As I stepped off the plane in Vienna, I knew this trip was going to be different.
Central Europe has long drawn travelers with its rich history, vibrant cities, and dramatic scenery. But this journey had a very specific purpose: to explore how PerryGolf could create an unforgettable experience blending world-class golf with the elegance and ease of river cruising along the Danube.
The Start of My Journey
Over several days, I visited a collection of exceptional courses across varied settings, from the mountains of Austria to the rolling Danube river valley in Slovakia. Each was selected with one goal in mind: to shape an itinerary worthy of a PerryGolf European River Golf Cruise, offering our guests five distinctive rounds defined as much by their surroundings as by their design. Every course felt rooted in its environment, and every round carried a strong sense of place.
Adamstal Golf Club
One course in particular left an indelible impression.
Adamstal Golf Club in Austria feels like something from a storybook. Set high in the mountains, this family-owned gem offers not just spectacular golf but genuine hospitality. The routing moves boldly across dramatic terrain, with elevation changes that reveal sweeping views at every turn. It is both exhilarating and peaceful.
Of course, the golf is only part of the journey.
Highlight of My Visit
The highlight of my visit was the halfway house, a rustic hiking hut perched atop a ridge, seemingly suspended between peaks and valley floor. Reaching it felt like discovering a hidden refuge. Inside, I was greeted by Grandma Herta, the owner’s mother-in-law and the heart of the club, who served local Austrian specialties and a cold beer with a warm smile. The setting, the simplicity, and the sincerity of the welcome made the moment unforgettable. It perfectly captured the spirit of the club. The combination of striking scenery, thoughtful course design, and heartfelt hospitality makes Adamstal a destination I cannot wait to share with our guests.
River Cruising Along the Danube
River cruising along the Danube offers an entirely different rhythm of travel. Unpack once. Wake each morning in a new capital city. Sail past vineyard-covered hillsides, medieval towns, and grand European skylines. Evenings bring a special kind of magic. One night, dining on deck at dusk while sailing through Budapest, I watched the Parliament building and Chain Bridge glow against the darkening sky. It is the kind of moment that reminds you why river cruising has become such a compelling way to experience Europe.
And as luck would have it, what began as a focused research trip turned into something wonderfully familiar. Less than an hour after boarding, I bumped into long-time PerryGolf clients, Steve and Donna Koons, who have previously traveled with us to the Mediterranean, Australia & New Zealand, and South Africa. They perfectly represent the spirit of our golf cruises: Steve eager to tee it up at every opportunity, Donna already mapping out museums, markets, and cultural discoveries ashore.
Each evening at dinner, they would reunite to share stories of their day. Golf highlights met cultural exploration, and by dessert the table was full of laughter and new friendships. That balance of meaningful golf and immersive travel is exactly what we strive to create at PerryGolf.
Our New Partnership With Tauck
After extensive exploration of the region and careful consideration of the right river cruise partner, we are proud to be launching our European River Golf Cruise program on the Danube in partnership with Tauck.
Tauck’s long-standing reputation for excellence, seamless service, and immersive destination experiences makes them a natural fit for PerryGolf. Their approach aligns perfectly with our philosophy: thoughtful itineraries, enriching shore experiences, and a level of personal service that allows our guests to simply relax and enjoy the journey.
Central Europe has revealed itself as an outstanding golf destination, where exceptional courses, storied cities, and unforgettable views come together effortlessly.
We will launch this new European River Golf Cruise program on the Danube with two initial departures in May and August 2027. I look forward to sharing more details soon and to welcoming you aboard for what promises to be an unforgettable journey.
Alex Shattuck – CEO PerryGolf
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