Our River Cruising Travel Blog

Exploring the Blue Danube

Our European river cruising holiday began in Hungary where we set out from Budapest.  Our cruise company was APT.  On APT’s “Magnificent Europe” cruise you glide on the water through five countries, taking in the iconic attractions and charming secrets of Europe’s heartland as you cruise along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers.

Danube River Cruising

Several years ago, we experienced what we considered to be one of the best European river cruises.

We began our travel holiday from Melbourne Australia, flying via Singapore and Frankfurt. We arrived in Budapest, Hungary at about 10:30 am on 21st September, two days before embarkation.  We paid 9 Euros each for bus tickets and caught the shuttle bus to the Ibis Styles Hotel, Budapest City, where we had a great room overlooking the Danube River.  After checking in and enjoying two lovely cappuccinos at the hotel, we set out on a pleasant walk alongside the River, passing the various bridges that connect Buda to Pest.  (Pest means “cave” and Buda means “water” because of some natural springs that were known to the Romans).

We soon crossed a nearby bridge to the Buda side and walked several kilometres, dodging the bike riders and skaters.  We were still getting used to walking on the right side of the path, not the left as in Australia.  We walked along the river, looking at river cruise ships of various sizes, docking, turning and cruising up and down the Danube.

Eventually we came to a large green suspension bridge at the base of a funicular railway. We bought ice-creams (E3 per scoop) and a drink to refresh ourselves.  After our refreshments and relaxing, taking in the moment, we then continued our stroll along the river towards a chain suspension bridge with huge white columns holding the chains.

Read more of our travel blog articles

European River Cruising in 2021