3 Great Land Extensions for an Upper Danube Cruise

Hank Schrader, USMA '71, Europe Destination & Europe River Cruise Expert

Anne Schrader, Certified Travel Counselor & Certified Luxury Cruise Specialist

www.dreamdestinations.com

The Upper Danube is the most popular route in European River Cruises for North Americans—about 31% sail on this route each year. The next most popular route is the Rhine River with about 29% who sail on this route.

With airfare expense part of the cost to go on these awesome vacations, I thought I’d provide a little advice about 3 capital cities you should consider to extend your trip to help maximize your investment.

So, let’s explore Budapest, Prague, and Vienna as good places to visit and enhance your river cruise experience.

Budapest

Perhaps the most stunning city on any river cruise, Budapest is actually 2 cities rolled into one. By far the most impressive city on the Danube, Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a town we love to visit.

Hungary is a landlocked country with no access to an ocean or sea, so the Danube River is a vital part of the country, and many important cities grew up along this key waterway.

It is really two towns—the high town of Buda that overlooks the banks of the Danube and Pest on the flat land. They are united by several bridges, but the Chain Bridge is the most important and is a symbol of the city. Both sides have some awesome structures—among them Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion (Buda side) and the Parliament building (Pest side).

Once you visit, you will want to come back. We have led tours here, but the most important sights are around the Danube River area—anything that requires a longer distance than the river area is difficult to see on your own without transportation.

Some History of Budapest and Hungary

Perhaps the best place to start is with the Magyars who started settling the area around Budapest in 896. The Magyars were nomadic tribes constantly on the move around the Caucasus and Káma River areas. In 1000 the first king of Hungary, Stephen I began consolidating power. Then came a series of conquests of this area—first the Mongols in 1241 who sacked and almost completely destroyed the city.

The next invaders were the Ottomans who took Pest in 1526 and 15 years later conquered Buda. The Ottomans were driven out by the Hapsburgs around 1780. Hungary and Budapest then became part of the Austria-Hungary Empire who rule the country until 1918. After a short attempt at democracy, in 1919 Hungary had a revolution which brought a communist regime to power and the country became known as Hungarian Soviet Republic.

WW II first resulted in German control of the city, then the Soviets after WW II until 1989.

What are Some of the Key Sights to See in Budapest?

I have tried to organize the sights into the way river cruise companies typically visit them on their tours in Budapest. There are two common tours—a bus ride up to the Castle District and then a walking tour and a panoramic bus tour of the sights on Andrassy Avenue. There are often onsite visits to St, Stephen’s Cathedral, perhaps the opera house, or the Central Market.

The Castle District

Buda Castle Hill--Elevated 168 meters (551 feet) above sea level, this striking area of Buda--the historic area of Buda--offers visitors the medieval Buda Castle, the Vienna Gate, the Magdalen Tower, and visits to two good museums.

The two best museums in the Buda Castle complex are the Hungarian National Gallery Museum and the Castle Museum.

If you are not on a river cruise tour, the easiest and most scenic way to the Buda Castle is to ride the Buda hill funicular to the top.

Fisherman’s Bastion--the cobblestone streets of the Fisherman's Bastion (the name of the bastion comes from Guild of Fishermen, who were responsible for defending that stretch of the city walls during the Middle Ages) on the Buda side, lead to-a series of seven neo-Gothic towers. The seven towers of the Bastion represent the seven Magyar tribes that helped to settle the Magyar people in the Carpathian Basin. The structure provides an awesome panorama of the) Danube River, the Parliament building and the Pest side of Budapest. Take bus 16 or 16A to Castle Hill if you are not on a river cruise tour.

Matthias Church—was founded in the 13th century. It is an impressive structure and was rebuilt several times during the tumultuous history of battles for control of this area. Perhaps the most distinctive feature is the roof that is covered with the famous Zsolnay ceramic tiles, manufactured in the Hungarian town of Pecs.

Gellert Hill and the Citadel--For the best panorama of Budapest, Gellért Hill definitely is worth a visit. The old fortress and the statue of Liberty can be seen from a great distance. They are an important part of the cityscape. It is on the Buda side. Take bus #27 to get to this location.

Typical Driving Tour Sights Offered by River Cruise Companies

Most river cruise companies like to drive on Andrassy Avenue to get a good overview of sights not near the Danube River. Andrassy Avenue is a broad promenade of breathtaking neo-Renaissance architecture and home to many of Budapest’s must-see sites. Most pass by Heroes’ Square, the Franz Liszt Memorial House, the House of Terror, the Szechenyi Baths, and the City Park.

Heroes Square--The monumental square at the end of Andrássy Avenue sums up the history of Hungary by displaying statues that honor Hungary’s heroes. This iconic monument features depictions of the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars, who are believed to have led the Hungarian people from central Asia to the Carpathian basin. The millennium memorial commemorates the 1000th anniversary of the arrival of the Hungarians in the Carpathian Basin.

The Museum of Fine Arts and the Palace of Fine Arts are also located on this square. It is the entrance to the City Park. It is on the Pest side. To get there take Metro to Hosok tere (yellow line)

City Park--The largest green area of Budapest conceals the Castle of Vajdahunyad (a castle with 21 types of architecture, it was created for an exhibition), the Széchenyi thermal bath (one of the largest and most famous thermal baths in the world), and the Zoo and the Amusement Park. It is a beloved corner of the city for walking and relaxing. It is on the Pest side. Metro Széchenyi furdo (yellow line)

House of Terror—you need a strong stomach to visit this museum. This is the former headquarters of the ÁVH secret police. This building is witness to some of the darkest days of 20th-century Hungary. Exhibits have English signs. Metro stop Okyogon (Yellow line).

Dohány Synagogue Built in 1859, this is the second-largest working synagogue in the world (the largest is in New York City), and the second-oldest large building of those still standing. The synagogue has a rich, but tragic history; it was one of many detention areas for Jews during the Holocaust. A Jewish Museum next door traces the origins of Hungarian Judaism and features exhibits of ceremonial Judaica throughout the centuries. The museum periodically puts on excellent temporary exhibitions. The Holocaust Memorial and Heroes' Temple in the courtyard are well worth visiting.

Walking Tours and Sight Visits in Pest

St. Stephen’s Basilica--The largest Catholic Church in Budapest, where the most important relic of the Hungarian Catholicism, the Holy Right Hand of King St. Steven is kept. The panorama terrace offers a great view of the city if you are willing to climb the 142 steps to the top. It is on the Pest side.

The interior of the cathedral is a masterpiece of dramatic arches, marble, and liberally applied gilding. Inside is one of Hungary’s most sacred artifacts, the Szent Jobb—meaning “Holy Right Hand”—is the mummified right hand of St. Stephen.

Central Market Hall--the Central Market Hall is like a large treasure trove of fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, and culinary delicacies. The spacious market at the Pest end of Liberty Bridge (Szabadság híd) however is famous for its architecture too. Built at the turn of the 19-20. Centuries, it was one of the most modern indoor markets not only in Budapest but in the whole world. It is on the Pest side.

Hungarian Parliament--the monumental building of the Parliament is one of the biggest attractions of Budapest. The parliament building is the largest building in Budapest and the third largest parliament building in the world. Here are some facts about the size of this building—it has 691 rooms, 10 courtyards, and 12.5miles worth of stairs.

It hosts the diet and the crown jewels. Guided tours are organized 4 times a day. It is on the Pest side.

Vaci Street and Danube Promenade--The bustling walking areas of the downtown offer famous cafés, terraces, elegant shops, boutiques, and theatres. There are great views of the Castle from the Danube Promenade. It is on the Pest side.

Chain Bridge--This was the first permanent bridge built across the Danube in Budapest. It was built between 1840 to 1849. It is 375m long and 16m wide. This bridge connected the towns of Buda and Pest and was a major reason the two towns became Budapest. In 1989, it was a site of protest for freedom and independence from communist rule. Today, the bridge is a symbol of Hungarian liberty.

Chain Bridge with Buda Castle in the Background

Opera House--the Opera House has a fantastically ornate interior featuring frescoes by two of the best-known Hungarian artists of the day, Bertalan Székely and Károly Lotz. Outside of the building, you can see statues to Ferenc Erkel (composer of the Hungarian National Anthem) and Ferenc Liszt (Hungarian composer).

Guided tours are given daily at 3pm and 4pm (these can be arranged in English) are the only way to see the interiors unless you buy a ticket to a performance. Metro stop Opera (Yellow line).

Have a dessert in Gerbeaud Cafe—famous for their handmade deserts. It opened in 1858 and has been a favorite of Budapest ever since then.

Try Strudel at the First Strudel House of Budapest—located in an old building, this establishment is part theater and great strudel. The chefs make the strudel behind a display kitchen area. The strudel is excellent—we try to stop by each time we visit Budapest.

Eat in Karpatia restaurant—the motto here is “the only king here is you”—great Hungarian food. A city landmark since 1877, you will experience traditional and contemporary Hungarian food, with a spirited gypsy band playing amidst historic walls.

Shopping--Just off exclusive Váci Utca Boulevard there are courtyards studded with boutiques and shops selling handmade leather gloves, intricate Halas lace and Herend porcelain. Pricey antique shops and galleries cluster along Falk Miksa Utica near the neo-Gothic Parliament and just steps from Katti Zoób, Hungary's leading design diva. Taste Hungary's finest wines at laid-back Bortarsaság near the Castle District.

