Nicko Cruises Danube: 5 nights from Passau with Bellejour
Apr 13, 2026

Vienna

Embark on an enchanting river cruise from Vienna, Austria's imperial capital, and a city of unparalleled artistic and musical heritage. Situated on the Danube River, Vienna offers a magnificent departure point for exploring the scenic beauty and historical cities along this legendary waterway. Immerse yourself in its grand palaces, world-class museums, and vibrant café culture before setting sail on a journey promising picturesque landscapes and profound cultural insights.

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is steeped in history and culture, serving as a center for music, art, and intellectual pursuits for centuries. From the grandeur of the Habsburg Empire to the artistic legacy of Mozart and Beethoven, Vienna's past is a tapestry of architectural marvels and creative brilliance. The city's historic landmarks like Schönbrunn Palace and St. Stephen's Cathedral offer a glimpse into its illustrious past.

Vienna enjoys a temperate continental climate with warm summers and cold winters, creating distinct seasonal experiences for visitors. Summer months are ideal for exploring parks and gardens, attending outdoor concerts, and savoring al fresco dining along the Danube River. Winter transforms Vienna into a magical wonderland with Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, and cozy coffee houses offering warmth and charm.

Vienna is a treasure trove of cultural attractions that cater to all interests. Explore the opulent Hofburg Palace, home to the Habsburgs, or wander through the Belvedere Palace to admire Klimt's "The Kiss." Stroll along the elegant Ringstrasse boulevard to see iconic buildings like the Vienna State Opera and Parliament. Don't miss a visit to the Naschmarkt for culinary delights and unique finds.

Viennese cuisine is a delightful blend of traditional dishes and international influences, showcasing flavors that please every palate. Indulge in Wiener Schnitzel, a breaded veal or pork cutlet, paired with potato salad or cranberry sauce. Savor Sachertorte, a decadent chocolate cake invented in Vienna, along with Apfelstrudel (apple strudel) and Melange coffee. Explore local markets for artisanal cheeses, sausages, and pastries.

To elevate your Vienna experience, consider booking a river cruise departing from this enchanting city along the Danube River. River cruises from Vienna offer picturesque views of vineyards, castles, and charming villages along the riverbanks. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Wachau Valley or cruise to Budapest or Bratislava for a multi-country adventure. Booking a cruise from Vienna promises unforgettable moments on Europe's iconic waterways.

Budapest

The history of Budapest

The capital of Hungary, Budapest, is a crossroads of history and culture and the ancient charm combines with modern dynamism. Born from the union of the cities of Buda, Pest and Óbuda in 1873, Budapest has experienced Roman, Ottoman and Habsburg dominations, which have left a rich and varied legacy. Strolling through its streets, you can admire the Parliament, Buda Castle and Matthias Church.

Budapest's climate

Budapest has a continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. The best season to visit the city is undoubtedly sping or early autumn, when the mild climate and sunny days offer the ideal setting for exploring the city on foot, discovering every hidden corners and its magnificent parks in bloom.

Attractions and places to visit

Crossed by the majestic Danube River, Budapest is famous for its thermal baths, its historic monuments and breathtaking views. Not to be missed are the Parliament, one of the oldest legislative buildings in Europe, Buda Castle, from which there are priceless views of the city, and the Chain Bridge, a symbol of unity between Buda and Pest. For a relaxing break, the Széchenyi Spa offers outdoor thermal pools, even in winter.

Local cuisine and typical products

Hungharian cuisine is a culinary adventure worth exploring. Thanks to dishes such as goulash, pörkölt and the delicious crepes called palacsinta you will discover intense falvours rich in history. You can taste them with a glass of Tokaji, Hungary's world-famous sweet wine.

Conclusion: an unforgettable holiday

Embarking on a cruise from Budapest offers a unique opportunity to start your journey by exploring a city rich in history, culture and natural beauty, before sailing across the waters of the Danube to fascinating new destinations. Budapest is not just a stopover, but a starting point for an unforgettable experience that will enrich your spirit and your heart.

The city is a mix of the French and Japanese cultures.  For many years, it was a French territory, and the buildings are made in the French style. Later, the city was the first town for the trade with Japan and Korea, with its strategic position, it made a lot of merchants settle there. Some of the best attractions are the Hama-Rikyu Gardens and the Imperial Palace East Garden.

Bratislava

Ubicada a 60 km a nord-est di Vienna e nell'estremo sud-ovest della Slovacchia, di cui è la capitale, Bratislava si trova al confine con l'Austria, l'Ungheria e la Repubblica Ceca. Questa città di 500.000 abitanti, si trova nel centro geografico dell'Europa, con forte influenze slovacche, ma anche tedesche, ungheresi ed ebraiche, questo mix di popolazioni renderanno il vostro soggiorno davvero sorprendente. Il suo lato provinciale emana un certo fascino e la vita notturna attira nottambuli da tutta Europa. Il suo centro storico barocco, i suoi tesori di arte gotica e i vecchi locali rannicchiati intorno al suo castello, dominano il Danubio. Un luogo ideale per rilassanti passeggiate a piedi, sono i grandi parchi alberati. In questo borgo troverete di tutto, esclusive boutique, catene di negozi, mercatini, tutto il necessario per soddisfare le vostre esigenze. Il mercato più popolare lo troverete sulla strada di Mileticova; a prezzi molto convenienti e di qualità. Da Bratislava, si può facilmente arrivare a Vienna e Moravia, con la possibilità di visitare il castello di Devin, luogo tradizionale per gli abitanti della capitale slovacca. Alcuni dei monumenti più importanti di questo luogo sono: Il castello di Bratislava che domina la città, la cattedrale gotica di San-Martino, la Porta del Michael, il palazzo barocco di Grassalkovitch e il Municipio, residenza del Presidente della Repubblica slovacca. Lo Zoo locale, vicino al centro della città e facilmente raggiungibile con i mezzi pubblici, include un parco dei dinosauri su tre ettari, permettendo di rivivere l'Era Mesozoica attraverso la riproduzione di 27 specie di rettili preistorici e un parco giochi paleontologico per bambini. Il clima è continentale con inverni rigidi, il mese più freddo è a gennaio. Il periodo migliore per visitare è tra maggio a settembre, ma il l'afflusso turistico più alto avviene a luglio e agosto. Una buona alternativa, se non vi intimoriscono le temperature fredde, nel periodo tra ottobre e aprile, il paesaggio dona altrettanto fascino.

Melk

Passau

Passau, the city of three rivers at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz, possesses enormous artistic and architectural treasures. This is a great place to think about taking a holiday, a place to eat well,
celebrate and relax. Picturesque streets, chic pedestrian zones, towers, colourful squares, romantic promenades, all contribute to the Baroque appearance, guarantee delightful moments in a pleasant atmosphere. Framed by the Veste Oberhaus Castle to the north, and the Maria Sanctuary to the south of the city, it is completely imbued with the architecture of the Italian masters in the 17th century. The city, once the residence of princes and bishops, has always offered an ideal environment for the arts and artists. St Stephen's Cathedral is impressive, as is its organ, the largest in the world. Passau is a city deeply rooted in modernity, the variety of shops is far from that of the local cuisine. In fact, the restaurants offer the best of Bavarian and Austrian cuisine.

If you want to have a good time, don't hesitate to push and open the door of one of the many bistros, cafés, bars and restaurants or one of the old inns. A cruise holiday is considered by many people the most beautiful way to travel and get to know the landscape. Plenty of sights to see in this beautiful ancient and modern city await you.