Riverside Mozart, 7 night The Blue Danube River Cruise ex Budapest return

Discover the Danube’s quaint villages and bustling capital cities on this exquisite cruise beginning and ending in Budapest. Come face to face with the Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square, and Castle District before heading to nearby Bratislava, the surprisingly whimsical capital of Slovakia. In Vienna, marvel at the monumental architecture, legendary Ringstrasse, and celebrated Lipizzaner stallions as you follow in the footsteps of Mozart and Strauss. Then, discover a little bit more of Hungary in Estergom, one of the country's oldest towns, and Visegrád with its castles and Royal Palace.

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.

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.

TULLN, AUSTRIA
Tulln is a historic town located on the southern banks of the Danube River in Austria. It dates back to the Roman times when it was an important military and economic center due to its strategic location. Today, Tulln has a small commercial and passenger port on the Danube River, connecting the town with other parts of Austria and Europe. The port has played a significant role in the town's development and continues to be an essential transportation hub. Despite being heavily damaged during World War II, Tulln has been rebuilt and restored, and its historic center attracts tourists who come to admire its beautiful architecture and rich cultural heritage.

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.

ESZTERGOM, HUNGARY
The Basilica of Esztergom is the largest church in the country, and the seat of the Hungarian Catholic Church. Its treasury was opened in 1886 with the aim of preserving and exhibiting liturgical instruments and houses outstanding masterpieces of artistic and historical value. One such piece is the gold cross from France known as Calvary of King Matthias, weighing over five kilograms. Special features of this region include the fortress ruins of Visegrad and the excellent wineries.

VISEGRAD, HUNGARY
Visegrad is a small town located in Hungary, on the banks of the Danube river. It is known for its picturesque scenery, rich history, and impressive medieval fortress. Visitors can explore the town's historic center, which features well-preserved buildings and streets that date back to the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian periods. One of the main attractions in Visegrad is the Visegrad Castle, which offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and the Danube river. The town is also home to several thermal spas and wellness centers, making it a popular destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. Additionally, Visegrad is known for its traditional Hungarian cuisine, including hearty stews and grilled meats, as well as its delicious local wines.

A river cruise aboard the Riverside Mozart means luxury, local culture and loving life. No sense is left untouched. Dine in one of the first-class restaurants. Decompress in the spa with sauna and massage. Discover another world on an excursion. Or simply delight in an Earl Grey or a Taittinger on the Vista Deck as you sail serenely through the landscape of the Wachau Valley. It's one big treat for the senses.

Time ticks differently on the Riverside Mozart, as does the ship itself. It sets the standard for true luxury on the river. Enjoy suites instead of staterooms, the smallest alone measuring 215 square feet (20 sqm), while the Owner Suites deliver an expansive 883 square feet (82 sqm). No other river cruise ship on the Danube offers so much space combined, with a suite to crew ratio of 1:1. The service on board is exceptional, catering to standards enjoyed in luxury hotels the world over. When it comes to styling, different tastes can certainly divide opinion – but this ship is without a doubt uncompromisingly beautiful.

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.