If you are looking for a holiday that combines the best of a European city break with plenty of sun, then a Danube River cruise might be for you. Combine the best of both holidays and relax passing vineyards and forest, mountain peaks and picture-perfect castles, then go on shore.

Usually Danube river cruises concentrate on a certain stretch of the striking Danube river, which is almost 1,800 km, making it the second largest river in all of Europe. The biodiverse lower areas of the river have been for many years off limits to tourists, but they now once more welcome visitors from all over the world including Danube river cruises. Whichever Danube cruise you take – an Avalon Cruise is recommended – make sure to include a visit to the spectacular Danube Delta wetlands, a natural wonder that is home to over 300 species of bird and more than 40 species of fish.

The river Danube makes its way from west to east as it passes on its way from Switzerland to the glorious Black Sea. Along this route you will pass through Germany, as well as Austria and Hungary, Croatia and Serbia.

The Danube flows east as it passes on its way from Switzerland to the breathtaking Black Sea. Along this route you will pass through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Moldova, Ukraine and Romania. A selection of the must-see landmarks and cities of the eastern stretches of the Danube river include the capital of Austria, Vienna, renowned the world over for its chic coffee houses and high culture. It was of course Vienna resident Johann Strauss who paid tribute to the Danube in his familiar waltz, On the Beautiful Blue Danube.

As part of the Austrian stretch of many Danube river cruises you will pay a visit to Vienna. Be sure to take in the museums, galleries and shops, and perhaps attend a music concert or one of the famous waltzes. Further highlights that you can expect along the Austrian leg of your journey include the Benedictine Abbey of Melk which is almost 1,000 years old, the historic village of Durnstein with its cobbled streets and burgher houses, and you can then make a special tour of Wachau.

From Vienna and Austria your Danube river cruise will head to the gorgeous city of Bratislava, which is the capital city of Austria’s neighbour Slovakia. Heading on from Bratislava you will travel through the Danube Bend and then on to the wonderful Hungarian capital city of Budapest. This Hungarian city is a part of your Danube cruise trip that you will never forget. From Budapest some Danube cruise ships will take you east again to unforgettable sights including Bucharest.