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River Cruises on the Danube

A journey on the most beautiful river in Europe


The Danube is probably the most unique and interesting river in Europe. With a length of almost 2,900 kilometers, the river runs from the Black Forest to the Black Sea and crosses ten countries on its journey. Accordingly, there is a lot to see and experience on a river cruise on the Danube. With Vienna and Budapest, two of Europe's most beautiful and important cities lie on the banks of the Danube, their magnificent buildings bearing witness to their centuries-old history. But travelers should also have seen historic cities such as Regensburg, Passau, Linz and Bratislava.

A Danube cruise, however, is not only a journey through the history and architecture of Europe, but above all a foray through some of the most beautiful natural landscapes of our continent. The lovely, hilly landscape of the Wachau with its numerous vineyards, the wild and romantic mountain range of the Carpathians and the gentle estuary of the river at the Black Sea are only three of the scenic highlights on the long way of the river.

Wien Wachau Budapest Donau Donji Milanovac Belgrad Solt Mohács Golubac Novi Sad Melk Passau Bratislava Kalocsa Estzergom Giurgiu Oltenita Tulcea Russe Vidin Linz Ybbs Dürnstein Vilshofen Regensburg Kelheim Eisernes Tor Vukovar Fetești Schwarzes Meer Sulina Deggendorf

City Highlights

Passau

Passau

Due to its special geographical location at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, Passau is undoubtedly one of the most unique cities in Germany. But not only the location of the city on the three rivers is exceptional, Passau also offers its visitors numerous remarkable sights. Towering above the city is the Veste Oberhaus, an impressive fortress dating back to the 13th century. The old town of Passau is known for its beautiful baroque architecture, especially the Cathedral of St. Stephen with its characteristic onion domes and the largest cathedral organ in the world with almost 18,000 pipes.

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Vienna

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.

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Bratislava

Bratislava

The capital of Slovakia is located on the border with Austria and Hungary. It is home to about 450,000 people. The old town of Bratislava dates back to the 18th century and is a great place to stroll around thanks to its car-free zone. The cafés and bars there serve the city's famous dark beer. Bratislava's landmark - the Bratislava Castle - is located on a hill. From its terrace you have the best view of the city and the Danube.

Budapest

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.

Linz on the Danube

Linz on the Danube

Linz is the capital of the province of Upper Austria. Around around the central main square invite churches, pretty facades and charming stores invite you to a stroll through the old town. Who once here, should definitely stop at one of the cozy Kaffeehäuser and enjoy the world-famous Linzer Tortesince it tastes best in its homeland. A dreamhaftes panorama is offered by the Pörstlingberg, which can be reached on foot or convenient to reach by mountain railroad. From the viewplatform and the baroque pilgrimage church is recommended Detour to the Grottenbahn, an enchanting fairy-tale world that not only brings children's eyes to shine.

Vukovar

Vukovar

The Croatian city of Vukovar is located in the east of the country and is characterized by the Baroque era. The historical center of the city is therefore worth a visit. Very famous is also the Grand Hotel "Radnicki dom". You should not miss the baroque castle Eltz and the oldest and most famous water tower in Croatia. Also a stop at the church of St. Philip with the attached Franciscan monastery is recommended.

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Novi Sad

Novi Sad

Novi Sad is the second largest city in Serbia and is located on the Danube River. The place is perfect for a stop to see sights like Petrovaradin Fortress. This is one of the best preserved fortresses in Europe, has a catacomb system and is located on a hill. A walk through the city center with its narrow streets, quaint cafes and the New Renaissance style city hall is also recommended.

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Esztergom

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.

Golubac

Golubac

The Serbian port city of Golubac is located on the Danube and is best known for its fortress with its eight towers, idyllically situated on the riverbank. Here the visitor can dive into the past, because it is one of the best preserved castles of the Middle Ages. Both the upper and lower castle as well as the various towers can be visited. In the surroundings of Golubac begins the Serbian National Park Derdap.

Vidin

Vidin

The Bulgarian city of Vidin is located in the northwest of the country on the Danube River. It is considered one of the oldest cities in Bulgaria and you can find many influences of both Celts and Romans and Ottomans in the city. Worth seeing is especially the medieval fortress from the 13th century called "Baba Vida". Also a visit to the cathedral "Sveti Dimitir" or the mosque "Mustafa-Pasha" are recommended.

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Fetești

Fetești

If the words of a legend are to be believed, the name of the town derives from the Romanian "satul cu fete" and translates as "the village with the girls". Fetesti, located in the Wallachian Plain of Romania, is best known for the Anghel-Saligny Bridge, inaugurated by King Carl I, constructed for the railroad line from Fetesti to Cernavoda, and downright made for a day visit.

Tulcea

Tulcea

On seven hills Tulcea nestles on the right bank of the Danube. Not only the modern architecture and the sacral buildings of the Romanian port city are worth seeing. Just outside its gates lies one of the greatest natural treasures in the world. Since In 1993 the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve is listed as a UNSECO Worldnatural heritage site. Far more than 5,000 animal and plant species have been counted so far. Many of them are considered threatened and are found in the approximately 5.800 square kilometers large estuary of the Danube a habitat of inestimable value.

Description and info of river cruises
on the Danube

With VIVA Cruises' Danube river cruises, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to routes and duration. Whether you want to take a short 4-day vacation, a Rhine-Main-Danube river cruise or a river trip to the estuary, you will find the right trip for you at VIVA Cruises.


Splendidly awaiting you on this trip are the Danube metropolises of Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest, which will captivate you with their magnificent buildings. Medieval castles, fairytale palaces and imposing aristocratic palaces grace your path between the vine-covered Wachau and the majestic Melk Abbey. With such a journey, you will hardly be able to stop marveling.

