Eternal Danube from Serbia to Germany

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.

Situated on the Moson arm of the Danube in northwestern Hungary, Győr’s roots stretch back to Roman times. For centuries, it prospered for its viniculture, grain production, and horse breeding, and King Stephen I made it a county seat as early as the 10th century. By the 17th century, Győr had evolved into a fortified stronghold against the Ottoman Empire. Its highlights include the Püspökvár (bishop’s palace), an impressive medieval cathedral, architecturally important churches, and the Xantus János Museum, which houses exhibits related to the city’s history.

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!

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.

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.

In the center of the scenic Wachau Valley sits the village of Weissenkirchen (White Church), dominated by its 14th-century parish church and thousand-year wine tradition. With a square tower and formidable stone wall surrounding it, the church sits next to Austria’s oldest primary school—first mentioned in 1385 and still in use! Visitors can stroll along the quaint, narrow roads past historic mansions and timeless wineries filled with all manner of equipment suitable for creating the area’s popular Riesling and Grüner Veltliner wines.

Enjoy a dramatic evening passage through Austria's UNESCO World Heritage Wachau Valley as you dine al fresco up on the ship's Vista Deck. Surrounded by uninterrupted views of graceful medieval castles and steep, terraced vineyards, savor a full selection of mouthwatering barbecued dishes and sommelier-curated wines aboard one of the only river vessels that prepares and serves right on the top deck while cruising.

After the Third Reich's annexation of Austria in 1938, the tiny market town of Mauthausen became home to a Nazi concentration camp. Today, the former camp serves as a memorial to the 200,000 men, women, and children who were imprisoned and perished there—and a site committed to political and historical education.

Austria’s third largest city, Linz is a European Capital of Culture worth exploring. Highlights include the Feichtinger House with its Glockenspiel, Castle Museum, Lentos Art Museum, and the Neo-Gothic Mariendom with its impressive stained-glass windows and 20,000-person seating capacity. A hike up Pöstlingberg Hill delivers outstanding views over the Danube and is best followed by a coffee and piece of scrumptious Linzer Torte, invented here as the world's first cake!

Situated along the Route of Emperors and Kings where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers meet, Passau was settled as early as the Neolithic Age. During the Renaissance, this City of Three Rivers was a major manufacturing center of swords, crafting bladed weapons stamped with the Passau wolf, which legend claimed would grant invulnerability. Today, the most famous sights lining the narrow cobblestone streets of the Old Town are the artistic Town Hall and the Baroque St. Stephen's Cathedral with its green-domed towers and one of the largest organs in the world.