Prague

City Overview

A former member of the Warsaw Pact countries of the Iron Curtain, this vibrant city thrived after the Velvet Revolution of 1989. It has historic roots that are really interesting to learn about, but it is also just a fun place to explore its mixture of historic sights, great shops and hearty food.

The town center has most of the interesting sites and the good news is it is relatively compact, and easily walkable except for the steep walk up to the Castle Quarter (not to worry we have done it several times!).

The key sights are divided into zones. They are the Castle Quarter and the Little Quarter on the west side of the Vltava River. On the east side of the river is the Old Town, Jewish Quarter, and the New Town.

They are linked by several bridges, but one the most important and interesting bridges in Prague and all of Europe, the Charles Bridge, is bustling with activity and serves as a monument to 30 Saint Statues on this pedestrian only crossway.

For centuries, this bridge was the only link between Lesser Town on the left bank of the Vltava River and Old Town on the opposite side.

The Castle Quarter

Situated on the high ground above the west bank of the Vltava River, the Castle complex dominates all of Prague.

Here are the key sites:

St. Vitus Cathedral--The largest and most important church in the Czech Republic, the magnificent St. Vitus Cathedral stands within the confines of the Prague Castle and is one of Eastern Europe's finest examples of Gothic architecture.

Prague Castle--In spite of many wars and fires, the Prague Castle has grown into a unique architectural complex. It contains the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, a convent, several towers and many palace wings. It includes the only privately owned building, Lobkowicz Palace, with its highly acclaimed museum (art works, porcelain, firearms and musical instruments). There is an admission charge to visit some of the sights.

Golden Lane--a small, picturesque street with colorful wooden houses. The legend is that alchemists attempted to turn metal into gold here, but in fact the alchemists lived elsewhere at the castle. It was actually goldsmiths living here in the 17th century who gave the street its captivating name. There is also an admission fee here to visit this small lane.

The Little Quarter

This area below the castle complex is where merchants and the wealthy lived. This neighborhood has a wonderful High Baroque church—the Church of St. Nicolas.

The other really interesting site is the Nerudova Street—the step, cobblestoned roadway, lined with interesting doorway signs, shops, and foreign embassies.

The Old Town

The commerce center of Prague in times past is now one of the most visited sites in Europe.

Here are some of the most important sights in the old town:

Old Town Square--Famous for its historical monuments, Old Town Square is a Prague must-visit. Climb to the top of the 660-year-old Old Town Hall Tower for spectacular views of the Baroque-style St. Nicholas Church (north corner of the square, it has a fine interior), Gothic-style Church of Our Lady Before Tyn (twin towers) and the Old Town itself.

Church of St. Nicholas--There are plenty of impressive Baroque churches in Prague, but the St. Nicholas church at the Old Town Square is one of the most beautiful thanks to the colorful frescoes, intricate ironwork and stucco that decorate the interior.

Old Town Hall--Prague's old Town Hall was built in 1364. The astronomical clock in the town hall's tower is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. Originally the building served only as the city hall of the old town, but later became the city hall for all of Prague. It is now only used for ceremonial functions.

The Astronomical Clock (Orloj)--on the side of the Town Hall--consists of an astronomical dial embellished with zodiac symbols, a calendar dial and colorful, moving sculptures. As the clock chimes, biblical figurines come out, and spectators may watch the "Walk of the Apostles." An hourly bell toll features a figurine representing death. The clock comes to life from 0900 to 2100.

In the center of the square is the Jan Hus Monument, the first to rebel against the total authority of the Catholic Church.

From Old Town Square, a walk along the posh Parizska Street with it’s over the top shops will lead to a somber sight—the Jewish Quarter.

In part of the Old Town is the Jewish Quarter—the Jews were pushed into a small marshy area near the bend of the Vltava River—it is one of the best-preserved areas of Jewish life in all of Europe.

Josefov, also known as the Jewish Quarter or the Prague Jewish Ghetto, dates back to the 13th century and presents visitors with the opportunity to see a little of what life was like for Jews of that era. This small 3 block area was once walled in by order of the pope who declared that Christians and Jews should not live together with 6 exit gates.

But things changed in 1897 with the destruction of the walls and new buildings—now this area is primarily Art Nouveau buildings.

With its much more pleasant look of today, it still is somber to remember the 120,000 or so Jews living in Prague in 1939 in the start of WW II were reduced to only 10,000 by the 1945 liberation of the city.

The New Town

This area surrounds the old town area and follows the outer walls that protected the city but have been destroyed.

