Follow the mighty 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 Germany’s 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
- Start in the beautiful Black Forest region of Germany, where the Danube originates in the town of Donaueschingen and follow it to Ulm which boasts the tallest church steeple in the World (The Ulm Minster).
- Continue to Ingolstadt making it a base to explore medieval Bamberg and historic Nuremberg
- Passing by the stunning Abbey of Melk, follow the mighty river to the picturesque city of Linz
- Take a cruise downstream to Krems, and then continue onto the twin cities of Vienna and Bratislava.
- Soak in Vienna’s culture, music and architecture – then continue to Budapest, often described as Little Paris of Middle Europe
- For some, the journey ends in Budapest – others continue to explore the less visited tracks of the Danube as it flows into Belgrade in Serbia – a city of monumental architecture, tangible history and thriving nightlife
- Continue further on into the Danube delta of Romania – best preserved of Europe’s deltas with 2,200 square miles of rivers, canals, marshes, tree-fringed lakes and reed islands – a wildlife enthusiast’s (especially a bird watcher’s) paradise.
Which Visa Do I Need
Most of the countries covered in this itinerary require Schengen visa for Indian citizens. Some countries like Romania do not participate in Schengen, but allow multiple entry Schengen visa holders to enter.
Length of Stay
The entire stretch of Danube river will take at least 12-15 days of vacation, however, you may cover certain sections in anywhere between 7-10 days
Best time to visit
Summer is the ideal time to visit this region
history, culture, architecture, scenic drives, river cruise, wineries, fortresses & monasteries
wildlife & birdwatching
Did you know
- The Danube is the second longest river in Europe after the River Volga. As it travels from the Black Forest to the Black Sea, the Danube passes through or beside ten different countries.
- In 1944, sensing defeat was imminent, hundreds of German ships were scuttled in the Danube to avoid capture by the Soviet Union. Today, the warships can be seen from the banks of the Danube during summer, as the river’s water level falls.
- The Delta of the Danube is the second largest delta in the whole world and it continues to grow. The Danube’s drainage basin is 817.000 sq. km.  It is estimated that there are more than 5000 species of animals, birds, and plants in the Danube’s delta.
- The Danube River was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.
