Capitals of the Danube

from€799
for 4 nights

Capitals of the Danube

Vienna, Budapest & Bratislava

The Danube River is the second-longest river in Europe, and it flows through ten countries, making it a popular destination for river cruises.  The route that stands out is the Danube Capitals cruise, which takes you on a journey of a lifetime, showcasing the most beautiful and unique capitals along the river.

Vienna is the capital of Austria and the city of music. Vienna is a city that is steeped in history and culture, and it has been the home of many famous musicians, including Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. One of the top attractions in Vienna is the Konzerthaus, a concert hall that has hosted some of the most significant composers in history. The hall’s acoustics are exceptional, and attending a concert here is an experience that you will never forget.

Budapest, the capital of Hungary. Budapest is a city of contrasts, where you can find a mix of modern and traditional architecture. The city is divided into two parts by the Danube River: Buda, the hilly part of the city, and Pest, the flat part. An iconic spot in Budapest is the Fisherman’s Bastion, a terrace with a panoramic view of the Danube River and the city. The bastion is named after the fishermen who defended the city in the Middle Ages, and it is an excellent spot to watch the sunset and take beautiful photos.

Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, and a hidden gem that is often overlooked by tourists. Bratislava is a city that is full of surprises, with a mix of medieval and modern architecture, and a vibrant arts scene. A must-see venue is  Devin Castle which has a rich history and was an important stronghold during the Middle Ages. The castle’s ruins offer a stunning view of the river and the surrounding countryside.

 

What's Included
  • Booking advice from your Travel Escapes travel advisor
  • 4 nights accommodation onboard the 4* MS Vivaldi, operated by CroisiEurope
  • Based on 2 sharing a main deck cabin
  • Full Board basis from dinner on the first evening to breakfast on the morning of departure
  • All onboard  standard beverages (Not including the premium list)
  • Official welcome from the captain and crew
  • Welcome cocktail
  • Tours as per the itinerary (Headsets are included for excursions)
  • Gala evening
  • Evening entertainment

 

EXCURSIONS INCLUDED

  • Authentic and Unique Vienna

Vienna: We’ll set out to discover the high art of Viennese living. We’ll stroll through the city and visit backstage in the Konzerthaus concert hall, which has the Vienna Symphony, Vienna Chamber Orchestra, Wiener Singakademie and Klangforum Wien in residence. We’ll tour the prominent institution that features about 750 events per year with our guide who will explain the hall’s history. We’ll head backstage where we might be able to catch a glimpse of a performer or two! After our tour, relax in one of the local cafés and enjoy a steaming cup of Vienna Coffee and a delicious pastry. After our tour, we’ll return to the ship.

PLEASE NOTE

  • In case the Konzerthaus is booked for shows or closed, we’ll visit the Musikverein or the Opera instead.
  • The order of the visits can change.
  • Times are approximate

 

  • Guided tour of Vienna (Without Schonbrunn)

You will begin the tour by taking the famous Ring, one of the personal projects of Emperor Franz Joseph. In 1857, he decided to take down the ramparts that enclosed the city center and had this boulevard built lined with fine buildings. Along the Ring you will admire this architectural showcase of the old Austro-Hungarian monarchy, including the State Opera, the Hofburg Palace, the Natural History Museum, the City Hall, the Burgtheater and more.

PLEASE NOTE

  • Comfortable shoes are recommended.
  • If we have time, you will enjoy free time close to St Stephen’s Cathedral.
  • The order of the visits can change.
  • Times are approximate.

 

  • Great Market Hall in Budapest

We’ll set out on foot for the Great Market Hall, a magnificent structure from the late 19th century that still functions as an abundant food market. This is a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture. The building is over 100,000 sq…

  • Tour of Budapest

Budapest: in the company of our guides, we will leave for a panoramic tour of Budapest, the Pearl of the Danube. First we will head for the hills of Buda by crossing the Elizabeth Bridge and we will go up to the Castle quarter, from where we’ll enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of the city. We will walk round the castle quarter and on to the Fisherman’s Bastion, built in neo-Roman style in 1902 for the simple pleasure of offering a panoramic view over the city and the Danube. Behind the Bastion, we will find Matthias Church which notably was the venue for the coronation of Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife “Sissi”. Our coach will then take us down to the plains of Pest. There, we will visit Heroes’ Square whose central monument depicting Prince Arpad and the chieftains of seven Magyar tribes was built for the millennium of Hungary. We will pass by the famous Szechenyi thermal baths, the zoo – a true piece of architecture – Vajdahunyad Castle and more. We will walk through the famous Andrassy Avenue and pass by St. Stephen’s Basilica whose construction began in 1851 and was only completed in 1905. We will walk along the river and see the famous Parliament building overlooking the Danube with its white silhouette in the Byzantine and neo-Gothic styles. Return on board.

