Join our Travel Consultant Lucy Baguley as she embarks on an unforgettable journey to Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest with Avalon Waterways. Discover the charm of these iconic European destinations as Lucy shares her insights, tips, and what makes life onboard an Avalon Ship so magical. From Vienna’s grand architecture to Bratislava’s charming streets and Budapest’s breath-taking landscapes, follow along for inspiration and expert advice on this extraordinary adventure.
“I had the incredible opportunity to explore three countries in just three days with Avalon Waterways. This unique cruise holiday experience offered a fresh perspective on travel, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.
A Seamless Start to the Journey
Flying with British Airways on an early morning flight, I was treated to a stunning sunrise as I bid farewell to wintry England. Upon arrival, we were met with a private transfer from the airport to the ship. Our driver was both friendly and professional, and the car provided a smooth and comfortable ride. The journey offered a wonderful first glimpse of Vienna, with our driver sharing helpful tips and recommendations on must-see sights for our visit.
Life Onboard
Panoramic Views and Cabin Luxuries
The cabin had a luxurious feel, and was a nice size with plenty of storage and hanging space in the wardrobe, a nice touch was having a safe, slippers, bathrobes, and bottled water. The cabin benefited from a full-length sliding window which was nice to have open to let in the breeze and bring a bit of the city atmosphere whilst sat relaxing at my cabin’s table and chairs. The beds were extremely comfortable with crisp white linen and lovely pillows, they even provided a pillow menu if you found the original pillows not to be to your liking. The bathroom was a good size with a powerful shower, a tiled enclosure with a glass door, and complementary L’Occitane toiletries. There was a hairdryer, good lighting, and an illuminated magnifying makeup mirror.
Entertainment
The Club Lounge offers a relaxed area where you are able to play board games or read. There is a giant draughts board on the top deck as well as a jacuzzi. Musicians played in the Panorama Lounge after the evening meal on some nights.
Dining & Refreshments
There was a buffet service for breakfast, lunch, and snacks and for the evening meal, you enjoy an al la carte sit-down meal. Dinners were always such a delight, lovely multiple courses. Some included local delicacies and meals twinned with a choice of either local or international wines.
Tours and Excursions
Vienna City Explore & Classical Evening
After boarding the ship and settling in, we enjoyed a delicious lunch before heading out to explore Vienna. I was captivated by the stunning architecture, and the city truly felt like a vibrant cultural hub. As we strolled through its charming streets, we took a break at a cosy coffee shop to sample some Austrian delights.
In the evening, we attended a classical concert at a grand hall, where we were treated to an enchanting performance of opera, classical music, and dance. This experience felt especially fitting in Vienna, famously known as the “City of Music.” This title reflects the city’s rich musical heritage, as it was home to many of history’s greatest classical composers.
Bratislava: Guided City Tour & Scenic Hike to the Castle
On day two, after a hearty breakfast, we met our guide and set off on a walking tour of Bratislava to explore its must-see sights. One of the highlights was a visit to a local church, where we learned about its history through an audio link. The guide was wonderfully discreet, ensuring we didn’t disturb those there for prayer.
As we continued, we delved into the rich history of the city, discovering fascinating buildings and striking sculptural works of art along the way. After returning to the ship for lunch, our group ventured up to Bratislava Castle. Perched atop a hill, the castle offered breath-taking panoramic views of the city—a rewarding sight after the climb.
Discovering Budapest's Charms
On day three we got to see the best of what Budapest has to offer, this is a bustling city with lots to see and do. From the leisurely pace of a café to the thrill of the Ferris Wheel, there’s something for everyone.
The city is easy to walk around or you can catch a tram if your legs get too tired. Again, the buildings and architecture in this city are beautiful and the city in general was very clean and welcoming. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see the Buda side of the city but this just means I will have to go back one day to have a further explore!
A Perfect Blend of Relaxation and Adventure
I really enjoyed my time cruising the Danube on Avalon’s Impression and wouldn’t hesitate to book myself on a longer cruise in the future.
I liked how you woke up in a different city each morning and it was nice there was very little movement on the ship so you only really knew you were moving if we sailed through a lock during the evening. With the ship being small the cruise felt more personal and had a relaxed feel with people going out to do what they wanted during the day and coming back in to get freshened up for evening drinks and a delicious meal in the evening.
The excursions helped structure the day but it was nice there was flexibility to be able to do your own thing as many of the passengers did and enjoyed. It provided a really good taster enabling people the opportunity to go back to certain destinations again to spend extra time on another cruise or a city break.
I really recommend river cruising, especially to culture lovers and those who want to see more than one location in their holiday who may not want to consider an ocean cruise.”
Lucy Baguley Travel Consultant in Hayle.
If you’re feeling inspired and would like to find out more about an Avalon Waterways Cruise, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Lucy by contacting our Hayle Branch here.
