DANUBE CHRISTMAS TALES

Having escaped major damage during World War II, the picturesque town of Regensburg is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities, the oldest city along the Danube and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Old Stone Bridge, constructed in the 12th century, is a masterpiece of medieval engineering with its 16 arches. St. Peter’s Cathedral is widely considered Bavaria’s best Gothic architectural work. The Old Town’s Neupfarrplatz square is a cross section of history - it was once a thriving Jewish quarter, a bustling marketplace and the site of Nazi book burnings

The beautiful Danube city of Straubing is the heart of Old Bavaria, they say. So it is not surprising that there are numerous sights to be discovered here. The most famous is certainly the Gothic town tower, Straubing's landmark that can be seen from afar. The watchtower was built in the 14th century and still watches over the city today. It can be found on Ludwigs and Theresienplatz. In the historic city centre of Straubing, numerous shops and cosy restaurants invite you to stroll and linger.

The beautiful Danube city of Straubing is the heart of Old Bavaria, they say. So it is not surprising that there are numerous sights to be discovered here. The most famous is certainly the Gothic town tower, Straubing's landmark that can be seen from afar. The watchtower was built in the 14th century and still watches over the city today. It can be found on Ludwigs and Theresienplatz. In the historic city centre of Straubing, numerous shops and cosy restaurants invite you to stroll and linger.

Located in Germany at the confluence of three rivers, as the river Danube is joined by the Inn from the south and the Ilz from the north, the Bavarian town of Passau has a charm that attracts tourists from far and wide. Passau is an exciting tapestry of old and new – a place that is modern and welcoming with many ancient traditions. The town can trace its roots back to the 2nd century AD when it was established as a colony of the Roman Empire. Pretty little lanes and beautiful squares, Passau has much to discover in the way of art and architecture, great places to eat and drink as well as fantastic places to party, shop, stroll and relax.

The Danube River changes the direction of its flow, due to a bend in the river, in the Austrian city of Linz. Visitors to Linz on the Danube will enjoy the Donaupark which forms a part of the city's 'cultural mile'. The park is located between the Brucknerhaus music venue and the Kunstmuseum. The whole city can be viewed from the Pöstlingberg mountain.

The Danube River changes the direction of its flow, due to a bend in the river, in the Austrian city of Linz. Visitors to Linz on the Danube will enjoy the Donaupark which forms a part of the city's 'cultural mile'. The park is located between the Brucknerhaus music venue and the Kunstmuseum. The whole city can be viewed from the Pöstlingberg mountain.

Melk is the gateway to Wachau. Anyone who approaches the historic city on the Danube will soon discover Melk Abbey, which towers high above the river. The abbey is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site and is worth a visit in all seasons. The impressive baroque ensemble has been looked after buy the monks of the Benedictine order since 1089. Culture, faith and science come together in the magnificent rooms of the monastery.

Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia, lies on the Danube in the west of the country. The city is renowned for its bar and café culture, giving the place a lively feel despite its population of under half a million. Bratislava Castle, rebuilt in the 1950s after a devastating fire over 100 years earlier, lies on the edge of the old town. The city is full of parks and green spaces, with several lakes for people to walk or relax beside

Sitting on the majestic Danube River, Vienna is one of the most cultural cities in Europe. Austria's capital has long been Europe's spiritual home of classical music. The heritage of famous composers seems to exude from the streets that are packed with magnificent architecture reflecting the grandeur of the imperial Hapsburgs. Must-see attractions include the Hofburg Palace, Schönbrunn Palace, City Hall and the Vienna State Opera. Don't forget to sample the Viennese cuisine. Be sure to try Vienna's famous Sacher Torte chocolate cake. Naschmarkt on the edge of Vienna's old town is a true foodie paradise! At around 5km long, it is the largest inner-city market and one of the most popular attractions.

Sitting on the majestic Danube River, Vienna is one of the most cultural cities in Europe. Austria's capital has long been Europe's spiritual home of classical music. The heritage of famous composers seems to exude from the streets that are packed with magnificent architecture reflecting the grandeur of the imperial Hapsburgs. Must-see attractions include the Hofburg Palace, Schönbrunn Palace, City Hall and the Vienna State Opera. Don't forget to sample the Viennese cuisine. Be sure to try Vienna's famous Sacher Torte chocolate cake. Naschmarkt on the edge of Vienna's old town is a true foodie paradise! At around 5km long, it is the largest inner-city market and one of the most popular attractions.