PLEASE NOTE

  • Panoramic tour with stops to take pictures.
  • Entrance tickets for these monuments are not included.
  • The order of the visits can change.
  • Times are approximate.

 

  • Guided tour of Bratislava

Bratislava, before becoming the capital of independent Slovakia in 1993 was first of all the capital of Hungary from 1536 to 1784 under the name of Presburg. It then belonged to Czechoslovakia before becoming the capital of the “Slovak Socialist Republic” as part of Czechoslovakia between 1969 and 1992.
Along with your guides, you will begin the visit with a panoramic tour of the city which will take you to Bratislava Castle (outsides), which dates from 1811, after the previous castle burned down, and from where you will enjoy a breathtaking view over the Danube and the city. The main historical monuments are located in the Old Town and the coach will drop you off at its entrance to continue the visit on foot. You will enter through Michael’s Gate, which is the only gate still surviving from the Middle Ages. Then you will head for the central square surrounded by elegant buildings, some in Art Nouveau style, and dominated by the old Bratislava Town Hall. The tour continues with the Primate’s Palace (outsides) completed in 1781 for Archbishop Jozef Bathyány.
As you stroll through the streets, you may come across some of the amusing statues that are dotted around the capital. After the guided tour, you will have some free time and will return to the boat on foot or by coach depending on sailing times.

 

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

  • Explore three exciting capital cities in Central and Eastern Europe: Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava

ALL EXCURSIONS INCLUDED

  • Guided tour of Vienna (without Schönbrunn)
  • Authentic and Unique Vienna
  • Tour of Budapest
  • Great market hall in Budapest
  • Guided tour of Bratislava

 

ABOUT MS VIVALDI

Upgrade Options
Mid & Upper deck upgrades are available on request.
Prices
Dates Price
11 Aug 2023-
15 Aug 2023
€1128 Book Now
21 Oct 2023-
25 Oct 2023
€1114€954 Book Now
25 Oct 2023-
29 Oct 2023
€969€809 Book Now
29 Oct 2023-
02 Nov 2023
€939€799 Book Now
02 Nov 2023-
06 Nov 2023
€939€799 Book Now
06 Nov 2023-
10 Nov 2023
€969€809 Book Now
10 Nov 2023-
14 Nov 2023
€939€799 Book Now
18 Nov 2023-
22 Nov 2023
€939€799 Book Now
22 Nov 2023-
26 Nov 2023
€939€799 Book Now
26 Nov 2023-
30 Nov 2023
€939€799 Book Now
Agent
Eleanor M
Eleanor M
Booking Remarks
Flights are not included.
Optional insurance €25 (conditions apply)
A non-refundable, non-transferable booking deposit of €250 per person is required. Full payment if departure is within 16 weeks.
Gratuities are not included and are payable at your discretion at the end of your cruise onboard.
Holidays & offers are subject to availability at the time of booking
These prices are guidelines only and are subject to change and availability. Pricing will be confirmed at the time of booking.
Single Supplement available on request. Mid & Upper deck upgrades are available on request.
Duration Notes
CroisiEurope operates many ships on the Danube and it may be necessary to substitute a sister ship of the same standard.

For the excursions
Good walking shoes are recommended.
The order of the visits can change.
Times are approximate.
Itinerary
Day 1

Vienna, Austria

VIENNA

Passengers are welcome to board at 6:00 p.m. in Vienna. After you’ve comfortably settled into your cabins, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. We’ll enjoy dinner on board. The rest of the evening is yours to do as you please.

Day 2

VIENNA

This morning, we’ll set out on a guided tour of Vienna. We’ll travel on The Ring, part of the vast changes to the Viennese cityscape that took place in the second half of the 19th century.

This afternoon’s excursion will be to discover “Hidden Vienna.” We’ll tour backstage at the Konzerthaus and enjoy cup of Viennese coffee and a pastry.(1)

Dinner will have an Austrian flair. Join us for an evening of dancing in the lounge. Our ship will cruise to Budapest.

Day 3

Budapest, Hungary

BUDAPEST

This morning, we’ll set out on a guided tour of the city to visit scenic Buda and lively Pest.

The afternoon’s excursion is a trip to the covered market and a tasting of some traditional Hungarian delicacies.

We’ll have a Hungarian-themed dinner and enjoy traditional entertainment on board. Our ship will cruise to Bratislava overnight.

Day 4

Bratislava, Slovakia

BRATISLAVA

We’ll spend the morning cruising. After our arrival in Bratislava, we’ll set out on an afternoon tour of the Slovakian capital.

After our excursion, we’ll return on board the ship. Tonight is our festive gala evening. Our ship will cruise to Vienna overnight.

Day 5

VIENNA

We’ll arrive in Vienna early in the morning. Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.

View full itinerary