From Passau to Budapest · Europe (River) · 7 nights
Uniquely designed and decorated, with an exceptional attention to detail, the S.S. Maria Theresa has been crafted to reflect the specific area in which she operates.
This stunning ship, named after the 18th century Habsburg
empress, has won countless plaudits since joining the Uniworld
fleet in 2015. Individually decorated suites with cleverly designed
French balconies open the rooms to the outside, and the
outrageously over the top décor of the public spaces combines
brilliantly with modern touches like the indoor heated pool at the
back of the ship.
The pretty Bavarian town of Passau, situated close to Germany's border with Austria, enjoys a unique setting at the confluence of three rivers: the Inn, the Ilz and the Danube. Passau grew rich on the back of the medieval salt trade, and went on to become the most important bishopric in the Holy Roman Empire; the narrow cobbled streets of the handsome old town, the Altstadt, haven't changed all that much in the centuries since.
The city of Linz is included on river cruise itineraries due to its proximity to Salzburg, which is where you’ll most likely be headed. Salzburg’s Altstadt attracts millions of visitors every year with its fairytale skyline of domes and spires, and the city is renowned as both the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for ‘The Sound of Music’.
Krems sits on the river Danube at the eastern end of the beautiful Wachau Valley, surrounded by vineyards. It’s an attractive old town, with pretty cobbled streets and a good selection of galleries and museums, as well as some excellent restaurants.
Formerly the centre of the Habsburg Empire, Vienna is as grand a European capital as you can imagine, jam packed full of thrusting, bombastic buildings that stand as a reminder of Austria’s glorious imperial heyday.
Bratislava, Slovakia’s quaint little capital, straddles the Danube close to the border with Austria and Hungary. The compact old town is the best place to begin your exploration, before heading up to the hilltop castle for commanding views of the city and surrounding countryside.
Budapest is one of Eastern Europe’s most appealing cities, a vibrant and welcoming capital that straddles the Danube. The history of Budapest has been somewhat turbulent, but plenty of beautiful buildings survive, including the imposing Parliament and iconic St Stephen’s Basilica.
