I found the 8 Day Highlights of the Danube to be a great introduction to river cruising! The tour starts in Budapest, cruises through Austria with options to visit both Slovakia and the Czech Republic and ends in Germany. If you want something that is just a little shorter than the ever popular, 15 day Amsterdam to Budapest (or vice versa) this cruise is ideal!
This cruise does the Danube section of the river and is truly the most leisurely and luxurious way to see parts of Eastern Europe.
We flew into Budapest and were greeted by our APT transfers to take us straight from the airport to the ship. The first night on the ship was spent docked in Budapest so we got a real taste of what this city has to offer. What a way to be introduced to Eastern Europe!
The next morning, I chose the included hike up Castle Hill. This tour is for the more active of the guests but the view of the city is breathtaking!
After a beautiful dinner, that evening the captain cruised out of Budapest and straight back in so we could view the city lit up from the river. Spectacular is an understatement!
On Day Three we made our way to Vienna. This city is rich with, culture, history and architecture. If only the buildings could talk it would tell tales of famous musical composers like Mozart and Strauss, of Kings and Queens and even of historical figures some would rather forget, like Hitler. On our included walking tour of Vienna, we really understood just how alive with stories this city really is. I loved it.
The ship stayed in Vienna for another day and guests had a choice between included optional activities. I chose to go to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia for the day. Bratislava did not disappoint, we did a tour of the old town and its tiny cobbled stone streets and local cafes. It felt very off the beaten track and authentically Eastern European.
An absolute highlight, APT include exclusive to APT guests only, an included private classical music and opera concert featuring the Mozart Boys' Choir in the Leichtenstein City Palace.
On Day Five we arrived in Durnstein.
This is a beautiful and quaint little town on the river. Had this not been a stop on our cruise itinerary it would be totally bypassed travelling by road. We walked through the town and hiked up to the ruins of Durnstein castle. This was a spectacular view and should be a must do! Hint, this is a steep walk up, there are plenty of places to stop and rest on the way up, give it a go and take your time!
In the afternoon I chose to ride from Durnstein to Melk. An included optional activity not for the faint hearted! A 35 km bike ride along the river, while the ship followed closely behind! Gorgeous views!
Day Six we made our way to Linz, Austria. We had a choice to see the UNESCO world heritage city of Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic or visit Salzburg and the sights made famous from the Sound of Music. This was the hardest decision for most guests! I went to Cesky Krumlov and it did not disappoint! It is easy to see why it is UNESCO listed. I felt like I was taking a step back into 15th Century Europe.
This eight day taster really is an enjoyable tour. APT deliver a seamless, all inclusive, once in a lifetime experience. The beauty of this type of touring is there really is something for everyone. You can do as much or as little as you like. For the guests who have a little trouble walking APT offer, in every destination, an easy pace guide and for the guests who want to be active, you can hike, bike and explore at your own pace. APT really make it a once in a lifetime experience for every single guest!