7 nights · Wien, Austria · River cruise · Departs Vienna (Austria) · Visiting Melk, Durnstein, Bratislava, Kalocsa, Budapest, Esztergom · Aboard CroisiEurope on the ms Douce France
Image courtesy of CroisiEurope ©
This river cruise sails the Danube, departing Vienna.
| Cruise line | CroisiEurope |
|---|---|
| Ship | ms Douce France |
| Duration | 7 nights |
| Port calls | 7 |
| Departures | 7 sailings |
| From fare | $1,928 per person |
| Year built | 1997 |
| Guests | 116 |
| Cabins | 62 |
| Crew | 20 |
| Length | 111 m |
| Beam | 11 m |
| Cruising speed | 9.0 kn |
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.
Dürnstein is a small Wachau village with an outsized place in Austrian history. Its blue-and-white abbey tower rises above the Danube, while lanes of pastel houses lead to riverside cafés and apricot shops. Climb to the castle ruins where Richard the Lionheart was held from 1192 to 1194 for broad valley views. Beyond the village, vineyards and orchards define this UNESCO-listed stretch of the Wachau.
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.
Kalocsa rewards a shore visit with two Hungarian essentials: paprika and a remarkable ecclesiastical heritage. Set on the Great Hungarian Plain, this compact city has been an archbishopric for nearly a thousand years. Visit the cathedral and Archbishop’s Palace, then explore the Paprika Museum to discover the spice that defines local cuisine. Colorful embroidery and painted folk art offer a glimpse of life beyond the Danube.
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.
Esztergom stands where the Danube bends toward Slovakia, its skyline ruled by the vast dome of Hungary’s largest church. The Basilica crowns the castle hill, a landmark of Hungarian Christianity and the seat of the country’s Roman Catholic primate. Below, the old town offers baroque streets, riverside views and traces of royal Hungary. Cross the Mária Valéria Bridge for a striking change of country, with Slovakia just across the water.
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.
Published August 28, 2026
Last updated October 3, 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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