Danube's Heart

Due to its special geographical location at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, Passau is undoubtedly one of the most unique cities in Germany. But not only the location of the city on the three rivers is exceptional, Passau also offers its visitors numerous remarkable sights. Towering above the city is the Veste Oberhaus, an impressive fortress dating back to the 13th century. The old town of Passau is known for its beautiful baroque architecture, especially the Cathedral of St. Stephen with its characteristic onion domes and the largest cathedral organ in the world with almost 18,000 pipes..

Passau is a German city located in the Southeast of Germany on the Austrian border. It is situated at the confluence of the rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz. The Three Rivers City, as it’s also known, is unique for its three contrasting currents of blue, green and black. Old Town of Passau is home to towering buildings of striking architecture: the majestic fortress Veste Oberhaus, the Pilgrimage Church Mariahilf and St Stephen's Cathedral. Many of Passau’s attractions can be found in this area, including the New Bishop’s Residence, the Gothic Town Hall, as well as many churches and museums. Visitors can stroll along the riverfront promenades and romantic lanes whilst enjoying the picturesque landscape. For modern art, The Museum of Modern Art and Glass Museum Passau are recommended as they offer something a bit different. Theatre and cabaret are a popular evening pastime, with performances at the former Prince Bishopric Theatre or some lively cabaret and Jazz at the Scharfrichterhaus. Visitors will also find many traditional local Bavarian and Austrian cafes and restaurants offering a cosy atmosphere with home cooked food from local produce.

The capital of Austria is one of those cities that every traveler should have visited once in the course of his life. Hardly any other city in the world has to offer such an enchanting combination of magnificent architecture, world-famous museums and theaters and beautiful green spaces. No wonder, the entire city center of Vienna is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Vienna is known worldwide for its palaces of emperors, kings and nobles, such as Schönbrunn Palace, the Belvedere and the Hofburg. But the city's many churches, especially the landmark St. Stephen's Cathedral, are also worth a visit. Museum visitors come at the numerous world-class museums in the city, such as the Albertina, the Museum of Art History and the Museum Leopold anyway fully at their expense..

Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria. Located on the Danube River in the East of the country, the city is renowned for its strong music heritage and rich culture, and is the largest German speaking city in the world, outside of Berlin. In 2001, Vienna was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts magnificent architecture. The city is home to over 27 castles and 150 palaces including the symbolic Gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral and the iconic Schönbrunn Palace. Art and music are in abundance and all tastes are catered for. Live music venues offer everything from Rock to Opera. Enjoy world class performances at Vienna State Opera and experience the epicentre of international concert life at Musikverein. Modern and historical art can be found in indoor and outdoor spaces around the city, and a visit to the famous Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) is highly recommended. Enjoy views of the city from the Danube Tower and the Giant Ferris Wheel, then relax in the ample cosy coffee houses, cafes, bars and restaurants where traditional and international cuisines are served, as well as the locally produced wines.

The city of Solt is located in the eastern part of Hungary and lies directly on the Danube. It is a central shipping junction for the cities of Budapest and Baja. The town is surrounded by pastures and fields where gray cattle and sheep graze. It is especially impressive to look at the wild horses of the Puszta. Many surrounding horse farms offer guided tours on horseback or by carriage. The craftsman's farm, not far from Solt, shows its visitors old handicrafts.

The city of Solt is located in the eastern part of Hungary and lies directly on the Danube. It is a central shipping junction for the cities of Budapest and Baja. The town is surrounded by pastures and fields where gray cattle and sheep graze. It is especially impressive to look at the wild horses of the Puszta. Many surrounding horse farms offer guided tours on horseback or by carriage. The craftsman's farm, not far from Solt, shows its visitors old handicrafts.

Kalocsa is a historic Baroque town in southern Hungary, famously known as the "Paprika Capital of the World". Situated on the left bank of the Danube River, it is one of the country's oldest settlements and serves as a major center for religious history, folk art, and agricultural tradition.

Batina is a scenic village located on the right bank of the Danube River in the Baranja region, near the borders of Serbia and Hungary. It is a frequent stop for Danube River cruises and is best known for its historical and cultural significance.

Novi Sad is the second largest city in Serbia and is located on the Danube River. The place is perfect for a stop to see sights like Petrovaradin Fortress. This is one of the best preserved fortresses in Europe, has a catacomb system and is located on a hill. A walk through the city center with its narrow streets, quaint cafes and the New Renaissance style city hall is also recommended..

