Bustling and beautiful Budapest is an explorer’s dream destination. Straddling the magnificent Danube River, Hungary’s historic capital is split into two distinct districts: Buda, with its steep hills, streets and alleys; and low-lying Pest, where architectural and cultural treasures are in abundance. Exploring Budapest on either side of the water is an unforgettable experience, with unique and fascinating attractions to discover at every turn, but if you have time it’s well worth hopping back and forth via the impressive bridges to take in as many of the city’s spectacular sights as you can.

The highlights of the Buda side include the Ottoman-era thermal baths located at the foot of the majestic Gellért Hill; the ornate Royal Palace; Matthias Church, which – with its soaring rococo spire – is the crowning glory of Budapest’s cityscape; and much more. The awe-inspiring Parliament building – a neo-gothic, neo-Romanesque and neo-baroque architectural wonder perched on the Danube’s banks – beckons you to explore the Pest side of the river. Here you can also uncover the charms of the pretty Jewish Quarter – which is home to the incredible Great Synagogue – and the Palace District; stop-by the striking St Stephen’s Basillica; and visit a number of fantastic galleries and museums.

As well as a plethora of historic attractions, Budapest also boasts plenty of trendy cafés, superb restaurants and bars and a number of busy shopping streets where you can indulge in a little retail therapy – just as you would expect from a city that today is considered one of the world’s major metropolises.  

Noted for its picturesque baroque architecture, Vukovar was a traditional Croatian town, situated at the meeting point of the Vuka river with the Danube. However, in 1991, this all changed with the war for Croatia’s independence, and the town was virtually decimated.

Now, the townspeople have rebuilt many buildings, but an important landmark on the riverbank is the imposing, but evocative, monument in the shape of a cross, raised to commemorate those who lost their lives – a recommended stopping point on your Brabant river cruise.

Perhaps begin your exploration at the Coach Post Building, easily distinguishable by its long colonnade and head into the heart of the town to the Water Tower, a further testament to the war, and a national symbol. The fully reconstructed Castle Eltz houses many cultural art pieces and is a unique museum dedicated to the continuity of life in this area.

Belgrade might not be as pretty as some of Europe’s other riverside capitals, however that’s all part of this gritty Serbian city’s charm. Shaped by its somewhat chaotic past – having been part of Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, Nazi Germany, Yugoslavia and much more over several centuries; and survived a number of punishing battles and wars – Belgrade is a jumble of historical, architectural and cultural monuments, buildings and landmarks.

As Belgrade boasts such a unique and eclectic cityscape, there are new and interesting sights to uncover at almost every turn as you explore the relatively small city centre. Imposing socialist-era concrete tower blocks vie for your attention alongside magnificent art nouveau masterpieces, while various structures hark back to the Habsburg and Ottoman eras.

Many of the city’s main sights are all within walking distance of each other. Perhaps start your exploration at the confluence of the beautiful Sava and Danube Rivers where the impressive Kalemegdan Fortress ‘guards’ the city; then head into the historic heart to discover a collection of highlights. The Old Royal Palace, built for the Serbian kings in 1881; the 20th century New Palace; the Serbian National Assembly; and a collection of centuries-old churches including St Sava Temple, the largest Orthodox Church in Serbia, all await. Nikolajevska Church, Belgrade’s oldest building, is worth stopping-by too. Republic Square and the vibrant boulevards of Knez Mihailova and Skadarlija, although lined with historic buildings, offer a taste of life in Belgrade today, with their crowded cosmopolitan cafes, high-end shops and trendy bars.  

Ruse is one of Bulgaria’s biggest and most important port cities, serving as a vital link between several countries across Europe and Asia thanks to its strategic location on the Danube River. However, there’s much more to this city than its thriving port. Affectionately nicknamed ‘Little Vienna’, Ruse is among the most elegant and enchanting cities situated on the Danube, revered for its rich history, culture and magnificent architecture.

There are over 300 incredible historical and architectural highlights to discover in Ruse, many of which feature on Bulgaria’s National Heritage List, and simply strolling around the city’s streets on foot will present you with an abundance of impressive Viennese-inspired Baroque, Renaissance, Gothic and Rococo style landmarks and monuments.

