Discover Wine and Culture on a Danube River Cruise

River cruising is better than ever. It is quickly becoming one of the most popular ways to experience multiple destinations and sightsee at a relaxed pace with as much or as little tour guidance as you desire.

Whether you have never experienced a river cruise before or you are a seasoned river cruiser, a river cruise along the Danube has so much to offer.

River Cruising is Relaxed and Intimate

River cruise boats are, as a whole, smaller than their ocean counterparts. Many river cruise boats host a maximum of 200 passengers on any given trip. This usually means a better crew to passenger ratio and more personalized service on-board, along with a friendly atmosphere. The staff will quickly learn your preferences and are quick to offer individualized support.

Comfort and stylish design defines the modern river cruise ship. The cabins on river cruises tend to be of higher quality than ocean cruises, with bigger windows and more space in each cabin. Usually every cabin is on the outside of the ship, offering better views all day and night with panoramic windows.

More Time in Port, More Time for Exploring

Most cruises along the Danube span seven to ten nights and spend a day in each new city's port. Unlike ocean cruises, there are usually no "boat days" and shore excursions are offered every day.

In every port, you have the option of guided tours or the choice to explore independently. From guided bicycle tours to cooking classes and sightseeing, every taste can be satisfied. Your experience is endlessly customizable, and there is no reason to rush.

The Danube is an Old-World Treasure

From the ship or from the shore, every vista is filled with poetry and old-world charm. Many river cruises dock in Vienna, Budapest, or Bratislava, each city offering something different for the culturally curious traveler.

In Vienna, perhaps you'd enjoy a culinary walking tour sampling treats such as Sachertorte, a princely chocolate cake, or Käsekrainer, a traditional cheesy sausage. Vienna also has a historically notable café culture. The musically inclined will enjoy Vienna's rich musical history, and can even walk in the footsteps of Beethoven and Mozart.

Friendly locals, gorgeous architecture, delicious food, and ancient Turkish baths welcome you in Budapest. The city's vibrant mix of medieval architecture and modern nightlife encourages exploration, from the pubs situated in ancient ruins to the relaxing thermal baths.

The beauty of a Danube river cruise is that it also allows you to confidently explore smaller villages along the river that you might never have considered otherwise, like the quaint cobblestone beauty of Dürnstein with its tiny shops and castle ruins (a castle that once held Richard the Lionheart prisoner!).

You'll Taste Wine from Centuries Old Vintners

Sip your way along the Danube, enjoying some of the world's best wines on a river cruise that will delight your taste buds and educate you on local wines along the way.

While you're in Austria, try Zweigelt, a sunshine-happy red wine similar to Gamay (Beaujolais). Meanwhile, soak in the views of a land that has been producing wine for centuries. The oldest winery in Austria is Nikolaihof, dating back to 777!

Nearby Slovakia's wine region is a mostly undiscovered jewel, with evidence of wine-making dating back to the 800s where vineyards were first founded by the Roman Empire. The most popular wine in Slovakia is Grüner Veltliner, a white wine that tends to be crisp, dry, and young. It also pairs wonderfully with the traditional Slovak meal of dumplings with sheep cheese and bacon.

All-Inclusive Means No Worries

River cruises offer exceptional value for travelers, with many river cruises offering at least one shore excursion per day, Internet service, as well as food and wine included in the cost of the cruise. It is also possible to add on additional days at the start or finish to extend the adventure. While the price is often higher than a big ocean liner, the included value and features are a big draw for river cruisers.

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