This December, travel with us on a luxury trip on the Danube with Crystal Cruises! We'll be traveling from Vilshofen, Germany, to Budapest, Hungary, aboard the beautiful Crystal Ravel, spending our days visiting Christmas Markets on land and enjoying Michelin-inspired food on the ship. It's going to be a great time!
Here are the basic details:
Cruise Line: Crystal Cruises
Ship: Crystal Ravel
Dates: 8 Days, Monday, December 15 - Monday, December 22, 2021
Departs : Vilshofen / Returns : Budapest
ITINERARY
We'll be heading west on the Danube across Austria
Day 1 Vilshofen
A skyline graced by the spire of a historic church and the arch of a more modern bridge reveals the essence of Vilshofen’s appeal. Here where three rivers meet – the Vils, Wolfach and Danube – you’ll enjoy cycling expeditions on pretty paths and hikes in the neighboring Bavarian forest.
Day 2 Linz
Named the European Capital of Culture in 2009 and added to the roster of UNESCO Creative Cities as a City of Media Arts in 2014, Linz embraces the present and future, with reverence to its past. The city’s layout reflects its history, with an ancient medieval center encircled by neoclassical, neo-baroque and neo-Renaissance neighborhoods.
Day 3 Passau
At the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, Passau is also situated at a meeting of cultures. The town began as a Roman settlement, enjoying the rising tide of influence as the largest bishopric in the Holy Roman Empire and enduringly vibrant as a hub for various trade pursuits, including salt, swords and ideas. Wander the cobbled streets of Old Town, gaze upon arched bridges and Italianate manses and visit magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral and New Bishop’s Residence.
Day 4 Melk / Wachau Valley / Dürnstein
Best known for its fortified baroque Benedictine monastery, Melk Abbey, the town of Melk boasts an assortment of smaller gems. Among them, the city’s riverside location, serene and regal with a ribbon of wooded groves giving way to the lovely village. Cobbled lanes and a petite size make for a pleasant stroll with a chance to discover its 16th-century Town Hall, or Rathaus, in the center of town, and Haus am Stein, or House at the Rock. Built in the 15th century, the vine-covered abode is Melk’s oldest building.
Considered one of the most visited tourist spots in the Wachau Valley, Durnstein is in a robust wine-growing region sitting alongside the Danube river. Durnstein Castle, the region's famous architectural highlight, sits atop a rocky mountain, high above the Danube, at its base. Durnstein's beauty is enhanced by verdant forests, rolling hills, and thriving vineyards that surround the town. Sip some of the region's local wines and enjoy a leisurely day in this postcard-worthy European town.
Days 5&6 Vienna
Once the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and forever known for its manicured gardens, ornate architecture - especially that of the famed Ringstrasse - and distinguished roster of composers who either were born or lived here, Vienna finds itself at the very center of European culture, even as it sits near the border of the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary.
Day 7&8 Budapest
Commanding both sides of the Danube – with the Chain Bridge connecting hilly Buda with flat Pest – Hungary’s capital enchants with its magnificent architecture of domes and spires, 18th-century homes, bridges and lampposts. The UNESCO-listed Castle Hill welcomes all to explore Buda Castle, Trinity Square, Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion.
WHY CRYSTAL?
Tom and I spent a week on the Rhine with Crystal Cruises in October of 2019 and it really was one of the best trips we've ever taken! Everything was wonderful: the food, the ship, the included excursions, and especially the crew - who were exceptional! It truly was a luxury experience and we felt accommodated and pampered without it being stuffy at all. You can see full details about the trip on Crystal's site, or here are a just a couple call-outs about what they offer:
Six-Star Service
With the highest staff-to-guest ratio among all European river lines, and professionals chosen for their expertise and friendly demeanor, our genuine hospitality sets the stage for a journey beyond compare.
Savor the Extraordinary
Cuisine transcends mere excellence and enters the sublime. Menus of Michelin-level envy are sourced with the freshest ingredients and paired with the finest wines. Every meal is a celebration of the ever-changing riverscape.
What's included with your fare?
Fine wines, champagnes, premium spirits and specialty coffees
Michelin-inspired cuisine and 24-hour in-suite dining
Entertainment and enrichment
Unlimited Wi-Fi/Internet access
Pre-paid gratuities
Complementary Crystal Collection of curated destination experiences
NEXT STEPS
If you're interested at all I'd be happy to put together a reservation for you to review (I should be able to hold a suite for at least a few days while you think about it). Space is limited in general so please let me know soon!