The most important sight here is Wenceslas Square--Wenceslas Square was originally conceived in the 14th century as a horse market. The large square, measuring 750 by 60m (2500x200 ft), evolved into Prague's central boulevard.

Vienna

Vienna’s is a true treasure—the importance of this city cannot be overstated—it once was the capital city of the Hapsburg Empire of Austria-Hungary. Palaces, great museums, a vibrant music culture, great shopping and good food make this an easy choice for an extension.

Here are some of the best sights:

St. Stephens Cathedral—the Gothic towers and tiled roof of St. Stephen’s Cathedral still dominates the skyline of old Vienna. Visitors can climb to the top of the south tower for a splendid view of the city. The north tower has a 22-ton bell nicknamed the Boomer (Die Pummerin)

Hofburg Palace—the imperial palace and former residence of Franz Joseph and other members of the Habsburg dynasty is a complex of buildings that house a number of Vienna’s most impressive sights. You can tour some rooms.

National Library--The Austrian National Library is the largest library in Austria with 7.4 million items in its various collections. The library is located in the Hofburg Palace complex in Vienna.

The Spanish Riding School—completed in 1735, the elaborate riding hall of the Spanish Riding School is a part of the Hofburg. Here the art of classical dressage is practiced by white Lipizzaner horses. Training sessions are open to the public daily except November to March.

Museum of National History—great collection of minerals, precious stones, meteorites, fossils, skeletons of animals, displays of various insects and mammals and even some taxidermy of extinct species.

Anne outside the Museum of Natural History

Naschmark--The Naschmarkt is held on the Wienzeile Street and stretches for around 1.5km, full of stalls selling anything from fresh fruit and vegetables to herbs, cheese, and seafood.

Graben—famous shopping street

Karntnerstrasse—pedestrian zone with great shops. It leads from the Opera house to St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Opera House in Vienna on Karntnerstrasse

Museum of Fine Arts—this is one of the most impressive collections in Europe, including works by Brueghel, Rubens, Titian, Rembrandt, and Vermeer.

Ringstrasse—a broad tree-lined boulevard was built on the ramparts of the medieval city.

Belvedere Palace—in a suburb of Vienna, the Belvedere is the former summer residence of the Prince of Savoy. Two palaces grace the grounds, one that houses the Museum of Medieval Art and the Museum of Austrian Baroque; the second that houses the Austrian Gallery.

Schönbrunn Palace—this palace of almost 1,200 rooms was the summer residence of the Habsburgs. Several of the rooms and their furnishings are open to the public. There are also lavish gardens.

Our Final Thoughts

It is pretty easy to see why you should extend your trip with the help of the river cruise lines or perhaps on your own for the more adventurous. Please reach out to us for help—we love helping folks get the best value for their vacations dollars.

We are travel experts, ocean and river cruise specialists, and Europe destination experts. We have first-hand knowledge of almost anywhere you want to visit in Europe. We know our products and the vendors who sell them to you. We have designed special tours for dozens of clients, led several and will continue to find just the right vacation that will exceed your expectations.

When you are spending your hard-earned money for a vacation, you want an advisor who can match you with the right trip. You want someone who will understand your expectations and fuel your anticipation (or excitement) to get you the best possible trip experience. And, you want someone who can help you with the decision making process. We think we have all these qualities.

Whatever your Dream Destinations are, we are here to help you get the best possible vacation based on what is important to you! We will provide you high quality, expertly planned travel. Please give me a call 713-397-0188 (Hank) or email me at hschrader@dreamdestinations.com. We want to help you: Savor life…make memories…Visit Dream Destinations! Your journey begins here!

ANNE has earned a degree from the University of Houston in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Serving as the President of Visit Dream Destinations, LLC, since 2016, she is uniquely experienced professional travel advisor with over 26 years’ experience in the travel industry. Among her numerous certifications, she is a Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) by the Travel Institute, considered the gold standard in travel agent certification and she is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC) by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), as well Luxury Cruise Specialist also from CLIA. Having traveled often to Europe since 1989, she has expanded on her certification as a Destination Specialist in Western Europe (DS) with extensive first-hand experience in luxury vacations. She holds numerous other specialty designations from individual vendors. An expert photographer, she delights in capturing the true essence of destinations to share with all.

HANK is a certified Western European Destination Specialist (DS) who has been traveling to Europe for 52 years. He is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC), conferred by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA). This recognized expert in cruise and leisure travel is a retired Army Officer, and taught World Geography for 8 years. He is a `71 graduate of West Point and has earned 2 master’s degrees. His other Certifications:

AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist
Viking River Cruise Specialist
Scenic River Cruise Specialist
Emerald Waterways Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Brit Agent

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