Europe's second largest river and the inspiration behind Johann Strauss's eponymous Blue Danube Waltz, the Danube flows southeast from its origin in Germany, through Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Moldova, the Ukraine and Romania, before emptying into the Black Sea. It takes in four capital cities, more than any other river in the world, giving vistas onto some of the most impressive and distinctive skylines, with diverse and varied landscapes in between. It is one of the most navigable waterways in the world, making it a popular river cruise choice with tourists, and it is also possible to follow it by rail and coach. As it cuts across Europe, it is ideally placed for stop-offs in the countries it intersects, and many tours servicing the Danube stop in the vibrant cities of Prague, Vienna and Budapest. Guided tours offer the possibility of a varied itinerary that encompasses as many of the most important sights as possible, whilst ensuring that you travel in comfort and style between the cities you visit.
With a tour guide on hand throughout your trip, exploring the city stop-offs on a guided tour couldn't be easier or more stress-free. There's none of the hassle of planning all the domestic travelling yourself, with coach, bus and rail options provided by your tour operator once you are on land. Take the time to look into how much leisure time you want and how much each operator provides; this way you ensure before you go that your package is made to fit, according to your personal requirements. You won't need to worry about flights, accommodation or transfers, and some meals are likely to be provided, too, leaving you with more time to take in the sights.
Budapest is one of the most sought-after European destinations, and as part of a tour, it's a great city to explore for a day or two before embarking once more on your cruise. The architecture is a mix of neo-Classical, Gothic and Renaissance, and there are plenty of sites of historical interest. Heroes' Square remains one of the city's most visited places. Look out for the Millenary Monument. The Square lies at the end of one of the city's most beautiful avenues, Andrassy Street. And if after a day's walking you need a good massage or thermal bath, try one of the city's baths. The most popular are the Rudas Baths and the Szechenyi Baths.
Picture-perfect Prague is another popular tour stop-off. Beautiful any time of year, the city is known for its Baroque and Romanesque architecture. Nicknamed 'The City of a Thousand Spires', Prague has a romantic old-world feel to it. For the best view over the Vltava River, try Charles Bridge. This impressive structure spans 16 arches and features no less than 30 Baroque statues of religious figures. The Lobkowicz Palace is a must-see, crammed full of curios, and the gorgeous St Vitus Cathedral is another one to write into the itinerary. If you're feeling tired, head to the Old Town Square to sit in the midst of it all as the clock at its centre strikes the hours.
So, whether you're cruising along the river itself, enjoying a guided bus tour around Budapest, taking photographs in Prague or spending the day wandering the halls of Schönbrunn Palace in pretty Vienna, a tour along the Danube is sure to contain everything you could wish for.
