Silver Travel Wine Club

August 2024: Spotlight on the Danube

This month’s Wine Club, in partnership with AmaWaterways, heads to the Upper Danube.

Read on to find out more.

Brilliant architectural masterpieces and vine-strung hillsides on the Upper Danube River have inspired artistic creations for hundreds of years. Journey through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary, to experience some of the most celebrated wines and sights in the heartland of Europe.

Austria’s Wachau Valley has gained worldwide recognition for its Grüner Veltliner white grape variety. Planted throughout Austria’s vineyards, those coveted vines bring yellow-green berries to fruition. These wines achieve many levels of quality and taste, ranging from acidic and zesty in their youth to complex and nutty as they age. One thing that these varieties have in common is their ability to complement meals.

Boasting peach and green apple aromas, the Rieslings of Austria are often dry and crisp. With a perfect climate, these wines develop to full ripeness and are world-renowned among white wines.

See for yourself

Join an unforgettable AmaWaterways Wine Cruise and delight in one of the world’s most perfect trifectas: travel, wine, and elegant cuisine. Each of their Celebration of Wine River Cruises is hosted by an enthusiastic wine professional who leads you through tastings and interactive discussions, accompanies you on select shore excursions to vineyards and cellars, and helps curate a special food and wine pairing dinner on board.

Romantic Danube (wine cruise)

Those longing for the romance of Old World Europe will get to travel into the very heart of the continent, where empires were built, kings and queens were crowned and some of the world’s greatest music was composed and performed by the likes of Mozart and Beethoven.

Grand European cities like Prague, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest forever remain timeless. Admire the beauty of the Czech Republic’s charming mountain town, Ceský Krumlov. Visit one of Austria’s greatest wineries, Schloss Gobelsburg, which has a documented viticulture history dating back to the 12th century, and while there taste some of the greatest examples of Riesling and Grüner Veltliner wines in the world.

From grand abbeys and fortresses perched high above the Danube to plentiful iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, be romanced by the Danube with all her regal and romantic splendour.

Itinerary: Vilshofen to Budapest

  • Day 1: Vilshofen – Embarkation
  • Day 2: Vilshofen – Passau
  • Day 3: Linz
  • Day 4: Wachau Valley – Weissenkirchen
  • Day 5: Weissenkirchen – Krems
  • Day 6: Vienna
  • Day 7: Budapest – Esztergom – Budapest
  • Day 8: Budapest – Disembarkation

Sailing 24th March 2025 onboard AmaBella

Fly-cruise fares:

  • 7-night Fly-Cruise package from £2,541pp
  • Based on a Category E (Window) stateroom
  • Includes flights from London or Manchester
  • Savings up to £1,150 per couple


Click to find out more.

If you would like a quote or to book, call Silver Travel Advisor on 0800 412 5678.


Win a case of wine from the Danube region

Please note: prize draw now closed.

Comment below and tell us which area along the cruise you would most like to visit, and why?

A winner will be chosen in early September 2024.
The competition closes on 31 August
2024.

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336 Responses

  1. Vienna! On a previous cruise we had two hours there to explore on our own (not a regimented tour) and it was wonderful. We would love to go back!

  2. Vienna as it’s so beautiful, and I like the thought that it’s where the Viennese Waltz comes from!

  3. Austria – because my Dad did his National Service there and loved it – I’ve always wanted to see the places he visited

  4. Budapest as I’ve not been, but my partner says it’s a must place to visit at least once.

  5. Day 6, Vienna, always think of the Vienna Waltz and Andre Rieu when anyone mentions Vienna

  6. Mine would be Day 6: Vienna. It has to be one of the most iconic cities in the world with a rich history in the arts & music. It is somewhere I would have liked to go in my younger days when I was studying History but would still love to visit now (at the age of 57!)

  7. Day 7 in Budapest because I have always wanted to visit having heard that it is a beautiful city with very friendly residents. Also the scenery is wonderful for capturing on camera.

  8. would most like to visit along the cruise would be the Norwegian fjords. The reason is that they offer some of the most stunning natural scenery in the world, with towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and deep blue waters. The fjords are also home to charming villages and rich wildlife, including sea eagles, seals, and even the occasional whale. The combination of dramatic landscapes and peaceful, remote settings would make it an unforgettable experience.

