fbpx
Tag

Danube River Cruise

Browsing
Ama Waterways

Take the River Cruise Less Traveled: The Lower Danube

River Cruise the Lower Danube River through Serbia and the rest of Eastern Europe.
The Danube River through Belgrade, Serbia

Shoving off from Budapest, Hungary, your river cruise ship is ready for a journey down the Lower Danube River. You are off into a land of mystery, intrigue, and enchantment. As you travel beyond the former Iron Curtain you have the opportunity to delve into the lives of people once hidden. This is the river less traveled and you are ready to discover its beauty! I can’t wait to show you a little of what is waiting for you as you river cruise through the countries of the Lower Danube River!

Hungary

  • Puszta
  • Mohacs
  • Széchenyi Square in Pécs
  • Parliament Building in Budapest

Your tour will begin in the phenomenal capital city of Budapest, Hungary. This is a popular beginning/ending point for Upper Danube River cruises as well as Lower Danube cruises. In fact, if you want to experience the best of the Danube then you might want to book an Upper Danube cruise and a Lower Danube cruise right after. But, I digress. If you want to learn a little more about Budapest then check out this post and the beginning of this Christmas Market itinerary.

Your trek continues south through Hungary. Depending on your river cruise line you might take a short stop in Puszta, on the Great Hungarian Plain, and watch an unforgettable horsemanship performance. Or you might stop in Mohacs and then take a trip to the 2000-year-old city of Pécs. Pécs is also filled with historic architecture including the Christian Necropolis; St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic Cathedral (don’t miss the catacombs); and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. Wine lovers will thoroughly enjoy the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago.

Croatia

  • Overlooking Vukovar
  • Vukovar Memorial
  • Sunset over vinyards of Ilok

Vukovar is a beautiful Baroque Croatian city where you can tour important war landmarks from the 1990s war with Serbia such as Ovčara Memorial and Eltz Castle. Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance and known as the “hero town” because of the brave Croatian civilians and volunteers. This is a great place to understand and remember more modern history.

Another option is to go wine tasting in Ilok. Since Roman times wine has been produced in this reason making its famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines.

Serbia

  • Novi Sad
  • Petrovaradin Fortress
  • Belgrade
  • Belgrade on the Danube
  • Golubac Fortress

Your first stop in Serbia could be Novi Sad, sometimes called the “Serbian Athens”. In Novi Sad, you can explore Dunavski Park and Stari Grad, the Old Town center. During the evening you might visit the impenetrable Petrovaradin Fortress and the “haunted” underground corridors.

Next, on to the exploration of Serbia’s capital, Belgrade. There is so much to see in this city. Your city tour includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Other places you will want to visit are the Royal Palace (home of the Serbian Royal Family); the House of Flowers, and the mausoleum of Marshal Tito (first President of Yugoslavia). After touring, take a rest and enjoy a taste of Serbian plum brandy, Šlivovitz.

The next part of your river cruise journey down the Lower Danube river will straddle two different countries. The Danube river is the border between the nations of Serbia and Romania. On the Serbia side, you will have the opportunity to explore the ruins of Golubac Fortress, a fortified medieval town that was built during the 14th century. From this highly fought-over strategic position, you can gaze across the Danube to Romania.

Romania

  • Iron Gates
  • Bucharest Arch of Triumph
  • Bucharest Village Museum
  • Bucharest Palace of Parliament

Enjoy an 83-mile scenic cruise as you pass through the Iron Gates, one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Through this stretch, the Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains. This region is also named the Iron Gates for the series of locks on the river. The ancient King Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers.

The Danube River will leave Romania for a while and you will sail through Bulgaria for a day. After sailing through Bulgaria you will end your journey in Giurgiu. If you want to discover more of Romania after your cruise you can take an optional land extension to Bucharest.

Some river cruise itineraries include Bucharest, the Paris of Eastern Europe. If yours does, then you might want to see the Romanian Athenaeum, The Arch of Triumph, the Palace of Parliament (the 2nd largest administrative building in the world), or the Village Museum. Bucharest is quite a contrast of architecture from the historical churches and buildings not destroyed during Nazi occupation to the nearby communist-era cement block structures and more modern buildings.

But, let’s go back to Bulgaria.

Bulgaria

  • Vidin
  • Baba Vida Fortress
  • Belogradchik

The first stop in Bulgari is in Vidin, one of Bulgaria’s oldest cities. Travel back to medieval times at Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria. Then on to Bulgaria’s natural wonder, Belogradchik, where you will be able to hike around the spectacular rock formations.

In Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s ancient city, you will enjoy exploring its medieval fortress and many orthodox temples. Or, if you are interested in more modern Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture from the 19th and 20th centuries then you might want to see Rousse instead.

As you can see, the Lower Danube is very different from the rest of the Danube River. This is the perfect itinerary to travel back in time and encounter a land a little more untraveled.

If you are intrigued by the countries of the Lower Danube River and would like more information about visiting, just contact me.

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

Here are some other articles you might like to read.

Ama Waterways

Regensburg, Germany: River Cruise Your Family Back to Medieval Times

Regensburg, Germany is the oldest medieval town in Bavaria and a great port for the family on a river cruise.

Regensburg, Germany is one of the wonderful ports you might visit while on a Danube River Cruise. This town is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Bavaria. In fact, the entire medieval Old Town is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Regensburg, Germany is a fantastic town to visit on a river cruise and take a walk back into medieval times with your family!

Visit Regensburg, Germany on a river cruise with family of all ages–what is there to see and do?

So, what is there to do and see in Regensburg? And, if you are traveling with family of all ages what might be of interest to everyone? Read on and find out what your family might enjoy when visiting Regensburg, Germany on a river cruise!

Old Town

Just like most European port towns on the Danube taking a tour of the Old Town is top on the list of things to do. Walking through Old Town in Regensburg you will get a feel for its long history. You will enjoy the charming, tall residences, lovely Old Town Hall, and impressive Gothic clock tower. Some highlights are…

Old Stone Bridge is not to be missed in Regensburg, Germany and will be enjoyed by the whole family.
  • Steinerne Brucke (Old Stone Bridge)–This stone bridge with 15 arches was one of the few bridges across the Danube River in the middle ages.
  • Brucketurm (Bridge Watchtower)–Climb up the tower steps for an excellent view of the bridge and the Danube River. There is also a nice museum of dioramas of the bridge through the years and clock mechanism.
  • Ostentor (Eastern Gate), a 14th century stone gateway flanked by turreted towers
  • Porta Praetoria–Built in 179 AD, it’s one of the two remaining Roman gates in Germany

Regensburg Cathedral

Also called St. Peters Cathedral, the Regensburg Cathedral is considered the most impressive Gothic cathedral in Bavaria. You will feel dwarfed by the 105 meter Gothic spires and awed by the beautiful stained glass. Inside you will be impressed with the decorative arches, canopies, and sculptures.

Wurtskuchl (Regensburg Sausage Kitchen)

Back in the 1100’s the building was the construction office for the Old Stone Bridge. Once completed, workers vacated the building and it began its new life as a food stand. Today, it is still serving up grilled sausages and sauerkraut making it one of the oldest restaurants in the world. It’s so good even the locals eat there!

Walhalla (Hall of Fame)

About 10 kilometers east of Regensburg sits Walhalla. Built as a reproduction of the Parthenon in Athens, this Teutonic temple honors famous Germans in history. Inside the ornate, marble hall you will find busts of more than a hundred historic figures including King Ludwig I, Goethe, Luther, Gutenberg, and empress Katarina the Great. What a great place for a historical person scavenger hunt! Seeing all the famous statues is also a great starting point for an exploration into the life and times of a historical character.

This imposing structure is built on a foundation of 358 marble steps and while it provides a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside and Danube River it might be a little too taxing for some members of your family. Kids often enjoy exploring the surrounding woods over looking at all the statues and plaques. But the impressive structure is definitely worth the visit. Some river cruise itineraries include Walhalla (along with a bike ride there) as one of the included excursion options.

