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Published: April 7th 2008
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7 Days Cruise on the Danube on a brand new boat. My only aim was - when searching the river cruise market -to find a brand new boat. The funny part is that the prices do not reflect the age of the boat. You have to do your home work to find out everything that is possible about river cruising.
This boat (Amacello) was built in Netherlands and started sailing four weeks ago. The company ordering the boat is Australian and originally built it for Australian customers in mind. Right now is being used equally by American and Australian passengers. I would not recommend this cruise for a younger crowd.
European river cruise is one of the most enjoyable and hassle-free ways to explore Europe's castles, cathedrals and picturesque villages. It's a simple way to travel and we're in the middle of the action, not seeing it from afar. Plus there's plenty of time to unwind. Framed by Austrian Alps, lush vineyards, and medieval castles, the Danube River casts the lure of romance that has caught many artists, musicians, and poets throughout the centuries.
Cruising on the Danube is more scenic than on the Rhine. Especially between
Linz and Passau. It takes 8 days to get from Budapest to Nuremberg. The distance is all together 800 km. It is very relaxing and you might call it civilized. The food is plenty and the kitchen is great. The chef is only cooking fresh and local food. Number of cabins: 70.
April 19th, Saturday Budapest Embarkation. Surprised that the entire crew, waiters, cooks, hairdresser, masseuse, maitre'd were Hungarians. Aged between 23-27. They were friendly, helpful, not the same Hungarians that I have used to deal with. So what happened? They said that this is a great job, getting paid in Euro; the tips are great, like the locations, food, etc. They were funny, courteous.
April 20th Bratislava City tour. A guided morning tour of Bratislava reveals the city's major sights, including the Old Town Hall, the stunning Mirbach Palace and the Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral. The afternoon is free to explore on our own. An eventful day is followed by an evening filled with an enchanting music performance on board. After midnight the ship departs for Vienna.
April 21st Vienna City tour. A wonderful day to savor the baroque romance of Vienna. On our guided
sightseeing tour, we have seen the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral and also visited the National Library. The afternoon was free to stroll along Kärntnerstrasse or sample Vienna's famous pastries (Sacher torte). Tonight, we came along for an optional Mozart and Strauss concert.
April 22nd Dürnstein, Melk, Walking tour, Benedictine Abbey Tour. Early this morning reach the Wachau Valley. Stop in Dürnstein and marvel at the magnificent blue façade of the baroque Stiftskirche. Above town we have spotted the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. Our walking tour through medieval cobblestone streets reveals 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. At lunchtime, we have continued on a short cruise to Melk. A guided tour took us to the town's magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's largest baroque monasteries. An evening wine tasting highlighted our visit to the Wachau Valley.
April 23rd Linz, Passau. After breakfast, we have cruised through Upper Austria to Passau in Germany. In Passau the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. During our walking tour, gazed at this fairy-tale city founded more than 2,000 ago.
April 24th Regensburg Walking tour. Afternoon arrival in Regensburg, one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. A guided tour showed us the city's architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall, and the Porta Pretoria - a gateway to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Marveled at beautiful churches and one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube. Evening, folklore entertainers came on board.
April 24th Unfortunately the level of the Danube was much higher than it would have been necessary for our boat to fit under the bridge in Regensburg, so we had to stay overnight in Regensburg. Next day we had to take a bus to Nuremberg. That was not fun (2 hours on the bus both ways) but there is nothing to do when the river is close to be flooded. Mind you the scenery was unforgettable. In the afternoon we have enjoyed a guided tour of Nuremberg, capital of Franconia. Seen the storybook 900-year old ramparts that surround this historic city, the Imperial Castle and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. Moored overnight in Regensburg again.
April 25th The cruise was over, and we had enjoyed it
tremendously. A minibus arranged by the cruise line free of charge for us, dropped us off at our hotel in the castle area in Nuremberg, where we have spent an additional 5 days on our own.
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