  9. Budapest, cos I like it best,
    maybe Vienna or Linz, depends who wins,
    all I know, is I’d love to go,
    on a Silver Cruise, have a little sip of booze,
    at the end of the day, you guys choose 😎🌟🧜‍♀️

  10. Vienna, to be driven around in a horse and carriage, admire the beautiful architecture, to taste Wiener Schnitzel and listen to mesmerising music from Strauss.

  11. Vienna for its imperial architecture, rich cultural history, world-class museums, and vibrant music scene.

  12. Love to visit Vienna for the stunning baroque architecture, vibrant arts history and numerous outdoor activities

  13. Vienna, I’ve been once to the Christmas markets and it was such a beautiful city. I’d love to visit there again.

  14. I would love to visit the Wachau Valley to see the vineyards in their picturesque mediaeval setting of Weissenkirchen, history, countryside and wine can’t be beaten!

  15. The delights of Budapest including a visit to the New York Cafe to while away an hour or two in style!

  16. Vienna…for the splendour of its streets, and the grandeur and beauty of its buildings!

  17. Budapest – like a magnificent fine wine it’s tasteful, a magical sight, always surprising with it’s sensual delight !

  18. I’d most look forward to Budapest as I’ve always wanted to visit there and not got around to it.

  19. I would most like to visit the Wachau Valley in Austria. Its beautiful landscapes and famous vineyards, especially the Grüner Veltliner wines, make it a must-see. The mix of stunning scenery, historic sites, and the chance to taste world-class wines right where they’re made would be an unforgettable experience.

  20. Vienna – it looks so beautiful and I would love to wander the streets and people watch having a coffee.

  21. Vienna, as I have never been there. I would love to have cake and coffee at one of the grand beautiful coffee houses

  22. Wachau Valley looks so beautiful and I would love to see the fortresses against the landscape of rolling hills.

  23. I’d love to see Vienna. I went to Salzburg in my 20s and it was beautiful and I’d love to see another city in Austria

  24. Vienna had a beautiful exciting holiday there over 50 years ago oh what lovely memories

  25. I’d love to visit Wachau Valley because the scenery is absolutely stunning and I’m also interested in the historical aspects such as Richard the Lionheart being imprisoned in the the castle there

  26. Budapest Thermal baths and medicinal waters with centuries-old architecture.
    Affordability as a city.

    Vivid nightlife.

  27. I’d absolutely love to visit Vienna. It looks beautiful and I want to try the famous chocolate torte!

    1. Would love to visit Vienna – the buildings look spectacular and the choc torte etc would be delicious.

  28. I would love to visit Vienna, there is so much history and so many beautiful places to learn about and see

  29. I would love to visit Budapest as I have seen so many travel programs saying how nice it is.

  30. I would love to visit Vienna. Somewhere I’ve always wanted to go. It looks beautiful and has so much History.

  31. I would love to visit Prague because I have heard it is is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

  32. This looks like an amazing adventure to capture all the local sights especially around Budapest

  33. I’d love to revisit Prague, I was last there 35 years ago, and it was a beautiful city.

  34. I would most like to visit the Wachau Valley. The area is incredibly scenic with its beautiful vineyards, historic castles like Dürnstein, and pretty villages. I’d love to explore Weissenkirchen, enjoy the stunning views, and taste the famous local wines. It’s the perfect mix of nature, history, and culture. It’s the perfect place to connect back to nature and clock in! 🫶🏻

  35. I would love to go to Budapest, I’ve heard so much about it and have never been, I would love to
    see the Hungarian Parliament and the Buda Castle.

  36. I’d love to travel to Budapest along the Danube, especially because of how the river beautifully divides the city into Buda and Pest. There’s something magical about sailing between these two sides—Buda with its rolling hills, historic castles, and serene atmosphere, and Pest with its lively streets, modern cafes, and vibrant energy. Gliding down the river, with each side offering such a different experience, would be incredible. The idea of exploring both the peaceful, historic charm of Buda and the bustling, contemporary vibe of Pest all in one trip really appeals to me.

  37. Would love to re-visit Vienna, 60 years on. I celebrated my 21st birthday there, as a student. We dined on Wiener Schnitzel, topped off by Sachertorte… then on to a performance of Wiener Blut.
    Sounds a bit cheesy perhaps? But for 21 year old me it was magical!

