of Dracula and numerous painted monasteries of Bucovia.

This Danube River Cruise has weekly departures from April to October. You can take a route from Vienna to the Black Sea or the other way around.

We offer two ship categories:

➨ Standard ship: prices from 2455 EUR per person

➨ Premium ship: prices from 2745 EUR per person

Prices depend on the season, ship category, cabin category and disponibility. To get the final price, please contact our agents at ➨ [email protected] .

THE CRUISE INCLUDES

• 12-day Danube River Cruise in a double cabin of selected category with shower in bathroom
• All meals from dinner the first evening to breakfast on the final day
• Onboard drinks (except for drinks from our special lists)
• Assistance from our onboard multi-lingual host/hostess
• Welcome cocktail
• Gala dinner
• Onboard entertainment
• Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
• All port fees.

NOT INCLUDED

• Drinks from our special lists or drinks ordered during excursions or transfers
• Cancellation insurance
• Baggage insurance
• Transfers/ to and from departure/arrival points
• Optional excursions mentioned in the itinerary
• Personal expenses.

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

• Viennese Music Concert
• Guided tour of Vienna and Schoenbrunn Palace
• The high art of Viennese living: music and Viennese cafes
• Guided tour of Bratislava
• Hiking in Bratislava: The Little Carpathians
• Tour of Budapest
• Gellert Baths and Spa
• Traditional evening in Budapest
• Morning in Puszta
• Novi Sad and a walk to the Petrovaradin fortress
• Guided tour of Novi Sad and Sremski Karlovci
• Biking in Belgrade
• Guided tour of Belgrade
• Traditional evening in Belgrade
• Guided tour of Ruse
• The Roussenki Valley and rupestrian churches in Ivanovo
• Day excursion to Bucharest (lunch included)
• Excursion in the Danube Delta
• Delta Danube on a speed boat
• Trip to Constanta (lunch included)

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Danube Delta River Cruises

River cruises between exciting cities and unspoilt nature

A world of wonders: The Danube Delta. Experience wonderful landscapes on the A-ROSA cruises along the Danube with many exciting cities. Experience an unforgettable cruise with A-ROSA.

The Danube Delta is considered one of the most beautiful and popular travel destinations in Europe. No wonder, then, that the Danube really is the most beautiful and exciting way to reach the Black Sea.

The A-ROSA cruise ship sets sail past countryside and large cliffs and past the cities of  Vienna ,  Budapest ,  Bucharest  and our secret tip,  Belgrade . Along the way you will also get to know the World Heritage Site Wachau, situated not far from Vienna. There are endlessly beautiful photo scenes on these Danube Delta cruises, many of which will be a lasting memory.

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Mon - Sat 9AM-6PM

Danube Panorama 2024

Complete relaxation between towering cliffs and cultural highlights..

From Engelhartszell (Passau) to Vienna, Budapest, Kalocsa, Mohács, Belgrade, Cruising Day, Novi Sad, Mohács, Bratislava, Wachau and Melk to Engelhartszell (Passau).

CruiseCOUNTDOWN: Save 20 % on your River Cruise 2024

Available until 30 April 2024

from  € 2,346  pp

Premium All-Inclusive | cabin S

€ 400 pp SUPER EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT

SUPER EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT € 400 pp

from  € 3,297  pp

Danube Intensive 2024

A world of wonder created by nature and humans..

From Engelhartszell (Passau) to Bratislava, Mohács, Belgrade, Cruising Day, Rousse, Cernavoda, Constanța, Oltenita (Bucharest), Giurgiu (Bucharest), Cruising Day, Turnu Severin, Novi Sad, Mohács, Budapest, Vienna, Cruising Day and Vienna to Engelhartszell (Passau).

from  € 3,148  pp

€ 500 pp SUPER EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT

From Engelhartszell (Passau) to Bratislava, Mohács, Belgrade, Cruising Day, Rousse, Oltenita (Bucharest), Cernavoda, Constanța, Oltenita (Bucharest), Giurgiu (Bucharest), Cruising Day, Turnu Severin, Novi Sad, Mohács, Budapest, Vienna and Cruising Day to Engelhartszell (Passau).

SUPER EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT € 500 pp

from  € 4,411  pp

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• Before booking

From the Danube to the Black Sea

Undoubtedly one of the most complete cruises by the number of countries crossed (7 in 12 days) and the evolution of the landscapes encountered from Linz to the Danube Delta. One of the highlights of the cruise: the passage of the famous Iron Gates, the course of the Danube between the Carpathians and the Balkans. Many cities along the route: Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Belgrade, Giurgiu from where you can visit Bucharest ...

Along the Danube, the Balkan peninsula and Budapest (port-to-port cruise)

OLTENITA - CERNAVODA - Danube-Black Sea Canal - CONSTANTA - OLTENITA - Bucarest(1) - RUSE - The Iron Gates - BELGRADE - NOVI SAD - OSIJEK - MOHACS - BUDAPEST

From Romania to Hungary via Serbia, you'll be surprised and delighted by this cruise that will take you to the heart of Eastern Europe. You will discover cities with remarkable landscapes and elegant architecture such as Novi Sad, the capital of the province of Vojvodina regarded as the "Serbian Athens", whose cultural and artistic backgrounds will surprise you. Do not miss out on Ruse, one of the largest ports in Bulgaria and a true melting pot of Bulgarian and Romanian cultures. 

Along the river Danube, Budapestand the Balkan peninsula (port-to-port cruise)

BUDAPEST - MOHACS - OSIJEK - NOVI SAD - BELGRADE - The Iron Gates - RUSE - OLTENITA - CERNAVODA / FETESTI - Danube-Black Sea Canal - CONSTANTA - CERNAVODA  / FETESTI - OLTENITA

From Hungary to Romania via Serbia, you'll be surprised and delighted by this cruise that will take you to the heart of Eastern Europe. You will discover cities with remarkable landscapes and elegant architecture such as Novi Sad, the capital of the province of Vojvodina regarded as the "Serbian Athens", whose cultural and artistic backgrounds will surprise you. Do not miss out on Ruse, one of the largest ports in Bulgaria and a true melting pot of Bulgarian and Romanian cultures. 

From the Black Sea to the Blue Danube (port-to-port cruise)

OLTENITA - CERNAVODA - Canal Danube-Mer Noire - CONSTANTA - CERNAVODA - OLTENITA - GIURGIU - RUSE - The Iron Gates - BELGRADE - NOVI SAD - BUDAPEST - BRATISLAVA - VIENNA

Admire the majestic blue river, crossing 8 countries and stopping in 4 capitals. You will discover tremendous landscapes of striking beauty where nature is queen. From Vienna to Belgrade via Bratislava and Budapest, discover unique architecture, history, and culture all along the beautiful Danube.