Novi Sad is the second largest city in Serbia and is located on the Danube River. The place is perfect for a stop to see sights like Petrovaradin Fortress. This is one of the best preserved fortresses in Europe, has a catacomb system and is located on a hill. A walk through the city center with its narrow streets, quaint cafes and the New Renaissance style city hall is also recommended..

The "white city", so the translation of the Serbian name Beograd, is anything but colorless. Its troubled pastshapes the Balkan metropolis. The scars of this time belong as much a part of the cityscape as the spirit of optimism that can be felt and seen. Belgrade is home to about 1.7 million inhabitantsner - and with the monumental Cathedral of St. Sava one of the largest Orthodox places of worship in the world. A stroll across the shopping street Knez Mihailova with its stores, cafés and an exciting mix of architecture leads straight to the fortress of Belgrade. Here you can not only enjoy the unique Enjoy the view down to the mouth of the Sava River, but also the quietness in the spacious Kalemegdan Park.

The "white city", so the translation of the Serbian name Beograd, is anything but colorless. Its troubled pastshapes the Balkan metropolis. The scars of this time belong as much a part of the cityscape as the spirit of optimism that can be felt and seen. Belgrade is home to about 1.7 million inhabitantsner - and with the monumental Cathedral of St. Sava one of the largest Orthodox places of worship in the world. A stroll across the shopping street Knez Mihailova with its stores, cafés and an exciting mix of architecture leads straight to the fortress of Belgrade. Here you can not only enjoy the unique Enjoy the view down to the mouth of the Sava River, but also the quietness in the spacious Kalemegdan Park.

While our ship takes you comfortably from one city to another, you can enjoy your time on deck and relax as the scenery passes by.

The city of Russe is located in the north of Bulgaria, on the border with Romania and is known for its industry, but also for the opera house and playhouse. In the city there are modern universities, as well as museums and a television tower. The city is located directly on the Danube and is thus the starting point for some Danube cruises. If you want to be enchanted once under the earth, take a tour of the Orlova Chuka Cave, one of the most popular caves in the Eastern countries.

Ruse is a major Bulgarian port city on the Danube River near the Romanian border, known as "Little Vienna" for its 19th-century Neo-Baroque architecture, Freedom Square, and the Sexaginta Prista fortress. It serves as a key cultural hub featuring the "March Music Days" festival, a 19th-century history, and close proximity to the Rusenski Lom Nature Park.

If the words of a legend are to be believed, the name of the town derives from the Romanian "satul cu fete" and translates as "the village with the girls". Fetesti, located in the Wallachian Plain of Romania, is best known for the Anghel-Saligny Bridge, inaugurated by King Carl I, constructed for the railroad line from Fetesti to Cernavoda, and downright made for a day visit.

If the words of a legend are to be believed, the name of the town derives from the Romanian "satul cu fete" and translates as "the village with the girls". Fetesti, located in the Wallachian Plain of Romania, is best known for the Anghel-Saligny Bridge, inaugurated by King Carl I, constructed for the railroad line from Fetesti to Cernavoda, and downright made for a day visit.

Hârșova is a historic town in Constanța County, Romania, situated on the right bank of the Danube River. It is renowned for its continuous human habitation spanning roughly 7,000 years, making it one of the oldest inhabited sites in the country.

If the words of a legend are to be believed, the name of the town derives from the Romanian "satul cu fete" and translates as "the village with the girls". Fetesti, located in the Wallachian Plain of Romania, is best known for the Anghel-Saligny Bridge, inaugurated by King Carl I, constructed for the railroad line from Fetesti to Cernavoda, and downright made for a day visit.

Ruse is a major Bulgarian port city on the Danube River near the Romanian border, known as "Little Vienna" for its 19th-century Neo-Baroque architecture, Freedom Square, and the Sexaginta Prista fortress. It serves as a key cultural hub featuring the "March Music Days" festival, a 19th-century history, and close proximity to the Rusenski Lom Nature Park.

Svishtov is a historic port town in northern Bulgaria, situated on the high right bank of the Danube River. Known as a significant cultural and educational hub, it is the second-largest town in the Veliko Tarnovo Province and home to the renowned D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics.

The Bulgarian city of Vidin is located in the northwest of the country on the Danube River. It is considered one of the oldest cities in Bulgaria and you can find many influences of both Celts and Romans and Ottomans in the city. Worth seeing is especially the medieval fortress from the 13th century called "Baba Vida". Also a visit to the cathedral "Sveti Dimitir" or the mosque "Mustafa-Pasha" are recommended..

