Imperial Cities on the Danube

5 days
Nov 2027
Museum Visits

2027

from

$2,050

per person

Best Price Promise & Private Fares
from $2,050 per person

The river cruise begins in Vienna, Austria’s capital of music and imperial splendor. From the ship, travelers admire the domes of baroque churches, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and elegant palaces, framed by the vineyards and rolling hills of the Vienna Woods.

The journey continues to Komárom, on the border of Hungary and Slovakia. Surrounded by wide river meadows and historic fortifications, it reflects centuries of strategic importance. The Monostor Fortress, the largest of its kind in Central Europe, dominates the landscape.

In Esztergom, the monumental basilica rises above the Danube, offering spectacular views over the Danube Bend – a natural wonder where the river curves dramatically through hills and valleys.

The next stop is Vác, a charming baroque town on the riverbank. Its churches, squares, and triumphal arch highlight Hungary’s cultural heritage, while its green surroundings add tranquility.

Finally, the ship reaches Budapest, where the Danube divides hilly Buda from vibrant Pest. By night, the illuminated Parliament, Chain Bridge, and Fisherman’s Bastion create a magical scene. With history, culture, and breathtaking river landscapes, this finale is unforgettable.

Itinerary

day 1-2 | Vienna

The capital of Austria is one of those cities that every traveler should have visited once in the course of his life. Hardly any other city in the world has to offer such an enchanting combination of magnificent architecture, world-famous museums and theaters and beautiful green spaces. No wonder, the entire city center of Vienna is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Vienna is known worldwide for its palaces of emperors, kings and nobles, such as Schönbrunn Palace, the Belvedere and the Hofburg. But the city's many churches, especially the landmark St. Stephen's Cathedral, are also worth a visit. Museum visitors come at the numerous world-class museums in the city, such as the Albertina, the Museum of Art History and the Museum Leopold anyway fully at their expense..

Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria. Located on the Danube River in the East of the country, the city is renowned for its strong music heritage and rich culture, and is the largest German speaking city in the world, outside of Berlin. In 2001, Vienna was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts magnificent architecture. The city is home to over 27 castles and 150 palaces including the symbolic Gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral and the iconic Schönbrunn Palace. Art and music are in abundance and all tastes are catered for. Live music venues offer everything from Rock to Opera. Enjoy world class performances at Vienna State Opera and experience the epicentre of international concert life at Musikverein. Modern and historical art can be found in indoor and outdoor spaces around the city, and a visit to the famous Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) is highly recommended. Enjoy views of the city from the Danube Tower and the Giant Ferris Wheel, then relax in the ample cosy coffee houses, cafes, bars and restaurants where traditional and international cuisines are served, as well as the locally produced wines.


day 3 | Komárom

Komárom is a historic border city in northwestern Hungary, situated on the south bank of the Danube river. It is uniquely linked to its Slovakian counterpart, Komárno, by two bridges (the historical Elizabeth Bridge and the newer Monostor Bridge), effectively forming a "twin-city" complex.


day 3 | Esztergom

Esztergom is located in beautiful Hungary on the Danube and has numerous sights, such as the Basilica, the Castle Museum or the Mária Valéria Bridge. Near here is also the Danube Bend, a bend of the river and nature reserve. From the bridge you have a unique view of the Basilica. Outside the city is Lake Palatinus, a top-class recreation area. The border with Slovakia is also not far here. If you want thermal cures, you should go to Slovakia.

Esztergom is located in beautiful Hungary on the Danube and has numerous sights, such as the Basilica, the Castle Museum or the Mária Valéria Bridge. Near here is also the Danube Bend, a bend of the river and nature reserve. From the bridge you have a unique view of the Basilica. Outside the city is Lake Palatinus, a top-class recreation area. The border with Slovakia is also not far here. If you want thermal cures, you should go to Slovakia.


day 4 | Vác

Vác is a historic thousand-year-old city in northern Hungary, located approximately 35 km north of Budapest on the eastern bank of the Danube Bend. Known for its stunning Baroque architecture, the city serves as a religious hub and a popular day-trip destination for its riverside promenades and cultural landmarks.


day 4-5 | Budapest

"Pearl of the Danube" or "Paris of the East"? One thing is certain, Budapest has a lot to offer! From afar, the Parliament building on the banks of the river greets you and lets the Hungarian capital shine in its old splendor. The imposing Chain Bridge invites you to explore the districts of Buda and Pest, which are adorned with Art Nouveau buildings, wide avenues and thermal baths steeped in history. After a piece of the famous Baumkuchen, the breathtaking view from the Castle Hill with its Castle Palace and the impressive Fishermen's Bastion can be enjoyed even better.

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located over the River Danube. It is one of the largest cities in the European Union and much of its historical sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Originally formed in 1873 by the joining of Buda, Pest and Old Buda, the city suffered heavy destruction during World War II and was rebuilt into the country's political, cultural and commercial hub it is now. Bridges and railways connect the city over the Danube, including the six small islands situated on the river themselves. Some of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites include Chain Bridge, Budapest Parliament, the striking Matthias church and the iconic Royal Palace visible from every location within Budapest City. The Castle Hills district architecture represents over a thousand years of the city's history with examples of Roman, Turkish, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. Budapest also has a rich Jewish heritage and is home to the largest synagogue in Europe. The city has an abundance of restaurants offering international cuisines, as well as traditional Hungarian dishes ,including goulash soup, a very popular lunchtime dish. Hungarians enjoy their coffee so a traditional cafe is never hard to find.


What's included

VIVA All-Inclusive

  • Diner

    Full board with breakfast buffet, lunch, dinner (multi-course gourmet menus, served at the table) and snacks with free choice of table and flexible meal times.

  • Soda

    All day high quality hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages and a selection of alcoholic beverages; have a look at our bar menu

  • High Tea

    High Tea: once per trip a selection of sweet and savory treats such as scones, sandwiches, cupcakes, chocolates and macarons. A variety of teas are offered to match

  • Minibar

    daily freshly stocked minibar and reusable water bottle in the cabin

  • Sekt

    A warm welcome with a welcome champagne - here's to a wonderful stay on board

  • Beauty

    Selected beauty products from RITUALS

  • Wifi

    Free WLAN on board - for undisturbed reception

  • Service

    Tips for the entire crew


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DISCLAIMER: Rates are per person, subject to availability and can change at any time

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