Danube Christmas Delights

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

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

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

The Wachau, an Austrian valley with a landscape of high visibility, is the 38 km stretch of the Danube River between the towns of Krems and Melk. Settled since prehistoric times, and having seen the migrations and wars of numerous peoples who have left behind a treasure of historic sites, the Wachau was added to the UNESCO list of world heritage sites in 2000. The Wachau's scenic beauty lies north of Vienna on the banks of the Danube and is filled with impressive vineyards, romantic small towns and some of the most spectacular monasteries, castles and medieval ruins. Read more about Wachau Valley, Austria

Krems is located at the confluence of the Krems and Danube rivers at the eastern end of the Wachau valley in the Walsviertel, about 70km west of Vienna. Its history dates as far back as 995 and today it is the fifth largest city of Lower Austria. The old town of Krems is definitely worth seeing as it was appointed UNESCO World Heritage in 2000. Read more about Krems, Austria

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

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

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