From the Blue Danube to the Black Sea

Visitors come to Vienna with high expectations of lavish palaces, ornamental parks, cakes piled high with whipped cream and the strain of Strauss waltzes. They're rarely disappointed; this is a city that trades on its glorious past, revelling in its heyday, when Gustav Mahler was conducting the Vienna Philharmonic, Sigmund Freud was inventing psychoanalysis and the coffee houses were abuzz with the banter of middle-class intellectuals.

Yet, as much as it lives in the past, Vienna has hauled itself into the present with elegance and style. Visitors will discover a compact but diverse, multicultural city, with a thriving art and design scene, some truly fabulous shopping, superb contemporary art collections, and acres of gorgeous parks and gardens. Here, you'll find a happy devotion to the good life, whether it's sipping a cocktail at one of the hip bars on the Danube Canal or the gemutlichkeit (the Austrian term for "cosiness") of tasting wines grown on the hills around the city in a traditional pub garden in the village of Grinzing.

Because most of the big attractions are around or inside the Ringstrasse, the circular boulevard that encloses the first district, or city centre, Vienna is easy to explore. In fact, you could spend days in the first district alone, shopping on the elegant Karntnerstrasse, exploring St. Stephen's Cathedral and countless other Baroque churches, devoting time to galleries and museums and immersing yourself in the famous coffee culture.

The many river cruise lines that call on the city provide a mere snapshot of this thriving centre of European culture with little deviation from the very well-trodden tourist trail. But Vienna caters to a diverse range of interests, and the good news is that if you come back for more, or want to explore it alone, the city is a snap to navigate independently.

Visitors come to Vienna with high expectations of lavish palaces, ornamental parks, cakes piled high with whipped cream and the strain of Strauss waltzes. They're rarely disappointed; this is a city that trades on its glorious past, revelling in its heyday, when Gustav Mahler was conducting the Vienna Philharmonic, Sigmund Freud was inventing psychoanalysis and the coffee houses were abuzz with the banter of middle-class intellectuals.

Yet, as much as it lives in the past, Vienna has hauled itself into the present with elegance and style. Visitors will discover a compact but diverse, multicultural city, with a thriving art and design scene, some truly fabulous shopping, superb contemporary art collections, and acres of gorgeous parks and gardens. Here, you'll find a happy devotion to the good life, whether it's sipping a cocktail at one of the hip bars on the Danube Canal or the gemutlichkeit (the Austrian term for "cosiness") of tasting wines grown on the hills around the city in a traditional pub garden in the village of Grinzing.

Because most of the big attractions are around or inside the Ringstrasse, the circular boulevard that encloses the first district, or city centre, Vienna is easy to explore. In fact, you could spend days in the first district alone, shopping on the elegant Karntnerstrasse, exploring St. Stephen's Cathedral and countless other Baroque churches, devoting time to galleries and museums and immersing yourself in the famous coffee culture.

The many river cruise lines that call on the city provide a mere snapshot of this thriving centre of European culture with little deviation from the very well-trodden tourist trail. But Vienna caters to a diverse range of interests, and the good news is that if you come back for more, or want to explore it alone, the city is a snap to navigate independently.

Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is an up-and-coming cruise port along the Danube River. It borders both Austria and Hungary, and it's located just miles from the capital cities of Vienna, Austria, and Prague, Czech Republic.

Divided by the Danube River, the Hungarian capital of Budapest -- known as the "Pearl of the Danube"-- is a city of two distinct halves. The hilly Buda side is topped by the impressive Royal Palace, home to several museums and charming cobbled streets lined with shops and houses that date to medieval times. On the busier Pest bank, there are grand sights like the parliament building, opera house and statue-lined Heroes' Square, plus fantastic shopping streets, such as Andrassy Avenue, Budapest's grand central boulevard. Several bridges cross the river, but the best one to use is the historic Chain Bridge, which is the oldest. The great thing about Budapest, a mainstay on most Danube River cruise itineraries, is it's compact, so you can pack plenty into a short break. The majority of sights are within walking distance or easily reached on the efficient tram and underground network. Coffee shops are a big thing. At one time, there were more than 400 in Budapest, so take time out to join locals for a caffeine boost and a slice of yummy cream cake. Budapest is also the world's only capital city to boast more than 80 active thermal springs and wells; soaking in the warm, mineral-rich waters is an authentic experience. Szechenyi is the largest, with indoor and outdoor pools, and Gellert is famous for its opulent -- and mostly original -- architecture. Many river cruise operators offer trips to the baths as an excursion option. Budapest's history dates to the third century, when Celtic warriors occupied the area. Study the place a bit, and you'll find yourself wondering: Who didn't invade the city? The Romans, Magyars, Mongols, Ottoman Turks, Austrians, Germans and Soviets have all played starring roles in Budapest's longstanding municipal drama. The city has been destroyed and rebuilt over the centuries -- part of the reason for its eclectic architecture, which includes everything from neo-Classical to Stalinist utilitarian. Its current skyline reflects the building programs and styles of the turn of the 20th century. As Claudio Magris wrote in his travel memoir, "Danube," "Budapest is the loveliest city on the Danube. It has a crafty way of being its own stage-set."

Kalocsa is central Hungary, on a terrace overlooking the River Danube and surrounded by the Sarkoz swamps. Kalocsa has perhaps the richest folk art in all Hungary; the motifs painted by the town's "writing women" are distinguished by the inventiveness of the design and colour. These motifs are also reproduced in much-sought-after embroidery work, which is exported. The House of Folk Art and Károly Visky Museums display local work and the bishop's palace displays art treasures. It was one of the bishoprics founded by the first king of Hungary, Stephen I, and was a thriving medieval town until it was taken by the Turks, rising again in the 19th century as an agricultural centre.