Liberty Square is a great place to start your exploration. Perhaps marvel at striking sights such as the Statue of Liberty, the Opera House, the iconic Dohodno Zdanie theatre and St Trinity Church here, then venture down the surrounding streets in search of interesting attractions such as the Rousse Historical Museum, the Pantheon of National Revival Heroes national monument and the ruins of the Sexaginta Prista Roman Fortress. A wander along Aleksandrovska Street – Ruse’s main street – is highly recommended, to take in its melting pot of architectural styles.

Away from Ruse’s many man-made marvels, there are natural delights to uncover close-by too. The Natural Park of Rusenski Lom – situated a short journey south from the city – is a sprawling 32 square kilometre wonderland of dramatic cliff faces and rock formations, beautiful riverside terraces and ancient caves such as the Orlova Chuka – Bulgaria’s second-longest cave. Rusenski Lom is a haven for birdwatches too, home to around 172 diverse species including Egyptian vultures, lesser kestrels and eagle owls. 

Situated on the Danube River, Galati is part of the historical Romanian region of Moldovia. During the 1960’s, the town was linked with Coventry, due to its post-war similarities and volume of industrial investments.

Many of the buildings here are renowned for their architecture, dating back to the 18^th century. The oldest building here is the Fortified Precista Church, and is typical of Romanian architecture, with a bell tower and battlements for observation of the Danube Valley, and is well worth visiting. It is said there may even be a tunnel from the church under the Danube River. 

The Botanical Garden dominates the left bank of the Danube in Galati, and is the site of the Museum of Natural History, with a huge collection of tropical and subtropical plants. Also on a natural theme, the nearby Garboave Forest, with 1,000 acres of oak trees, and the Ostrovul Prut Natural Park are further examples of the stunning natural world in Romania.

Hidden away deep within the breathtaking Danube Delta, where the Danube River empties into the Black Sea on Romania’s east coast, the fishing village of St Gheorghe – not to be confused with the Transylvanian city of the same name – is one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Situated at the end of the winding Sfântu Gheorghe branch of the Danube, St Gheorghe is surrounded by simply spectacular wetland landscapes that must be seen to be believed, and for many visitors is the starting point for unforgettable tours taking in the many wonders of the Danube Delta. The chance to ride a small boat into the heart of the UNESCO-listed Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve and explore the marshlands in search of gorgeous flora and wonderful wildlife – including pelicans and hundreds of other bird species – is an experience that’s not-to-be-missed. Alternatively, you could take a short, 30-minute walk to the coast to discover St Gheorghe’s beautifully unspoilt, eerily quiet golden sand beach. 

Located on the River Danube, Fetesti is the Gateway to Bucharest, and a popular port for river cruises to Romania. Brabant will dock here to allow guests to visit the atmospheric city of Bucharest.

The city is often compared with Berlin, and upon arrival at Bucharest, you can see why. Here, the heady mix of 17^th and 18^th century orthodox churches and graceful belle époque villas, tucked away between trendy cafes and gardens beg to be explored, and the stunning Cişmigiu Garden must surely be included on your must-see list. With shady walks, a lake, cafes and many benches, the flora here is astounding. Don’t miss the imposing Palace of Parliament, built in the 1980’s during the height of Communism and is said to be the largest Parliament building in the world, housing the National Museum of Contemporary Art, as well as the Romanian Parliament. Another important, and relatively recent, historical site to visit is Revolution Square, where Ceaușescu's regime was ended in 1989.

Stroll through the streets of Lipscani (the Old Town) with its many street cafes and restaurants, and marvel at the parts of this fine city that have been left since wars have attempted to decimate it, you won’t be disappointed.

Located on the banks of the River Danube, Cetate is nestled between Calafat and Turnu Severin, and until the middle of the 20^th century, was a leading agricultural port, exporting wheat and flour to Budapest and German cities on the Danube. From the late 1990’s, Cetate reinvented itself as a cultural hub, with many buildings having been restored, and playing host to sculptors, poets and art exhibitors.

Today, Cetate is a popular river boat destination, and is recognised for its gastronomy and evolving wine culture. Perhaps start your visit here by sampling some of the old boyar dishes, washed down with Dinescu’s Wine, named after the poet Mircea Dinescu, produced at the Galicea Mare wine cellar.

