With its innovative design and a new on-board concept the river cruise ship of the year 2018 has raised the bar in river cruises. nickoVISION is the perfect ship for everyone who thinks river cruises are “dated” or who does not want to decide what to eat for dinner in the morning. It is also an excellent choice for all the people who want their holiday on the Danube to be a spontaneous experience focused on individual enjoyment. On the outside, the river cruiser’s large glass surfaces and distinctive lines are the first things you see. On board the ship, the modern and elegant concept is reflected in a light-flooded, exclusive interior.
From Passau to the Black Sea
15 days | Passau • Black Sea • PassauWhy this trip?
- nickoVISION: modern river cruise ship with an innovative on-board concept (e.g. three restaurants under the full- board arrangement)
- Optional excursion to Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s former capital city with its rich history and picturesque setting
- Excursion to Constanța, one of the most beautiful port cities on the Black Sea coast, included in cruise fare
- Passage through the Danube Cataracts, and the Carpathian Gorge with its breathtaking canyons and the Iron Gate
- Discover the largely unknown Lower Danube, and experience this region’s special flair for yourself
Early booking discount
The discount is already included in the displayed starting price.
€200 discount per person on bookings before 30.11.2024
€100 discount per person on bookings before 31.01.2025
Itinerary
Passau
Embarkation 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Today the tradition-rich Danube metropolis Vienna is on the program. From the pier you will pass the "New Vienna" with the Uno-City and the Danube Island. See imposing magnificent buildings such as the State Opera, the Burgtheater, the Hofburg, the Parliament, the City Hall and the Votivkirche during the trip along the famous Ringstrasse. During a guided tour afterwards, you will experience this charming city and its world-famous "Viennese Schmäh" at first hand. After a short free time, you will pass the Praterstern and return to your ship.
The journey to Lajosmizse takes you south of Budapest towards the Hungarian lowlands, the Puszta. On arrival at Tanya-Cszárda, you will be greeted with schnapps and savory cookies, typical of the region. You will visit the stud farm and can then take a short carriage ride across the vast plains of the Puszta. Afterwards, the csikos (Hungarian horse herders) invite you to a special kind of riding demonstration. You will learn interesting facts about the Hungarian horse traditions and get to know the habits of the former Csikos, as the horse used to be a man's best friend in the Puszta. After the demonstration, you will have the opportunity to take a short walk through the stables of the Cszárda. Here you will also be served a small snack with Hungarian specialties and wine. In the boutique you have the opportunity to buy Hungarian souvenirs, salami, paprika products, wine and schnapps.
Day 5
Passage of the Danube cataracts with the famous "Iron Gate".
The fifth largest city in Bulgaria with the largest port on the Danube, once bore the Roman name Sexaginta Prista, the city of sixty ships. The house facades are a mix of Baroque, Renaissance and other eras. You will start your tour in the old city center. Passing the railroad station, you will go to the Pantheon, a Christian memorial to Bulgarian heroes. The tour will continue to the Alyosha Monument, the concert hall and then to the Central Square, where you will visit the Bulgarian Orthodox Trinity Church before a short walk through the city center where you will see the Freedom Monument, the Opera House and the Court.
Cernavoda
Enjoy southern flair and fresh sea air on your included excursion to Constanta on the Black Sea with packed lunch.
Day 9
Genießen Sie einen entspannten Flusstag an Bord.
Passage der Donaukatarakte mit dem berühmten "Eisernen Tor".
About an hour's bus ride from our pier, between the Danube and Drava rivers, lies the Kopacki rit Nature Park, one of the largest and best preserved marshlands in Europe. The canals and lakes overgrown with reeds are mostly surrounded by white willow trees and their surface is covered with white water lilies. These give a home to numerous freshwater fish (carp, pike, perch), reptiles (fire salamander, pond turtle) and bird species (cormorants, storks). The most famous inhabitant is probably Europe's largest eagle, the white sea eagle. Experience the untouched nature during a boat trip and with a little luck you will also see some of the wild animals that live there. Afterwards, you will go to the nearby Rural Haus, where you will learn more about the area, its tradition and culture during an interesting and humorous presentation, among other things, you will learn what is behind the scary "Busho" mask. Tasting local products, such as ajvar and slivovitz are also part of the visit before heading back to the ship through the Slavonian Plain.
Budapest
Budapest is certainly one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and bears the nickname "Queen of the Danube" not without reason. The Danube divides the Hungarian metropolis into the districts of Buda and Pest. You will first drive through the city center and enjoy the flair of the city. Enjoy a beautiful view of the Buda Castle, Fishermen's Bastion and Matthias Church, which still remind of the glory of past times. Also a small visit to the famous Budapest market hall may not be missing, of course.
Bratislava is located in the fertile Danube plain south of the Small Carpathians in the immediate vicinity of the borders with Austria and Hungary. The Slovakian capital could be aptly described as "small but nice". The old town has been magnificently renovated with great attention to detail. During your sightseeing tour of Bratislava, you will first drive through the embassy district to the castle (Hrad), which towers high above the city and is considered the city's landmark. There you will make a photo stop and enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the city. Here you will also get more detailed information about the eventful history of the castle, which was the residence of numerous Hungarian kings for a long time before Maria Theresa settled there and the castle experienced its heyday. Afterwards, you will continue to the Old Town and begin the walking tour. Walking together through the Old Town of Bratislava, you will see the Redoubt, the National Theater, the City Hall and some Baroque palaces and the city gates that testify to the k.u.k. Monarchy. Among other things, you will also meet the most famous man of Bratislava, Gullimann Cumil.
Passau
Disembarkation until 09:30 a.m.
Services
- Cruise in an outside cabin in the booked category
- nickoVISION full board
- nicko cruise director and local tour guide
- Excursion to Konstanza to the Black Sea
- Comfortable Sennheiser audio system on all excursions operated by nicko cruises
- Entertainment programme on board
- Use of the wellness area with fitness room, sauna and steam bath
- Travel documents
- Luggage service between landing stage and cabin for embarkation and disembarkation
- All port and passenger fees
The services provided during your trip
- Arrival and departure
- Excursion package with 6 excursions: €249 p. P.
- Beverages on your cruise: €406 p. P.
- Guarded parking space (parking garage) in Passau (15 days): €137 p. P.
- Insurance
- Complete insurance
- Travel cancellation insurance
- Travel health insurance
Additional services
Your ship: nickoVISION
With its innovative design and a new on-board concept the river cruise ship of the year 2018 has raised the bar in river cruises. nickoVISION is the perfect ship for everyone who thinks river cruises are “dated” or who does not want to decide what to eat for dinner in the morning. It is also an excellent choice for all the people who want their holiday on the Danube to be a spontaneous experience focused on individual enjoyment. On the outside, the river cruiser’s large glass surfaces and distinctive lines are the first things you see. On board the ship, the modern and elegant concept is reflected in a light-flooded, exclusive interior.