  38. We love Budapest as a great destination all year round. There is superb food and wine, fascinating architecture and plenty of luxury hotels – ( Corinthia is our fave!). The castle and cathedral are well worth a visit too. Excellent public transport links all parts of the city.

  39. Vienna for the stunning restaurants, the great market and of course the Sasha Torte

  40. I would love to visit Esztergom as I have been to Budapest a number of times but nowhere else in Hungary. It’s a beautiful country – with fabulous wines – that I dearly wish to explore.

  41. Vienna has been voted the second most liveable city in the world, for obvious reasons. The city is clean, safe, and public transportation is easy. The locals are friendly, and the food is a mesh of the surrounding cuisines. A week is a great start to taste what this amazing gem of a city has to offer.

  42. I would love to experience again the imperial grandeur of Vienna. The power as capital of a mighty empire has ebbed away, but so much of the architecture remains untouched, a place of culture and memories and hopes for a better future.

  43. Two of my favourite things in life. Travel and Wine. What a fantastic cruise this would be. We have never river cruised before and reading this I honestly don’t know why ! Vienna is on our bucket list which we are slowly working our way through. And it’s so near to Schloss Gobelsburg.

  44. Vienna because I would love to see an opera or music concert and visit the palace and museums

  45. Vienna , because I would love to see an opera or music concert and visit the palace and museums

  46. Budapest! I have been lucky enough to visit once,didn’t have enough time to really explore,but found the city so fascinating I’d love to return

  47. Vienna for me as I am a great fan of The Sound of Music and have never been to Austria before

  48. I would most like to visit Vienna during the cruise. Vienna, being a city rich in history, culture, and art, would be an incredible destination to explore. As a lover of classical music and architecture, I would love the opportunity to visit iconic sites like the Vienna State Opera and Schönbrunn Palace. Strolling through the city’s elegant streets, soaking in the atmosphere of its historic coffee houses, and experiencing the vibrant blend of tradition and modernity that Vienna offers would be an unforgettable highlight of the cruise.

  49. I’ve been lucky and have traveled on quite a few ocean cruises but never a river one. I would love to sail through Europe on river cruises unfortunately that’s not easy in a wheelchair. Going from a uk port is my only option these days. In an ideal world Australia and New Zealand would be my dream destination.

  50. Vienna to bring back memories of student days by visiting a Heuriger in the vienna Woods, and taking coffee amd cake in the city itself

  51. I would say Budapest. I have been fascinated since reading the book The Historian a few decades ago, but fates have not yet aligned to make the journey!

  52. Vienna for me, soppy reason. One of our favourite games is the Tomb Raider series and it would be fabulous to see Vienna, without being shot at by the bad guys – hopefully.

  53. I’d love to see one of Austria’s greatest wineries, Schloss Gobelsburg – always wanted to have such an experience

  54. Vienna – looks like a beautiful city and I’ve wanted to visit since it was featured in a Rick Stein tv programme!

  55. Vienna. I visited on my own 30 years ago but would love to go with my husband to see the Michaelerplatz square and have a delicious slice of cake

  56. I have never been on a cruise but it looks amazing. If l had to chose my first choice to visit would be Budapest

  57. Vienna. We had a day visit when I was young and I was really impressed, but can’t remember anything about it.

  58. Budapest. It’s been on my bucket list forever to see the classic architecture & create amazing memories. It would be great to celebrate my anniversary there.

  59. Vienna, I was in Brno Czech Republic and I realised I was only 1 hour or so from Vienna, I queued for the bus at Brno bus station only to be told the bus was full so it would be nice to finally get there

  60. It would have to be Budapest. I have always wanted to visit this city, with its two sides and rich history. Hopefully one day soon I will

  61. I was lucky enough to visit Salzburg and the surrounding area some time ago, but have not yet had the good fortune to visit the east of Austria, so Vienna would be my choice… I’d love to see it beauty.

  62. Vienna excites me…the city of Klimt, Mozart and the Hapsburgs. The beauty of the Danube, the thrill of the big ferris wheel…not to mention the schnitzel and wine.

  63. Linz looks so charming with its beautiful old city, stunning architecture and historical heritage.

  64. Vienna is on my list – I would love to stay overnight and see a classical concert.

  65. Budapest – I’ve been looking at various places in Hungary for a few months now and would love to visit Budapest, in particular for it’s beautiful architecture.

