Trip Reports
Duration
6 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
6 Ports
10 December
Setting sail from Passau
The pretty Bavarian town of Passau, situated close to Germany's border with Austria, enjoys a unique setting at the confluence of three rivers: the Inn, the Ilz and the Danube. Passau grew rich on the back of the medieval salt trade, and went on to become the most important bishopric in the Holy Roman Empire; the narrow cobbled streets of the handsome old town, the Altstadt, haven't changed all that much in the centuries since.
Our tip
If you get a chance to go to an organ concert in the cathedral, snap it up. And try not to schedule a Sunday in Passau - nothing will be open.
11-12 December
Austria: Linz (Salzburg)
The city of Linz is included on river cruise itineraries due to its proximity to Salzburg, which is where you’ll most likely be headed. Salzburg’s Altstadt attracts millions of visitors every year with its fairytale skyline of domes and spires, and the city is renowned as both the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for ‘The Sound of Music’.
12 December
Austria: Melk
The riverside village of Melk is best known for its spectacular abbey, a Baroque masterpiece that dominates the landscape. A Benedictine abbey was first established here in 1089, and the 18th century reconstruction that you can see today is still a working monastery.
13-14 December
Austria: Vienna
Vienna is jam packed full of thrusting, bombastic buildings that stand as a reminder of Austria’s glorious imperial heyday. From mid-November the city's squares are transformed into magical Christmas markets, where fairy lights twinkle and the air is heady with aromas of sizzling sausage, gingerbread and Glühwein.
14 December
Slovakia: Bratislava
Bratislava, Slovakia’s quaint little capital, straddles the Danube close to the border with Austria and Hungary. The compact old town is the best place to begin your exploration, before heading up to the hilltop castle for commanding views of the city and surrounding countryside.
15-16 December
Arriving in Budapest
Budapest is one of Eastern Europe's most appealing cities, a vibrant and welcoming capital that straddles the Danube. The history of Budapest has been somewhat turbulent - ransacked by the Mongols in 1241, occupied by the Ottoman Turks for over a century, and almost flattened by the Soviets in 1945 - but plenty of older buildings survive, including the imposing Parliament and iconic St Stephen's Basilica. Although a pedant might point out that Budapest has only really existed since 1873; up until then the city's two distinct halves, Buda and Pest, were separate towns.
Don't miss
If you are a music lover, you can’t miss a performance at the Opera House – affordable, and great music in a wonderful building.
Your home from home
The Riverside Mozart sets the standard for luxury on the Danube with spacious suites and attentive personalised service.
What we love
Riverside Mozart brings a wealth of space along with outstanding service, excellent dining with genuine open seating and many tables for two, a fantastic spa area with pool, and a fresh contemporary style.
| Capacity | 162 Guests |
|---|---|
| Crew | 82 staff |
| Style | Glamorous and stylish, Riverside Mozart brings together the best in contemporary design with an abundance of space and four fabulous dining options. |
| Inclusions |
Upgrade to Premium All-Inclusive Including Excursions for an additional cost. |
Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Where to stay in Passau
Don’t hold your breath for anything amazing. That said, the Residenz Passau is quite nice.
Excursions from Passau
Burghausen is a short drive away and well worth a visit, not least for its magnificent castle.
Our favourite hotel in Budapest
We like the Hotel Palazzo Zichy on the Pest side of the river, which used to be the residence of Count Nándor Zichy.
A taste of Hungary
If you’re a wine lover, you really should visit the world’s oldest classified wine region, known for its sweet Tokaji aszú dessert wine.
