Budapest & A River Cruise

Jan 17, 2020

#Austria #Budapest #Germany #Holiday Travel #Hungary #Tauck River Cruises

Before I embarked on my river cruise with Tauck, I had the opportunity to stay at a lovely hotel in Budapest. The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest, was so well-maintained and our corner executive room was 632 square feet with magnificently large windows and views of the city. Our accommodations were opulent and with a very comfy bed.

Plus, what a wonderful location! It is across a small street from the Budapest Eye and local kiosks with quality items, leather, fur, and local artifacts. (A word to the wise: our dollar goes so far in this fantastic country.) Also, the Ritz-Carlton was just a 10-minute walk to the chain bridge and seven minutes by taxi to the Parliament building.

The club lounge inside was very large with lots of interesting local bites and a very relaxed atmosphere, which is perfect for late arrivals when you need something that’s not a full meal. Additionally, you’ll find the tastiest champagne and lots of dessert surprises there.

I especially enjoyed the lobby restaurant for breakfast, which was very quiet, with blue velvet club chairs and sofas.

I would’ve loved to stay for a few more days, but my European adventure with Tauck was beginning.

I was on the last cruise of the year before the Christmas markets begin late November. It was a splendid seven-night cruise aboard the MS Savor.

For those who don’t know, Tauck is an all-inclusive river cruise product with private arrival and departure transfers included. The company includes everything! It was a very relaxed and carefree experience.

For those who are foodies, we had a celebrity chef on board, who was a winner from MasterChef and who offered cooking classes and a special dinner.

My favorite ports of call were the small village visits. First off, there was Dürnstein. In the Wachau wine valley, we were the only tour there and visited a winery restaurant for a tasting and the view. While there, I learned that Austrian Riesling wines are never sweet like German Rieslings.

Next up: Engelhartszell. This village is very small and picturesque and has a large abbey. For the most part, it was just wonderful being the only ship in port to explore the village.

For your next European getaway, be sure to reach out to TravelStore!

Colette Cross