Trans-European cruise from Strasbourg to Tulcea, 3 rivers, the Rhine, the Main and the Danube (port-to-port cruise)

STRASBOURG - MAINZ - FRANKFURT - MILTENBERG - WERTHEIM - WURZBURG - SCHWEINFURT - BAMBERG - NUREMBERG - MÜHLHAUSEN - REGENSBURG - PASSAU - MELK - DURNSTEIN - VIENNA - ESZTERGOM - BUDAPEST - MOHACS - OSIJEK - NOVI SAD - BELGRADE - The Iron Gates - RUSE - CERNAVODA / FETESTI - TULCEA - OLTENITA

Exhilarating ports of call and amazing cuisine are on deck for this cruise from France to Romania. Take a journey through one thousand years of tradition,  where nature dazzles and monuments reflect the passionate, sometimes turbulent, history along the European waterways.

Bucarest - Predeal - Sighisoara - Brasov - Predeal - Sibiu - Sibiel - Bran - Predeal - Sinaia - OLTENITA - CERNAVODA - Danube-Black Sea Canal - CONSTANTA - OLTENITA - Bucarest - RUSE - The Iron Gates - BELGRADE - NOVI SAD - OSIJEK - MOHACS - BUDAPEST

From Romania to Hungary via Serbia, you'll be surprised and delighted by this cruise that will take you to the heart of Eastern Europe. You will discover cities with remarkable landscapes and elegant architecture such as Novi Sad, the capital of the province of Vojvodina regarded as the "Serbian Athens", whose cultural and artistic backgrounds will surprise you. Do not miss out on Ruse, one of the largest ports in Bulgaria and a true melting pot of Bulgarian and Romanian cultures.

Danube River: Vienna to Bucharest

Program overview.

This extraordinary journey from the Habsburgs’ imperial capital of UNESCO-inscribed Vienna to the captivating Black Sea features two nights in Romania’s elegant capital of Bucharest and a nine-night river cruise through the Iron Gates to discover the eastern Danube River Valley. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-designated castles, palaces and squares of Budapest; Hungary’s fabled Puszta (plains); the young territories of Serbia and eastern Croatia; and the ancient land of Bulgaria. Enhance your experience with the Vienna Pre-Program and/or Transylvania Post-Program Options.

Program Details

• Program Highlights
• Itinerary at a Glance
• Vessel Sailing
• Program Extension Options
• Guest Speaker
• Exclusively chartered, 13-day, 13-night voyage featuring two nights in Bucharest, Romania, and a nine-night luxury cruise along the fabled Danube River—one of the greatest river journeys in the world.
• Visit seven countries (Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania) and five capital cities.
• Experience the best of Eastern Europe during an ideal time of year on this exclusive land and river itinerary.
• Cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates dividing the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains.
• See the best of Eastern Europe during autumn, an ideal time of year to visit.
• Vienna Pre-Program and Transylvania Post-Program Options.

Day 1 - Depart Home City

Day 2 - Vienna, Austria / Embark Amadeus Silver III

Day 3 - Bratislava, Slovakia

Day 4 - Budapest, Hungary

Day 5 - Kalocsa

Day 6 - Vukovar, Croatia / Novi Sad, Serbia

Day 7 - Belgrade

Day 8 - Donji Milonavac for Lepinski Vir / Cruise through the Iron Gates

Day 9 - Nikopol, Bulgaria / Veliko Târnovo / Ruse

Day 10 - Fetești, Romania for Constanța

Day 11 - Fetești / Disembark boat / Bucharest

Day 12 - Bucharest

Day 13 - Bucharest / Return to home city

View detailed program itinerary >

Amadeus Silver III

Exclusively Chartered Deluxe River Boat

• Only 84 stylish suites and staterooms, each with a river-view. • All meals are included on board the river boat, as well as wine and beer served with lunch and dinner. • Luxury amenities of a stylish deluxe hotel.

Learn more about the Amadeus Silver III >

Vienna Pre-Program Option

Vienna showcases an open‑air museum of splendid Baroque architecture in its historical center—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the famous Ringstrasse, see this remarkable city’s most important landmarks. Visit Hofburg Palace and see the Gothic‑style Stephansdom (Saint Stephen’s Cathedral). Learn more about the Austrian Empire in Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Habsburgs’ summer estate. Accommodations are for two nights in the 5‑star InterContinental Vienna hotel

Transylvania Post-Program Option

Extend your tour by three nights to explore the treasures of medieval Transylvania. Highlights include the 19th‑century Peles Castle; the imposing, 14th‑century Bran Castle (believed to have inspired the Dracula story); the Black Church in Brasov; the UNESCO World Heritage‑designated Sighisoara; and UNESCO‑inscribed Prejmer, the largest fortified church in southeast Europe. Spend two nights in the Aro Palace in Brasov and one night in the 5‑star InterContinental Athénée Palace Hotel Bucharest.

Pre- and Post-Program Options are available at an additional cost. Details will be provided with your reservation confirmation.

Jonna Mendez

A retired CIA intelligence officer, Jonna Hiestand Mendez served as a Chief of Disguise for the agency’s Office of Technical Services. During her 27-year career, her responsibilities included preparing the CIA’s most highly placed foreign assets to gather intelligence using espionage technology and techniques. With expertise in operational disguise and identity transformation, Jonna later focused her efforts in the most difficult and hostile areas, where she and her colleagues matched wits with the Soviet KGB, the East German Stasi and the Cuban DGI.

Over her career, Jonna has briefed presidents and prime ministers and has lectured extensively. In addition, she and her late husband Antonio Mendez co-wrote several books, including Spy Dust, Argo and The Moscow Rules .

A recent recipient of the Patriot Award from the Daughters of the American Revolution for “lifelong service to America in the defense of freedom,” Jonna is also a founding Advisory Board member of the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C.

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Program Itinerary

Day 1 departure.

Depart your home city for your flight to Vienna, Austria.

Day 2 Vienna, Austria

Arrive the next day in the capital city of Vienna, where you will embark the Amadeus Silver III. Attend the Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner this the evening.

Day 3 Bratislava, Slovakia

In Bratislava, enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town. See the Gothic 14th‑century St. Martin’s Cathedral and the elaborate Primate’s Palace, a breathtaking 18th century landmark. Stroll through St. Michael’s Gate, the only remaining portion of the city’s medieval fortifications.

