Trip Reports
Duration
4 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
4 Ports
7 December
Setting sail from Vienna
Formerly the centre of the Habsburg Empire, Vienna is as grand a European capital as you can imagine, jam packed full of thrusting, bombastic buildings that stand as a reminder of Austria's glorious imperial heyday. Architectural highlights include the Spanish Riding School, the Schönbrunn Palace and the Hofburg, the sprawling former residence of the Habsburg royals. 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.
Don't miss
Schloss Schonbrunn, the Habsburgs' summer palace, with great gardens too. Just a few of the huge number of rooms are open – the Imperial Tour takes you into 26.
7 December
Austria: Krems
Krems sits on the river Danube at the eastern end of the beautiful Wachau Valley, surrounded by vineyards. It’s an attractive old town, with pretty cobbled streets and a good selection of galleries and museums, as well as some excellent restaurants.
8-9 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’.
9-10 December
Arriving in 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.
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.
See more of Austria
If you’ve got time, go to magical Salzburg too, you will love it.
