Catriona Rowntree has travelled the world, she never thought she'd get to visit this country
On Getaway, host Catriona Rowntree gets to travel near and far – sometimes to places not even she ever expected to go.
That was the case during her ultra-luxury cruise on Scenic Amber along the mighty Danube River.
After leaving Budapest in Hungary, Catriona woke up in Slovakia, which was part of Czechoslovakia until 1992.
"A country that when I was in school I never thought I'd get to visit here because it was locked behind the Iron Curtain," she shared.
"But now that they've had a Velvet Divorce, the world is Slovakia's oyster."
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Soon, Catriona arrived in the Slovakian capital of Bratislava – but that was far from the only stop along her incredible, all-inclusive river cruise.
Imagine visiting five fantastic European countries and only having to unpack your bags once! On an itinerary designed for guests to explore at a leisurely pace, she soaked up the breathtaking scenery, centuries of history and of course delicious food.
Find out more about Catriona's Scenic trip right here:
Location:
Hungary, Slovakia, Austria
Info:
Discover the Danube in Depth in truly all-inclusive ultra-luxury with Scenic. Exclusive Scenic Enrich event, Scenic Freechoice activities, all on board meals and premium drinks are included.
Secure your 2026 river cruise with included Economy Class flights valued up to $2,900 per person. Getaway viewers can save an additional $300 per person with an exclusive voucher.
For more information or to request your voucher, visit scenic.com.au/getaway, call 1300 790 372, or speak to your nearest travel advisor.
Information correct at 05.07.25 Terms, travel dates and conditions apply
Highlights:
Catriona began her Scenic Danube in Depth River cruise in the Paris of the East, Budapest. She admired the views from the Fisherman's Bastion, sampled hot salami at the magnificent Great Market Hall and joined other Scenic guests in a goulash cooking class! The hearty soupy stew of beef, vegetables and of course paprika, is the national dish of Hungary.
While Budapest is a beautiful city by day, as they set sail, Catriona saw how stunning the city was by night with the monuments all lit up. Going to bed in Hungary and waking up in Slovakia is one of the many benefits of a European river cruise, and on Scenic Amber it's smooth travelling all the way!
Bratislava is the capital and largest city of Slovakia, filled with romantic laneways, street artists and the Bratislava Castle which overlooks the old town. The massive fortress which has excellent views out to Austria and Hungary is now a museum of history from the Middle Ages to present day. Since gaining independence in 1993, Bratislava has become a young university town with busy shopping districts and trendy cafes. Catriona's guide took her to patisserie Konditorei Kormuth for coffee and cake, where she enjoyed a traditional Saint Honoré caramel cake in the shape of a swan!
The next day Catriona explored the elegance and charm of Vienna, starting with a Scenic Freechoice cycling tour from the city's large urban green spaces north to Klosterneuburg Abbey. The 12th century estate is home to Austria's oldest winery, and 35 meters below the elaborate church, Catriona had a tour of the cavernous wine cellars and a taste of one of the many varieties they produce.
As the sun set over the City of Music, guests were treated to an exclusive Scenic Enrich classical concert of timeless pieces by Strauss and Mozart, set in the grandeur of Palais Liechtenstein.
Scenic Amber headed upstream towards the magnificent Wachau Valley, arguably the most breathtaking section of the Danube River. The charming old town of Krems looked like a fairytale village with red roofs and narrow cobblestone laneways surrounded by vineyards and fertile farmland. On its steep terraces Catriona visited a vineyard that produced fine Riesling and muscat wines.
Standing guard over it all is the grand Benedictine Monastery, Göttweig Abbey. Catriona followed in the footsteps of Napoleon up the monumental Imperial Staircase with enormous ceiling fresco. The tour continued through rooms richly decorated with tapestries and ancient manuscripts, to the centrepiece of the abbey, the Baroque inspired church with ornate 17th century high altar.
From the vibrant capital of Budapest to the picturesque vineyards of the Wachau Valley, Catriona enjoyed every detail of the journey so far. With Scenic, she was spoilt for choice with the freedom to choose from various organised excursions or explore on her own, either way it made for a very memorable journey.
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