Travel
Covering nearly 1800 miles through central Europe, the Danube River encompasses 10 countries and 16 cities, stretching from the picturesque Black Forest in Germany to the Black Sea off the coast of Romania. If your ideal cruise is one that includes cultural and historical cities then a trek down the Danube could be your ultimate holiday as the gigantically long river flows through four different capitals – Belgrade, Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna - more than any other on Earth.
- Exploring Budapest
Budapest is a fairly large city, in fact the seventh largest in Europe with a population of 1.7 million people. The city is separated by the Danube River which runs from North to South through the city. On the west side of the river is the area known...
- The Beautiful Second Cities Of Europe
Consider a European holiday, and tourist favourites Rome, Paris, London and Madrid spring immediately to mind. But Europe is so much more than the sum of its capital cities: there are stunning second cities to explore that offer just as much, and in some...
- Budapest In Style. The Buddha Bar Hotel Is Outstanding!
Budapest is brilliant! Split in two by the Danube, both Buda and Pest are gorgeous, historic and walkable. And since it boasts more thermal and medicinal water springs than any other capital city in the world, it has been nicknamed ‘The City of Spas’....
- Bratislava. A First Impression
Today we've started our 1 month InterRail journey through Eastern Europe and Scandinavia. During this month we plan to travel through 6 countries and visit 22 new places. It's gonna be tons of fun, but we know it's also gonna be a challenge....
- Boat With A View. Going On A Cruise On The Douro River
We have to admit that Porto totally took us by surprise. We never expected it to be such a charming city. Even before finishing our walking tour we were completely smitten. But strolling up and down the streets of Porto is no easy task...
Travel
The Attractions of a Danube Cruise Holiday
Covering nearly 1800 miles through central Europe, the Danube River encompasses 10 countries and 16 cities, stretching from the picturesque Black Forest in Germany to the Black Sea off the coast of Romania. If your ideal cruise is one that includes cultural and historical cities then a trek down the Danube could be your ultimate holiday as the gigantically long river flows through four different capitals – Belgrade, Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna - more than any other on Earth. It is these four cities that provide the catalyst for an enjoyable break away from the cruise ship itself. Belgrade, with its varying styles of architecture, is rich in culture and the Starogradska (music of the Old Town) is a fantastic way of spending a night swamped in traditional Serbian customs. Budapest is another city that has come onto the tourist map in recent years and, also being connected by the every present Danube, is a great cruise stop off with its neo-Gothicism and countless relaxing and illuminating spas.
Bratislava is a vibrant and new European hot spot that is fast becoming appreciated for its stunning medieval buildings and rich cultural heritage that includes the imposing Bratislava castle and National Gallery as well as still displaying many of the fascinating relics of its communist past. Finally, Vienna has long been a favourite of just about every European traveller with its hundreds of aesthetically stunning bridges, enthralling history and traditional Viennese cafés – not to mention the various memorials and sights associated with both Beethoven and Mozart.
However, it is not just these magnificent capital cities that make a Danube cruise worthwhile. For sure, gently sailing into these historic places on one of the world’s most famous and recognized rivers is what attracts many to a Danube cruise holiday. However, throughout the whole journey you can be almost guaranteed of some spectacular scenery and surroundings on either side of your cruise ship. Whether it is the rolling agricultural landscapes of the German countryside or the spectacular Hungarian Transdanubian Mountains, the Danube River manages to include almost all manner of beautiful landscapes from the natural to the human constructed architecture of the cities.
A Danube cruise often can last from anywhere between a week and a month so you can easily fit in just about every sight worth seeing on one of the world’s most attractive rivers. Whether you enjoy the serenity of the peaceful landscape during the day or the hustle and bustle of a culturally rich and lit up capital city at night, the sheer length of the Danube means that a Danube cruise can, and will, cater for all of these needs while allowing you to witness one of the earth’s most fascinating and stunning cruise routes.
About the Author: Alicia is a writer specialising in Cruise Holidays and a contributor to Cruise Holidays Guide the online resource for all things related to cruising including informative articles and videos. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
- Exploring Budapest
Budapest is a fairly large city, in fact the seventh largest in Europe with a population of 1.7 million people. The city is separated by the Danube River which runs from North to South through the city. On the west side of the river is the area known...
- The Beautiful Second Cities Of Europe
Consider a European holiday, and tourist favourites Rome, Paris, London and Madrid spring immediately to mind. But Europe is so much more than the sum of its capital cities: there are stunning second cities to explore that offer just as much, and in some...
- Budapest In Style. The Buddha Bar Hotel Is Outstanding!
Budapest is brilliant! Split in two by the Danube, both Buda and Pest are gorgeous, historic and walkable. And since it boasts more thermal and medicinal water springs than any other capital city in the world, it has been nicknamed ‘The City of Spas’....
- Bratislava. A First Impression
Today we've started our 1 month InterRail journey through Eastern Europe and Scandinavia. During this month we plan to travel through 6 countries and visit 22 new places. It's gonna be tons of fun, but we know it's also gonna be a challenge....
- Boat With A View. Going On A Cruise On The Douro River
We have to admit that Porto totally took us by surprise. We never expected it to be such a charming city. Even before finishing our walking tour we were completely smitten. But strolling up and down the streets of Porto is no easy task...