Day 4 Budapest, Hungary

Start the day on the Buda side of the river to see Castle Hill and visit St. Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion. In Pest, see the Parliament Building, the second largest in Europe. At UNESCO‑inscribed Heroes’ Square, admire monuments honoring Magyar chiefs who established the Kingdom of Hungary. Along Andrássy Avenue, see the Hungarian State Opera House and the Chain Bridge that links Pest to Buda.

After dinner on board the ship this evening you will see the best of Budapest on a nighttime illumination cruise. Watch the city’s glittering historical landmarks light up the sky as they reflect off the Danube.

Day 5 Kalocsa

Enjoy a scenic drive through Hungary’s protected puszta and visit a farm to see a performance of Hungarian horsemanship. Learn about the history of paprika on your way to Kalocsa, where you will visit the Folk Art House and the Bishop’s Palace.

Day 6 Vukovar, Croatia / Novi Sad, Serbia

In Vukovar, see 18th‑century Eltz Manor and the iconic Grand Hotel, famously purchased by the city’s Labor Movement in 1919. Visit the Baroque Church of Saints Philip and James. Enjoy a walking tour of Novi Sad’s Old Town to see the Name of Mary Church, Town Hall, and the 17th‑century Petrovaradin Fortress, nicknamed the “Gibraltar of the Danube.”

Day 7 Belgrade

Embark on a tour of Belgrade, featuring Terazije Square and Temple of St. Sava. Visit Kalemegdan Fortress and the famous “House of Flowers” museum dedicated to former Yugoslavia’s leader, Josip Broz Tito.

Day 8 Donji Milanovic / Iron Gates

Visit Lepenski Vir archeological site and museum to see the impressive exhibition center of Paleolithic artifacts. Later, enjoy spectacular views of the Danube Gorge and cruise past the Iron Gates.

Day 9 Nikopol, Bulgaria for Arbanasi and Veliko Tarnovo/Ruse

Visit Arbanasi’s perfectly preserved Konstantsaliev House, a unique, fortress‑like structure originally built at the end of the 17th century and reconstructed several times—today serving as an ethnographic museum. The next stop will be a visit to the Church of the Nativity before continuing to the city of Veliko Tarnovo, one of Bulgaria’s oldest settlements. Explore the historical center of this “City of the Tsars” and see the 12th-century Tsarevets Fortress.

Day 10 Constanţa, Romania

In Constanta Old Town, see the poet Ovid’s statue in Ovidiu Square, the Great Mahmudiye Mosque and the Orthodox Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. Enjoy a Captain’s Farewell Reception on board this evening.

Day 11 Fetesti / Bucharest, Romania / Disembark the river boat

Your land tour in Bucharest begins with an authentic lunch at a local restaurant and a visit to the National Art Museum of Romania, located in the 19th century Royal Palace in Revolution Square.

Check in to the InterContinental Athénée Palace Bucharest.

Day 12 Bucharest

Today you will visit the immense Palace of Parliament, the world’s second largest administrative building, and the National Village Museum. The largest of its kind in Europe, this open-air ethnographic museum features a collection of 50 buildings representing the history and design of Romania’s rural architecture.

Enjoy a farewell reception at the hotel this evening.

Day 13 Bucharest / Return to home city

Check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for a flight back to your home city.

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Black Forest to Black Sea: A river cruise guide to the Danube

Published 8th April 2019 in Destination Reviews By Edwina Lonsdale /cruise-news/destination-review/danube-river-cruise-guide

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The mighty Danube flows an extraordinary 1,800 miles from its source in the Black Forest of Germany via Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania to its delta at the Black Sea.

As you might imagine, the cruise options along this historic highway are varied and exciting. The river is a gateway to four capitals - Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava and Belgrade - and its banks feature spectacular scenery, national parks and breath-taking waterfronts.

The Danube is the ideal choice for your first river cruise, as it offers everything: extraordinary cities, pretty villages, great music, rich history, Jewish heritage, cultural treasures, art and architecture, with so many things to see and do. Remote abbeys, terraced vineyards and beautiful countryside contrast with signature ports of call packed with 'must see' attractions. Most river cruise vessels carry bicycles, and this is a wonderful region to explore by bike.

When selecting your Danube cruise, you have choices: from the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal through to Passau, you will learn so much World War II history visiting the courthouse, the Zeppelin Field rallying ground and the museum at Nuremburg, in contrast to the pretty town of Bamberg, for a short time the centre of the Holy Roman Empire. Other highlights include the lovely medieval Bavarian city of Passau, home to Europe's largest pipe organ, where the river features three colours at the meeting of the brown Danube, the green Inn and the black Ilz.

Dress up and waltz into Vienna for a classical music concert, where sweet strains of Strauss come alive, visit the Spanish Riding School to see the Lipizzaner horses, and stop off at the famous Hotel Sacher for indulgent Sacher Torte. Relive the magic - and the dark undertones - of The Sound of Music on a trip from Salzburg. Roam the lands of the Habsburgs, and feel the long arm of history stretch through the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, with all its pomp and circumstance.

As you cruise through the picture pretty Wachau Valley, sit out on deck to enjoy the landscape of green hills, dotted with red-roofed houses, and the Benedictine Abbey that rises high above the town of Melk.

Sailing into Budapest, with its grand palaces bathed in sunlight, is an unforgettable experience, and an excellent introduction to your tours of these two towns (Buda and Pest) sitting astride the river.

Less known is the onward stretch through Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania all the way to the Black Sea, visiting the proud cities of Belgrade, capital of Serbia, and Bucharest, the Romanian capital, with plenty of time to explore the wide tree-lined boulevards. For returning visitors, this is an itinerary to look out for and includes the serene Danube Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the spectacular scenery of Belogradchik's rock formations and the cruise through the Eisernes Tor, the stunning Iron Gate, a deep river gorge through the Carpathian mountains.

Following the completion of the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal in 1992, a long held dream first cherished by Charlemagne back in 793 AD, it is now possible to cruise all the way from Amsterdam on the North Sea right though to Constanta on the Black Sea, an extraordinary 28-day journey.

Download our River Cruising Uncovered brochure

Thinking about a river cruise but don't know where to start? Our informative guide is packed full of everything you need to know, including which cruise lines we recommend, what to expect on each river and how to make the most of your trip...

Edwina Lonsdale is Managing Director and together with husband Matthew, owner of Mundy Cruising. Most recently she's cruised on Windstar and has also sailed with Silversea, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, Crystal, SeaDream, Ponant, AmaWaterways and Aqua Expeditions. Her favourite destination is the Galapagos however she's also enjoyed cruises in the Mediterranean, Danube, Middle East, East Africa & Indian Ocean, Brahmaputra, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, the Mekong, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, the Caribbean and the Arctic. When she’s not travelling she loves reading, food and wine.

