VIVA Cruises

Daily Itinerary

1. Day 1

   Passau

   Depart 17:00

   Germany

   

   Passau occupies one of Central Europe's most dramatic natural stages — a narrow peninsula at the confluence of three rivers, the Danube, Inn, and Ilz, where the old town's baroque spires and shuttered merchants' houses crowd the very tip of the land between the waters. St. Stephen's Cathedral houses the world's largest church organ, a 17,974-pipe instrument whose daily concerts fill the nave with a sound that seems architectural in its density. The Veste Oberhaus fortress above the city commands panoramic views across three countries on clear days. Passau is a classic Danube river cruise departure point; spring and early autumn, when the river runs high and the light turns golden, are the finest seasons.

2. Day 2

   Melk

   Depart 12:00

   Austria

   

   Melk Abbey is among the most theatrical expressions of Baroque ambition in all of Europe — a gilded monastery perched on a granite outcrop above the Danube, its domed church and frescoed library presiding over the Wachau Valley with serene authority since Benedictine monks replaced the Babenberg fortress in 1089. Umberto Eco immortalised it as the inspiration for his labyrinthine monastery in "The Name of the Rose," and the library's 100,000 medieval manuscripts remain one of the continent's supreme collections. After the abbey, stroll down to the historic market town and sample the valley's celebrated Grüner Veltliner wines. The Wachau is at its most bewitching in April and October.

3. Day 3

   Vienna

   Depart 18:00

   Austria

   

   The port of Vienna is a cultural gem along the Danube River, famous for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culinary scene. Must-do experiences include sampling authentic Wiener Schnitzel and visiting the picturesque village of Dürnstein. The best season to visit is spring or early fall, when the city's gardens bloom and outdoor activities abound.

4. Day 4

   Budapest

   Arrive 09:00

   Hungary

   

   Budapest, divided by the Danube into the hilly Buda of thermal baths and medieval castle lanes on one bank and the grand Pest of coffee-house culture and Art Nouveau splendor on the other, delivers the most theatrical first impression of any European capital — whether approached by river as the neo-Gothic Parliament materializes from the water or by night from the Citadella's sweep of illuminated panorama below. The city's celebrated thermal bath culture, rooted in Ottoman-era hammams and perfected in palatial Secession-era pools like the Széchenyi, is an experience entirely unlike anything else in Europe. Visit spring and autumn for comfortable temperatures; Vienna is two and a half hours west by train.

5. Day 5

   Budapest

   Arrive 14:00Depart 18:00

   Hungary

   

   Budapest, divided by the Danube into the hilly Buda of thermal baths and medieval castle lanes on one bank and the grand Pest of coffee-house culture and Art Nouveau splendor on the other, delivers the most theatrical first impression of any European capital — whether approached by river as the neo-Gothic Parliament materializes from the water or by night from the Citadella's sweep of illuminated panorama below. The city's celebrated thermal bath culture, rooted in Ottoman-era hammams and perfected in palatial Secession-era pools like the Széchenyi, is an experience entirely unlike anything else in Europe. Visit spring and autumn for comfortable temperatures; Vienna is two and a half hours west by train.

6. Day 6

   Bratislava

   Arrive 07:00Depart 12:00

   Slovakia

   

   Bratislava, the only national capital bordering two sovereign states, sits sixty kilometres downstream from Vienna on the Danube — close enough for a day trip to the Austrian capital, yet possessed of its own entirely distinct character: a pastel-hued medieval old town of hidden courtyards, playful bronze statues, and hilltop castle views, where wine bars pour outstanding Slovak Riesling at prices that make the Viennese feel extravagant. The city's dramatic reinvention since 1989 has produced a dynamic, youthful culture that fills the old quarter's restaurants and concert halls with genuine warmth. Pair with Vienna or Budapest for the classic Danube river trilogy; all three cities are within two hours of each other.