Wander through the village to Ulmi, a spot with several ponds and natural springs, to where the oldest human settlement in the area was found, and explore the small Neolithic village reconstructed here, before admiring the statues in Angel park, on your return to Brabant.

Situated on the left bank of the Danube, Drobeta-Turnu Severin – shortened to Severin in conversation – is situated close to the spectacular Iron Gates. The stunning Iron Gates gorge is part of a nature park offering opportunities for bird watching and visiting caves, or awe-inspiring views to experiences as part of a cruise on the Danube River.

The modern area of Turnu Severin was established in the 19^th century, but its history dates back as far as Roman times. This can be seen in the ruins of Trajan’s Bridge, a segmental arch erected over the lower Danube that’s considered one of the main achievements of Roman engineering. Also not to be missed is the Medieval Fortress, refurbished in recent times and now used for events in the city.

Take a journey to the top of the Water Tower, built at the start of the 20^th century from reinforced concrete. The city’s tallest building, it was used as an observation point in the First World War, but now hosts exhibitions, a museum and is a superb vantage point for admiring the city below.

Situated on the banks of the River Danube, Donji Milanovic is a pretty Serbian town with panoramas stretching between towering cliff faces, and has earned itself the moniker of the ‘town of 100,000 roses’.

Close to the town lies Lepenski Vir, one of the most significant prehistoric archaeological sites in Europe, and must surely be explored. Covered in a construction of glass and stone, it is designed to showcase the settlement in the best possible way, with fine examples of human habitation in the area dating back to around 20,000 BC.

Perhaps visit the Church of St. Nicholas, built in 1840 and the striking centrepiece of the town, housing stunning artefacts from the 18^th and 19^th centuries; before climbing up above the town to marvel at the views along the Danube. Sample traditional Serbian food on your return to lower ground, accompanied by locally made wine.

Situated on the banks of the River Danube, Donji Milanovic is a pretty Serbian town with panoramas stretching between towering cliff faces, and has earned itself the moniker of the ‘town of 100,000 roses’.

Close to the town lies Lepenski Vir, one of the most significant prehistoric archaeological sites in Europe, and must surely be explored. Covered in a construction of glass and stone, it is designed to showcase the settlement in the best possible way, with fine examples of human habitation in the area dating back to around 20,000 BC.

Perhaps visit the Church of St. Nicholas, built in 1840 and the striking centrepiece of the town, housing stunning artefacts from the 18^th and 19^th centuries; before climbing up above the town to marvel at the views along the Danube. Sample traditional Serbian food on your return to lower ground, accompanied by locally made wine.

Although Novi Sad is arguably not as well-known as Belgrade, there is plenty to suggest that Serbia’s second city in fact has much more to offer than its capital. Energetic, creative and multi-cultural, Novi Sad is an expression of modern Serbia, with its bustling pedestrianised thoroughfares and squares, trendy bars and cafés, thriving music scene and interesting museums and galleries. Throw the city’s abundance of historic landmarks into the mix too and it’s easy to understand why Novi Sad is to become the first ever non-EU European Capital of Culture in 2021.

While Novi Sad really comes to life in July, when the annual EXIT Festival – one of the biggest and best music festivals in Europe – attracts thousands of revellers, this stunning city is a delight to explore at any time of the year. Visiting Novi Sad on a river cruise is a particularly rewarding experience, offering you the chance to enjoy the gorgeous scenery of the Danube River as you sail into the city, then take advantage of the chance to simply step ashore and discover the very best attractions.

There are numerous cultural and historical highlights to uncover in Novi Sad, many of which are within walking distance of each other. The pedestrianised thoroughfare of Zmaj Jovina, which stretches from the town square to Dunavska Street, is the gateway to many of the city’s most popular sights. The architectural delights of Trg Slobode (the town square), including the neo-renaissance style Town Hall and the impressive neo-gothic Church of Mary’s Name; the magnificent façade of Hotel Vojvodina, situated in the charming Old Town district; the ornate Bauhaus-style Tanurdžić Palace; and the Bishop’s House are not to be missed.

