Every once in a while, you stumble upon an adventure that lingers in your memory long after it’s over. That adventure was my second Viking River Cruise, this time exploring and discovering more of Europe on a Danube River cruise.
It confirmed my love for Viking cruises and solidified my belief that they are the best way to see Europe. Join me as I reminisce about this incredible trip, highlight the top things to see and do at each port, and show why a Danube River Cruise should be on your travel bucket list.
What’s Included in a Viking Danube Cruise
- Free WiFi: Stay connected throughout your journey.
- River-View Stateroom: Enjoy stunning views from your comfortable cabin.
- Guided Tours: Six guided tours with audio (Audiovox) headsets.
- Onboard Meals: Savor regional specialties and paired beer and wine.
- Complimentary Beverages: Enjoy soda with dinner and lunch.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Visit four UNESCO sites.
- Entertainment and Activities: Enjoy performances, lectures, and cooking demonstrations.
- All Port Charges: No hidden fees for port stops.
With so many inclusions, a Viking Danube Cruise is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a comprehensive and enriching experience.
Setting Sail from Passau, Germany
Our adventure began in the charming city of Passau, Germany. Known as the “City of Three Rivers,” Passau is where the Danube, Ilz, and Inn rivers converge. This picturesque Bavarian city is a photographer’s dream, easily reached by taxi, especially from the vantage points on the hillside.
Must-See Sights in Passau
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral: This baroque masterpiece is home to the world’s largest cathedral organ, with 17,000 pipes.
- Riverfront Cafes: Enjoy a classic Lowenbrau beer as you people-watch from a riverfront table.
- Historic Buildings and Quaint Shops: Wander through picturesque squares and charming streets filled with affordable souvenirs.
In Passau, we were treated to an organ concert and enjoyed an organized walking tour, giving us a deeper appreciation for this beautiful city.
Discovering Linz, Austria and Cesky Krumlov
While Linz boasts numerous museums and is a UNESCO City of Media Arts, we opted for a day trip to Cesky Krumlov, one of Europe’s most enchanting medieval towns.
Highlights of Cesky Krumlov
- Guided Tour of the City Center: Admire Renaissance buildings and spectacular architecture.
- Bohemian Charm: Meander through charming streets lined with shops, galleries, and pubs.
- Czech Cuisine: Enjoy a fantastic meal at Hotel Zlatý Anděl before exploring more of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Cesky Krumlov’s lively street performers (the clarinets were my fave!) and photo-worthy spots made it an unforgettable day — how cool it was to hear my favorite KISS song played over lunch.
Do you need another Viking River Cruise idea? My first, and I think most people chose it, was the romantic Rhine River cruise.
Marveling at Melk Abbey in Austria
Our next stop was the 900-year-old Melk Abbey, perched on stunning cliffs in the Wachau Valley. This Benedictine monastery is a treasure trove of history and beauty.
Exploring Melk Abbey
- Library and Ceiling Frescoes: The library feels like something out of Beauty and the Beast, and the hand-painted ceiling frescoes are spectacular.
- Guided Tour: Learn about the abbey’s history and significance.
- Scenic Cruising: After our visit, we enjoyed a leisurely afternoon of scenic cruising during lunch.
Despite the rain, Melk Abbey left a lasting impression with its rich history and stunning views. However, photography is not allowed inside.
Overnight Stop in Durnstein
That night, we stayed overnight in Durnstein, a noteworthy wine-producing region in Central Europe. This charming town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a safe and easy walk into town.
Wine and History in Durnstein
- Wine Tasting: Sample some of the best wines in the region.
- Exploring the Town: Wander through the historic streets (yes, it’s safe) and enjoy the local charm.
Durnstein’s rich history and excellent wines made it a memorable stop on our cruise.
Scenic Cruising Through the Wachau Valley
The Wachau Valley, another UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and historic significance.
Highlights of the Wachau Valley
- Scenic Views: Enjoy panoramic views of vineyards, castles, and quaint villages.
- Historic Sites: Learn about the valley’s rich history as you cruise through.
- Leisurely Pace: Relax and take in the stunning scenery from the comfort of the ship
This scenic stretch of the Danube River is a highlight of the cruise, offering unparalleled views and a sense of tranquility.
Need tips for your Viking River cruise? We’ve got plenty in this post.
Vienna, Austria – The City of Waltzes
Vienna, known as the City of Waltzes, is one of Europe’s most elegant capitals. Our bus tour took us along the Ringstrasse, where we saw some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Exploring Vienna
- The Hofburg: The Habsburg’s Winter Palace and home of the Spanish Riding School’s Lipizzaner Stallions.
- St. Stephan’s Cathedral: A stunning example of Gothic architecture.
- Vienna State Opera House: Marvel at the magnificent frescoes depicting Mozart’s Magic Flute.
My friends and I also took an optional tour of Schönbrunn Palace, known as the “Versailles of Vienna.” This opulent palace was home to Marie Antoinette and the Habsburg family, who reigned for six centuries.
A Unique Lunch Experience
Rather than returning to the ship for lunch, we hailed a taxi and went for classic fondue at Restaurant Chamäleon. Despite the initial uncertainty of our cab driver’s directions, we had a delicious meal of authentic cheese fondue with plenty (what seemed like 10 pounds) of bread.
Bratislava, Slovakia – A Hidden Gem
Slovakia’s capital city, Bratislava, is a delight to explore. Our starting points were the Medieval Town Hall and fortifications at Michael’s Tower.
Must-See Sights in Bratislava
- St. Martin’s Cathedral: A charming Gothic cathedral with a rich history.
- Medieval Town Hall: Explore the heart of Bratislava’s historic center.
- Photographic Opportunities: Capture the beauty of this lesser-known European capital.
Bratislava’s blend of history and charm makes it a hidden gem worth discovering.
Captivating Budapest, Hungary
Our Viking Danube Cruise concluded with an overnight stay in Budapest, a city that truly comes alive at night. The sight of lighted bridges and historic buildings along the riverbanks is nothing short of magical.
Highlights of Budapest
- Nighttime River Cruise: Experience the city of lights from the water.
- Budapest City Tour: Visit Pest’s National Opera House, Matthias Church, and Heroes’ Square.
- Castle Hill to Fishermen’s Bastion: A scenic walk with stunning views on the Buda side of town.
- House of Houdini: Enjoy this unique museum’s fun tour and magic show.
Budapest’s vibrant energy and historic beauty made it a fitting end to our unforgettable cruise. My favorite things about Budapest were the Szechenyi Baths (15 indoor and three outdoor pools, saunas, and a steam room—also one of the best in Europe) and the amazing, inexpensive food.
Pro Tip: Touring the Zwack Unicum Museum was interesting. The local drink was too strong for my taste, but I appreciated visiting to see how it is made, their great marketing campaigns, and their enormous liquor bottle collection.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on my Danube River Cruise with Viking, I’m reminded of the incredible memories my friends and I made, the stunning places we visited, and the wonderful people we met along the way. This cruise showcased Europe’s beauty and history and reinforced my love for river cruising.
If you’re a travel enthusiast or a cruise lover looking for your next adventure, I highly recommend embarking on a Viking Danube Cruise. Combining expert curation, diverse destinations, and exceptional service makes it an unforgettable experience.