Majestic Waters of Europe at Christmastime: Budapest to Nuremberg

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!

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.

If ever a town was the embodiment of quaint, it's Dürnstein. Sitting right at the entrance to the celebrated Wachau Valley, everything about this village is hospitable—even the vineyards extend right to the riverbanks to greet visitors. Highlights include the striking blue and white Stiftskirche, and the castle ruin looming over town that once imprisoned King Richard the Lionheart, according to legends. Welcoming shops and wine taverns serving up the Wachau's delectable wines and sweet apricots make this a wonderful place to spend time.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Austria’s unique Wachau is one of the Danube’s most stunning riverscapes. It is a special setting that invites you to linger just a little longer to truly enjoy its picturesque villages, collection of medieval riverbank castles, and steep, terraced vineyards and apricot orchards. Savor some of Europe’s most famous wines and apricot schnapps, and lose yourself in the fairytale beauty, where nature and culture are one.

No visit to the Wachau Valley is complete without visiting Austria’s prettiest abbey. Built on a rocky promontory overlooking the Danube, Melk Abbey's origins date back to 1089. Today, it is one of Europe's finest examples of Baroque architecture, where Benedictine monks still farm the land and operate what is now the oldest school in Austria. Highlights include the library of ancient manuscripts, frescoed ceiling, stunning spiral staircases, and the ornate abbey church.

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.

One of the most beautiful cities in the world and Germany's best-preserved medieval city, Regensburg's unique UNESCO World Heritage is built on a legacy of aristocrats, bishops, craftsmen—and a sausage restaurant whose roots date back to 1146! Around almost every corner is evidence of the many cultures and influences that crafted this amazing city over the past 2,000 years. It's a haven of narrow alleyways, ancient fortifications, patrician houses, impressive churches, and a Stone Bridge that has spanned the Danube since the Middle Ages.

Tucked among the towering rock formations of the Danube Gorge is Kelheim, home to the Main-Danube Canal. An engineering marvel connecting the Main River to the Danube, the canal was completed in 1992, enabling river traffic from the North Sea to the Black Sea. Kelheim is also known for its colorful Old Town; Neoclassical Befreiungshalle (Hall of Liberation) monument commemorating Germany's liberation from Napoleon; 12th-century abbey; and impressive local breweries serving up their delicious Bavarian Bier!

Nuremberg combines Old World beauty with a complex past. Surrounded by 14th-century walls, its Old Town is filled with landmarks such as the fortified Königstor gate, Nuremberg Castle, and the 12th-century Church of St. Sebald. Yet the city is equally known for its 20th-century history: once a major center of Nazi power, it later became the stage for the Nuremberg Trials, where leading war criminals were brought to justice. Today, the Beautiful Fountain still draws attention at the city’s heart, its brass rings said to bring good fortune to those who spin them.