In Central and Eastern Europe, you will find some of the most spectacular landscapes, architecture in their castles, churches, and war memorials. The people have some of the most colorful and inviting cultures in the world. The storybook towns below are towns you can visit on a river cruise down, or up, the Danube.
Croatia
Croatia is not just about Dubrovnik, stop by the beautiful Baroque Croatian city of Vukovar, situated at the banks of the Vuka and Danube Rivers in the region of Srijem/Syrmia. It is known as the “hero town” because of the amazing valor of brave Croatian civilians and volunteers during the 1991 war with Serbia. Make sure to see important landmarks such as Ovčara Memorial and Eltz Castle. If history is not your thing, go wine tasting in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times, where you must try the famous Grasevina, Traminac, and Frankovka wines.
Serbia
Novi Sad, sometimes called the “Serbian Athens.” is a great place to take a walking tour to
Dunavski Park, a beautiful urban park or through old town Stari Grad. Do not miss the Petrovaradin Fortress. It was a significant military fort of the Austrian rulers who, during Napoleon's raids, hid their treasures in the fortress. Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade and stop by the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Other options include the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family; the House of Flowers, or the mausoleum of Marshal Tito, who became the first President of Yugoslavia. Or enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian plum brandy, Šlivovitz, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery.
Romania
Enjoy a full day of scenic cruising as you pass through the Iron Gates, one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. At the Iron Gates, the Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains. Say hello to King Decebalus, who’s head is carved in stone on the mountain.
Bulgaria
Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria’s oldest cities, and surrounding areas and see the Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria. Who doesn’t love a good medieval
castle? Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria’s natural wonders, will get you stretching your legs on a hike around its spectacular rock formations. A river cruise option that I just adore is a visit with a local home for a cooking demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a local pastry. Although not technically a destination, try it if you have a chance.
Visit Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. Pop over to Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterward visit the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with exceptional 14th-century paintings.
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