A Danube river cruise is a great way to discover and explore Europe with stops in towns and cities in Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, and Germany. It originates in the Black Forest in Germany and ends in the Ukraine where it drains into the Black Sea. During medieval times, it was used as a trading route and formed historically rich cities and towns along its banks. It has been a major transportation means for centuries. An interesting fact about the Danube river is, it is the only big river in Europe that flows from West to East and is thus an interesting cruising way. Cruising on the Danube river is a great way of experiencing what Europe has to offer. Some of the ports of call for Danube cruises include;
Hungary
Danube divides Budapest city into Buda and Pest sections. The Pest area is known for its architecture while the Buda area has Castle Hill which overlooks the water. Visitors can look at Chain Bridge and Parliament Building.
Austria
Vienna has a rich musical heritage and is home to some of the best musical composers such as Johann Strauss, Mozart, Schubert, and Beethoven. You will get to experience great music at the Opera House. The city has unique architecture. For instance, the winter palace at Hofburg and the grand summer estate at Schonbrunn will capture your eye. You will get to see the small towns in Wachau Valley. You will also get the chance to explore architectural gems such as the tower at Durnstein monastery. While in Vienna, you can explore the Graben pedestrian zone, the Spanish riding school, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Natural History Museum and sample the local cuisine.
Slovakia
The nation’s capital, Bratislava, borders Hungary and Austria. You will see a few Baroque palaces and the Opera House. It also has St. Martin’s Cathedral and Slovak Philharmonic Hall. You can also visit the old town district and try out some pastries made by the locals.
Germany
Passau city has more than 100 churches and you may fail to find the perfect itinerary if you are on a short visit. You could pay a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral which has a 17000-pipe organ. This is the biggest pipe organ on the continent. The town of Regensburg has the Stone Bridge which has been transporting the inhabitants for over eight hundred years. You can pay a visit to St, Peter, which has stained glass windows, towering spires, and interesting sculptures. Visitors can discover and learn about Nuremberg’s role in world war II. Other tourist attraction sites that you can visit include the walled Old City and the fountain at the Main Market Square.
Cruising along the Danube river is one of the most unique ways of exploring Europe because it flows through 10 countries. Moreover, it flows through four capital cities; Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava, and Belgrade. You will explore the places where beautiful music was created by legends such as Beethoven and Mozart and sightsee the beautiful castles and attraction sites. The experience you will get from cruising this river is unparalleled, so book and enjoy a Danube river cruise that will remain etched in your mind forever.