Regensburg, Germany will be a memorable stop on your family river cruise adventure. There is so much history to explore and share together. Just another reason why a river cruise might be just the perfect vacation for your multi-generational family reunion!

Want to check out some Danube River Cruise itineraries, click here.

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

Here ar some other articles you might enjoy!

Ama Waterways

10 Reasons Why Ocean Cruisers Will Love a River Cruise

One reason ocean cruisers will love river cruising is floating past charming towns like Passau.

Ocean cruising has been one of the most popular types of vacation experiences for decades. People who love cruising love the all-inclusive experience. Other benefits of ocean cruising are its affordability, convenience of departure ports all over the United States, excellent service, entertainment, and activities in one place, and that it’s a floating hotel taking you from country to country. Sounds like the perfect vacation, doesn’t it? What could possibly be better? Well, consider a river cruise!

You might think that the words “inland” and “cruise” are incompatible. Well, let me show you on a river cruise just how superbly well they go together. River cruises combine all the comfort and convenience of an ocean cruise with the excitement of European excursions at each port of call.

Here are the top 10 reasons we know why you’ll love taking a river cruise!

1. Expand Your Options

While ocean cruises take you to countries, river cruises take you through them. There simply is no way to reach river cruise destinations on mega cruise ships. Also, ocean cruises dock outside the destination where river cruise ships right in the middle of everything within walking distance. This gives you so much flexibility in touring the area.

A guided tour is included at each port to give you an overview of the area if you wish. This could be by bus, bicycle, or foot. Then the rest of the day is on your own to explore. Definitely a great benefit of going on a river cruise!

2. Intimate Experience

River cruising offers a more intimate setting and is another. Most ships range from 144 to 196 passengers. This means that you’ll never have to wait in line, which means you’ll have more time to enjoy all the amenities and have a more personal experience with other passengers and crew. From ordering a beverage to getting on and off the ship, you’ll enjoy the absence of long lines. This is one of the great reasons why ocean cruisers will love a river cruise.

3. Dive into the Local Culture

Get away from the touristy ports and explore hidden gems. Large ocean liner ports can receive up to 20,000 visitors on the same day but with a river cruise, you’ll arrive into port with only a few hundred visitors. Not only will you avoid long lines at your destination, but you’ll also enjoy leisurely excursions at each incredible port of call.  You’ll be able to take in the local culture and history of every unique town that you visit.

4. No Need to Rush Back

With many departures from the destinations being later in the afternoon or evening, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the nightlife in select ports of call. Whether you choose an evening walk through cobblestone streets, a local show or performance, or one last glass of wine after dinner while listening to a local musician, immersing yourself in the evening culture together with the locals is a unique experience.

5. Castle Views

That’s right, castle views! From Amsterdam to Basel along the Rhine River, and in Budapest, Bratislava, Dürnstein and Passau on the Danube, you’ll see colorful architecture and castles that will blow you away. But don’t stop at just viewing the castles, why not hike or drive to them and then explore their fabulousness with a knowledgeable guide? You’ll literally be walking in the footsteps of world history.

6. 5-Star Reviews

5-star reviews are only earned through 5-star service. When you’re relaxing with a glass of wine on the Sun Deck, enjoying a night under the stars, or having an unexpected encounter with kind locals that your tour guide has arranged for you, you’ll know where their 5-star reviews come from. See what people are saying about one of my favorite cruise lines, AmaWaterways’ flawless service.

7. Entertainment for the Whole Family

With a variety of activities and plenty of stops along the way, we’re sure everyone in the family will have an unforgettable experience. River cruising is perfect for multi-generational families. From grandparents to late-elementary grandchildren, the entire family will bond over a range of topics and activities from food to history to countryside excursions. There really is something to do for everyone on board at each destination. Some members of your group may choose to take advantage of spa services, or the sundeck pool, or cultural activities, while others may prefer to seek out a quiet space with a book. Mealtimes are the perfect opportunity for everyone to come together again as a family. It really is the perfect multi-generational vacation for your family or group of friends.