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Danube River Cruises to the Black Sea

Our Danube to Black Sea river cruises explore the heart of Eastern Europe, visiting fascinating capitals including Belgrade and Bucharest.

Cruises along the Lower Danube also take in the dramatic Iron Gates which form a natural border between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains. Some cruiselines offer exciting excursions to the UNESCO-listed Danube Delta, a haven for wildlife including coromorants.

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About Danube to the Black Sea Cruises

Danube to black sea highlights, danube to black sea river ports, cruise collection 2024/ 2025.

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From the Hungarian capital of Budapest, the River Danube flows south through the Hungarian plains, and then turns east through Serbia and Belgrade. A cruise along the Lower Danube continues through the spectacular Iron Gates, a dramatic gorge separating the Carpathian and Balkan mountains, before reaching Bulgaria, Romania and finally the Black Sea.

During a River Danube to the Black Sea cruise through Eastern Europe, discover outstanding natural beauty and intriguing cities, rich in history. On some cruises, it is possible to visit the vast Hungarian Puszta and witness a traditional horse show, as well as explore the UNESCO-listed Danube Delta, renowned for its wildlife.

Here are a few highlights of a cruise along the Danube to the Black Sea:

• Belgrade’s remarkable Kalemegdan Fortress
• The magnificent gorges of the Iron Gates that form a natural border between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains
• The vast plains of the Hungarian Puszta
• The vine-clad slopes of Pecs
• Bratislava’s medieval old town and baroque palaces
• The Orthodox churches and graceful villas of Bucharest
• Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad
• The stunning scenery and amazing wildlife of the Danube Delta

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Danube River Cruises

Glide along the gentle waters of the Danube, the heart and soul of Central Europe. These legendary waters flow through 10 countries, coursing through Germany, Austria and Hungary to the Black Sea. Our Danube River cruises deliver you to culture-rich banks, from scenic vineyards to spectacular monasteries and elegant cities that have inspired composers and writers for centuries. Find your inspiration on one of the Danube cruises below.

Grand European Tour

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Romantic Danube

Danube Waltz

Passage to Eastern Europe

Capitals of Eastern Europe

European Sojourn

NEW! Treasures of the Danube

Christmas on the Danube

Danube Christmas Delights

Highlights of the danube river.

A Danube River cruise unveils Europe’s rich and dramatic history. Glittering cultural capitals, lush vineyards, magnificent monasteries and endless scenic splendor line the river’s banks. Here are some sample highlights you will see with Viking:

• Enchanting Passau, set where three rivers meet
• Lush vineyards of the Wachau Valley
• The baroque splendor of Melk Abbey
• Vienna’s elegant architecture
• The splendid Benedictine Abbey of Göttweig
• Scenic beauty of the picturesque Danube Bend
• Budapest’s stunning Chain Bridge and Parliament Building
• Soaring cliffs of the scenic Iron Gate
• Romania’s rural culture and rich folklore
• Belgrade’s impressive Kalemegdan Fortress

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Danube Cruises from Vienna

A cruise adventure starting in Vienna is a great way to see Danube. We have 54 tours that range from 3 days up to 24 days. The most popular time for tours from Vienna is July, which has the most cruise departures.

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54 danube river cruises from vienna with 135 reviews.

Danube Serenade: Romantic Journey from Vienna to Bucharest (Turnu Magurele) , MS Fidelio

8 days - Imperial Danube (Vienna - Budapest - Vienna, MS Crucestar 4*)

All good except for the not working WiFi system an the bed could be more comfortable

The beautiful blue Danube (port-to-port cruise)

The tour exceeded all our expectations. We will definitely recognize this company to all our friends and family. Will also do another one in the near future.

Danube Classics Vienna 2024

We had a generally good experience. Most new passengers board in Engelhartszell, but 17 passengers boarded the ship in Vienna. We boarded in Vienna and didn’t receive new passenger orientation, which includes basic ship, safety and excursion presentations. The crew was very friendly, although it was primarily a German language oriented cruise lines.

Capital Cities Along the Danube (port-to-port cruise)

EXCELLENT experience! outstanding professionalism. exceptional team on MS "vivaldi". BRAVISSIMI!... :-) <3 :-) p.s. re: capital tours: 1. vienna - PERFECT!... xavier was impeccable - it was an honour and absolut pleasure interacting with him, both humanly and professionally. A++!... :-) 2. BUDAPEST - sadly, BAD!... mrs. ildiko was totally overwhelmed, both physically and intelectually. it was an unfortunatye setback for the whole cruise experience, reason for which i decide to switch bus for the afternoon trip. :-( 3. BRATISLAVA - jana, very good, 100% professional behaviour, worth being kept in the team. p.p.s. @ tourradar team - again, well done, folks!,,, A+ to you, too!... ;-)

Danube Capitals "B" Dutch Grace Superior Suite

Danube Capitals "B" Dutch Grace Main Cabin

A Taste of the Danube with 2 Nights in Vienna (Eastbound) 2024

Having been on several cruises in prior years NOTHING came even close to Avalon River cruise! Can't wait go on our next.

Authentic Danube & Prague (2024) (Vienna to Prague, 2024)

Good accommodations, service, safety, excursions, and food overall. Our land tour leader in Prague, Jana, was very helpful, but I wasn’t aware that she would not be present on departure day 28 August. At least having her phone number would have been useful in case we had issues with transfers to the airport , and I wasn’t able to give her a tip

A Taste of the Danube with 2 Nights in Vienna & 2 Nights in Budapest (Eastbound) 2024

Cycling the Danube from Vienna to Budapest

1. Pre-trip coordination should have been a lot tighter and take less of clients' time. We found ourselves second-guessing what they meant and were assuring ourselves that all will be fine. 2. Hotels are average or above average. Would be nice to have a 4 star hotel for last 2 nights, instead of 3 star Sissi Hotel (sister of Corvin). 3. Food is good. Boat ride was a wonderful suggestion. Could have printed the timings in English, and locations of jetties in Hungary so we could get on boat to Hungary more easily. 4. Bikes were first c;lass. Very comfortable and well maintained. 5. Itinery was clear but the EU 6 route was somewhat disappointing in places as it really didn't exist. 6. Excellent logistics with pick up of luggage and delivery to next hotel.

Authentic Danube (2024) (Vienna to Nuremberg, 2024)

1.200 Miles on the Beautiful Blue Danube (Vienna - Bucharest) (12 destinations)

1.200 Miles on the Beautiful Blue Danube (Vienna - Bucharest) (17 destinations)

What people love about danube cruises from vienna.

This tour was wonderful. Hit all the highlights. Definitely recommend.

