Romantic Danube

R145: Romantic Danube
8 Days/7 Nights

Places Visited

Budapest Hungary’s enchanting capital straddles the banks of the Danube and is divided into two distinct parts, traditional “Buda” and more modern “Pest.” Budapest is aptly called “Paris of the East” for its beautiful evening illumination and reflected lights in the Danube’s waters. The old city features amazing examples of architecture such as Buda Castle, Parliament building, Chain Bridge and Matthias Church, where the coronation ceremonies of Hungarian Kings were held. Gellért Hill, high above the city, offers not-to-be-missed views.
Main-Danube Canal Throughout history, man has tried to alter the course of Europe’s major rivers. Twelve hundred years ago, Charlemagne dreamed of connecting the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers into one watercourse between the North Sea and Black Sea. In 1992, this dream was realized with the opening of the 106-mile-long Main-Danube Canal. This canal created a 2,200-mile-long waterway which passes through 15 countries and unites hundreds of inland ports.
Melk Set amidst an important wine-growing region with picturesque villages and hilltop castles, the charming city of Melk lies at the confluence of the Danube and Melk Rivers at the base of the Wachau Valley. An imposing 900-year-old Benedictine abbey, a stunning example of baroque architecture, overlooks the town from its dramatic hilltop location. This architectural treasure has 365 windows, one for each day of the year. Its beautiful library houses medieval manuscripts and marvelous frescoes by Paul Troger, and its meticulously kept grounds are inviting and picturesque.
Nuremberg The second largest city in Bavaria, Nuremberg is filled with Gothic churches and traditional half-timbered houses. Although nearly destroyed during World War II, the remaining medieval city walls still feature some of the watchtowers and gateways. Nuremberg was well known historically for its metal and toy craftsmanship, and the city is infamous for its role in WWII, as both the site of Zeppelin Field’s Nazi rallies and as the site of the war crimes trials at the Palace of Justice, immortalized in the 1961 film, Judgement at Nuremberg.

Passau Set at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube Rivers, enchanting Passau is home to elegant coloured buildings and graceful arcades. Founded by the Celts more than 2,000 years ago, it’s one of Bavaria’s oldest cities. Passau’s baroque St. Stephan’s Cathedral houses Europe’s largest pipe organ with more than 17,000 pipes.	Passau's Colourful Buildings
Regensberg Having escaped major damage during World War II, the picturesque town of Regensburg is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities and the oldest city along the Danube. Founded by Marcus Aurelius over 2,000 years ago, Regensburg has many architectural highlights including Old Stone Bridge, constructed in the 12th century, and St. Peter’s Cathedral with its Romanesque tower inside a newer Gothic one.
Vienna This capital city of Austria is filled with green parks, elegant stores, theatres and gracious boulevards. Known as the “City of Waltzes,” Vienna is considered the centre of classical music, and here Strauss, Beethoven and Mozart composed many of their finest pieces. Any visitor to Vienna should be sure to stop in one of the city’s famous cafés to taste the delectable Sacher Torte. Noted landmarks include the impressive Hofsburg Palace, Vienna Opera House and lavish Schönbrunn Palace, the preferred residence of the Hapsburgs.