Riverside Debussy, 14 Night Danube Discoveries River Cruise ex Budapest to Regensburg

Commencing in Budapest your ship will first explore the lower Danube stretch as far as the Iron Gates. The name "Iron Gates" are used in local languages to describe the entire range of gorges on this part of the Danube. You will explore Belgrade and other towns on this stretch of the river before returning past Budapest enjoying a stop in the magnificent city of Vienna along the way. Sailing the Wachau valley, visiting Grein and Linz, you will cross the border to Germany in Passau and continue along the Walhalla to Regensburg. Your cruise will finish here but not before you have the chance to explore this fabulous town.

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.

BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
Once understated and unknown, since the turn of the millennium it has become something of a pearl on the Danube alongside Vienna and Budapest. Small, quaint and quiet, it shows its splendor at the castle, but also and especially in the old town where you will find fine buildings, such as the rococo Palais Esterhazy, where the Russian composer Anton Rubinstein once lived. Yet all this grandeur is rivaled by a canal worker, of all people, who speaks for the humor of the Slovaks. They have dedicated a bronze monument to him. Cumil (Man at Work) is the name of the sculpture by artist Viktor Hulik. He mischievously looks out of a manhole cover at passers-by like a gawker. Subtle humor in the face of grand statues – this is a theme in this neat city.

VIENNA, AUSTRIA
This is the city of classical music. It’s Mozart and Strauss. It's street art on a sandy beach and fun in the countryside. It’s bohemia and bourgeoisie and the finest baroque. And of course Art Nouveau. It’s bad-tempered waiters in great coffee houses. It’s Sigmund Freud and Gustav Klimt and Adolf Loos and Friedensreich Hundertwasser and Sisi and many others. It is the Spanish Riding School, an event for horse lovers. And of course it is the city of Schmah (jokes anyone?) and scandals, on which the Viennese feast like cows on fresh grass on the alpine pasture. Last but not least: Vienna is the city on the Danube. Although it was not always so. The Viennese Danube river front is an artificial structure which was only created in the 19th century. Before that, the Danube flowed past Vienna in many arms through floodplains and uninhabited areas. Today, the Riverside can also dock right in front of the city. And then it starts. Marvel, wonder and rejoice. Vienna is a dream.

DURNSTEIN, AUSTRIA
Durnstein is a village with narrow streets and the canons’ monastery, whose blue church tower stretches out majestically into the Heavens. High above the village is the castle, or rather what remains of the castle. It is there that you can trace an exciting story: King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned here – and would possibly have died there if a singer had not saved him.

MELK, AUSTRIA
Does anyone still remember Adson of Melk? Right, that’s the main character in the novel. The name of the rose. The story begins in Melk Abbey and ends in its breathtaking library, in whose 12 rooms more than 100,000 volumes stand in fine order, virtually piling up. (Here, the word “piling up” still has an entirely positive meaning!) Melk Abbey is one of the most magnificent examples of marble, gilded wood, stucco and finely mastered frescoes. Built in 1746 by order of the Benedictine monks, the monastery is perched on a rock nearly 200 feet / 60 meters above the ground. When you stand on the Altane (the great terrace of the monastery) the view of the Danube and the town of Melk almost brings tears to your eyes with emotion. What a view!

GREIN, AUSTRIA
Typical Austria. The rococo theatre in Grein was built in 1793 solely to provide a little diversion for the guests passing through. It is located in the middle of the enchanted old town and is still preserved. Its wooden hall is situated in today’s town hall. You have to have seen it. And then there is Greinsburg Castle with its maritime museum. A perfect overview of the history of navigation on the Danube!

MAUTHAUSEN, AUSTRIA
It is surrounded by a beautiful landscape but its name echoes a sad memory: Mauthausen was the place where the largest concentration camp on Austrian soil was located during the Second World War. Mauthausen was first mentioned in 1208 under the term “Muthusen”.

LINZ, AUSTRIA
Linz? Often, the only things that come to mind are “Linzer Torte” and Mozart’s Linz Symphony. The city is truly underestimated, with its baroque main square and magnificent old town. Do you love a good market? Then Linz is your town, boasting eleven farmers markets and two Christmas Markets. One, the “Urfahraner Market” takes place in both the Spring and Fall. Shopping anyone?

REGENSBERG, GERMANY
In the Middle Ages, Regensburg was one of the most important cities in the Holy Roman Empire and served as the site of numerous imperial diets (assemblies). During the Reformation, it played a significant role as a meeting place for Catholic and Protestant leaders who attempted to reconcile their differences. This effort ultimately failed, leading to the Thirty Years' War, which devastated much of Europe. In the 19th century, Regensburg became part of the Kingdom of Bavaria, and its economy flourished as a center of trade and industry. Regensburg is known for its stunning architecture, including the Gothic-style St. Peter's Cathedral and the historic Stone Bridge, which dates back to the 12th century. Today, its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A Bavarian Museum showcases the region's unique cultural heritage through an extensive collection of artifacts, artwork, and historical objects displaying everything from the area's early settlement and development to its modern-day traditions and customs. Another popular attraction in Regensburg is the historic popular attraction in Regensburg is the historic Wurstkuchl, also known as the Sausage Kitchen. Located on the banks of the Danube River, this restaurant has been serving up traditional Bavarian sausages since the 12th century. According to local legend, the Sausage Kitchen was founded by a group of boatmen who would stop there for a hearty meal after a long day's work on the river. Today, the same sausages that have been served for centuries are on offer, along with a cold beer.

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.