8. Taste the Difference

Whether you’re into wine tasting or local street food, a river cruise provides an exceptional culinary experience both on the ship and at every destination. The onboard culinary team focuses on utilizing fresh local ingredients. Dishes are paired with local wines. There’s absolutely no mass-produced and basic buffet food when you cruise with AmaWaterways!

9. Variety of Experience

Let’s not forget just how special every European country is! The towns and cities may be close in proximity along the river, but don’t be surprised by the unique feeling and experiences that each destination gives you. Choose from visiting local breweries, hiking to castles, biking through trendy neighborhoods or visiting museums that highlight the local culture.

10.  World-Class Accommodations

One of the reasons we love river cruises so much (and we know you’ll agree) is the feeling of walking into a luxurious suite or twin-balcony stateroom that will be your home away from home for the next 7, 8, 10 days or more. Each of AmaWaterways staterooms is tastefully decorated and is river facing. Whether you choose to have a window view, a private balcony, or even a twin balcony (with both a French and outside balcony), you’ll always have a room with a view.

So, there you have it. 10 great reasons why you’ll love your first river cruise on AmaWaterways.

To all cruise-lovers, perhaps it’s time to shake up the ocean cruise vacation for an entirely new way to explore the world’s waterways. Let us book you on an AmaWaterways river cruise that will take you inland for a unique and relaxing tour of Europe.

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

Other links you might enjoy:

River Cruise

Add Prague, Czech Republic to a Danube River Cruise!

Prague has a vast and varied history spanning 1000 years.

Along your travels, you might find people with different opinions about Prague, Czech Republic. Some might think it is too busy, touristy, and not worth the trip. Others see the history, architecture, and other qualities that make it a must-see European destination. As a part of a Danube river cruise you have the option to add on Prague as a pre- or post-cruise extension (learn more about the benefits of land extensions here). These land tours are such a wonderful way to see different cities. Let’s find out what amazing things to see and do await you in the gorgeous city of Prague!

Visit Prague Castle

Visiting Prague Castle is a great thing to do on your visit to prague before or after your Danube river cruise.

Many of the included land extension tours and free walking tours will finish up near Prague Castle. You probably will not get to see the castle through the tours so after will be a great opportunity. Prague Castle is the largest castle complex in the world. It is almost like a village of its own with churches, towers, halls, and palaces. Don’t miss the gothic St. Vitus Cathedral and the Treasures, and the Bohemian crown jewels. The musems are very interesting to learn of the history of the palace for the last 1000 years.

Wander Old Town Square

This square is a hubbub of activity and for good reason. This is a great place to grab a seat, people watch, enjoy the street vendors, and musicians. The buildings around this area are a feast for your eyes with all the history and different types of architecture. The Tyn and St. Nicholas churches are beautiful inside and out. And, don’t forget to be outside on the hour to hear the chime of the absolutely stunning Astronomical Clock (you might find the chime overrated but the detail and artistry are amazing). So much to see and do!

Explore the Catacombs

While your in Old Town Square you might want to explore a little bit of the underground. The catacombs used to be the first level of the medieval houses around the square. These homes have been buried by time and progress. Now they are an exhibit showcase medieval life. You can get to the catacombs through the tourism office. This won’t take too much of your time but you might find it very interesting.

Meander through Petrin Park

After the busyness of Old Town Square and Prague Castle, Petrin Park will be a welcomed break. This park is on top of a big hill on the left bank of the Vlatava River. You could use this opportunity to really stretch your legs or you can take the funicular and save the energy for the park. At the top there are many paths to meander along through the trees. You also might want to climb the lookout tower that looks very similar to the Eiffel Tower for some of the best views of Prague. Other things of interest are the gardens, a maze, and the unusual Church of St. Michael.

Walk Across Charles Bridge

The iconic Charles Bridge is a must see in Prague before or after a Danube river cruise.

No trip to Prague is complete with out a trip to the Charles Bridge. This bridge is one of the most iconic things in Prague. Even though the bridge will be very busy with people it is well worth the trip. This charming bridge was built in the 14th Century ove the Vlatava River and connects Old Town with Mala Strana (another great place to walk through). The bridge is beautiful during the day and magical at night. Climbing the nearby Old Town Tower Bridge will give you wonderful views of the Mala Strana and surrounding area.

