Riverside Debussy, 7 Night Discoveries along the Danube River Cruise ex Budapest return

This route starts in Budapest and ends there, too. In between, it leads to Belgrade, the white city of Serbia, and finally to the Iron Gate, the breakthrough valley on the Danube in the southern Carpathians. Unbridled nature to the right and left of the shore - and, of course, the different cultures of the Balkan countries.

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
It is no coincidence that many filmmakers have chosen Budapest as a backdrop. Take EVITA (1996), for example – most of the scenes were shot not in Buenos Aires, but in Budapest. Anyone walking through the city, in the shadow of the State Opera House or across elegant Szabadsag ter (Freedom Square) in the V. district, sees and feels it immediately. Budapest impresses. It is a metropolis and a spa city. It is Paris, Florence and Vienna in one. Many buildings were copied here. In fact, the Palais Batthyany, is an exact copy of the Palazzo Strozzi in Florence. A must: the castle district. Pastel-colored houses, built by their owners to be close to the Royal Palace. Or the National Gallery. Or the Labyrinth: it also served as a prison. Its most famous inmate: Vlad Tepes from Transylvania, who went down in history and stories as Count Dracula. And another suggestion. It is best to simply drift through Budapest. Then you will always come across enchanting stores like the Madison Perfumery. It is housed in the rooms of a 19th-century pharmacy. Not only the fragrances are enchanting, but also the furniture and accessories in the back room, all of which are original.

VUKOVAR, CROATIA
The city is located close to the Serbian border and was the scene of much armed conflict during the war from 1991 to 1995. Signs can still be seen today. The port is surrounded by wineries and close by are interesting archaeological sites.

BELGRADE, SERBIA
Today’s capital of Serbia always aroused great covetousness because of its strategic location. The symbol of many conflicts and the current landmark of the city is the fortress over the Danube and the Sava. There is so much to see and experience here. Among other things, the only preserved Turkish bath from the early 19th century. And, speaking of Turkish. The cuisine of Serbia is so interesting because the meat dishes are Turkish and Hungarian and the pastries are Austrian-Bohemian. It exudes its scent especially in Knez Mihailo Street with its numerous cafés and restaurants.

NOVI SAD, SERBIA
Little known, but well-worth a visit: Novi Sad was founded in the 17th century and quickly became known for trade and production. In addition, the city developed into a centre of Serbian culture – earning it the nickname “Serbian Athens”. Dunavska Street, with its pretty two- and three-storey buildings, is named after the Danube. Also worth seeing is “Freedom Square” with the town hall and St. Mary’s Church.

Charming and poetic, the compositions of Debussy created a beautiful bridge between romanticism and the developing modern world. So too will your ship, the Riverside Debussy, deliver the rich history of Europe along with all the modern comforts that bring you joy. The best of both worlds await you on the romantic Rhine river, where we are creating unique journeys that will allow you to see the old world in an entirely new, and oh so luxurious way.

A river cruise touches the senses. It combines space and time to create a contemplative experience. Sitting on the upper deck in an intimate atmosphere, watching unspoiled, beautiful scenery pass by – these are moments you will never forget.

Marvel at the engineering prowess of the locks. Immerse yourself in the culture of Europe's most beautiful cities. Enjoy the culinary specialties of the regions the ship passes through. And you only have to pack your suitcase once. Yes, a river cruise in Europe with Riverside Luxury Cruises also means setting out to find yourself.