The tour was very good, the crew were excellent, very helpful, approachable and informative and always available. The tours were great and the Danube is wonderful to cruise on. The food was of excellent quality but the fact that there was no choice on the menu was poor and we feel there should have been an earlier sitting for dinner, and lunch could have been a buffet. The accommodation was adequate but the shower was totally inadequate. We enjoyed the cruise

Al-Rosa did an excellent job. Food was good and lots of it, the cabin was clean and comfortable. The staff were always friendly and helpful and Sabrina did a great job of looking after everyone and made sure that we were always at the right place at the right time. The tours were great and we enjoyed our evenings in the lounge with music and quizzes by Erich. We had a great holiday!

Tours starting from Vienna

• Vienna to Vienna tours (22)
• Vienna to Nuremberg tours (7)
• Vienna to Bucharest tours (7)
• Vienna to Budapest tours (7)
• River Cruise from Vienna (51)
• Family from Vienna (41)
• Explorer from Vienna (28)
• Danube River Cities: Everything You Need to Know

Cruising the Danube: Vienna to the Black Sea on Amadeus Star

October 10 - 22, 2022

Group Size: Up to 134 guests Price: Starting from $4,625 double occupancy Co-sponsored with:  Bucknell, Case Western Reserve, National Trust, Rice, Swarthmore, Virginia Museum of Fine Art

Trip Overview

Join this custom-designed, 13-day travel program visiting seven countries, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the enchanting eastern Danube River Valley, a mystical region steeped in natural beauty that remains virtually unknown to Westerners. Cruise for nine nights aboard the exclusively chartered, deluxe Amadeus Star from the Habsburgs’ imperial capital of Vienna to the Black Sea. Here, a rich mosaic of medieval cities, charming villages and rugged countrysides await you, from the ancient lands of Bulgaria to the relatively young territories of Serbia and eastern Croatia, the spectacular Carpathian Mountains and Hungary’s fabled  Puszta  (plains) to the glittering palaces of Budapest. Admire a masterful display of traditional horsemanship in the Hungarian heartland, immerse yourself in the Slavic heritage of medieval Belgrade and cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates, which divide the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains. Spend two nights in Romania’s elegant capital of Bucharest, known for its splendid architecture .  Deepen your knowledge of the Danube with the Vienna Pre-Program Option and see authentic castles of local lore on the Transylvania Post-Program Option.

Schedule by Day

• Oct 10:  Depart the U.S.
• Oct 11:  Vienna, Austria / Embark  Amadeus Star
• Oct 12:  Bratislava, Slovakia
• Oct 13:  Budapest, Hungary
• Oct 14:  Kalocsa
• Oct 15:  Vukovar, Croatia / Novi Sad, Serbia
• Oct 16:  Belgrade
• Oct 17:  Donji Milonavac for Lepinski Vir / Cruising through Iron Gates
• Oct 18:  Nikopol, Bulgaria for Arbanasi and Veliko Târnovo/ Ruse
• Oct 19:   Fetești , Romania, for Constanta
• Oct 20:   Fetești  / Disembark ship / Bucharest
• Oct 21:  Bucharest
• Oct 22:  Bucharest / Return to U.S.

Per person double occupancy:

• Category 7: $4,625
• Category 6: $4,925
• Category 5: $5,225
• Category 4: $5,625
• Category 3: $5,925
• Category 2: $6,225
• Category 1: $6,625
• Junior Suite: $7,225

Single occupancy:

• Category 7: $7,400
• Category 6: $7,880
• Category 5: $8,360
• Category 4: $9,000
• Category 3: $9,480
• Category 2: $9,960
• Category 1: $10,600
• Junior Suite: $11,560

Accommodations

• Nine nights aboard the  Amadeus Star
• Two nights at the  Athenee Palace Hilton  in Bucharest

Optional Extensions

OPTIONAL PRE-EXTENSION: Imperial Vienna: October 8–11, 2022 $895 per person double occupancy $1,245 single occupancy  

OPTIONAL POST-EXTENSION: Castles of Transylvania: October 22–25, 2022 $995 per person double occupancy $1,245 single occupancy

What to Expect

Many of the cities and towns being visited were founded centuries ago, and the terrain is rugged. Therefore, a fair amount of walking along narrow cobblestone streets, stone floors or uneven and/or slippery terrain and climbing several flights of stairs (some without railings) is to be expected. Walking excursions often cover distances of at least one mile and are approximately three hours in length.

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Mode of Travel

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Please email [email protected] or call our office at 800-422-1636 or 617-496-0806.

Danube river cruises: an ultimate guide to cruising Budapest and beyond

Why, when and how to sail along Europe’s second-longest river, which meanders through the likes of Vienna, Budapest and Bucharest

Its banks are lined with dramatic, unspoiled landscapes, postcard-perfect towns and villages, and grand, opulent cities . Take a river cruise down this majestic river and you’ll encounter some of the world’s most stunning countryside, including the UNESCO-protected Wachau Valley, along with an array of fascinating cultures.

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.

While ships are smaller than those traversing across oceans, river cruise itineraries often feature big-name guests onboard – as is the case with our seven-night sailing along the Danube , when one of the UK's best-loved historians, Lucy Worsley (pictured below), joins guests on a private visit to Vienna’s Royal Lipizzaner Stables and Spanish Riding School.

What is the best time of year to cruise the Danube River?

The Danube is a year-round destination with the exception of January and February, when few cruise lines operate here. Summer, when the weather is hottest, is peak season and as a result Europe’s cities are particularly crowded. Because of that, we recommend taking a Danube river cruise in April, May, September and October. Good Housekeeping's seven-night itinerary sails in September, when the weather should still be balmy and dry, but the summer hordes have gone home.

Where does a Danube river cruise start and end?

The Danube either flows through or delineates part of the border of Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine. Many cruises traverse the stretch between the capital cities of Vienna, Austria and Budapest , Hungary, starting or ending at either location.

Our seven-night Danube river cruise with Lucy Worsley departs from the city of Engelhartszell in Austria before calling at Vienna (pictured below), the pretty town of Esztergom in Hungary and Budapest. You'll then loop back down the river, calling at Slovakia's capital Bratislava and the Wachau Valley in Austria before returning to Engelhartszell.

Is a Danube river cruise worth it?

Absolutely! If you love dazzling landscapes, magnificent architecture and fabulous food, a Danube river cruise is hard to beat. Exploring Europe by water requires no internal flights and train rides and eliminates schlepping around with your luggage in tow.

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.

What are the best things to do on a Danube river cruise?

One of the highlights of any Danube cruise is the Austrian capital, Vienna, with its musical heritage, imperial palaces, array of art museums, stunning Lipizzaner stallions, and delectable cuisine (a slice of Sachertorte chocolate cake is a must when in town!).

