5 nights · Hungary · River cruise · Departs Budapest (Hungary) · Visiting Bratislava, Vienna, Melk, Ybbs an der Donau, Passau · Aboard CroisiEurope on the ms Douce France
Image courtesy of CroisiEurope ©
This river cruise sails the Danube, departing Budapest.
| Cruise line | CroisiEurope |
|---|---|
| Ship | ms Douce France |
| Duration | 5 nights |
| Port calls | 6 |
| Departures | 3 sailings |
| From fare | $1,491 per person |
| Year built | 1997 |
| Guests | 116 |
| Cabins | 62 |
| Crew | 20 |
| Length | 111 m |
| Beam | 11 m |
| Cruising speed | 9.0 kn |
Budapest makes a memorable arrival, with the Danube dividing hilly Buda from lively, level Pest. From the river, the Hungarian Parliament’s Gothic Revival façade commands attention, especially after dark. Cross the Chain Bridge to explore Castle Hill, or stay in Pest for cafés, markets, and celebrated thermal baths. Allow time to linger: Budapest’s pleasures are best discovered on foot, over a long lunch, and beside the water.
Bratislava rewards a day ashore with a walkable old town, a lively Danube waterfront and a castle above the river. Explore the lanes around Michael’s Gate, then climb to Bratislava Castle for wide views across the city and beyond. Pause at a café terrace before following the riverside promenade. Slovakia’s capital is compact, making its historic centre easy to discover on foot.
Arrive in Vienna by river and give the city more than a passing glance. Its imperial centre rewards a slow walk, from St Stephen’s Cathedral to the grand Ringstrasse boulevards. Set aside time for Schönbrunn Palace, once the Habsburgs’ summer residence, or choose the Kunsthistorisches Museum for its remarkable collections. Then take a seat in a traditional coffeehouse; in Vienna, coffee and cake are part of the city’s daily ritual.
Melk stands at the western end of Austria’s Wachau, a UNESCO-listed Danube valley. Its vineyards, apricot orchards and medieval towns make the river journey especially rewarding. High above the water, Melk Abbey commands attention with its baroque church, imperial rooms and celebrated library. Founded as a Benedictine monastery in 1089, it remains active and ranks among Austria’s most memorable cultural landmarks.
Ybbs an der Donau offers an authentic slice of Lower Austria, away from the crowds of larger river ports. Its compact old town gathers around handsome squares, historic façades and the parish church of St Lawrence. Across the water, the Ybbs-Persenbeug power station offers a striking counterpoint to the medieval streets. From here, explore the Nibelungengau, a quiet stretch of the Danube lined with villages, wooded slopes and broad river views.
Passau sits where the Danube, Inn and Ilz meet, their contrasting waters framing one of Bavaria’s most handsome old towns. Walk its baroque lanes to St Stephen’s Cathedral, famed for its historic organ. From the fortress of Veste Oberhaus, rooftops and rivers unfold in a memorable view. Passau rewards a leisurely call: explore on foot, pause beside the water, and watch three waterways shape the city’s character.
Published September 6, 2026
Last updated October 11, 2026
Author: J. Richard
Good to know: Prices are quoted per person based on double occupancy and include all applicable taxes and fees. Availability and prices can change quickly, so please continue through the booking process to confirm the latest availability and pricing before you pay.
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