The Bulgarian city of Vidin is located in the northwest of the country on the Danube River. It is considered one of the oldest cities in Bulgaria and you can find many influences of both Celts and Romans and Ottomans in the city. Worth seeing is especially the medieval fortress from the 13th century called "Baba Vida". Also a visit to the cathedral "Sveti Dimitir" or the mosque "Mustafa-Pasha" are recommended..

The small town of Donji Milanovac in eastern Serbia is located directly on the right bank of the Danube. When the dam and hydroelectric power plant were built in 1970, the town had to be moved higher. This was already the second relocation, the first took place in 1830 from the Danube Island to a higher location due to frequent flooding. North of Donji Milanovac you can visit the archaeological site of Lepenski Vir, which is about 9,000 years old and dates back to the Middle Stone Age and Neolithic.

The small town of Donji Milanovac in eastern Serbia is located directly on the right bank of the Danube. When the dam and hydroelectric power plant were built in 1970, the town had to be moved higher. This was already the second relocation, the first took place in 1830 from the Danube Island to a higher location due to frequent flooding. North of Donji Milanovac you can visit the archaeological site of Lepenski Vir, which is about 9,000 years old and dates back to the Middle Stone Age and Neolithic.

The Serbian port city of Golubac is located on the Danube and is best known for its fortress with its eight towers, idyllically situated on the riverbank. Here the visitor can dive into the past, because it is one of the best preserved castles of the Middle Ages. Both the upper and lower castle as well as the various towers can be visited. In the surroundings of Golubac begins the Serbian National Park Derdap.

The Serbian port city of Golubac is located on the Danube and is best known for its fortress with its eight towers, idyllically situated on the riverbank. Here the visitor can dive into the past, because it is one of the best preserved castles of the Middle Ages. Both the upper and lower castle as well as the various towers can be visited. In the surroundings of Golubac begins the Serbian National Park Derdap.

The Croatian city of Vukovar is located in the east of the country and is characterized by the Baroque era. The historical center of the city is therefore worth a visit. Very famous is also the Grand Hotel "Radnicki dom". You should not miss the baroque castle Eltz and the oldest and most famous water tower in Croatia. Also a stop at the church of St. Philip with the attached Franciscan monastery is recommended..

The Croatian city of Vukovar is located in the east of the country and is characterized by the Baroque era. The historical center of the city is therefore worth a visit. Very famous is also the Grand Hotel "Radnicki dom". You should not miss the baroque castle Eltz and the oldest and most famous water tower in Croatia. Also a stop at the church of St. Philip with the attached Franciscan monastery is recommended..

"Pearl of the Danube" or "Paris of the East"? One thing is certain, Budapest has a lot to offer! From afar, the Parliament building on the banks of the river greets you and lets the Hungarian capital shine in its old splendor. The imposing Chain Bridge invites you to explore the districts of Buda and Pest, which are adorned with Art Nouveau buildings, wide avenues and thermal baths steeped in history. After a piece of the famous Baumkuchen, the breathtaking view from the Castle Hill with its Castle Palace and the impressive Fishermen's Bastion can be enjoyed even better.

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located over the River Danube. It is one of the largest cities in the European Union and much of its historical sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Originally formed in 1873 by the joining of Buda, Pest and Old Buda, the city suffered heavy destruction during World War II and was rebuilt into the country's political, cultural and commercial hub it is now. Bridges and railways connect the city over the Danube, including the six small islands situated on the river themselves. Some of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites include Chain Bridge, Budapest Parliament, the striking Matthias church and the iconic Royal Palace visible from every location within Budapest City. The Castle Hills district architecture represents over a thousand years of the city's history with examples of Roman, Turkish, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. Budapest also has a rich Jewish heritage and is home to the largest synagogue in Europe. The city has an abundance of restaurants offering international cuisines, as well as traditional Hungarian dishes ,including goulash soup, a very popular lunchtime dish. Hungarians enjoy their coffee so a traditional cafe is never hard to find.

The capital of Slovakia is located on the border with Austria and Hungary. It is home to about 450,000 people. The old town of Bratislava dates back to the 18th century and is a great place to stroll around thanks to its car-free zone. The cafés and bars there serve the city's famous dark beer. Bratislava's landmark - the Bratislava Castle - is located on a hill. From its terrace you have the best view of the city and the Danube.

