60-Second Geography

The Danube River

Cruising the Danube with Collette

• The Danube River starts in Donaueschingen, Germany. Traveling southeast, it passes through four capital cities: Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade, and Bratislava. Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is one of the smaller capitals in Europe with a population of only about 430,000 and considered the third richest region in the European Union. Its inner city showcases the narrow streets and historic buildings of medieval architectures. This inner city is based around two squares: Hlavne namestie and Hviezdoslavovo namestie. The city boasts a pleasant atmosphere with a taste of history to delight the senses. To complete the medieval aesthetic, the Bratislava Castle overlooks the city on a hill right next to the Danube River.

• Vienna, home of some of the most recognized classical composers in the world such as Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, and Strauss. Vienna is the perfect example of an opulent city with a past that has influenced the entire world through history. The historic centre of Vienna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features so much beauty around every corner that the traveler will be overwhelmed with passion. One of the most well-known sites to visit in Vienna is the St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a magnificent cathedral built in 1137 that features a combination of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. With spires that reach towards the heavens at 446 feet, the traveler will have a chance to witness an amazing example of an iconic part of Vienna’s skyline. With museums, classical music concerts, and their world famous coffee houses—Vienna should not be missed.

• Christmas is often a magical time for western cultures, and the cities and towns along the Danube know how to make more this time of year a beautiful affair. Nuremberg, Germany is a prime example of this, as it is one of the oldest and largest Christmas market in the world. The more traditional and classier look of the city during this time features a chance for the traveler to buy gorgeous Christmas tree decorations for their own home, enjoy a cup of hot mulled wine with fresh gingerbread, or simply stroll around taking in this unique experience. Nuremberg is only one example of the Danube River during Christmas time, and provides a great stopover during a Danube cruise for a white Christmas.

Of course, the Danube has far more destinations along its route than what we’ve discussed in this article. This river has been the lifeblood and inspiration to many cultures along it and provides some of the best views of classic Europe while cruising its calm waters. Thanks to Collette, the traveler will have the chance to experience Europe from a different perspective, one that gives them a relaxing and eye-opening time on comfortable ships with the latest technology.

Classic Danube

Enjoy two nights in the quaint Bavarian ski town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Visit Linderhof Palace, the “Royal Villa” of King Ludwig. Embark on a relaxing cruise along the scenic Danube River. Your lovely state-of-the-art craft offers a special treat – unlimited wine at every dinner. Pause as you go discovering the quaint villages and lively cities with local guides. Discover Vienna’s historic sites as you are immersed in the city’s atmosphere of opulence and elegance. Behold Munich’s many charms including its world-famous Glockenspiel. Drift along the river through the Wachau Valley dotted with castles and small riverside towns on a 7-night cruise.

Christmas on the Danube

Begin your holiday season with a relaxing cruise along the scenic Danube River, stopping at traditional Christmas markets in Vienna, Regensburg, Passau, Rothenburg and Nuremberg. Nuremberg is home to one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in the world, and is famous as a toy making center, known for its fanciful nutcrackers and Lebkuchen (gingerbread). Enjoy a German holiday party with mulled wine, referred to as a Glühweinparty. Float through the Wachau Valley dotted with castles and small riverside towns. Discover Würzburg, an ancient Franconian wine town. Delight in the fairytale, Baroque architecture in Passau. In Vienna, join a local expert in exploring the historic sites where you’ll indulge in the city’s atmosphere of opulence and elegance. Visit the 900-year-old Benedictine Melk Abbey, one of Europe’s largest Baroque monasteries.

La Belle Seine

The culture, art, history, and romance of France sweeps you away on board a river cruise you’ll remember always. Start the journey to the Normandy region in Paris, where you’ll board your incredible ship for a rejuvenating 7-night river cruise. Sail to Conflans and visit Auvers-sur-Oise, once home to several 19th-century painters including Cézanne and Van Gogh. Cruise past the idyllic French countryside and dock in Rouen, Normandy’s historic capital where you’ll see the Gros Horloge astronomical clock. On to Le Havre on the English Channel and to explore Honfleur, the remarkable maritime city. Sail on to Les Andelys and Château Gaillard, constructed by Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century. Continue to the gardens of Giverny, muse to Impressionist painters such as Claude Monet. After an evening of dinner and dancing, journey on to Paris, the “City of Lights.” This is La Belle Seine – a journey as elegant as France itself.