  66. Wachau Valley & its vineyards- my OH is a wine buff so this would be right down his street (or river!)

  67. Wachau Valley because it’s not only UNESCO World Heritage Site but also very romantic, very scenic. I just love the hills and valleys and the amazing food.

  68. I’d love it all, but I’ve always been intrigued to visit Budapest as I’ve heard lovely things about it.

  69. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Danube’, you can visit the historic city of Budapest. Divided by the Danube into two distinct districts, Buda and Pest. Hungary’s stunning capital is a treasure trove of history, culture and architecture.

  70. Vienna as for the opera and historical buildings. There is just something about the name that stirs up all sorts romantic and classy places to visit there.

  71. The Southern part of the Rhine, with its castles and vineyards where there is a great cultural mix of French, German, and Swiss influences.

  72. It all sounds wonderful – can I go to all of them please! Alternatively I can drink teh wine and dream….

  73. Vienna ! Been top of my must visit list – woukd be a dream come true to win this trip x

  74. Karlskirche in Vienna is stunning inside.
    Also, I can’t wait to resample the three “S”s- Schonbrunn, schnitzel, and sachertorte!-Big Yums!

  75. Budapest . I love the learn about history! And I’d like to try the traditional food

  76. Budapest. I recently saw it on Race Across the World and was surprised by how beautiful it looks.

  77. Vienna – the cake and coffee there were fabulous, sitting in cafes with amazing music playing

  78. I couldn’t possibly decide between Budapest and Vienna – I’ve seen a lot of Europe but they are both places I’ve never been.

  79. It would have to be Vienna for me – it looks such a beautiful city and had been on my wishlist for a number of years but I’ve never got there.

  80. Would love to visit Vienna it’s a beautiful city that I have longed to visit for such a long time

  81. We have done a Danube cruise before, and our visit to Vienna (which we were able to explore on our own, without a tour guide telling us where to go) was an absolute delight, and we would love to return.

  82. THE WHOLE TRIP SOUNDS SPECTACULAR AND IT WOULD BE VERY DIFFICULT TO CHOOSE JUST ONE DESTINATION.

  83. Not been to any of these regions before but Vienna and Budapest as my Mum went years ago and really loved it!

  84. I’d love to go to Vienna and to taken back to the Habsburgs era and Sisi.. love all the Netflix shows!

    1. Definitely Vienna. Had my honeymoon there many years ago and always said we would return but sadly we haven’t. Would be absolutely amazing to surprise my dear long suffering hubby with a trip back to were it all began!!!

  85. The Wachau Valley to have a glass of wine overlooking the vineyards & beautiful scenery.

  86. The cruise sounds amazing, visiting many beautiful places, it’s hard to choose just one!

  87. I’d love to go to Vienna and visit the Spanish Riding School. The Lipizzanner horses are incredible. It would be a privilege to see them.

  88. Budapest has been on my list for a while now after my dad visited, he’s told me about all the amazing food.

  89. It has to be Vienna. The fabulous Spanish Riding School with the truly magnificent horses is at the top of my list of must-sees. Coupled with the amazing architecture, scrumptious desserts & coffee, this makes Vienna unmissable.

  90. Would love to see the Wachau Valley and explore its famous scenery, history, great food and of last but not least the regions wine.

  91. I’d just love to see the fortresses along the Danube. Ever since I was a child I’ve thought they look like something straight out of a fairy tale. I’d also bring my binoculars to spot some eagles. What a dream come true.

  92. Vienna. Because it looks absolutely beautiful, and it’s where my favourite film ‘Before Sunrise’ with Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, was set.

  93. Schloss Gobelsburg Sounds like an incredible place! But I’ve always wanted to explore Budapest and Vienna too!

  94. One is spoilt for choice really but for me it would have to be Durnstein as I find these castles towering over the winding Danube utterly fascinating.

  95. Vienna – I’m a huge classic music fan, the people, the architecture both in summer or in winter would be magical!

  96. Vienna. It has always looked so beautiful in photos and I have always wanted to visit.

  97. Budapest Fisherman’s Bastion area I would love to see..
    Also the market area as like seeing culture and food of country.

  98. Budapest because the architecture is beautiful and it is already on my bucketlist because of the horror walks and such they have there!

  99. Budapest. My wife and I have heard wonderful stories about this wonderful city and we’d love to see it for ourselves.

