A River Cruise down the Danube - a day by day account of this wonderful holiday experience.
The latest addition to the Save'n'Sail Cruise Village is our dedicated River Cruising division. RiverCruising.co.uk
Many of our clients are looking for new destinations to visit in 4 and 5 star surroundings and river cruising most deffinately fits the bill..!!
Recently one of my team has cruised the river Danube with CosmosTourama holidays and below is Susan's account of her river cruise experience.
Waltzing the Danube - River Cruise
MS Avalon Poetry
5-12 August 2007
This was a first for me, I had no idea what to expect when we reached Budapest Airport for our Coach Journey to Esztergom where we were joining the Avalon Poetry.
When we arrived my first impressions were 'I have to say' WOW, this is not what I expected at all.
After checking in at reception, I was taken to my cabin which was spacious and had plenty of wardrobe
space with the usual TV, bathroom with shower. To my suprise, my cabin had a french balcony.
We arrived into Bratislava on day 2 and were taken on a walking tour which lasted about 1 1/2 hours and then we had free time to wander around before heading back to the Poetry for Lunch.
The afternoon was at our leisure as we were sailing to our next destination. The atmosphere onboard is very relaxing, you can sit up on deck and watch the world go by or have a drink in the bar. Dinner tends to be around 7pm and consists of 5 courses and includes complimentary wine.
Day 3 we arrived into Melk a pretty Austrian riverside town, again we had a walking tour and free time to wander round before setting off to Grein in the afternoon for another leisurely walking tour.
Another day over and time for a relaxing drink in the bar with background music from the pianist.
Day 4 up for breakfast and then off on a trip round Passau, the meeting point of the Inn, Ilz and Danube Rivers. Passau is known for its elegant arcades and cobbled lanes and the worlds largest church organ, with over 17,000 pipes. Alternatively, enjoy an optional excursion to Baroque Salzburg with its popular 'Sound of Music Sights'.
Back onboard and off to Linz Austria's third-largest town.
Day 5 We arrived in Durnstein 'the earl of the Wachau'. This is a pretty bacoque town surrounded by fortifying walls belonging the the ruins of the Kuenringsburg Castle. I have to say this was the prettiest place I have ever visited. Back on board in the afternoon and we then head off to Vienna for our overnight stay.
Day 6 Sightseeing tour in Vienna lasting around 1 1/2 hours and then free time to shop. A group of us decided to take a trip on the big wooden wheel which I must say was an experience, then we went across to the Island for an afternoon drink. Back on board in the evening and then a leisurely dinner followed by drinks in the bar.
Day 7 Arrive into Budapest another of Europe's finest cities. A walking tour is included and then free time at your leisure, we were here overnight so there was no need to rush. By this time I am so chilled out the thought of going back to work worried me.
Day 8 Transfer back to the airport for the flight back to the UK.
All in all this was an amazing experience and one that I can highly recommend to anyone who wants a relaxing holiday and to enjoy the sights of some of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
If you would like further details of any of Cosmos Tourama River Cruise holidays, please feel free to drop me a line on our RiverCruising.co.uk telephone number - 01253 340914.
Susan Hilsdon
RiverCruising.co.uk
Part of the Save'n'Sail Cruise Village
01253 340194