Secondly, Budapest, the capital of Hungary, boasts breath-taking architecture as well as historic thermal baths (pictured above), while Bratislava shouldn’t be overlooked with its lively 18th-century Old Town and impressive reconstructed hilltop castle from which you can look down over it.

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.

And that’s all without mentioning the entertainment and facilities onboard your ship. Join us on our seven-night Danube cruise and you’ll sail aboard A-ROSA FLORA, which boasts an onboard spa offering beauty and body treatments, gym, spacious sun deck, heated outdoor pool, outdoor restaurant with canopy top, bar and dancefloor, lounges and plenty of evening fun.

Which cruise lines offer Danube river cruises?

Among the companies offering cruises along the Danube are A-ROSA Cruises , with whom we have partnered to bring you our remarkable river cruise . 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.

How much does it cost to cruise the Danube?

Danube cruises can be great value, with our cruise through Austria, Hungary and Slovakia starting just over £2,000 per person for a week. All meals and drinks, including sparkling wines and cocktails, are included, as are snacks and afternoon tea. Also included is the use of the sauna, gym and top-deck heated swimming pool. You'll also get 15% off treatments in the onboard spa.

Sail the Danube and visit Vienna's famous riding school with Lucy Worsley in September 2024.

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Passage along the Danube River: Vienna to the Black Sea

Travel aboard the exclusively chartered, deluxe small river ship amadeus silver ii, october 4–16, 2020.

Visit seven countries, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the enchanting eastern Danube River Valley, a mystical region steeped in natural beauty, during this 13-day journey. Cruise for nine nights aboard the exclusively chartered, deluxe Amadeus Silver II from the Habsburgs’ imperial capital of Vienna to the Black Sea.

A rich mosaic of medieval cities, charming villages and rugged countrysides await you, from the ancient lands of Bulgaria to the relatively young territories of Serbia and eastern Croatia, the spectacular Carpathian Mountains and Hungary’s fabled Puszta (plains) to the glittering palaces of Budapest. Admire a masterful display of traditional horsemanship in the Hungarian heartland, immerse yourself in the Slavic heritage of medieval Belgrade and cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates, which divide the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains. Spend two nights in Romania’s elegant capital of Bucharest, known for its splendid architecture.

Deepen your knowledge of the Danube with the Vienna Pre-Program Option and see authentic castles of local lore on the Transylvania Post-Program Option.

Registration

Download a brochure about the trip here . All final payments are due by July 1, 2020.

For more information, or to make reservations, call Gohagan & Company at 800-922-3088 or visit  www.gohagantravel.com .

January 3, 2020

Recent College News

From the Black Sea to the Blue Danube

OLTENITA - TULCEA - The Danube Delta - GIURGIU - RUSE - The Iron Gates - BELGRADE - NOVI SAD - BUDAPEST - BRATISLAVA - VIENNA

Admire the majestic blue river, crossing 8 countries and stopping in 4 capitals. You will discover tremendous landscapes of striking beauty where nature is queen. From Vienna to Belgrade via Bratislava and Budapest, discover unique architecture, history, and culture all along the beautiful Danube.

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover 6 countries and diverse cultures
• Passage through the famous Iron Gates
• Fantastic Bucharest , the Romanian capital
• Belgrade by coach or by bike
• Ruse, one of the largest Bulgarian ports—a perfect blend of Bulgarian, Romanian, and Austrian cultures

THE CROISIEUROPE DIFFERENCE

• All meals included - DRINKS INCLUDED with meals and at the bar
• Refined French cuisine - Gala dinner and evening - Welcome cocktail
• Free Wi-Fi onboard
• Headsets are included for excursions
• Official welcome from the captain and crew
• Onboard activities
• Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
• All port fees included

Experience the Iron Gates and the spectacle of the canyons between the Carpathian Mountains and the Balkan Peninsula

Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. Dinner. Our ship will cruise through the night towards Cernavoda.

Morning sailing on the Danube-Black Sea Canal. The completion of the Danube-Black Sea Canal is a colossal work in the history of Communism in Romania and Eastern Europe. In the late morning, arrival in Constanta. Excursion for both packages: guided tour of Constanta and local wine tasting.

Enjoy dinner and a traditional folklore evening.

A day's sailing on the Danube-Black Sea Canal. Construction began in the 1950s and the canal was inaugurated in 1984, making it the third longest in the world after the Suez and Panama canals. Take advantage of this day to relax on the sun deck and take part in the activities on board.Gala evening on board. Our ship will cruise through the night  towards Oltenita.

Join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided visit of Bucharest. Bucharest offers a striking combination of architectural styles: orthodox churches, Empire-style manor houses, Communist-inspired architecture, and the Parliament (outside only - entrance fees not included.) We'll cruise to Ruse, one of the biggest ports in Bulgaria. Enjoy an evening of traditional entertainment. 

Join us on an excursion for both packages: Tour of Ruse. The city is impressive with its broad avenues, large squares and wonderful buildings which pay tribute to the architecture of the national Renaissance. After our tour, we'll return to the ship and begin to cruise all afternoon. We will pass through two countries, Romania on the left bank and Bulgaria on the right bank. Our ship will cruise through the night.

The day will be spent cruising on the Danube sailing through Romania, Bulgaria and Serbia. Our ship will pass through the Iron Gates, the gorge on the Danube between the Carpathians and the Balkans. On the Serbian bank of the river, we'll catch a glimpse of the Tabula Traiana - a marble plaque honoring the Roman Road that once linked Rome to the province of Dacia.

We'll arrive in Belgrade. Join us for the excursions proposed: CLASSIC: Guided tour of the Serbian capital. DISCOVERY: Biking in Belgrade. You'll cycle along the history-filled streets with your guide, who'll explain the city's recent past from World War II to current times. After our tour, we'll return to the ship. Join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided tour of Novi Sad and the Krusedol monastery. We'll start cruising in the direction of Mohacs.

We'll arrive in Mohacs. In the afternoon, join us on an excursion for both packages: The Puszta. We'll return on board in Kalocsa and cruise to Budapest. Enjoy a Hungarian dinner this evening. Our ship will cruise through the night.

Join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided tour of Budapest. Enjoy a free afternoon in Budapest. Join us on an excursion proposed: Discover the Gellert Baths and Spa (not included in the packages) or Budapest Market Halls (2) (not included in the packages) . After our visits, we'll begin to cruise to Bratislava. Our ship will cruise through the night.

We'll arrive in Bratislava. Join us for the excursions proposed: CLASSIC: Guided Tour of Bratislava and Tasting of Local Delights. DISCOVERY: Hiking in Bratislava: The Little Carpathians. From Devin Castle, we'll take in the splendid view of Bratislava. We'll then return on board.

Gala evening.

Our ship will cruise to Vienna.

Join us for the excursions proposed: CLASSIC: Visit to Schoenbrunn Palace, former summer residence of the imperial family, and panoramic tour of Vienna. DISCOVERY: The high art of Viennese living: Music and Viennese cafes. We'll stroll through the city and visit back stage in the Konzerthaus concert hall(1). After our tour, enjoy a steaming cup of Vienna Coffee and a delicious pastry. We'll then return on board. You'll be free to explore the city on your own in the afternoon. Join us on an excursion proposed: Horse-drawn carriage ride though Vienna. In the evening, join us on an excursion for both packages: Concert of Viennese music (subject to availability.)  

Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.

Sales Useful info

Included : What you need to know before your departure

Not included Useful info

• Child discount (2-9 years) : - 20%

Shore Excursions

Mandatory information

Formalities Some administrative formalities to take into account in order to prepare your trip

For the safety of our passengers, the captain and crew of the boat may decide to modify the navigational itinerary.

(1) The tour of the Konzerthaus might be replaced by a tour of the Musikverein or the opera if it is booked for shows or not available.

(2) The market halls of Budapest are closed on Sundays, the tour will be replaced by a gourmet stroll around Budapest, with tastings of Hungarian products.

Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.

Passage Along the Danube River: Vienna to the Black Sea

Trip Dates:  Saturday, October 7, 2023 - Thursday, October 19, 2023

Leader Name:  Arnold Hirshon, Vice Provost and Lindseth Family University Librarian Emeritus, CWRU

Trip Pricing: 

• Double occupancy cabin start at $4,795 per person
• Single Occupancy cabin prices start at $7,032

Trip Details & Highlights

Join us on this exceptional travel program that features seven countries and the enchanting eastern Danube River Valley, a region steeped in natural beauty that remains virtually untouched and unknown to many American travelers. Cruise for nine nights aboard the exclusively chartered vessel and spend two nights in Romania’s elegant capital of Bucharest where the splendid architecture has earned the city the nickname “Little Paris.” The Danube River has ranked among the world’s most impressive waterways with the passage of Roman legions, crusading knights, the indomitable Janissaries of the Ottomans and the proud Hussars of the Habsburgs. A channel for commerce, culture and conquest, the Danube links the heartland of Central Europe with the nations beyond the Black Sea. Join us for an extraordinary cruise along nearly the entire length of this fabled river, from the Habsburgs’ imperial capital of Vienna, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to the pearl-blue Black Sea. A rich mosaic of medieval cities, charming villages, rugged countrysides, and centuries-old tales and traditions awaits you. Traverse the ancient lands of Bulgaria, the relatively young territories of Serbia and eastern Croatia, the spectacular Carpathian Mountains, Hungary’s fabled Puszta (plains) and the glittering, UNESCO World Heritage-designated palaces of Budapest. Cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates dividing the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains—where no fewer than six languages are spoken—and experience the fascinating Slavic heritage of medieval Belgrade. 

Trip Inclusions

CLICK HERE FOR TRIP REGISTRATION

Contact Information

Sarah Doody  904.432.3141 [email protected]

Trip Terms and Conditions

Luminary Society Members

CWRU’s Luminary Society members may receive additional discounts on CWRU Educational Travel programs. For further information on Luminary Society travel discounts only, please contact The Office of Strategic Giving at 216.368.4460.

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Riverside luxury cruises announces new 2025 voyages aboard riverside debussy, riverside ravel and riverside mozart.

New Combination Cruises Deliver Luxurious, All-inclusive Vacations on Rhine and Rhône Rivers

DENVER , April 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Riverside Luxury Cruises, Europe's newest and most luxurious river cruise line, announced new 2025 voyages today. The cruise line's new year of cruises totals more than 170 departures on 52 distinct itineraries, ranging from 3 to 23 nights, aboard Riverside Debussy, Riverside Ravel and Riverside Mozart. New for Riverside in 2025 are itineraries that combine cruises aboard both Riverside Debussy and Riverside Ravel for extended vacations, ranging up to 19 nights, exploring the Rhine and Rhône rivers, respectively. Riverside Debussy will also cruise the Main and Moselle rivers and join Riverside Mozart on the picturesque Danube River. On all voyages, Riverside Debussy, Riverside Ravel and Riverside Mozart stay late or overnight in some of Europe's most captivating towns and cities, so guests can immerse in authentic cultures and the destination's social life. Throughout, guests enjoy Riverside's intuitive and personalised service from every staff and crew member for an all-inclusive and luxurious experience. Riverside Luxury Cruises new 2025 voyages are now open for bookings. For more information and to make a reservation, U.S. and Canadian travellers should contact their travel advisor; visit Riverside-Cruises.com/en ; or call 1-833-305-3313. Travel Advisors can register and book their luxury clients through the brand's dedicated partner portal at www.Riverside-Cruises.com/TA .

"No other line delivers Europe like Riverside Luxury Cruises," said Jen Halboth, CEO of the luxury river line. "Our 2025 portfolio delivers more opportunities for luxury travellers to delight in the adventure of exploring new destinations, while being pampered with exceptional cuisine, high-touch service, and spa. These are all aboard Riverside's most spacious and beautiful fleet cruising the rivers of Europe ."

The newly inaugurated Riverside Debussy will begin her second year of service on April 2 with a 7-night voyage during the prime of tulip-blooming season in the Dutch countryside. Guests cruise roundtrip from Amsterdam, The Netherlands , and visit Arnhem, Nijmegen, Antwerp , Gent, Middleburg, Veere, Dordrecht, and Rotterdam . Anthophiles have another chance to catch Tulip Time on the April 23 departure.

For their parts,  Riverside Ravel and Riverside Mozart will commence cruising on April 10 and 17, respectively. Riverside Ravel will cruise a 3-night, Rhône sampler from Lyon to Avignon, with visits to Viviers, Tarascon and Arles, while Riverside Mozart brings guests on an Easter voyage on the Danube River from Passau, Germany , to Budapest, Hungary . Guests on this itinerary visit Ybbs, Melk, and Bratislava, Slovakia , and observe Easter Sunday in Vienna, Austria .

German Heritage on the Rhine, Main and Moselle Rivers

Riverside Debussy unveils Medieval castles; quaint and charming towns; and dramatic wine valleys along the Rhine, Main and Moselle rivers throughout the spring and summer seasons. Seven-night itineraries alternate departures from Amsterdam and Basel, Switzerland and feature some of the most historic cities, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Rhine Gorge with its highest concentration of picturesque castles, and the wine valleys of the Middle Rhine.

