My recent voyage with Emerald Cruises on the Danube River took us through big cities and picturesque small towns in Germany, Austria and Hungary. The scenery is what makes a Danube River itinerary a favorite for first-time river cruises. The Emerald Destiny sailed from Nuremberg, Germany, Sept. 13 with about 125 passengers on a ship that can accommodate 180. All passengers submitted proof of COVID vaccination and a negative PCR test (taken within 72 hours of departure) when boarding the ship. Masks were worn on the ship, except when drinking and dining.

The 180-square-foot Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite was compact, but thoughtfully designed so there was space to store everything. The floor-to-ceiling window lowers to a halfway point by pushing a button, essentially turning the stateroom into an airy balcony.

At our first stop in Regensburg, Germany, we made a beeline for Historische Wurstkuche, a riverside eatery billed as one of the oldest continuously operated restaurants in the world, dating back to 1146. In 1806, the current family owners took it over and began serving charcoal-grilled sausage sandwiches.

And now, a closeup of the tasty sausage treat. Smothered in sauerkraut with a sweet-spicy mustard, the sandwiches sell for 3.30 euros each. They were delicious.

Included guided walks, hikes and bike tours were offered in almost all the destinations, including Passau, Germany, where the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers converge.

During the afternoon in Passau, the pastry chef gave a strudel-making demonstration. She prepped the dough, added apples and deftly rolled the treat using the tablecloth.

The notable Melk Abbey overlooks the Austrian town of Melk and the Danube River. Emerald Destiny offered a guided walk and a short bus ride for an abbey tour. The vessel departed midday to sail through the scenic Wachau Valley on the way to D��rnstein.

As we sailed through the wine-growing Wachau Valley, many guests gathered in the sun deck to listen to commentary of the sites along the way and to sample local wines. The more active passengers rode bikes 22 miles from Melk to D��rnstein. The Wachau is recognized as a "Cultural Landscape" by UNESCO.

In D��rnstein, Austria, the EmeraldACTIVE offering was a hike up to the ruins of D��rnstein Castle, where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. This was a hike - it began straight uphill on uneven stairs, loose gravel and sometimes slippery stones. But the hike was worth it for the views over the valley, town and Danube River. And the walk down was much easier!

After a brief motorcoach tour of the Ringstrasse, we strolled through Vienna with a local guide. We saw the Hofburg, pictured, the former Habsburg palace built in the 13th century, and glimpsed the snow-white Lipizzaner horses looking out of their stalls at the Spanish Riding School.

Of course, one must try wiener schnitzel in Vienna. Digging into the crispy dish is Lauren Frye, vice president at Gillies and Zaiser Public Relations, which represents Emerald Cruises.

Emerald offers a number of opportunities to keep active during the cruise. Emerald Destiny has a small pool, so water aerobics classes were offered, along with yoga, Pilates and morning stretches.

From the Emerald Destiny, it was an easy stroll through Old Town Bratislava, Slovakia. Hviezdoslav Square - named for poet Pavol Orsz��gh Hviezdoslav - connects the old Slovak National Theatre building and the New Bridge.

A red tram passes the Baroque-era Reduta Building, the home of the Slovak Philharmonic, in Old Town Bratislava.

Our final port of call was Budapest, the capital of Hungary. Most guests headed to the sun deck at 8 a.m. to watch as the ship entered Budapest, as the captain slowly turned the ship in a full circle so everyone could view the Hungarian Parliament Building and other landmarks. It truly is one of the most stunning sites on the Danube.

In the afternoon, we toured a small riverside town called Szentendre, near Budapest, known for art galleries and shops. After one last dinner on the Emerald Destiny, it was time to wake up early for the long flights home from Budapest.