Austria & Germany

Austria is known for its natural landscape, its mountains, valleys, lakes and rivers, its stunning beauty is situated all around. The country flaunts its heritage in exuberant fashion, with Vienna's Habsburg Palaces and Salzburg's Baroque splendour. With vibrant cities such as Vienna, Linz, Salzburg, