7 Night Melodies Of The Danube (A Taste Of Christmas Markets)

Budapest is the capital and largest city of Hungary, situated on both banks of the river Danube, with its 346 river cruise ships (2019). Originally with the cities of Buda on the west bank and Pest on the east bank, it became a single city with their unification in 1873. The city’s rich and colourful history, its extensive World Heritage Site including the Danube River banks, the Buda Castle Quarter, Andrássy Avenue, and the Millennium Underground Railway, have resulted in its becoming an important tourist centre in Central Europe. Read more about Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is the capital and largest city of Hungary, situated on both banks of the river Danube, with its 346 river cruise ships (2019). Originally with the cities of Buda on the west bank and Pest on the east bank, it became a single city with their unification in 1873. The city’s rich and colourful history, its extensive World Heritage Site including the Danube River banks, the Buda Castle Quarter, Andrássy Avenue, and the Millennium Underground Railway, have resulted in its becoming an important tourist centre in Central Europe. Read more about Budapest, Hungary

Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is situated on both banks of the Danube River between Austria and Hungary, and is the only national capital that borders two independent countries. Bratislava and Vienna are also two of Europe's closest national capitals, less than 60 km apart. The cityscape of Bratislava is noted for its medieval towers and grandiose 20th century buildings, but has undergone profound changes in a construction boom at the start of the 21st century. Read more about Bratislava, Slovakia

Vienna, Austria's capital city, has a population of around two million and is located to the east of the Alps in the Vienna Basin. Architectural styles range from classic to modern, and include some of the world’s best known examples of Art Nouveau. Fascinating features are the few high-rise buildings, and numerous parks and gardens, with many statues of famous people such as Mozart and Strauss. Read more about Vienna, Austria

Weissenkirchen is the next town up the Danube from Durnstein. It is a bigger town and very delightful. Here the cathedral that is part new construction and part medieval ruin dominates the town. Read more about Weissenkirchen, Austria

Durnstein, a hamlet and much visited tourist destination, lies nestled within Austria’s vineyard-rich Wachau Valley 80 km west of Vienna. Crowned by the ruins of a castle fortress, the cobblestone streets, the baroque monastery, the 15th century Parish Church (with one of the finest Baroque towers in Austria), the old burgher and townhouses dating back from the 16th and 18th C, and visitors feel they are strolling through history. Wander along the banks of the Danube where small shops invite you to buy, with virtually every shop offering free samples of brandy, liqueur, or schnapps. Read more about Durnstein, Austria

Grein is a small municipality located on the north bank of the Danube River, in the district Perg in the federal state of Upper Austria. First settlement appears in the 11th century with the economy based on river traffic. The pilots of Grein navigated vessels through the hazardous nearby waters and laid the foundation for the prospering middle-classes. Read more about Grein, Austria

Linz is the third-largest city in Austria and the capital of the federal state of Upper Austria. Bridging both banks of the Danube River, it lies 30 km south of the Czech border. Stroll through the marvelous old quarter of the town, and be astonished by this progressive development of the city. Read more about Linz, Austria

Passau is a town in Lower Bavaria, Germany, at the junction of three Rivers: the Danube, the Inn from the South, and the Ilz coming out of the Bavarian Forest to the North. During the Renaissance and early modern period it became one of the most prolific centres of sword and bladed weapon manufacture in Germany. Today it is notable for its gothic and baroque architecture. Read more about Passau, Germany

The charming 1200-year-old town of Vilshofen is located in the southern part of the Bavarian Forest and on the banks of the Danube. At this age, the town has seen its fair share of flood, plague, and war. But despite the cracks caused by these unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances, the town is even more attractive now - having survived it all. Read more about Vilshofen, Germany

The charming 1200-year-old town of Vilshofen is located in the southern part of the Bavarian Forest and on the banks of the Danube. At this age, the town has seen its fair share of flood, plague, and war. But despite the cracks caused by these unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances, the town is even more attractive now - having survived it all. Read more about Vilshofen, Germany