When to Travel : Summer is the best time to travel on the Danube, or follow its path – the months from June – October provide plenty of daylight and mild temperatures.
Destinations
Follow the Danube
Rivers have always been a source of livelihood and transportation and played major roles in the economies of civilizations they spawn. The mighty Danube in Europe is no exception. From its origin in Germans Black Forest, to its end in the Black sea, the second largest river in Europe touches lives of millions of diverse people. Our itinerary follows the mighty river, as we stop-by in cities that were founded it it’s path, and visit the numerous castles and forts along its banks that stand testimony to her historic significance
Trip Highlights
Our journey starts in the beautiful Black Forest region of Germany, where the Danube originates in the town of Donaueschingen. We then follow it to Ulm whose claim to fame is the tallest church steeple in the World (The Ulm Minster). Founded as back in history as 850 AD, Ulm is also the birthplace of Albert Einstein
The Danube continues to Ingolstadt - which we will make the base to explore the medieval town of Bamberg
From then we cross into Austria and follow the Danube to beautiful city of Linz, and then continue onto the twin cities of Vienna and Bratislava. It is difficult to write about Vienna in a few words- a city seeped in culture, music and architecture - we spend three days here, before proceeding to Budapest
For some of us, the journey will end in Budapest, as we head back home - others may continue to explore the much less visited tracks of the Danube as it flows into Belgrade in Serbia, and then on into the Danube delta of Romania and Ukraine
Interesting Tidbits
The Danube is 2,872 km long, making it the second largest river in Europe (after Volga). It touches ten countries, with Romania accounting for almost 30% share. The Danube flows through 4 capital cities – Vienna (Austria), Bratislava (Slovakia), Budapest (Hungary) and Belgrade (Serbia) – more than any other river in the world!
The Danube Delta has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991 and hosts over 300 species of birds as well as 45 freshwater fish species in its numerous lakes and marshes
Alexander the Great defeated the Triballian king Syrmus and the northern barbarian Thracian and Illyrian tribes by advancing from Macedonia as far as the Danube in 336 BC
VISA INFO
Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay and have two blank pages.
Travel insurance: You need a travel insurance policy that covers the entire Schengen territory and has a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.
Proof of accommodation: You need to show that you have a place to stay during your trip.
Travel itinerary: You need to provide a round trip reservation or itinerary with dates and flight numbers
Proof of funds: You need to show that you have enough money to support yourself financially throughout your stay
Visa application form: You need to complete and sign the application form
Passport photos: You need two recent passport photos taken within the last three months
Visa interview: You need to attend an interview in person at a consulate, embassy, or visa application center
