Capital Cities of the Danube

Pricing is based on departure date: 02 August 2026

Select departure dates available from May to November 2026.

The great Danube River, once the lifeblood of empires, has been home to Europe’s greatest cities for eons. Join us on a journey spanning the four capital cities that sit along the banks of the Danube, glittering Vienna, charming Bratislava, eclectic Budapest, and storied Belgrade.

As we go, we’ll contrast the hustle and bustle of city life with blissful countryside views and stops in a couple of our favorite towns in between.

Itinerary Map

Itinerary Highlights

Vienna
Austria's capital has always attracted artistic genius. Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Kafka and Freud were either born or moved here. Strauss waltzes and apple strudel are what come to mind to most visitors, but its most striking features are its Schwarzenegger-sized Alps and monumental Baroque edifices.

Bratislava
Slovakia's capital since the country's independence in 1993, Bratislava is a mosaic of illustrious history: a medieval and Gothic old town, baroque palaces commissioned by Hungarian nobles, and the crowning castle, rebuilt to Renaissance finery. Slicing through the city are stark-angled, communist-era blocks and a futurist bridge.

Budapest
When overlooking Budapest from the Royal Palace wall or the Fisherman's Bastion of "Castle Hill," it's easy to see why Budapest is called " The Pearl of the Danube." Its grand buildings and beautiful bridges are architectural marvels, especially when the flood lights illuminate them at night. Hungary's capital has broad avenues, leafy parks and elaborate bathhouses and thermal spas. The River Danube serves as a good orientation landmark with Buda on the hilly left side and flat Pest on the right. The sights in Buda include "Castle Hill", Gellért-hegy and its prominent Liberty Statue, and the Citadella. Pest is the commercial center or downtown "Belváros" with highlights such as Vaci Street known for window shopping, fine restaurants and casual cafes.

Novi Sad
Novi Sad is a city in northern Serbia on the banks of the Danube River. Standing atop a riverside bluff, much of Petrovaradin Fortress dates to the 17th and 18th centuries, with an iconic clock tower and a network of tunnels. Across the river is the old quarter, Stari Grad, site of the Gothic Revival Name of Mary Church and the neo-Renaissance City Hall.

Belgrade
Grandiose coffee houses and smoky dives in a lively pedestrian boulevard flanked by historical buildings all the way to the ancient Belgrade Fortress. The riverside Savamala quarter has gone from ruin to resurrection, and is the city's creative headquarters. Deeper in Belgrade's bowels are museums guarding the cultural, religious and military heritage of the country.

Your Ship: S.S. Emilie

Sailing the Danube River, the next member of our Super Ship^TM fleet will be inspired by master Viennese painter Gustav Klimt. In his honor, we’re naming the vessel after his beloved muse, Emilie Flöge. When she debuts in 2026, the S.S. Emilie will bring elements of Klimt’s signature style to our guests, with dramatic hues, Art Nouveau elements, and stunning pops of gold. Guests who book a Grand Suite and the adjoining Deluxe French Balcony next door can see their stateroom transformed into an incredibly spacious 2-bedroom suite

Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Batina, Novi Sad, Belgrade

All fares are displayed in AUD, and pricing is per person based on twin share occupancy unless stated otherwise. Although all due care is taken to keep information as up-to-date as possible, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice: due to varying timing schedules of supplier automated update processes; currency fluctuations; fuel surcharges or government tax & fee changes and may not be guaranteed until paid in full. Gratuities may be an additional onboard charge depending on particular cruise line selected. Please ask your cruise consultant for any clarification of Terms & Conditions.