This article has only scratched the surface of the wonders of Prague, Czech Republic. This beautiful city has so much to see and do all year round. At Christmastime the Christmas markets make visiting this city even more exciting.

If you would like to find out more about adding Prague to your Danube river cruise, please contact me. I would love to help you create your dream vacation!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

Other articles you might like to read:

Ama Waterways

How to Spend Some Leisure Time in Linz, Austria

Linz, Austria is a lovely stop on many Danube River Cruise itineraries. Linz is located in the northern part of Austria and is actually the third largest city. While in Linz you have the option to see historical building, breathtaking architecture, and beautiful parks. This isn’t just a place for history though. Oh, no! There is a modern flair to this city that rivals the larger cities in Austria and makes Linz a must-see destination.

If you are visiting Linz by river cruise then your time is probably limited. You will probably have to pick and choose a little with what you want to d0. Let’s dive in and find out some of the places you might visit as you spend a day of leisure in Linz, Austria!

Oh, by the way, this post will focus on the old stuff. Stay tuned for a post about the more modern and cultural highlights at another time.

A Castle: Linz Schloss

Visiting Linz Castle is a great way to spend some leisure time in Linz Austria.

This imposing castle stands watch over the Danube as parts of it have since the early 9th century. As you can expect for such an old complex you will find remains (the old wall and Friedrich Gate) and other newer, updated sections.

A museum in the castle displays historical art and collections from prehistoric, Roman, and medieval times. Look out for paintings, sculptures, weapons, and armor created long ago. This museum also touches a bit on the more modern with some natural and technological exhibits. It’s an eclectic mix of archeology, culture, geology, science, and history.

The Churches of Linz, Austria

Linz is home to some gorgeous churches. Each church has its own character and charm just waiting to be discovered. Church buildings are fabulous examples of styles of architecture that were in fashion throughout history. It’s like taking a walk through history.

St. Martin’s Church

St. Martin's Church is a fascinating old church to visit and is a great way to spend a day of leisure in Linz, Austria.

This little church is a perfect stop if you are going to visit Linz Castle. St. Martin’s church is the oldest original church that has been preserved. In the 8th century this church was built on top of old Roman walls. They can still be seen today. You will also be able to see the very early Carolingian architecture outside as well as the 15th century frescoes inside. Excavation has unearthed some fascinating artifacts such as a Roman kiln, inscriptions and royal hall of the imperial palace.

Old Cathedral (Alter Dom)

Walk forward in time a couple of centuries to the Jesuit Church of St. Ignatius. Though the outside might be a little plain in relation to other cathedrals, the inside surely is not. This church is beautifully decorated in a Baroque Italian style of the 1600s. Some highlights here are the Bruckner Organ, high altar, pulpit, and ornately carved choir stalls. Take some time to really look at the interesting carvings of humans, animals, and small dwarfs. Another fascinating place to spend leisure time in Linz, Austria.

New Cathedral (Neuer Dom)

The New Cathedral or the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception is a great way to spend a day of leisure in Linz, Austria.

The New Cathedral, also know as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is quite the opposite of the Old Cathedral. This church was built between 1862 and 1924 with a very elaborate exterior. You will be in awe of the stunning windows, turrets, stained glass windows, and its immense size. Approximately 20,000 people can fit inside making it the largest in Austria.

As you can well imagine, the inside is vast and intricately detailed in a Neo-Gothic style. All of the windows give the space a light and airy feel. Don’t miss the stained glass windows picturing the history of Linz. You will also want the see the huge organ and the large nativity scene in the crypt of Franz Josef Rudiger, a favorite Bishop.

Remembering a Darker Time in History

Mauthausen Memorial

Mauthausen Memorial is dedicated to remembering 200,000 people who suffered and many who died at this concentration camp during World War II. Exhibits provide visitors with an overview of life at Mauthausen and other camps around Austria. Visitors can learn about the Nazi regime and stories from survivors about their difficult experiences in the camp, liberation, and after. Part of your visit can be walking the quarry stairway (“Stairway of Death”) where many died. Artifacts from the camp are displayed as well as a list of all the people who died, over 81,000. This might be a very solemn and saddening experience, but for some, well worth it.