7. Day 7

   Linz

   Austria

   

   Austria's third city has accomplished one of Europe's most convincing urban transformations — reinventing itself from industrial centre to cultural powerhouse, a journey recognised in 2009 when it was named European Capital of Culture. The Ars Electronica Center, a museum of digital art and technology that glows with LED light across the Danube each evening, epitomises Linz's forward-looking identity. Yet the city's Roman roots, its baroque Hauptplatz (one of Austria's finest main squares), and its proximity to the Wachau Valley anchor it firmly in history. The Upper Austrian cuisine — particularly Linzer Torte, the world's oldest-documented cake recipe — is exceptional. Linz is most agreeable May through September.

8. Day 8

   Passau

   Arrive 07:00

   Germany

   

   Passau occupies one of Central Europe's most dramatic natural stages — a narrow peninsula at the confluence of three rivers, the Danube, Inn, and Ilz, where the old town's baroque spires and shuttered merchants' houses crowd the very tip of the land between the waters. St. Stephen's Cathedral houses the world's largest church organ, a 17,974-pipe instrument whose daily concerts fill the nave with a sound that seems architectural in its density. The Veste Oberhaus fortress above the city commands panoramic views across three countries on clear days. Passau is a classic Danube river cruise departure point; spring and early autumn, when the river runs high and the light turns golden, are the finest seasons.

Cabin Categories

Double Cabin aft Ruby Deck

Balcony

161 sq ftMax 22BHR

16 m² Ruby Deck French balcony VIVA All-Inclusive EQUIPMENT: Two single beds (set apart on request) French balcony Table and two armchairs Beauty products from RITUALS® 32" LED TV Minibar with free water, beer and soft drinks, refilled daily Nespresso® machine Hair dryer Free WLAN access Telephone, safe and air conditioning/heating Bathroom with shower Generous storage space in wardrobes and under the bed

Double or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaShowerToiletries ProvidedFree Mini BarTV+6

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Double Cabin Diamond Deck

Outside

161 sq ftMax 22BD

16 m² Diamond Deck French balcony VIVA All-Inclusive EQUIPMENT: Two single beds (set apart on request) French balcony Table and two armchairs Beauty products from RITUALS® 32" LED TV Minibar with free water, beer and soft drinks, refilled daily Nespresso® machine Hair dryer Free WLAN access Telephone, safe and air conditioning/heating Bathroom with shower Generous storage space in wardrobes and under the bed Location on the top passenger deck

Double or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries ProvidedFree Mini BarTVFree Wi-Fi+6

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Double Cabin Ruby Deck

Balcony

161 sq ftMax 22BR

16 m² Ruby Deck French balcony VIVA All-Inclusive EQUIPMENT: Two single beds (set apart on request) French balcony Table and two armchairs Beauty products from RITUALS® 32" LED TV Minibar with free water, beer and soft drinks, refilled daily Nespresso® machine Hair dryer Free WLAN access Telephone, safe and air conditioning/heating Bathroom with shower Generous storage space in wardrobes and under the bed

Double or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaShowerToiletries ProvidedFree Mini BarTV+6

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Double Cabin Emerald Deck

Outside

161 sq ftMax 22BS

16 m² Emerald Deck Window (cannot be opened) VIVA All-Inclusive EQUIPMENT: Two single beds (set apart on request) Window (cannot be opened) Table and two armchairs Beauty products from RITUALS® 32" LED TV Minibar with free water, beer and soft drinks, refilled daily Nespresso® machine Hair dryer Free WLAN access Telephone, safe and air conditioning/heating Bathroom with shower Generous storage space in wardrobes and under the bed

Double or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaShowerToiletries ProvidedFree Mini BarTV+6

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Suite

Suite

258 sq ftMax 2SUD

24 m² Diamond Deck Welcome Aperitif with Wine and Canapes VIVA All-Inclusive EQUIPMENT: Priority embarkation (1 hour before check-in) Welcome Aperitif with Wine and Canapes 50 EUR laundry credit (per cabin) Two single beds (set apart on request) French balcony Table and two armchairs Lounge area Beauty products from RITUALS® 32" LED TV Minibar with free water, beer and soft drinks, refilled daily Nespresso® machine Hair dryer Free WLAN access Telephone, safe and air conditioning/heating Bathroom with shower SPA bathrobe and slippers Generous storage space in wardrobes and under the bed Location on the top passenger deck

Double or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries ProvidedFree Mini BarTVFree Wi-Fi+8

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