The literal translation is “On the Beautiful Blue Danube”. It is known in the English speaking world as “The Blue Danube”. It is one of Johann Strauss II most famous pieces. The video below is the instrumental version. There is also a choral version which starts “Danube so blue, “so bright and blue. Personally, I have only seen the Danube a murky brown!
The Danube has its origins in the Black Forest and flows for 1,785 miles until it reaches the Black Sea. On its travels it passes through 10 countries. Due to its length you will find a wide range of river cruises to suit individual travellers’ interests and lengths of holiday required.
The majority of cruises focus on the German, Austria, Slovakian and Hungarian sections of the Danube. It is possible to travel the full length of the Danube, but this usually involves a transfer in Budapest.
Starting in Germany, Regensburg is usually the first town of any Danube cruise. Since 2006 it has been UNESCO listed city. Here you will find 11th- to 13th-century architecture – including the market, city hall and cathedral. Surprisingly you will find the old town dominated by tall buildings as the rich merchants of centuries gone-by would build taller and taller buildings, to outdo their competititors. Travellogs will be back to visit Regensburg in more detail at a future date.
Next stop for most will be 2000 year old “City of the Three Rivers”, Passau. Sited on the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube. It is noted for gothic and baroque buildings and it is because of these it is sometimes also referred to as the “Venice of Bavaria”. Most visitors will head for St Stephan’s Cathedral. A church has been on this site since 703 and it is home to the largest organ in Europe. Concerts are held daily at none, except on Sundays.
From Passau it’s possible to fit in a day trip to Salzburg and in fact some of the Rhine cruises actually include this beautiful city in their itineraries not crossing the border into Germany but rather staying in Austria. As with Regensburg we will return to Salzburg at a future date.
As you cruise south along the Danube you will stop off at Vienna, Budapest and Bucharest, all places that we have visited recently here on Travellogs. Please click on the links to visit them.
Call Maggie today and book your “Danube River Cruise”. Let the boat take the strain.
Pay with the card that gives you complimentary access to over 1,200 airport lounges across more than 130 countries worldwide as standard plus reward points – The American Express Platinum Card*.
Any links with an * by them are affiliated, which means get a product via this link and a contribution may be made to us.