Enjoying the Beauty of Linz, Austria

Botanical Gardens and Zoo

If you would like to stretch your legs a bit, consider taking a 30-minute walk to the Botanical Gardens. The vast grounds boast over 10,000 species of plants. Walk past many flowerbeds and through five greenhouses to see the array of plants, cacti, and flowers. These gardens are some of the best in Europe.

At the nearby zoo you can see more than 600 animals. The zoo is a great family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of animals for children to interact with. Plus, some exotic species of lizards, snakes, birds, and apes to entertain and amaze families.

What is a fantastic way to spend a day of leisure in Linz, Austria!

Ride the Pöstlingbergbahn

And the best was saved for last!

High above Linz, up on the hill, stands the beautiful Pilgrimage Church with an even more beautiful view. But, how do you get up there? With a ride on the Pöstlingbergbahn. This narrow-gauge electric railroad started bringing riders up the very steep hill back in 1898. The cars are relatively still the same but the safety features have been upgraded.

Up at the top of the hill, you can spend your day of leisure in Linz exploring the Pilgrimage Church, admiring the sweeping view of the landscape, town, and river below, or take a ride on the quirky Grottobahn. The Grottobahn is a 100-year-old ride on a train (that looks like a dragon) through caves depicting famous fairy tales. If you get hungry while you are up there don’t worry. There are a few restaurants and a cafe.

Well, we have touched on a few ways for you to spend some leisure time in Linz, Austria. Hopefully, you have found something that looks interesting for your time in port!

Have you been to Linz? What was your favorite thing to do? If you haven’t been yet, what activity is on your bucket list for Linz, Austria?

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

Other articles you might like to read:

River Cruise

Cruise The Iron Gates of the Lower Danube

The “Lower Danube” might be a little less traveled but it has a majestic beauty that is not to be missed. The Lower Danube flows from Budapest, Hungary southeast through Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. Prior to the fall of the Iron Curtain, this part of the Danube was off-limits to tourists. Then the Balkan conflict kept the river locked off for another decade. But now, this gorgeous area is open to discovery. Taking a river cruise is a fantastic way to see the Lower Danube.

What are the Iron Gates of the Lower Danube

The Iron Gates of the Lower Danube

One of the natural wonders you will encounter on a scenic cruise down the Lower Danube is the Iron Gates. As the Danube winds its way southward it narrows down. The river flows through a magnificent gorge, the Iron Gates, between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains and forms the border between Serbia and Romania. The spectacular cliffs reach up to 130 feet high dwarfing ships in the river below.

The legend of the King

Cruise past a sculpture of King Decebalus stares out over the Lower Danube at the Iron Gates.

As you cruise down the Lower Danube you will encounter the Dacian King Decebalus staring out from above at the Iron Gates. On the Romanian side of the river, the sculpture of the last king of Dacia (modern-day Romania) looks like it has been there for centuries. But it is actually a recent addition.

The sculpture took 12 sculptors over 10 years to complete the 130 foot tall, 82 food wide visage of the king. A controversial Romanian billionare and buisnessman spearheaded this larger-than-life creation that took over one million US dollars to finish in 2004.

Across the river from the face of the last Dacian King is the Tabula Traiana plaque. The plaque commeorates the Roman Emperor Trajain’s march on Dacia. The Romans built a bridge (the first across the Danube) at this location specifically to get the troops across the river. The Romans were victorious and took charge of Dacia, treasures and all. It took many years but King Decebalus was defeated.

But now, the King has risen again! Serbia was invited to answer with their own sculpture of Trajan across the river. Then the two warriors could meet again, face-to-face, on the battlefield. Serbia was interested so the King of Dacia now reigns supreme, at least metaphorically.

Have you had a chance to see the King Decebalus in person? If not, has sailing the Lower Danube made it onto your bucket list?

If you have any questions about which itinerary to book in order to see the Iron Gates, just contact me! Click here to get answers.

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

Other links that you might find interesting: