Discovery of the Danube

Passau is a town in Lower Bavaria, Germany, at the junction of three Rivers: the Danube, the Inn from the South, and the Ilz coming out of the Bavarian Forest to the North. During the Renaissance and early modern period it became one of the most prolific centres of sword and bladed weapon manufacture in Germany. Today it is notable for its gothic and baroque architecture. Read more about Passau, Germany

Passau is a town in Lower Bavaria, Germany, at the junction of three Rivers: the Danube, the Inn from the South, and the Ilz coming out of the Bavarian Forest to the North. During the Renaissance and early modern period it became one of the most prolific centres of sword and bladed weapon manufacture in Germany. Today it is notable for its gothic and baroque architecture. Read more about Passau, Germany

Weissenkirchen is the next town up the Danube from Durnstein. It is a bigger town and very delightful. Here the cathedral that is part new construction and part medieval ruin dominates the town. Read more about Weissenkirchen, Austria

Vienna, Austria's capital city, has a population of around two million and is located to the east of the Alps in the Vienna Basin. Architectural styles range from classic to modern, and include some of the world’s best known examples of Art Nouveau. Fascinating features are the few high-rise buildings, and numerous parks and gardens, with many statues of famous people such as Mozart and Strauss. Read more about Vienna, Austria

Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is situated on both banks of the Danube River between Austria and Hungary, and is the only national capital that borders two independent countries. Bratislava and Vienna are also two of Europe's closest national capitals, less than 60 km apart. The cityscape of Bratislava is noted for its medieval towers and grandiose 20th century buildings, but has undergone profound changes in a construction boom at the start of the 21st century. Read more about Bratislava, Slovakia

Budapest is the capital and largest city of Hungary, situated on both banks of the river Danube, with its 346 river cruise ships (2019). Originally with the cities of Buda on the west bank and Pest on the east bank, it became a single city with their unification in 1873. The city’s rich and colourful history, its extensive World Heritage Site including the Danube River banks, the Buda Castle Quarter, Andrássy Avenue, and the Millennium Underground Railway, have resulted in its becoming an important tourist centre in Central Europe. Read more about Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is the capital and largest city of Hungary, situated on both banks of the river Danube, with its 346 river cruise ships (2019). Originally with the cities of Buda on the west bank and Pest on the east bank, it became a single city with their unification in 1873. The city’s rich and colourful history, its extensive World Heritage Site including the Danube River banks, the Buda Castle Quarter, Andrássy Avenue, and the Millennium Underground Railway, have resulted in its becoming an important tourist centre in Central Europe. Read more about Budapest, Hungary

Kalocsa is a town in Bacs-Kiskun county, Hungary, approximately 120 km south of Budapest. It is one of the oldest towns in Hungary with several buildings from the 18th Century. Amongst its historical buildings are a fine cathedral, and the archiepiscopal palace - both from the 18th C - as well as an astronomical observatory, a seminary and colleges, all of which attract visitors. Read more about Kalocsa, Hungary

Vukovar is a city and municipality in eastern Croatia. Located at the junction of the Vuka River and the Danube, it is the largest Croatian town and river port. It is famous for the heroic battle in the Patriotic war and the unprecedented devastation it caused. Read more about Vukovar, Croatia

Belgrade is the capital and largest city of Serbia, lying on two international waterways at the junction of the Sava and Danube rivers. Here is found the statue of Pobednik (Winner), one of the symbols of Belgrade. It is also the second largest city on the Danube River and is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Read more about Belgrade, Serbia

Donji Milanovac, a picturesque town in eastern Serbia, is nestled along the banks of the Danube River within the stunning Derdap National Park. Known as the gateway to the Iron Gates gorge, the town offers breathtaking views of dramatic cliffs and serene waters. Rich in history, Donji Milanovac is close to the archaeological site of Lepenski Vir, one of Europe's oldest settlements. Read more about Donji Milanovac, Serbia

Vidin is a port town on the southern bank of the Danube River in NW Bulgaria. Renowned for its availability of mineral water, it is also one of the oldest towns along the Bulgarian Danube Bank, and is a starting point for excursions along the Danube. An agricultural and trade centre, Vidin has a fertile hinterland renowned for its wines. Read more about Vidin, Bulgaria

Rousse - aka Ruse, Russe - in NE Bulgaria lies on the right bank of the Danube River, opposite the Romanian city of Giurgiu. An important cultural, commercial and industrial centre, it is often called Little Vienna as it has become the most important Bulgarian river port. With more than 290 monuments and its preserved buildings from the end of 19th and the beginning of 20th centuries, it is also ‘easy visiting’ as most of the sights, such as the old city that constitutes the square around the city’s Historical Museum, are located in the centre of the city. Read more about Rousse, Bulgaria

Bucharest, located on the banks of the Dambovita River, is the capital city of Romania and its largest city. The city boasts wide, tree-lined boulevards and a range of architectural styles including Historical, Art Deco, as well as on-going Modern. Finding a 300 year old church, a steel-and-glass office building and Communist-era high rise apartment blocks next to one another is a common sight. Read more about Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest, located on the banks of the Dambovita River, is the capital city of Romania and its largest city. The city boasts wide, tree-lined boulevards and a range of architectural styles including Historical, Art Deco, as well as on-going Modern. Finding a 300 year old church, a steel-and-glass office building and Communist-era high rise apartment blocks next to one another is a common sight. Read more about Bucharest, Romania