The Danube, one of the longest rivers in Europe, is also one of its most beautiful routes. Flowing past must-visit cities such as Prague and Vienna, Danube river cruises offer the perfect opportunity to experience the Old World in a stress-free, relaxed manner. But a river that long naturally offers a plethora of options. Which Danube river cruise is best for your needs? Here are the possibilities:
The Short Routes
Most of us lead busy lives, leaving not much time for vacations. In the short span of time that we do have available, we want to visit as many destinations as possible. In that case, the 7-8 day river cruises are your perfect opportunity.
The possibilities here are nearly endless. Many cruise lines offer a tour through the Romantic Danube, allowing you to experience Southern Germany, Austria and Hungary. The historic cities Nuremberg, Vienna, Prague and Passau are all on the itinerary, which specifically makes you appreciate the historic city centers of central Europe. Variations of this route, sometimes extending to Prague touch on the city's Christmas markets during the cold season or the rich musical history of the area.
The 2 Week Adventures
With a little more time available, a new world of possibilities opens up. The Grand European Tour gets you from Amsterdam all the way to Budapest, cruising along on the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers. Alternatively, the 11-day Passage to Eastern Europe gets you from Budapest through Croatia, Serbia and Romania, with wonders such as the Iron Gate and Belgrade's Orthodox cathedral along the way.
Prague to Budapest is another popular route for those available for two weeks, but the most unorthodox choice may be this: a 12-day cruise from Budapest all the way to the Black Sea, including a visit to an ancient Christian necropolis in Pecs and to "Dracula’s" castle in Transylvania.
The 3 Week Experience
Of course, you may be lucky enough to go on a three-week river cruise. In that case, you will be able to get the full Danube experience. Several cruise lines offer what Viking calls its European Soujourn, a 23 day trip that begins at the North Sea and ends at the other end of Europe, in Bucharest. While this tour comes with a price, it leaves out nothing - from the massive Cologne Cathedral to Vienna's Grand Opera. If you have the time and resources, it's almost impossible to say no.
In short, the perfect Danube river cruise depends greatly on your available time. But one thing is for sure: the beauty of the river will be enough to not make you regret your choice as you wonder at the natural and man-made wonders awaiting you. If you need help choosing, a luxury travel agent who specializes in river cruises can help you figure out which cruise line and itinerary best works for you.
