Completed our Amadaeus Waterways Danube cruise aboard the Amadagio - Prague to Budapest.

Happy to answer any questions.

A fantastic trip, with wonderful local tour guides at every stop. Very good food aboard. Excellent local entertainment at a number of stops, including one magical evening listening to the Vienna Boys' Choir at their magnificant "residence".

Stayed extra nights in Budapest (which we much preferred to Prague) and then back to Vienna for a couple of nights before flying back to Australia.

Thanks to Underhill for her recommendations on Austrian Airlines - superb!!

Danube this September for us. Budapest to Prague. Is it really brown? What boat were you on. Pictures? Thanks.

Hi,
Yes..it is very brown, but that does not detract from a fantastic holiday cruising on the Amadagio.

Guides at each stop were local - and top class - and formed a large part of our enjoyment of the trip.

If you are staying in Prague for a couple of nights, I recommend a true dining (and reasonably priced) experience at David's Restaurant (www.restaurant-david.cz)

We stayed at the Victoria Hotel in Budapest and ate at a local restaurant just around the corner. Best duck I've ever eaten and I'm still trying to replicate the sweet/sour cabbage! Meals were huge and two main courses, a caraffe of local white wine and two coffees came to A$40!!

We took the optional Salzburg tour, which thanks to our excellent guide was an interesting overview of this very pretty town (and delicious Christmas gingerbread). Lunch was eaten at restaurant "The Elephant" located in a side street off the main street - sorry I can't remember the name of the street, but the locals know it well. A delightful little restaurant, where, on a very cold day, we enjoyed the delicious set menu of the day - soup and bread, main course and coffee for 9 euros per head.

Enjoy your trip - we found our cruise both interesting and relaxing and the mechanics of the lock system an unexpected fascination!

Tell us more! I'm considering either a river cruise or a rail trip to those destinations--Budapest, Vienna, Prague. I'm thinking I should save the cruise for when I'm older (I'm an energetic 62) but could change my mind.

Hi Judy,
Well...we're energetic 55 year olds! The cruise is relaxing in that absolutely everything is taken care of. Food, wine, entertainment on board and at each stop sightseeing is all arranged, including free time at each stop.

Having said that, we spent very little time in our suite, as there always seemed something to do. To take advantage of this, you really do need to be reasonably fit, and I noticed some of the much older passengers found the pace tiring and were not able to fully participate in some of the shore tours owing to the amount of walking required.

When crusing, the lounge and front deck areas provide the best views and morning and afternoon tea was served daily.

We've always travelled independently prior to this cruise, but as I said, we thoroughly enjoyed our time with Amadaeus Waterways.

Thanks for the info. Quick question = do you think this cruise would be appropriate for kids (well, young teen boys - 13, 15)?

I really want to do a river cruise. We've been to Vienna and Salzburg, but I want to see Prague and Budapest and the countryside in between. Our kids are well-traveled and well-behaved, and have often been the only kids around on our vacations - but I don't want to put them in a situation where they might not be comfortable. And I don't want to upset other travelers if they are looking for an adult-only vacation.

Hi Tuppy,

I am trying to organise a trip on the Danube for my 80 year old parents.

They like the Prague to Budapest cruise with Amadaeus but the problem we are having is getting information from them.

They live in England and this (I understand) is an American company. I notice you are Austrailian - did you have any problems booking this and how did you go about it?

I have printed out you excellent report for them.

Thanks
Helen

To Grcxx3 -

It's a few years since I had teenage boys to consider, but I venture the opinion that at ages 13 and 15 your boys would be bored on such a trip, particularly the 13 year old.

To cambe -

Helen - I booked through Australian Pacific Touring in Melbourne and have just unearthed my receipt from them which shows a UK address. APT at William House, 14 Worple Road, Wimbledon. Telephone 8879 7444 or e-mail - [email protected] On our cruise there were a few UK couples.
Trust this helps. We found the company to be very professional and helpful when addressing my many queries.

A note for your parents (which they may or may not need). The Cruise Director on Amadagio had a group of what she called, "gentle walkers". These were those who found some of the more strenuous walking days too much, so those days were a little more streamlined to cater for them.

Best wishes,

Tuppy1...I'm delighted that you too liked Austrian Airlines. Isn't it special, compared with most of the others?

Cambe,

You might take a look at the Grand Circle Tours Danube Christmas Markets cruise. I had the pleasure of doing one in 2005 and absolutely loved the whole experience.

Underhill,
Best travel advice I've ever received - we thoroughly enjoyed our flight with Austrian.

Disappointed however, to hear they are withdrawing from Australia in March.

In future we would probably fly Qantas or BA to Bangkok (Austrian's refuelling stopover from Sydney) and then on to Vienna with Austrian.

Tuppy1, thank you - we are making progress. My mum could probably do most of the tours but my dad may struggle. They are glad to know that there is 'gentle walk'option.

Underhill, Thank you, looks great but they are going in May. As they love cruising I have given them the information.

Helen

GCT has cruises in May--quite a few.

Tuppy1, thank you for your encouragement. I'm glad to hear it wasn't slow-paced and that there was plenty to do.

Underhill, I've wondered about those cold-weather cruises such as the Christmas Market cruise. How is it in respect to the weather? I imagine the deck space is enclosed.

Hi Tuppy,

I read with your interest your post as doing a river cruise has been high on my list of travel plans.

Could you comment on the cabin? Is it very small? Also, is smoking allowed throughout the ship?

Thanks!

cruiseluv -

Definitely no smoking anywhere on board.

We took one of the Junior Suites, which contained a lovely deep bath and a small sitting area.

However, I must say that one of the things I most enjoyed about the cruise was that no matter which cabin you might occupy, most time was spent in the lounge or dining room, or on tours. My only stipulation would be to be on the upper deck so that I had a sliding glass door (for fresh air, as well as viewing).

The upper deck would be a lovely spot in summer. At the end of November, we found it extremely cold and sometimes windy on deck, but that didn't stop us going up there to see some of the lovely little villages we sailed past.

Hi Tuppy,

Thank you for your response. For sure, I need to do this sometime!

Hi Tuppy,
Do you remember the name of the restaurant in Budapest near Victoria Hotel?

M'selle Fifi -
Horgasztanya Restaurant. Turn left upon leaving the Hotel, left into the first street and the restaurant is located on the right-hand side at the end of that (very short) street.

The lady at the Hotel Victoria recommended it saying, "it is not an elegant restaurant, but it serves wonderful local food" and indeed it did!

Remarking on the food, our taxi driver said that restaurant is famous for its fish dishes - do try the "Fish in a Kettle" for an absolutely delicious and authentic Hungarian experience.

The local white wine was fine with our meals!

Have fun.

I will be in Vienna in February (first time) for work. Afterwards, I have five days before returning home and would like to visit some combination of Prague, Budapest, Bratislava, or Krakow.

I've never been to any of these cities and would appreciate some insight. One thing I'm considering is a boat from Vienna to Budapest, will this work in the winter? I'm not interested in a luxurious cruise, just interesting transportation.

Thanks in advance for replies.