A one-night river cruise from Vienna to Budapest may be brief, but it is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the charm of these two beautiful cities while enjoying the luxurious comforts of the Scenic Opal. This unique cruise offers a seamless blend of culture, history, and indulgence, making it an unforgettable experience.
Vienna: A City of Imperial Splendor and Romance
Our adventure begins in Vienna, a city that is rich in music, history, and imperial splendor. As soon as we arrive we are struck by the city’s historic atmosphere. It feels as though we have stepped back in time to an era filled with grand ballrooms, classical music, and Habsburg elegance. Vienna is a city that exudes charm from every corner, and with so many iconic sights to explore, we realize that a single day is not enough. We opt to stay for a few days in this majestic capital of Austria and check in at the Novotel Vienna Hauptbahnhof.
The modern hotel is ideally located just steps from the main train station, making it incredibly easy to reach the city center. With comfortable rooms that include all the necessary amenities for a relaxing stay, the hotel also features a restaurant, a lovely bar, and a fitness and wellness area that offers stunning views of the city.
After settling in, we embark on a spontaneous exploration of Vienna, allowing ourselves to discover the city’s highlights without a strict plan. Our first stop is Schloss Belvedere, where the Baroque architecture and enchanting gardens offer a peaceful escape, with sweeping views of the city. We continue our walk to the City Park, famous for its statues of renowned composers like Beethoven, Schubert, and Strauss, which highlight Vienna’s rich musical heritage.
We then make our way to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, an iconic Gothic masterpiece in the heart of the city. The cathedral’s majestic exterior is matched by its beautiful interior, and for those with a bit of energy, the climb to one of its towers offers a spectacular panoramic view of Vienna. From there, we stroll through the Old Town and visit the Hofburg Palace, home to the Sissi Museum, where we can almost feel the imperial grandeur of a bygone era. Just a little further, we pass the Burgtheater, a historic theater that is an integral part of Vienna’s cultural heritage. Inside, we are captivated by the ceiling paintings by Gustav Klimt.
As we continue our journey, we pass the Town Hall and the Parliament Building, two neo-Gothic architectural gems that showcase the political magnificence of Vienna. We end our walk at Maria-Theresien-Platz, a beautiful square where the Natural History Museum and the Kunsthistorisches Museum face one another. Our final stop is the Karlskirche, a Baroque church with an impressive dome and stately columns that leaves us in awe. Vienna has enchanted us, and we depart with a deep appreciation for its beauty and history.
Scenic Opal: Luxury and Comfort on the Danube
We leave Vienna in style as we board the Scenic Opal, a ship that immediately envelops us in its refined and relaxed atmosphere. This is not just a river cruise, but rather a floating five-star hotel, offering a level of comfort and luxury that exceeds expectations, for which Scenic Cruises is well known.
The design of the Scenic Opal ensures that we always have panoramic views of the stunning surroundings. The stylish lounge, with its designer interior, is a wonderful place to relax with a drink or snack. The ship’s layout has been carefully designed to enhance relaxation and enjoyment, with a spacious sun deck, a swimming pool, and a fitness room offering guests plenty of opportunities for leisure and indulgence.
Our suite is incredibly spacious and tastefully furnished, featuring luxurious bedding and modern facilities that make us feel immediately at home. One of the standout features of the suite is the wall-to-wall window, which can be lowered at the touch of a button, creating a seamless transition between the room and the balcony. This luxury is typically only found on much larger cruise ships, and it enhances our experience aboard Scenic Opal.
The bathroom is remarkably large for a river ship, beautifully finished with high-quality fixtures and modern conveniences, including a spacious shower and luxurious toiletries.
The all-inclusive nature of the cruise is another highlight. From meals and excursions to tips and butler service, everything is included, allowing us to fully relax and enjoy the experience without worrying about a thing. It’s a level of indulgence that makes every moment on board a special one.
Dining on the Danube: A Culinary Experience
Our evening aboard Scenic Opal begins in the panoramic lounge, where we raise a glass of champagne to celebrate our departure from Vienna. As the city fades into the distance, we are treated to an exquisite gala dinner. The beautifully set tables invite us to indulge in a culinary journey, starting with a mushroom and vegetable tartare with chicory. The selection of cold and warm starters includes a smoked salmon carpaccio with salmon mousse, apple-celery salad, blini, and citrus vinaigrette, followed by a tomato soup with spinach and ricotta tortellini, sun-dried tomatoes, and asparagus.
Next, we enjoy BBQ shrimp with creamy polenta, bacon bits, and herb oil. The sorbet of chilled champagne soup with lemon sorbet and mint leaf offers a refreshing break before the main course: slow-roasted beef tenderloin with aged port wine jus, fondant potatoes, caramelized vegetables, mushroom duxelles, and puff pastry. We also savor grilled halibut with pumpkin, lobster velouté, king oyster mushroom, and broccolini.
We conclude the meal with a coffee ice cream coupe, chocolate fondant with fresh berries and pudding, and homemade petit fours – an indulgent ending to a perfect dinner.
A Magical Night: Three Countries in One Night
As the Scenic Opal cruises down the Danube, we pass through three countries: Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. The silhouette of Bratislava, Slovakia’s charming capital, becomes visible as we enjoy the serenity of the river. The stars above and the gentle lapping of the water create an intimate, tranquil atmosphere. We return to our suite, feeling grateful for this unique experience, and look forward to exploring Budapest the next day.
Budapest: The Pearl of the Danube
We wake up to the mesmerizing sight of Budapest, with its Parliament Building and Castle Hill bathed in the soft glow of the morning light. Known as the Pearl of the Danube, Budapest exudes a mystical atmosphere that is palpable even at this early hour.
Before disembarking, we enjoy a hearty breakfast on board, fueling us for a day of exploration. Our first stop is the Novotel Budapest Centrum, a beautiful Art Nouveau building that combines modern comfort with classic style. The hotel is ideally located, with public transport nearby, making it easy to access Budapest’s main attractions.
After settling in, we set out to explore the city. We stroll down Váci utca, one of Budapest’s most famous shopping streets, and head to the Great Market Hall. The building’s colorful tiled roof and bustling atmosphere make it a must-visit. Inside, we are greeted by the delightful smells of fresh produce, herbs, and baked goods. The market is a vibrant mix of locals and tourists, and we take time to explore the many stalls offering Hungarian delicacies. The top floor is home to souvenirs and clothing, perfect for taking a piece of Budapest home.
Afterward, we walk along the Danube towards the Parliament Building, with the Chain Bridge visible in the distance. As we cross the iconic bridge, we feel transported to another world. The Hungarian Parliament Building, with its impressive length and stunning dome, is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. It rivals London’s Palace of Westminster, and its contrast with the modern city adds to its allure.
Our journey continues to St. Stephen’s Basilica, where the grandeur of the facade and the majestic dome leave us in awe. Next, we visit the Hungarian State Opera, a hidden gem with golden interiors and an air of elegance that takes us back in time.
As evening falls, we enjoy the illuminated beauty of Budapest. To cap off our journey, we savor a traditional Hungarian meal of goulash, the perfect way to conclude our first introduction to this enchanting city and our unforgettable journey with Scenic Cruises.
For more information on routes and ships, visit the Scenic Cruises website.