Bratislava is the capital city of Slovakia and is located along the Danube a river on the borders of Austria and Hungary. The city is surrounded by the Little Carpathians Mountains and vineyards as well as its iconic reconstructed Bratislava Castle overlooking Old Town. The castle offers a picturesque view of the city, the neighbouring countries and is home to the Museum of History. Bratislava offers a blend of historic and modern attractions including the Old Town Hall, now home to the Bratislava City Museum, the UFO Bridge, Martin’s Cathedral, Michael’s Gate and Blue Church St Elizabeth’s. Bratislava is home to one of the oldest city parks in Central Europe and is popular with walkers, runners and cyclists as is the city forest park and foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. The city is popular for its locally brewed beers and has many micro-breweries and underground beer cellars. The local cuisine of Bratislava is an eclectic influence of European cultures including Slovak, Hungarian, Austrian and German and serves as a reminder of the history of this cosmopolitan city. However, visitors will find an array of offerings to suit all tastes with lunch being the main meal of the day and roast goose with lokse considered a signature dish of the area.

The small town belongs to the Lower Austrian cultural landscape Wachau, is located directly on the Danube and is surrounded by vineyards. Those arriving by boat have a beautiful view of Dürnstein's two main attractions: the ruins of Kuenringerburg Castle, towering high above the town, where Richard the Lionheart was held for several months in 1192/93, and Dürnstein Abbey. The latter is a monastery of the Augustinian canons, abolished at the end of the 18th century, and is known for its blue and white bell tower.

Dürnstein is a town located in the Northeast of Austria, situated on the Danube river. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site and wine region of Wachauer. It is a popular destination for wine lovers as many wineries offer accommodation. In addition to wine tasting and vineyard tours, visitors will find exploring the area on foot is easy and enjoyable. Take one of the many beautiful hiking trails across ancient rocks and admire the impressive views across the Danube valley. Children will enjoy exploring the outdoors of Dürnstein too, with outdoor playgrounds and theme trails available to keep them entertained. In addition, children and adults will enjoy Austria’s only outdoor biological swimming pool, Kuenringerbad, with an average temperature of 23 degrees celsius. Enjoy views of the town from overhead helicopter tours, leisurely river excursions, or hike up into the mountains and explore some of Dürnstein’s ruins. The mountains offer the ruins of Dürnstein castle and city wall as well as beautiful flora and fauna to spot.

Melk has acquired a beautiful name: the gateway to the Wachau. Anyone approaching the historic town on the Danube will discover Melk Abbey perched high above the river very early on. The abbey is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and worth a visit in all seasons. The impressive Baroque ensemble has been cared for by the monks of the Benedictine order since the year 1089. Culture, faith and science are united in the magnificent rooms of the monastery.

Melk is an Austrian town situated on the River Danube. Located west of Vienna, the town is mostly famous for its 11th Century Melk Abbey, a magnificent monastery built high above the town. Melk Abbey is the largest example of Baroque architecture in the Wachau Valley, with the valley itself awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2000. Its steep terraced vineyards mean vinters cultivate with traditional manual practices and the springtime sees this unique landscape covered in apricot tree blossoms. Strolling around the streets of Melk Old Town, visitors will find the Town Hall Square, the Main Square, the old Post Office, now a local museum, Old Abbey Tavern, and Kremser Strasse. River cruises, self-guided walking tours and cycle tours are also extremely popular around Melk, as the Wachau Valley offers unique landscape to be explored and enjoyed. Art festivals and Baroque music is celebrated each year with the Melk Baroque Days, an international festival.

Passau is a German city located in the Southeast of Germany on the Austrian border. It is situated at the confluence of the rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz. The Three Rivers City, as it’s also known, is unique for its three contrasting currents of blue, green and black. Old Town of Passau is home to towering buildings of striking architecture: the majestic fortress Veste Oberhaus, the Pilgrimage Church Mariahilf and St Stephen's Cathedral. Many of Passau’s attractions can be found in this area, including the New Bishop’s Residence, the Gothic Town Hall, as well as many churches and museums. Visitors can stroll along the riverfront promenades and romantic lanes whilst enjoying the picturesque landscape. For modern art, The Museum of Modern Art and Glass Museum Passau are recommended as they offer something a bit different. Theatre and cabaret are a popular evening pastime, with performances at the former Prince Bishopric Theatre or some lively cabaret and Jazz at the Scharfrichterhaus. Visitors will also find many traditional local Bavarian and Austrian cafes and restaurants offering a cosy atmosphere with home cooked food from local produce.