Europe`s Grand Riverscapes: Budapest to Nuremberg

Budapest has much to offer like the Castle Garden Bazaar, the Fisherman’s Bastion or Mathias Church. There are plenty of highlights to explore or guests can choose to relax in one of the many hot springs spas the city is famous for.

Guest love Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, because the Old City Center is for pedestrians only and easy to explore. Add the great local food, wine and beer and you understand why guests return.

In Vienna walk in the footsteps of famous composers like Mozart or Strauss, visit one of over one hundred museums, visit Palaces, listen to great music in the famous Opera House, watch the Lipizzaner horses train at the Spanish Riding School.

Dürnstein is famous for its beautiful blue and white abbey tower, the medieval city walls, delicious white wines and sweet apricots. For our active guests we recommend the hike up to the castle ruins overlooking the river.

Melk’s main attraction is the abbey, where Benedictine monks still live and dedicate their work to culture and education. Another highlight close by is the Erzherzog Franz Ferdinand Museum auf Castle Artstetten.

The port of Aschach, a technical stop on your cruise, is a small, but important river port that serves as a hub for transportation of goods and passengers along the Danube River. It is located on the northern bank of the river, about 15 kilometers west of the city of Linz. In addition to its role in the transportation of goods and passengers, the port of Aschach also serves as a hub for recreational activities along the Danube River. There are numerous hiking and cycling trails in the surrounding area, and the river is popular for fishing, boating, and other water sports

The city sits at the confluence of three rivers and had therefore military importance. The fortress Veste Oberhaus now houses the museum and the Dom features a great organ.

In the Middle Ages, Regensburg was one of the most important cities in the Holy Roman Empire and served as the site of numerous imperial diets (assemblies). During the Reformation, it played a significant role as a meeting place for Catholic and Protestant leaders who attempted to reconcile their differences. This effort ultimately failed, leading to the Thirty Years' War, which devastated much of Europe. In the 19th century, Regensburg became part of the Kingdom of Bavaria, and its economy flourished as a center of trade and industry. Regensburg is known for its stunning architecture, including the Gothic-style St. Peter's Cathedral and the historic Stone Bridge, which dates back to the 12th century. Today, its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A Bavarian Museum showcases the region's unique cultural heritage through an extensive collection of artifacts, artwork, and historical objects displaying everything from the area's early settlement and development to its modern-day traditions and customs. Another popular attraction in Regensburg is the historic Wurstkuchl, also known as the Sausage Kitchen. Located on the banks of the Danube River, this restaurant has been serving up traditional Bavarian sausages since the 12th century. According to local legend, the Sausage Kitchen was founded by a group of boatmen who would stop there for a hearty meal after a long day's work on the river. Today, the same sausages that have been served for centuries are on offer, along with a cold beer.

Kelheim, a charming town in Bavaria, Germany, is situated at the confluence of the Altmühl and Danube rivers, and is home to the Main-Danube Canal, an engineering marvel that connects the Main River in Bamberg to the Danube River in Kelheim. Completed in 1992, the canal includes 16 locks, aqueducts, and bridges, and allows for the transportation of goods from the North Sea to the Black Sea, bypassing the dangerous rapids of the Danube. The canal offers unique views of both rivers and passes through beautiful scenery. Kelheim is also known for its picturesque old town with colorful buildings and cobblestone streets, as well as its historical landmarks, including the Befreiungshalle, a monument built in the 19th century to commemorate the liberation of Germany from Napoleon, and the Kelheim Abbey, a former Benedictine monastery dating back to the 12th century. The town is surrounded by lush green hills and offers outdoor activities such as hiking and biking along the Danube Gorge, a narrow valley with towering rock formations. Kelheim is also known for its local breweries and beer, making it a must-visit destination in Bavaria for history, culture, and natural beauty.

Nuremberg is a city with a rich history that spans both medieval times and the 20th century. Its medieval old town is surrounded by 14th-century walls and features impressive Gothic architecture, including the Nuremberg Castle and the Church of St. Sebald, which date back to the 12th century. The city's medieval past is also evident in the beautifully preserved half-timbered houses, narrow alleys, and historic fountains that can be found throughout the city. However, Nuremberg is also known for its dark Nazi history, as it was the site of major Nazi rallies during the 1930s. The rallies were highly choreographed events designed to showcase the strength and unity of the Nazi Party and its followers. They featured parades of uniformed Nazi Party members, military displays, and speeches by Nazi leaders, including Adolf Hitler. Today, Nuremberg serves as a reminder of its complex past. While the city's medieval history can be seen in its architecture and landmarks, visitors can also learn about its role in the rise of the Nazi Party by visiting the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, designed by Nazi architect Albert Speer. Despite its troubled history, Nuremberg is a vibrant and diverse city that embraces its past while looking towards the future.

Nuremberg is a city with a rich history that spans both medieval times and the 20th century. Its medieval old town is surrounded by 14th-century walls and features impressive Gothic architecture, including the Nuremberg Castle and the Church of St. Sebald, which date back to the 12th century. The city's medieval past is also evident in the beautifully preserved half-timbered houses, narrow alleys, and historic fountains that can be found throughout the city. However, Nuremberg is also known for its dark Nazi history, as it was the site of major Nazi rallies during the 1930s. The rallies were highly choreographed events designed to showcase the strength and unity of the Nazi Party and its followers. They featured parades of uniformed Nazi Party members, military displays, and speeches by Nazi leaders, including Adolf Hitler. Today, Nuremberg serves as a reminder of its complex past. While the city's medieval history can be seen in its architecture and landmarks, visitors can also learn about its role in the rise of the Nazi Party by visiting the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, designed by Nazi architect Albert Speer. Despite its troubled history, Nuremberg is a vibrant and diverse city that embraces its past while looking towards the future.