Planning a trip to Europe isn't quite as easy as planning a week at an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean. It usually involves more time preparing various activities, buying tickets for excursions that may sell out in advance, figuring out what the pack and making sure all the aspects of the trip line up smoothly.
Traveling to this destination often includes visiting multiple countries in one trip. With the long flight over, most people try to add a few different destinations to their itinerary to make the most out of the trip. In addition to taking in the breathtaking architecture, there are museums to explore, famous sites to visit and history to learn about.
A convenient way to successfully visit various places in Europe is with a river cruise. For example, taking a cruise with Viking River Cruises means only unpacking a bag once and making a comfortable cruise cabin home for the duration of the trip. This can save time instead of having to pack and unpack at different hotels every other night along the way.
One of the longest rivers in Europe, the Danube, winds through 10 different countries and is an excellent choice for travelers looking to cruise through multiple destinations in one trip. Here are a few of the must-see places when cruising on the Danube.
Budapest
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, offers elegant Art Nouveau architecture and is especially beautiful in the evening, as its illuminations reflect against the Danube. There is plenty to see here including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, gorgeous buildings with intricate details and several bridges which connect the different areas.
Tourists looking for a few uncommon types of activities may be interested in visiting one of the thermal springs or touring one of the underground caves.
Vienna
People with an eye for art and a taste for classical music tend to enjoy everything the lovely city of Vienna, Austria has to offer. Artists including Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud helped shape what this vibrant place is today.
This capital city also has several green parks, upscale stores and theaters. It's a wonderful spot to spend time in during a trip along the Danube River.
Passau
Located just over the Austrian border is the charming city of Passau, Germany. It's often called the Three Rivers City, as it sits at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers. This city boasts gorgeous baroque architecture including cathedrals and museums.
Visitors will want to have their cameras ready to capture not only the interesting architecture but also the popular sites such as the view from Veste Oberhaus and the organ at St. Stephens Cathedral.
Amsterdam
Home to the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House and many other museums worthy of a visit, this interesting city offers several things to do and attractions to see for cruisers during a stop along the Danube.
The city has a canal system and numerous bike paths, as cycling is one of the most popular forms of transportation in this destination. Visitors can choose to rent a bike or take a guided cycle tour to fully experience everything the city offers.
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