  100. I’d love to visit Vienna for its mix of history and charm. Strolling through beautiful streets, enjoying a slice of Sachertorte in a cozy café. Plus, I’m all about that famous coffeehouse culture!

  101. I’d like to go to all of them, because I’ve never been to any of them, so how can I choose a favorite!?!

  102. I would love to visit Vienna. I have never been before but it is on my bucket list. So much to see and do.

  103. I would really love to go to Budapest as i have some relations there it would be lovely to see them

  104. Budapest as I went there once before with my husband (for Valentine’s!) and could not see much for the snow! We could hardly keep ur eyes open it was snowing so hard.

  105. Vienna-I have no pre conceptions of it, but have heard that the pastries and baked goods are fabulous!

  106. Budapest. It’s where I got my new teeth in 2019. I’d like to take them back for a visit. I know they’d enjoy chowing down on a juicy steak while looking at the gorgeous Parliament Building. Take my teeth home!

  107. Any one of these destinations are lovely, Budapest is a magic City, Vienna for the Spanish Riding School and Linz is beautiful. Spoilt for choice but will opt for Linz!

  108. Vienna – I have heard so many great things about Vienna and it looks beautiful. I’m also obsessed with the song Vienna by Billy Joel which I think has made it a bucket list destination for me.

  109. Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna it just looks amazing, and a must is to try is the legendary Wiener Schnitzel

  110. We have self- catered along the Rhine it would be relaxing to cruise along the river and especially visiting the Wachau Valley and all the other interesting places, what a idylic holiday

  111. I want to gift this to my brother and his partner as a wedding present, for them to go sightseeing and visit the historical buildings in Vienna.

  112. Vienna visiting the Museums Quartier district, And the historic and contemporary buildings of Vienna

  113. Prague is so beautiful and has so much history, it would be the area that I would be looking forward to visiting.

  114. Vienna for the experience and breathtaking precision of the Spanish Riding School.

  115. Vienna will have to be my choice. The wonderful architecture and of course tasting the fabulous cakes and pastries on offer.

  116. Vienna – have always wanted to go to experience a Mozart concert, explore the amazing architecture and of course enjoy some Sachertorte.

  117. Passau – I’ve only been once, but would love to go back. Its setting at the confluence of rivers is sublime.

  118. Passau for its elegant Gothic and Baroque churches and architecture, and its Bavarian hospitality.

  119. Vienna as somewhere I have always wanted to go for the romantic aura it has. (and also because I adored Ultravox’s song)

  120. Vienna – I’d love to go to the Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens. I adore English gardens and would like to see how they compare.

  121. Definitely Budapest. It looks so beautiful and has been on my bucket list for forever.

  122. I would love to visit the Wachau Valley, as I have never been to that part of Austria. It looks absolutely beautiful, I can just imagine sitting on deck, drifting past the mountains, with a glass of local wine to hand!

    1. Anything that links Prague and Budapest both of these are on my dream list – the excitment of different cultures and histories together with a luxurious bed and food onboard set my flame alight

  123. I’d enjoy visiting Wachau Valley to see the vineyard. What an exciting trip!

  124. Would love to visit Vienna to soak up its history and architecture as well as sampling its famous pastries!

  125. Budapest would be my choice. I have visited before and its is so beautiful I would love to return.

  126. Budapest and Prague beautiful cities steeped in history I have only seen pictures and been told how lovely it is from friends so would love to experience the real thing

  127. How do you choose your favourite child. There is no where I wouldn’t want to be.

    Should be a great choice of wines too.

  128. Love to see the Neoclassical architecture of the Basiica sited dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Danube as well as the old town and the beautiful Danube Bend in Esztergom.

  129. Vienna for sure as hubby & I love music, the arts and walking around admiring historical architecture. We promised ourselves we would visit one day…..

  130. I visited Vienna nearly twenty years ago, but can still remember eating a Wiener Schnitzel so huge it hung off the plate. I love to return to the restaurant, Figlmüuller, and see if portion sizes are still the same.

  131. Would love to visit Budapest, especially to visit the two areas of Buda and pest and see how they differ.

  132. Vienna has to be my choice. There’s so much to see there it’s impossible to do it on one trip. The music is great but I’d love to go and see the lipizzaner horses doing there display.

  133. Vienna it’s where my mum and dad went for honeymoon and I’ve always wanted to see everything through their eyes 🤞

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