Germany Vacation- Budapest's Evening Cruise on the Danube

Almost everyone in our tour group chose to go on the optional Danube River Dinner cruise. As the departure time neared, we congregated at the hotel's outdoor terrace for drinks. We were definitely a happy group :-)

 Our dinner cruise boat and ramp

The seating arrangement for dinner was in the lower level with very large windows to view from. The tables were set for four, just right for Jim, Justin, Geoffrey, and I.

 We did not have to carry on a conversation...

 and could just enjoy the scenery without seeming rude, as we shared the wine and bread before the Hungarian dinner was served.

 It was incredibly nice to watch...

 the lighting change from the soft rosy glow to...

 some twinkling lights appearing, as we enjoyed our Hungarian dinner cuisine.

Gellert Hotel and Baths (natural hot springs) complex and Liberation monument in the upper right

We had a window to our back, so was able to get some pics after we had passed by :-)

Inner City Parish Church...thanks to Jim, we do have a picture of it :-)

A bit fuzzy, but I still like it.

 By the time I finished the meal, it was dark with lights shining on or from the different buildings, monuments, and bridges.At this time we went up to the upper level for enjoying the views and picture taking.I owe Justin a big thanks for reminding me about my camera's nighttime mode!

Technical University ?

Liberty Bridge

Liberty Bridge and Liberty Monument lit up on top of Gellert Hill.

Elisabeth Bridge

Elisabeth Bridge

Royal Palace

The Vigado

many other cruise boats on the river

Chain Bridge

Parliament

Jim's pic of the Parliament

It had been lightly raining for awhile and gradually raining heavier and getting breezier. Almost everyone is back inside, but we were enjoying the striking visual effects of the rain and the lightning in the distance  too much to leave the upper deck.

Margaret Bridge

has unusual chevron shapes

and the columns are decorated with large figureheads in the shape of winged female figures

When the lightning got too close we were forced  to retire back to the lower level for the very end of the boat ride. This was definitely a very enjoyable and memorable evening!