Eternal Danube & Its Four Regal Capitals

Situated along the famed Orient Express, where the Danube and Sava Rivers meet is Belgrade, one of the Danube's four riverside capitals. This is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities—a place sieged, razed, and bombed by outsiders trying to control it. Today, the one-time capital of Yugoslavia is a thriving hub of government, finance, and urban renewal of many former communist-era districts. It is home to the Church of Saint Sava, one of the largest Orthodox churches; the famous Nikola Tesla Museum; Kalemegdan Fortress; and more.

Near the Serbian border, Croatia's easternmost city is known for its grit. During the War of Independence in the 1990s, it was almost completely destroyed after an 87-day siege. Vukovar rebuilt, and the Old Town is once again a magnet for guests from around the world. Highlights include the town's famous water tower, whose battered structure is a symbol of the proud Croatian spirit; the poignant National Memorial Cemetery of the Victims of Homeland War, the nation's largest mass grave; and elegant Eltz Manor, the 18th-century Baroque home of the Vukovar City Museum.

Kalocsa is one spicy city! The self-proclaimed "Paprika Capital of the World" is one of Hungary’s oldest cities, filled with historic buildings and quaint shops (selling paprika—what else?). Highlights include the 200-year-old Folk Art House, where local female artisans still paint furnishings, eggs, and other items in the traditional Hungarian way; the Paprika House, a museum dedicated to the legendary Hungarian spice; and the Archbishop's Palace with its 150-thousand-volume library of ancient books and manuscripts.

One of the most beautiful cities in the world, the wonders of Budapest rise up along both banks of the Danube in a truly impressive way. Along with Heroes' Square with its Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, awe-inspiring Hungarian Parliament Building, and the lavish Castle District with photogenic Fishermen's Bastion, the city is home to a captivating Jewish district and the second-largest synagogue in the world, an intricate underground cave system, and some of Europe's most famous thermal baths.

Bratislava is perfect for those who want to be transported to another time. Even from a distance, its 9th-century clifftop castle strikes an impressive pose. Down below, the bustling pedestrian-only Old Town is a charming collection of Old World architecture, like Michael's Gate, St. Martin's Cathedral, the Old Opera House, and the Neoclassical Primate's Palace. There's even a surprise or two, with Napoleon's cannonballs lodged in historic walls and an unexpected statue of Cumil the Sewer Worker peering up from below street level!

Tulln, a historic town on the southern bank of Austria’s Danube, traces its origins back to Roman times, when it served as the fortress of Comagena and an important military and economic center. In the Middle Ages, its strategic position made it a bustling market town and a key stop along the Danube trade routes. Though heavily damaged during World War II, it was rebuilt and restored. Today, Tulln is known for its elegant architecture, cultural heritage, and lush gardens, earning it the nickname ‘the City of Flowers.

Scenic sailing through the beautiful Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning landscapes and historic vineyards. Marvel at the charming villages, ancient castles, and terraced slopes that line the banks of the Danube. Take in the perfect blend of natural beauty and centuries-old architecture.

Vienna is a city that defies simple description. Over the centuries, it has been an imperial city, seat of the Holy Roman Empire, capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and capital of sovereign Austria. Today, Vienna retains the grand Baroque architecture, historic style, and Lebenskunst (art of living) that attracted famous composers like Mozart and Strauss. It's a wonderland of lavish palaces and cathedrals, world-class museums and music venues, atmospheric coffee houses, and romantic fiakers (horse-drawn carriages) clip-clopping past it all.