Welcome back to my Travel Bucket List Series. I hope you have enjoyed the destinations I have highlighted throughout the year. Today my series continues with a river cruise down the Danube River during the holiday season. The European Christmas Markets have been high on my list, and what better way to see them than on a river cruise with AmaWaterways luxury cruise line. I was delighted to see the cruise line had partnered with Adventures by Disney for a few of these sailings. We cruised with AmaWaterways and Adventures by Disney last fall when we toured the Rhine River. It was a spectacular vacation, and I look forward to this sailing soon.
Before the start of the cruise, we plan on spending a few days exploring Budapest, Hungary. Budapest is the capital of Hungary and the ninth-largest city in the European Union. The city is split in half by the Danube River, Buda on one side and Pest on the other. Budapest’s central area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes the Hungarian Parliament and the Buda Castle. We want to be close to the cruise terminal, so we plan to stay at the Sofitel Budapest Chain Bridge Hotel. It is near the river and the downtown area. The hotel has 357 rooms and suites, most with a stunning view of the river.
First, a walking tour of the Buda, the western part of the city. The must-sees are
Next on the list, a Tuk Tuk tour of the eastern part of the city, Pest. I look forward to seeing
After a whirlwind couple of days in Budapest, we board our home for the next week on one of AmaWaterway’s beautiful ships and set sail to beautiful Vienna, Austria.
Vienna is home to 20 or so Christmas Markets. One of the biggest is at Marie-Theresien Platz. There are 70 booths full of handicrafts, gift ideas, and food. In addition to all the shopping, there are children’s rides, live music, and more.
Another must-do, visit a Heurige. A Heurige is a traditional wine tavern. I love authentic experiences like this.
Other points of interest in the city of Vienna:
After two days in Vienna, it is time to move on to the town of Durnstein. Durnstein is famous for ruins and wine taverns.
A tour of Dürnstein includes the famous ruins of the castle Burgruine Dürnstein. There are incredible views from the castle of the river, vineyards, and villages. Then it is back on the ship to enjoy sailing through the Wachau Valley. I am sure this will be just as spectacular as sailing through the Rhine River Gorge.
After a beautiful sail along the river, the next stop is Melk, Austria. Our visit to Melk will include:
The last stop in Austria is Salzburg. Here we will explore the Salzburg Dome Cathedral, St. Peter’s Monastery, and Old Town, as well as the hidden alleys and shops that line Getreidegasse in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s hometown. Oh, how do a visit to the beautiful Mirabell Gardens and other significant sights made famous from the movie The Sound of Music sound?
The Salt Mines of Hallein is among the oldest mines in the world that are open to the public. Take a raft through the underground salt mines and zoom down a mineshaft slide—all while learning the rich history of Austria’s “white gold.”
Our cruise takes us into Germany to the city of Passau. How does a tour led by a local expert dressed in 18th-century period clothing sound?. Then, experience a marzipan-making activity that will satisfy your sweet tooth—with enough yummy delights made to take some home!
Our trip wraps up in Vilshofen. Vilshofen has a unique Christmas market in that it is a floating market along the Danube. Before heading to Munich to catch our flight, I plan on spending at least one day here exploring the market. It looks too beautiful to pass up.
So, what about you? Are you ready to add the Danube River cruise to your bucket list of destinations? Or perhaps a trip to Greece or Ireland is on your list? Wherever you choose, I hope you have the adventure of a lifetime.
My Travel Bucket List Series continues with destination number seven, Germany. Last fall we sailed…
September 20, 2020Last October, Rüdesheim am Rhein was one of six stops we made during our…
July 15, 2020
Alexis Farmer | 7th Dec 20
I’m down for a Danube River trip! So much gorgeous architecture 😍
Heather | 8th Dec 20
Stunning!
Tricia Snow | 7th Dec 20
Wow! What gorgeous photos! I love the architecture … the shoes always get me!
Heather | 8th Dec 20
Yes, the shoes really make one think.
Angela | 7th Dec 20
I absolutely loved visiting Budapest and honestly we had some amazing food there too. The Bastion and Funicular day was our favorite and we finished with an amazing sour paprika pork stew that had a puff pastry lid – so dang good.
Heather | 8th Dec 20
Oh that sounds delicious!
Sabrina DeWalt | 7th Dec 20
Sounds exciting. I hope you are able to get there next year.
Heather | 8th Dec 20
Me too!
Roselyn Franke | 7th Dec 20
I’ve been to the first three cities mentioned in your article, but not the others as I’ve not been on a river cruise yet – it’s been my dream and on my bucket list for some time now. When do you get to start your cruise?
Heather | 8th Dec 20
We don’t have a date yet. I am waiting to see when this craziness is over.
Lisa | 7th Dec 20
I want to go on this trip! I love Salzburg!
Heather | 8th Dec 20
It looks amazing!
kmf | 7th Dec 20
Yes! I would love to add the Danube River Cruise to my bucket list! Austria is at the top of my list when we can roam freely again so this river cruise would be perfect to see all the sights.
Heather | 8th Dec 20
I thought of you when I was researching Austria.
Barbara | 8th Dec 20
This sounds so amazing to explore! WOW! I would love this adventure!
Heather | 10th Dec 20
Amazing right???
Kristen W Allred | 8th Dec 20
I loved looking at these pics of what I would get to see on a Danube River Cruise. I would enjoy going to the Christmas markets, exploring the ruins, and wine tasting. And, of course, the food!
Heather | 10th Dec 20
I worry there won’t be enough time to do everything!
Leeanne Miller | 8th Dec 20
This trip down the Danube River looks amazing. I have been to Budapest and Vienna and I loved both of these cities. I’m sure you will have a great time on this cruise.
Heather | 10th Dec 20
Thanks!
Elaina | 8th Dec 20
It’s like stepping back in time. I would love to visit their farmers market one day.
Heather | 10th Dec 20
That is what I love about Europe. Everything is so much older than here in the states. It is so amazing.
Ashley Pacheco | 8th Dec 20
I think you’ve convinced me to do a Danube cruise, that is gorgeous!
Heather | 10th Dec 20
Awesome!
Julie Gazdecki | 9th Dec 20
For sure an ultimate bucket list trip. I cannot even imagine how beautiful this would be in person.
Heather | 10th Dec 20
Agree 100%!!
Taquia | 10th Dec 20
I would love to go on a Dunbar River Cruise! Budapest is place I really want to see.
Heather | 10th Dec 20
It certainly looks like an incredible city for sure.
Stacey Billingsley | 10th Dec 20
What an amazing trip! I would love to go. I’ve always dreamed of exploring Europe. This would be such a fun way to do it!
Heather | 22nd Dec 20
Yes, it is a fantastic way to see Europe.
Pam | 11th Dec 20
I have always wanted to do one of these cruises! Fingers crossed soon.
Missy | 11th Dec 20
Yes, I am ready to go on a Danube River cruise!
Heather | 22nd Dec 20
I am ready to go anywhere! LOL
Cindy | 13th Dec 20
I’d love to take that cruise down the Danube! It all looks so beautiful.
Heather | 22nd Dec 20
Doesn’t it? I can’t wait to travel again.