Soak up the spirit of the Danube on a cruise odyssey
Joanna Hunter explores and celebrates the famous stretch of water with Saga River Cruises
The Danube. Blame it on Strauss, but even the name sounds romantic. And, even though it’s not really blue, and these days there are limited opportunities for waltzing, this is one of Europe’s most beautiful and historic waterways.
Once the frontier of the Roman Empire, it now carves through 10 countries – more than any other river in the world – from the Black Forest in Germany to the Black Sea via Hungary and Romania.
History and highlights
Once one of Europe’s most important transport and trading routes, the Danube has four capital cities on its banks – Vienna, of course, as well as Bratislava, Budapest and Belgrade. These banks have also seen the rise and fall of empires: two of the “greats” – Darius and Alexander – made it here, and, after the Romans, the Ottomans battled kingdoms and empires for dominance, including the Habsburgs and the Russians, and leaving behind many of the beautiful castles that we sail past today.
In the Second World War, the Germans scuttled their battleships here too – and if you travel in summer you may catch a glimpse of the wrecks in the waters.
Explore with the Spirit of the Danube
Serene progression: The Spirit of the Danube covers eight of the countries the river winds through
As you might expect, Saga’s Spirit of the Danube – its second purpose-built boutique ship – is designed to make the most of the Danube experience: panoramic windows abound, all public rooms come with a view and there’s a wonderful sun deck to enjoy too. All but the lower deck cabins come with a balcony. Single travellers are well catered for too, with 12 cabins available.
Spirit of the Danube covers eight of the 10 countries along the Danube, and within that offers a broad range of approaches dependent on your interests, be they cormorants or cathedrals. Each itinerary offers excursions included in the price, so there is plenty of opportunity to explore on land, too.
If city breaks are your thing, Saga’s Scenic Gems of the Danube is for you: taking in Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava on a seven-night cruise. Starting with a guided tour of Vienna, and if you travel in 2024, there’s also the option of attending an evening concert performance.
Carved colossus: The statue of Decebalus on the Romanian side of the Danube in the Iron Gates gorge, celebrating the last king of Dacia | CREDIT: Shutterstock
Sacred view: St Francis of Assisi Church in Vienna, as seen from the tranquil waters of the Danube | CREDIT: Shutterstock
Spirit of the Danube then takes on through the beautiful Wachau Valley, an area that has inspired artists for centuries. The valley is bookended by the cities Melk and Krems, each home to magnificent Benedictine abbeys.
Then it’s on to Slovakia, to explore the charming capital of Bratislava, before cruising on to Hungary, with stops at Esztergom, a former capital famed for its mighty basilica, and on – via the beautiful Danube Bend – to Budapest. With two nights here there’s plenty of time to explore – and there’s also a guided tour in the morning to help you get your bearings.
Natural reflection: View of the Marienberg Fortress and the Old Main Bridge in Wurzburg, Bavaria at sunrise | CREDIT: Shutterstock
Sailing towards the Rhine
Or you can choose to go in the other direction entirely: From the Danube to the Rhine Gorge: Vienna to Koblenz, a 10-night-cruise, takes you back from Vienna, through Austria to Germany, where you will cruise the Main before arriving on the magnificent Rhine.
The Unesco World Heritage sites stack up along the way, from Vienna, with its historic centre and Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn, to Melk and the Wachau, to the old towns of Passau and Regensburg, Bamberg, with its medieval architecture, the Residence Palace in Würzburg and, finally Koblenz, gateway to the Rhine Gorge.
Additionally you’ll visit Nuremberg which, although not yet recognised by Unesco, was home to artist Albrecht Durer, as well as the infamous rallies. The artist’s home is now a museum and well worth a visit. Equally, Miltenberg, known as the “pearl of the Main”, thanks to its fantastic location and charming half-timbered houses, is one of the most photographed spots in Germany. There are also some great vineyards and breweries to visit, as well as an award-winning museum.
Art history: In Nuremberg, the former home of Albrecht Durer is well worth a visit | CREDIT: Shutterstock
Picture perfect: Miltenberg is one of the most photographed places in Germany | CREDIT: Shutterstock
For more information and to book, call 0800 092 7557 or visit saga.co.uk/rivers-telegraph
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Lead image: Aerial view of the Danube river shore in summer, Dobrogea, Romania
Today the river is largely serene, but there are still moments of drama: the Iron Gates Gorge, the longest and largest in Europe, was once deemed nearly impassable, but is now accessed by a lock. Look out for the huge monument to Decebalus, last king of Dacia, famed for fighting the Romans, as well as the plaque commemorating completion of Emperor Trajan’s military road, built to defeat him.
There’s also the breathtaking beauty of the Danube Bend, between Esztergom and Budapest, where the river really does bend, and the abundant wildlife at the Danube Delta, the second largest, and best preserved, river delta in Europe.
Aerial view: the Danube Delta in Romania | CREDIT: Shutterstock
Painting a picture: The Wachau Valley has inspired artists for years | CREDIT: Shutterstock
Or you can start your journey in Budapest, before cruising on to Bucharest, via St Georghe and the Black Sea.
Saga’s 10-night cruise, Through the Carpathian Mountains: Budapest to Bucharest not only allows you to explore two beautiful cities, but it takes you along some of the most scenic parts of the river, through the Iron Gates Gorge. A major highlight is the Danube Delta, the Unesco-listed Biosphere Reserve which is a sanctuary for some 300 bird species, including waterfowl and raptors, such as the white-tailed eagle. There’s the option to explore further here, with an additional small boat cruise.
Bird watching: There are over 300 types of bird to be spotted on the Danube Delta | CREDIT: Shutterstock
Unsurprisingly, this stretch is rich in history, too: discover the highs and lows of Belgrade, destroyed and rebuilt 20 times over 2,000 years; the town of Mohács, scene of the Battle of Mohács, where the Ottomans decisively routed the Hungarians in 1526; and the Ovcara Memorial Centre in Vukovar, Croatia.
Lead image: Aerial view of the Danube river shore in summer, Dobrogea, Romania | CREDIT: Shutterstock