In mid-September,  Riverside Debussy combines the Rhine and Main rivers on a 7-night voyage from Amsterdam to Nuremburg. On this voyage, guests will include a stretch of the 106-mile Main-Danube Canal in Bavaria. A return voyage in late-October brings Riverside Debussy back to Amsterdam .

Travellers can also choose shorter, 3- to 6-night voyages throughout the year that spotlight on the Netherlands , the Moselle River's wine valley or the Upper Rhine Valley. These cruises depart from Amsterdam , Dusseldorf , Frankfurt , Trier, and Basel, Switzerland .

Danube Discoveries

Riverside Mozart  will cruise a variety of 3- to 7-night itineraries mostly between Passau and Budapest , and bring guests to captivating Bavarian, Austrian, Slovakian, and Hungarian cities and towns. Many of these voyages includes cruising or stopping in the Austria's historic and picturesque Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In late-May, Riverside Mozart embarks on two, 3-night segments on the Lower Danube from Budapest to the Iron Gates in Serbia. Travellers can combine the subsequent, 4-night return itinerary back to Budapest to combine all three itineraries into a 7-night roundtrip voyage and does not repeat stops.

Riverside Debussy  will also cruise the Danube River in the autumn. A 7-night voyage brings guests on a special itinerary from Nuremburg to Budapest , where she then ventures to the lesser-travelled Lower Danube on four voyages of 3- and 4-night itineraries. Guests will marvel at the natural majesty of Europe's deepest and longest gorge flanked by the Carpathian Mountains and the Balkan Hills; medieval fortresses and castles from the Roman, Ottoman, and Habsburg empires; and cultures and cities once veiled behind the Iron Curtain. Departure cities also include Belgrade , Serbia, and Giurgiu, Romania . Travellers can combine these itineraries for a 15-night, Lower-Danube adventure, cruising roundtrip from Budapest , or cross Europe from the Black Sea to the North Sea on a 23-night grand voyage, departing October 7 from Giurgiu to Amsterdam .

South of France and Burgundy Sojourns

Riverside Ravel offers 4-, 5- and 7-night itineraries on France's Rhône River between Lyon and Avignon, with visits at Arles, Viviers, Tain L'Hermitage, and Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Tarascon, Port St. Louis and Vienne. Riverside Ravel also ventures up the Saone River on eight summer and autumn cruises that visit the Côte Chalonnaise and Maconnais wine regions of Burgundy. These cruises stop at Macon , with tour options to Chalon and Tournus, as well as destinations on the Rhône River. Riverside Ravel concludes her 2025 year with a 4-night itinerary, departing on November 21 from Lyon to Avignon.

Christmas Markets and Festive Getaways

In late-November, Riverside Mozart cruises 3- and 4-night Christmas Markets itineraries along the Danube, with departures from Vienna , Passau and Budapest . Travellers can choose a six-night Christmas cruise departing Vienna on December 20 and celebrate Christmas Eve in Passau, or ring in the New Year in Bratislava and enjoy New Year's Day with an overnight in Vienna on a 7-night voyage departing December 26 .

Riverside Debussy  also delivers bustling German Christmas Markets on a variety of 3-night itineraries that bring guests throughout Germany along the Rhine, Main and Moselle rivers. The ship concludes 2025 with a 10-night Christmas and New Year cruise from Basel to Amsterdam . Guests will observe Christmas Eve in Strasbourg and ring in the New Year with two nights in Amsterdam .

Riverside Luxury Cruises is Europe's newest and most luxurious river cruise line offering all-inclusive vacations on the Rhine, Rhône, Danube, Moselle, and Main rivers. All guests enjoy Riverside's signature intuitive and personalised service from every staff and crew member; butler service in every suite; gourmet cuisine made with high-quality, fresh ingredients a la minute; included premium wines and spirits; complimentary StarLink broadband Wi-Fi; and unlimited shore excursions to immerse in Europe's history, cultures and landmarks. The all-suites Riverside Mozart, Riverside Ravel, and newly inaugurated Riverside Debussy offer the most spacious accommodations, highest staff-to-guest ratio, and more onboard amenities than other river lines. Riverside Luxury Cruises is named Forbes' Best European River Cruise For Foodies and Cruise Critic's 2023 Editors' Pick Award Winner for Best Dining in the River Category.

View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/riverside-luxury-cruises-announces-new-2025-voyages-aboard-riverside-debussy-riverside-ravel-and-riverside-mozart-302121151.html

SOURCE Riverside Luxury Cruises

• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures
• Budapest to Regensburg
• Regensburg to Budapest

Romantic Danube

• From $2,399
• 5 Guided Tours
• 3 Countries
• Dates & Pricing
• 2024 2025 2026
• Budapest to Regensburg Regensburg to Budapest
• Day 1 Budapest, Hungary
• Day 2 Budapest, Hungary
• Day 3 Vienna, Austria
• Day 4 Vienna, Austria
• Day 5 Krems, Austria
• Day 6 Passau, Germany
• Day 7 Regensburg, Germany
• Day 8 Regensburg, Germany

Regensburg, Germany

Having escaped major damage during World War II, the picturesque town of Regensburg is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities, the oldest city along the Danube and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Old Stone Bridge, constructed in the 12th century, is a masterpiece of medieval engineering with its 16 arches. St. Peter’s Cathedral is widely considered Bavaria’s best Gothic architectural work. The old town’s Neupfarrplatz square is a cross section of history—it was once a thriving Jewish quarter, a bustling marketplace and the site of Nazi book burnings.

Shore Excursions

Regensburg Walking Tour

Witness a true medieval city untouched by World War II bombing and rich in architectural splendor.

Historic Regensburg & Jewish Heritage

Discover Regensburg during a walking tour and learn more about the city’s Jewish heritage.

Weltenburg Abbey & the Danube Narrows

Visit a splendid abbey, founded in the 7th century, at a spectacularly scenic bend in the Danube Narrows.

Munich Highlights

See the cultural and historic highlights of one of Germany’s most relaxed cities at the foothills of the Alps.

Bavarian Beer Culture

Sample a selection of Bavaria’s best-loved brews, accompanied by classic biergarten fare.

Historic Nuremberg

Tour one of Germany’s most renowned and intriguing cities on this full-day excursion.

Cooking with Karine: Bratwurst

Taste a variety of German delicacies with Karine in Nuremberg’s medieval district, and learn some of the best side dishes to go with them, perhaps paired with a local brew.

German Language Lesson

Learn a few useful German words and phrases with Rebecca, your Viking tutor. Prost!

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