Petrovaradin Fortress is without doubt Novi Sad’s most iconic site. Situated on the right bank of the river, the Petrovaradin is famous for its ‘reversed’ clock tower that helps fishermen tell the time from afar. It’s also home to the Novi Sad City Museum and the venue for the aforementioned EXIT festival.    

Although Kalocsa is the famed ‘paprika capital of the world’, there is much more to recommend this quaint, culture-rich town than the history of Hungary’s ‘red gold’. Founded by St Stephen – the First King of Hungary – over 1000 years ago, Kalocsa is one of Hungary’s oldest towns and among the country’s most important religious centres. The town is also renowned for producing vividly coloured folk embroideries and flowered porcelains.

The compact centre of Kalocsa, with its jumble of boulevards, narrow alleyways and ornate squares, lends itself perfectly to a couple of hours of exploration, and there are plenty of architectural highlights and attractions to discover here. Many of the town’s most popular and impressive sights are in and around Holy Trinity Square and Szent István király út (St Stephen’s Road), which runs through the length of the town centre.

Perhaps start at Holy Trinity Square to admire the Archbishop’s Palace, the 18th century Archbishop’s Cathedral, the statue of St Stephen and the Holy Trinity Column; then wander along St Stephen’s Road to admire fine examples of Baroque style architecture, visit the early 20th century town hall, and stop-by the interesting Paprika Museum. The House of Folk Art Museum and the Károly Visky Museum, which display various works of local folk art, are well worth visiting too, while the 85-foot-high Cybernetic Light Tower – created by Nicolas Schöffer, a pioneer of kinetic sculpture – is a remarkable sight.

Bustling and beautiful Budapest is an explorer’s dream destination. Straddling the magnificent Danube River, Hungary’s historic capital is split into two distinct districts: Buda, with its steep hills, streets and alleys; and low-lying Pest, where architectural and cultural treasures are in abundance. Exploring Budapest on either side of the water is an unforgettable experience, with unique and fascinating attractions to discover at every turn, but if you have time it’s well worth hopping back and forth via the impressive bridges to take in as many of the city’s spectacular sights as you can.

The highlights of the Buda side include the Ottoman-era thermal baths located at the foot of the majestic Gellért Hill; the ornate Royal Palace; Matthias Church, which – with its soaring rococo spire – is the crowning glory of Budapest’s cityscape; and much more. The awe-inspiring Parliament building – a neo-gothic, neo-Romanesque and neo-baroque architectural wonder perched on the Danube’s banks – beckons you to explore the Pest side of the river. Here you can also uncover the charms of the pretty Jewish Quarter – which is home to the incredible Great Synagogue – and the Palace District; stop-by the striking St Stephen’s Basillica; and visit a number of fantastic galleries and museums.

As well as a plethora of historic attractions, Budapest also boasts plenty of trendy cafés, superb restaurants and bars and a number of busy shopping streets where you can indulge in a little retail therapy – just as you would expect from a city that today is considered one of the world’s major metropolises.  

Bustling and beautiful Budapest is an explorer’s dream destination. Straddling the magnificent Danube River, Hungary’s historic capital is split into two distinct districts: Buda, with its steep hills, streets and alleys; and low-lying Pest, where architectural and cultural treasures are in abundance. Exploring Budapest on either side of the water is an unforgettable experience, with unique and fascinating attractions to discover at every turn, but if you have time it’s well worth hopping back and forth via the impressive bridges to take in as many of the city’s spectacular sights as you can.

The highlights of the Buda side include the Ottoman-era thermal baths located at the foot of the majestic Gellért Hill; the ornate Royal Palace; Matthias Church, which – with its soaring rococo spire – is the crowning glory of Budapest’s cityscape; and much more. The awe-inspiring Parliament building – a neo-gothic, neo-Romanesque and neo-baroque architectural wonder perched on the Danube’s banks – beckons you to explore the Pest side of the river. Here you can also uncover the charms of the pretty Jewish Quarter – which is home to the incredible Great Synagogue – and the Palace District; stop-by the striking St Stephen’s Basillica; and visit a number of fantastic galleries and museums.

As well as a plethora of historic attractions, Budapest also boasts plenty of trendy cafés, superb restaurants and bars and a number of busy shopping streets where you can indulge in a little retail therapy – just as you would expect from a city that today is considered one of the world’s major metropolises.