Click here to get to the voyage: Enchanting Danube | River Cruise | VIVA TWO | VIVA Cruises (viva-cruises.com)

This Main-Danube trip takes you from the Main River to the highest waterway in Europe: the Main-Danube Canal. This waterway, 175 km long in total, connects the Main River near Bamberg via the Altmühl River near Dietfurt with the Danube River near Kelheim. With only 16 locks, which are among the largest and most modern structures of their kind, the canal overcomes a total height difference of 234 meters.

But also culturally there is much to discover: whether in Miltenberg the Schnatterloch, one of the most beautiful marketplaces in Germany, the numerous rococo and baroque buildings in Würzburg, the Old Town Hall in Bamberg, decorated with facade paintings, the medieval old town in Nuremberg or the Liberation Hall in Kelheim - look forward to many cultural highlights, unique river landscapes - and on board a feel-good program for body and soul.

Click here to get to the voyage: From Danube to Main | River Cruise | VIVA TIARA | VIVA Cruises (viva-cruises.com)

Drift down the Danube in a gentle zigzag and enjoy the extraordinary views of the narrow gorges and picturesque bays. Hungary's Puszta, Serbia's Carpathians and the Iron Gate will enchant you. Immerse yourself in the history of the Danube metropolises and be swept away by the castles and fortresses of Bratislava and Belgrade. Stroll through the wide avenues of the Paris of the East and end your trip with a piece of cake at Café Sacher.

Click here to get to the voyage: Danube Cataracts | River Cruise | VIVA TWO | VIVA Cruises (viva-cruises.com)

Glide through the eras of the Danube and admire the legacies of the former monarchies. In the magnificent capitals of Bratislava, Budapest and Vienna, you can visit ancient coronation sites, storm castle palaces and waltz through cafés. Marvel at the breathtakingly beautiful landscapes of the Wachau and be enchanted by lovely Linz.

Click here to get to the voyage: Danube's Great Cities | River Cruise | VIVA TWO | VIVA Cruises (viva-cruises.com)

Untouched wilderness full of biodiversity as far as the eye can see! Be fascinated by natural spectacles and the immense variety of birds and plants of the Danube Delta. Join us on a nature-filled journey where, in addition to flora and fauna, history also outgrows itself - in Budapest, Belgrade and Vienna as well as in ancient fortresses, principalities and kingdoms.

Click here to get to the voyage: Danube Delta Nature Experience | River Cruise | VIVA TWO | VIVA Cruises (viva-cruises.com)

A river cruise on a VIVA Cruises ship is suitable for almost every group of people: whether young or old, city or country fan, architecture or nature lover - the Danube has something to offer for every taste. No other river in Europe offers travelers such a diverse mix of history, architecture, nature, culinary delights and sport. Get to know the Danube on a leisurely city tour, a hike up a nearby hill or a bike tour along the river.

The special feature of an all-inclusive river cruise with VIVA Cruises: from full board with breakfast, lunch and dinner to snacks in between and high-quality alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, everything is included in the price of our cruises. Even the mini-bar in the cabins is refilled daily.

VIVA Lifestyle Shoot 2022 (20)

VIVA All-Inclusive:
only the best for you

With VIVA Cruises, "all-inclusive" means you can sit back, relax and enjoy. Your physical well-being is taken care of with selected food and drinks. In addition, we offer you relaxing care products. And if you do need a good connection, use our WLAN. For other good connections - especially to our on-board staff - the included tip provides.

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

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

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All day high quality, cold and hotnon-alcoholic
beverages and a exquisite selection of alcoholic beverages; take a look
at our bar menu.

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

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Daily freshly filled mini-bar and
reusable water bottle in the
cabin

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Selected beauty products from
RITUALS

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Free WLAN on board - for undisturbed
reception

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Tips for the entire crew

The right excursions for your river cruise

The guests on board our floating premium hotels are all different. That's why we devise an equally diverse excursion program for each of our fascinating itineraries. Whether you are a gourmet, a nature lover or an art enthusiast, our selection of experiences will open up new perspectives for you on every voyage.

Arrival and departure to your VIVA ship

With VIVA Cruises you enjoy the feeling of being in the best hands from the very beginning. That's why our service is not limited to life on board, but begins with the preparation of your trip.

You need a parking space for your vehicle, plan a comfortable arrival and departure by train or would like assistance for a suitable flight?

Upon request, we will gladly take care of your stress-free arrival and departure as well as transfers. Call us: +49 211 274 032 50 or write us an e-mail : info@viva-cruises.com

PASSAU

Our berth in Passau is either in Lindau or Passau Old Town, rarely also in Passau Racklau. You will receive further information with your travel documents.

If you travel to Passau with your own car, we recommend booking a space in the Globus parking garage there. Our partner Globus will take you with your luggage directly from the parking garage to the ship on the day of arrival and will conveniently pick you up from the ship on the last day of your trip. You will receive further information about the parking facilities and the voucher with your travel documents. Payment will be made directly on site.

Book your parking space now here: globus-group.de/booking

We are happy to book a transfer for you from the train station to the ship and back. This is available from us for 20 € per person, including luggage transport in the bus. Please contact us for a booking by mail or phone.

Our berth in Vienna is usually located on the Donauraum Vienna, close to the Reichsbrücke. You will receive further information with your travel documents two weeks before the start of your trip. 

If you are traveling to Vienna in your own car, here is our recommendation for a nearby parking garage:

P+R Reichsbrücke
Handelskai 255
Leopoldstadt
1020 Vienna 

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