Danube River

The international river

Having been the muse for decades of artistic legacy, the majesty of the Danube is no myth. Winding through 10 of Europe’s most breathtaking countries, it encompasses four capital cities, Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade and Bratislava, all of which are must-see pit stops.

From Germany’s Black Forest, stretching 1,785 miles east towards the Danube Delta and into the Black Sea, this inspirational waterway has seen communities, dating as far back as the Neolithic Age, settle along its banks.

Centuries of historical intrigue are detailed upon visits to imposing fortresses, beautifully preserved palaces and ancient castles, as well as vibrant cities and peaceful riverbank villages. Step back in time and walk in the footsteps of the former residents who have helped shape the culture.

Whether you’re sailing on board the Emerald Star, Sky, Dawn, Sun, Destiny or Luna, you'll be treated to stylish staterooms and suites, an indoor heated pool, cinema and Sun Deck, to name just a few of the ship’s innovative features.

Great for architecture enthusiasts

The past is memorialized at every stop along the Danube, as some of Europe’s most exquisite monuments prove they’ve been built to stand the test of time. Architecture enthusiasts will be in awe of each city’s diversity, from the blend of Gothic and Renaissance Revival showcased by Budapest’s Parliament Building, to the New Baroque of Vienna’s Burgtheater.

“What an absolutely wonderful experience from start to finish from the initial booking procedure and the administration behind it to the cruise itself. Everything you could think of was taken care of. The whole experience was brilliant and we cannot wait to book another.”

Ivan Page

Passau

In southeast Germany on the border of Austria, Passau is located at the confluence of the Danube, Ilz and Inn rivers. Aptly nicknamed the ‘Three Rivers City’, it is overlooked by the spectacular 13th century Veste Oberhaus, home to a museum, youth hostel and restaurant, as well as an open-air theater since 1934. The Old Town is recognized for its beautiful Baroque architecture, namely St. Stephen’s Cathedral with its onion-domed towers and an organ boasting over 17,000 pipes.

Vienna

Renowned for its coffee shop culture and cozy wine taverns, the Austrian capital has made a name for itself as the home of many a renowned composer. Strauss, Mozart and Beethoven, as well as symbolist painter Gustav Klimt and the ‘father of psychoanalysis’ Sigmund Freud, have all fallen for its charm. Meander the streets, lined with stunning Baroque buildings and monuments of an Imperial past, now coexisting with the contemporary for a truly unique skyline.

Budapest

Formerly two separate cities, divided by the Danube, Buda on the west and Pest on the east certainly possess their own personalities. Buda’s narrow, winding streets and steep hills are home to the beautiful former Habsburg Palace and views from the Fisherman’s Bastion unveil the magnificent Parliament Building. A walk over the iconic Chain Bridge to Pest presents a mixture of bustling bars, cafés and restaurants, as well as thermal spas, all of which are the place to be of an evening.