If there was a river that has completely captured the imagination of the world – a thousand times over – it would be the beautiful, blue Danube. And without question, a luxury river cruise along it – with all the stunning architecture, historic cities and towns, natural beauty and stately wineries on both sides – needs to be your next adventure. In a phrase: It’s a classic.
Truly, the most sophisticated way to see the storied Danube River is with Riverside Luxury Cruises. Experiencing this region on the elegant, all-suite Riverside Mozart is a rare treasure, the most luxurious ship on the Danube. Riverside operates like a luxury hotel, with all the amenities and comfort that goes with that.
Setting your sights on Riverside lets you in on a large roster of shore excursions, to be selected according to your interests – be it art and design, architecture and history or food and wine. Riverside even lets you plan your excursions first and select a cruise itinerary around them, with combined itineraries that let you explore Europe even deeper.
Bespoke tours in Budapest
Whether you’re breezing along Andrassy Boulevard, entering the Great Synagogue, finding a solemn moment at the Heroes’ Square or admiring the Gothic Revival masterpiece that is the Hungarian Parliament Building, a tour of Hungary's glorious capital city is a walk in the park – and a very pretty one at that. By bus or on foot, tours through the neighborhoods of Budapest deliver a panorama of fabled landmarks, hillside churches, stunning vistas, secret caves and opulent palaces. And the strudel? Particularly pleasant.
Baroque sites in Bratislava
This city is most beautiful seen from the river. A wander around the Slovakian capital is a breath of fresh air, picturesque and vibrant, filled with restaurants, bars and shops to poke about in. Bratislava’s pedestrian-only old town streets are filled with late Baroque architecture. Take in the famous Castle Hill, the Primatial Palace, Town Hall and the National Theater, or head into one of the many art galleries. At the end of the day, there’s bound to be a brewery you can tour, too.
Exquisite architecture in Vienna
Perhaps the most beautiful city in the world, Vienna is a tapestry of one incredible scene after another, each square holding a building, a monument or an artwork more exquisite than the next. Riverside’s local bus and walking tours here show you the road and share all the stories. Learn about the famous people who made the city their home, while you visit the former Royal Palace, St. Stephan’s Cathedral or the Spanish Riding School.
Medieval structures in Melk.
Austria's Melk Abbey welcomes visitors from all over the world, who come to see how the monks live and work in this charming town. Melk’s small city center is filled with history, including its elaborate and well-preserved medieval fortress. Riverside cruise guests can also take a bike tour from Melk to the nearby village of Pöchlarn, which was settled as early as the Neolithic Age, around 4000 BC.
Biking trails in Krems
The twin towns of Krems and Stein in north Austria feature a multitude of architectural marvels like churches and monuments, museums and markets. A scenic bike tour through the region delivers ample views and historic sites, with food and wine being one of the definite highlights. Visitors learn about the different aspects of wine production and participate in a wine-tasting, before touring the neighboring landmarks.
Verdant vineyards in Dürnstein
One of the most scenic towns along the Danube, Dürnstein is known as the “Pearl of the Wachau”, situated in Austria’s Wachau Valley, a noted wine region. Tours here take you through the city’s cobblestone streets lined with quaint shops and cafes. Hiking tours can also send you up to the ruins of Dürnstein Castle, where you will hear stories of King Richard the Lionheart, who was once held prisoner here. Riverside also gives you the opportunity to explore this beautiful region by helicopter.
Historic tales in Passau
When you taste your way through Passau, Germany, you learn very quickly why this is such a highlight on the Riverside’s exploration of the Danube. Dating back to the Neolithic Age, long before the Romans, the city was once a powerful trading center. Today, it remains a quaint reminder of how deeply European history reaches into the past.
