“There’s something magical about waking up each morning in a new European city — and never having to unpack twice.”
Last year, I had the chance to experience the Romantic Danube itinerary with Viking River Cruises, and it completely changed the way I think about travel. River cruising is relaxed, cultural, and beautifully scenic — the perfect blend for anyone who wants to explore Europe at an easy pace.
🏰 Pre-Cruise Stay in Nuremberg
I always recommend arriving early for any cruise, and my stay in Nuremberg, Germany was the perfect start. With its medieval charm, cobblestone streets, and cozy cafés, it’s a city that feels straight out of a fairytale.
I wandered through the Old Town, explored the castle walls, and treated myself to an amazing dinner at a local restaurant. Delicious Nuremberg sausage and kraut with potato salad.
💬 Travel Tip: Arrive at least one night before your cruise. It’s the best way to adjust to the time zone — and avoid any pre-departure stress!
🚢 Embarking on the Danube
Once onboard, the pace instantly slowed. I unpacked once, settled into my stateroom, and spent the first afternoon walking into town right from the ship!
River cruising truly lets you see the world differently — no crowds, no rushing, just Europe up close. 🌍
🏘️ Regensburg: A Step Back in Time
We embarked in Regensburg, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Germany. I loved exploring the narrow streets, admiring the Gothic cathedral, and walking across the famous Stone Bridge.
This charming city is also a foodie’s dream, so of course, I sampled a local sausage and mustard — delicious! 🌭
🎶 Vienna: A Symphony of Culture
Few cities capture the elegance of Europe quite like Vienna. Between its classical music heritage, grand architecture, and famous coffeehouses, it’s a city that feels alive with history and art.
I strolled along the many streets of the city seeing famous landmarks and historical buildings, and even caught a glimpse of the Lipizzaner horses after their practice at the Spanish Riding School.
💬 Must-Do: Don’t leave Vienna without trying a slice of Sachertorte — a rich chocolate cake that’s as famous as the city itself. 🍰
🍇 Krems & the Wachau Valley: Vineyards and Views
This stretch of the Danube might just be one of the most beautiful scenes in Europe. The Wachau Valley, with its vineyards, castle ruins, and hilltop churches, is what river cruising dreams are made of.
Our stop in Krems allowed me to visit the Gottweig Abbey and view the Imperial Staircase, still one of my favorite experiences.
🎬 A Day Trip to Salzburg
One highlight of the trip was our excursion to Salzburg, the city of Mozart and The Sound of Music. 🎵
From the fortress above the city to seeing the Alps in the distance, every corner was postcard-perfect. It’s the kind of place that leaves you humming “Do-Re-Mi” for the rest of the day. (Especially when you stood on “the” steps from the movie!
Budapest: The Grand Finale
We ended our cruise in Budapest, and what an ending it was! Sailing into the city in the early morning, with the Parliament building and Chain Bridge glowing against the sky, was absolutely breathtaking.
I spent my final day soaking in the streets and bazaar and exploring both sides of the city — Buda’s hills and Pest’s lively streets.
💬 Travel Tip: Stay an extra night post-cruise if you can. Budapest deserves at least a full day (and maybe one more soak in those baths!).
💫 Final Thoughts
My Danube River Cruise was the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. It reminded me that travel doesn’t always have to be rushed — sometimes, it’s best to slow down and let the world come to you.
If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring Europe’s heartland — from storybook villages to vibrant cities — a river cruise is the way to go.
🌍 Plan Your Own River Cruise
Thinking about seeing Europe by river? I can help you find the right itinerary, the best value, and the perfect ship for your travel style — whether that’s Viking or another top river line.
📩 Email me: Betsy@ModernTravelPros.com
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Betsy Walker Travels 