Live Voyage Preview: Tauck’s Blue Danube

Follow along in late September as we sail from Budapest to Prague

Come sail the Danube with us, as our Live Voyage Report takes us aboard Tauck’s Swiss Jewel on a journey from Budapest to Prague. Photo courtesy of Tauck.

This past December, I discovered the magical world of river cruising for the first time. I use the world ‘magical’ because that’s precisely what it is – absolute, pure magic.  Days are spent journeying from one storybook village to the next, soaking in the local culture, traditions, and culinary delights.  By evening, all the best aspects of traditional cruising present themselves: the ability to unpack once, the amazing food and service, and the camaraderie found on a smaller ship.  And in September, I’ll have a chance to experience the power of the famous Danube River all over again.

Beginning September 27 and running until October 7, we’ll be sailing aboard Tauck’s Swiss Jewel  from Budapest to Prague as part of the line’s comprehensive 12-night Westbound Blue Danube cruisetour itinerary.

Our Live Voyage Report begins September 27, from the Hungarian capital, Budapest. Photo © Aaron Saunders

On this Live Voyage Report, we’ll start by spending two full days in Budapest prior to embarking the elegant Swiss Jewel for a cruise up the Danube.   Then, it’s off to Bratislava in Slovakia and the culture capital of Europe, Vienna.  I’ve never been to Bratislava before, but my time in Vienna this past December made me want to pack my things and move there instantly; I certainly don’t mind re-visiting this gorgeous Austrian city.

Vienna was – and arguably still is – one of the major “culture capitals” of Europe. Photo ©  Aaron Saunders

Another notable port of call is Durnstein, a rather baroque-looking Austrian city that’s filled with charm.  Richard the Lionheart enjoyed some spectacular views from Durnstein Castle in 1192 when he enjoyed a stay here – largely against his will – as a guest of Duke Leopold V after having a bit of a tiff during the Third Crusade. Like any great Shakespearean tragedy, it involved murder, diabolical suspicion, and excommunication by the Pope.

Following that, guests aboard the Swiss Jewel will dock in Linz, where they will have the option of touring Salzburg, Austria or the fairytale-come-to-life that is Cesky Krumlov, in the Czech Republic.  On many river cruises, these are offered at an additional cost – but on Tauck, you can choose either free of charge.

Aboard Tauck’s Swiss Jewel, we’ll get to spend some time ambling around the beautiful German town of Passau. Photo © Aaron Saunders

Calls to Passau and Regensburg precede two days on land in Prague, with its famous Astronomical Clock, historic Old Town centre, and the grand libraries of Strahov Monastery.

On their river cruises, Tauck really pulls out all the stops – even during the land portion of the trip.  In Budapest, guests will be welcomed to Hungary with a reception and dinner at the gorgeous Akademia Club in the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. It will be a chance to mingle with my fellow guests and Tauck’s tour directors while sampling some delicious Hungarian cuisine.

Tauck’s 12-day Westbound Blue Danube river cruise begins in grand fashion, with a private dinner reception at the Akademia Club in Budapest, Hungary. Photo courtesy of Akademia Club.

Other notable indulgences include a private aperitif and dinner at Lobkowicz Palace at Prague Castle; tours of Schnbrunn Palace or the Imperial Apartments in Vienna; and a private dinner at an imperial palace in Vienna.

I may have done a similar voyage in December, but this Blue Danube itinerary promises to be an excitingly different take on a very popular route.

Best of all, we’ll have Live Coverage here on From the Deck Chair beginning September 27^th!  Our full itinerary, both here and onboard:

So follow along with us and discover why river cruising is becoming one of the fastest growing segments of the travel industry.  It promises to be a fun few weeks of Danube splendor aboard Tauck’s Swiss Jewel!

Durnstein, Austria. Note the castle on the hill which Richard the Lionheart found himself the reluctant guest of. Photo © Aaron Saunders

More information on Tauck and the Swiss Jewel can be found by visiting the Tauck website, or by reading the complete Tauck company and fleet overviews on our sister-site, River Cruise Advisor.