The Gem At The End Of The River !

River cruising is ever increasing in popularity and there are some really good offers around at the moment. The initial price may seem high but, on most of River Cruise  Lines, the price includes virtually everything – excursions, gratuities, drinks – just about anything you can think of.

One particularly good offer at the moment is a 14 night Magnificent Europe during July and August which sails from Amsterdam to Budapest. I`ve been to Amsterdam several times and really like the city but have never sailed down the Rhine from there, however the Danube I have done, and from Nuremberg to Budapest is a really lovely cruise.

At the end of the holiday awaits Budapest, one of the loveliest cities in Europe. One of the big advantages of a river cruise is that you get a wonderful view of the city from where the ships moor. We were really lucky as we were right opposite the Parliament Buildings, beautiful by day and night. The tour guides are excellent and the first thing ours told us was that the city is not called Budapest! It is actually Buda ( think of Buddha ) Pesht ( as they are not pests !! )

The Buda side of the city is the hilly side where the beautiful Budapest Castle sits at the top overlooking the river Danube.  You can either take the Funicular from Chain Bridge, the local bus or walk! Luckily on a river cruise you will have a coach to take you to the top as its a fair way. Wander through the winding streets, gaze at the views all over the city and the river and there is also Matthias church. The church has been  host to several ceremonies, royal weddings, coronations  and baptisms and witnessed many turbulent events in the history of Buda. On the other side of the Danube is Pest ( or Pesht ). This is the newer, cosmopolitan side of town with smart shopping streets, cafes, bars and restaurants.

Heroes’ Square along with its surroundings, and Andrássy Avenue with the Millenium Underground Railway have been UNESCO World Heritage sites since 2002. Heroes’ Square is the biggest, most impressive square of Budapest with  the Millenium Monument, Archangel Gabriel on top, holding the double cross of Christianity and the Holy Hungarian Crown.

There is so much of the city to see, an overnight stay is definitely to be recommended, and the cruise, with its included excursions will let you get the best of the city.

Back on the ship at night you will be treated to an evening cruise along the Danube to see Budapest by night. This city is gorgeous, you can`t see it from an Ocean Going Ship, so get booking that river cruise today !