Mohács is a picturesque town located in southern Hungary, renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage, and vibrant festivals. Mohács offers visitors a blend of historic architecture, scenic landscapes, and traditional Hungarian hospitality on the Danube River's banks.

One of the most famous events in Mohács is the annual Busó Festival, a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage celebration held in late winter. During the festival, locals dress in traditional Busó masks and costumes, parading through the streets to scare away the winter spirits and welcome the arrival of spring. The festival features lively music, dance performances, and street food stalls, making it a must-see event for visitors to Mohács.

Take time to explore Mohács's fascinating past, with its historic landmarks and archaeological sites. Visit the Mohács Castle, a medieval fortress perched on a hill overlooking the town, explore its well-preserved walls and towers and discover the ruins of ancient Roman settlements scattered throughout the area.

Whilst not as well-known as Belgrade, Serbia's second city offers an enormous amount for the visitor. Packed with pleasant pedestrianised streets and charming squares with bars & cafes, the city also offers many museums, galleries and historical landmarks. The city also hosts the annual EXIT Festival, one of the biggest music festivals in Europe.

Belgrade is the capital city of Serbia and it lies at the meeting of the Danube and Sava rivers. Sights in the city include the Cathedral of St. Michael, or Saborna Crkva, built in 1837 and the old fortress of Kalemegdan on the headland, now a historical monument and its garden, from there you can seen a view of the plain across the Sava and the Danube. There are many museums and galleries, of which the oldest, the National Museum (Narodni Muzej), was founded in 1844. The artists' quarter Skadarlija is also well worth a visit. There is evidence of Stone Age settlements in the area. Notable are the excavations in Carasija near Ripanj where a statuette of a seated woman was found - one of the oldest pieces of sculpture in the world. Also the remains of an 8,000-year old settlement was discovered in Lepenski Vir with unique stone figures which resemble a fish with a human head and measure up to half a metre - these can be seen in the National Museum. The city grew up around an ancient fortress encompassed on three sides by the Sava and the Danube. Ruled by the Franks and the Bulgars, in the 11th century it became a frontier town of Byzantium. In 1402 Stephen Lazarevic made it the capital of Serbia but the Ottoman Turks captured the city in 1440 and it remained in their hands except for three periods of occupation by the Austrians. In 1921 Belgrade became the capital of Yugoslavia.

Belgrade is the capital city of Serbia and it lies at the meeting of the Danube and Sava rivers. Sights in the city include the Cathedral of St. Michael, or Saborna Crkva, built in 1837 and the old fortress of Kalemegdan on the headland, now a historical monument and its garden, from there you can seen a view of the plain across the Sava and the Danube. There are many museums and galleries, of which the oldest, the National Museum (Narodni Muzej), was founded in 1844. The artists' quarter Skadarlija is also well worth a visit. There is evidence of Stone Age settlements in the area. Notable are the excavations in Carasija near Ripanj where a statuette of a seated woman was found - one of the oldest pieces of sculpture in the world. Also the remains of an 8,000-year old settlement was discovered in Lepenski Vir with unique stone figures which resemble a fish with a human head and measure up to half a metre - these can be seen in the National Museum. The city grew up around an ancient fortress encompassed on three sides by the Sava and the Danube. Ruled by the Franks and the Bulgars, in the 11th century it became a frontier town of Byzantium. In 1402 Stephen Lazarevic made it the capital of Serbia but the Ottoman Turks captured the city in 1440 and it remained in their hands except for three periods of occupation by the Austrians. In 1921 Belgrade became the capital of Yugoslavia.

Donji Milanovac is a pretty town located on the banks of the Danube that offers striking panoramas between jagged cliff faces. It has earned itself the nickname of the 'town of 100,000 roses.'

Donji Milanovac is a pretty town located on the banks of the Danube that offers striking panoramas between jagged cliff faces. It has earned itself the nickname of the 'town of 100,000 roses.'

Visiting Rousse in Bulgaria offers a charming blend of history and modernity. Explore its elegant architecture, like the iconic Monument to Liberty, and immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene. Sample local cuisine at quaint cafes, and don't miss strolling along the picturesque Danube River promenade for a memorable experience.

Visiting Rousse in Bulgaria offers a charming blend of history and modernity. Explore its elegant architecture, like the iconic Monument to Liberty, and immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene. Sample local cuisine at quaint cafes, and don't miss strolling along the picturesque Danube River promenade for a memorable experience.

Nestled on the Danube's banks, Giurgiu, Romania, offers a quaint escape. Wander through its historic streets adorned with colourful buildings and immerse in the local culture at its charming cafes. Explore the majestic Danube riverfront or delve into the town's rich history at landmarks like the Clock Tower. 

The town of Cernavoda was established by the Ancient Greeks in the 4th century and was a trading post for the Dacians. The surrounding villages take advantage of the fertile river banks to grow Chardonnay wine. 

The town of Cernavoda was established by the Ancient Greeks in the 4th century and was a trading post for the Dacians. The surrounding villages take advantage of the fertile river banks to grow Chardonnay wine. 

With a history tracing back to the ancient Greeks, Constanta lies on the edge of the Black Sea. One of Romania's largest cities, you'll find many museums, the ancient ruins of Tomis and the beach and spa resorts of the Black Sea coast.   

With a history tracing back to the ancient Greeks, Constanta lies on the edge of the Black Sea. One of Romania's largest cities, you'll find many museums, the ancient ruins of Tomis and the beach and spa resorts of the Black Sea coast.   

The town of Cernavoda was established by the Ancient Greeks in the 4th century and was a trading post for the Dacians. The surrounding villages take advantage of the fertile river banks to grow Chardonnay wine.