River cruising on the Danube

Passau, Germany on the Danube River

Ranking below the river Volga in Russia, the Danube holds the title of Europe’s second-longest river. This magnificent stream of water flows gracefully through 10 countries – connecting some of Europe’s most renowned cities. A journey across the Danube provides an amazing way to experience the historical, natural, and cultural beauty of the gorgeous European landscape.

Budapest, Hungry on the Danube River

Starting with Hungary’s capital – dubbed as the “Paris of the East” – the picturesque city of Budapest offers a truly romantic experience. As you visit St. Stephen’s Basilica and the marvelous Parliament Building, take in the city’s majestic grandeur of polished castles, aesthetic houses, and elegant museums – all the while enjoying specialties like thermal baths and ruin bars. Visit Vienna, the birthplace of classical music, with its imperial palaces and stunning Baroque architecture. Have a taste of traditional Viennese music and food as you visit incredible landmarks like the tranquil Wachau valley – covered with vineyards, forests, and fortresses – and Melk Abbey, the beautiful yellow church featuring gorgeous gardens and pretty pastel frescos.

Timber framed buildings in Nuremberg, Germany

At the foothills of the Little Carpathians, you’ll find the tiny capital of Slovakia – Bratislava, a vintage town with cobblestone streets and bronze sculptures – featuring the stunning “blue” church Art Nouveau and delicious honey sampling at Medovy Obchod. Towards the northern half of the Danube, the well-preserved town of Passau allows you to experience the medieval legacy left behind by the bishop princes, as well as pastel houses and ancient fortresses from the 13th century. The quaint city of Nuremberg features colorful timber-framed houses, exquisite museums, and the Nuremberg castle. This region of the Danube is highlighted by spectacular valleys covered with lush green forests and vineyards and hills occupied by ancient castles.

The bridges of Belgrade, Serbia

The Danube’s eastern stretch takes you through Belgrade, featuring its eye-catching beaches, floating bars, and exotic islands; then towards Bucharest with its metropolitan atmosphere full of manor houses and the magnificent Palace of the Parliament – through the Iron Gates until it ultimately spills into the Black Sea. With so much to offer in terms of history, culture, tradition, and scenic beauty, a river cruise across the Danube deserves a top spot in anyone’s bucket list

Articles in this river cruise series:

1. What is included on a river cruise? Is it all-inclusive?
2. Why should I take a river cruise?
3. The magical river cruises of Germany – the Rhine, Moselle & Main Rivers
4. River cruising on the Danube
5. French river cruises on the Rhône and Saône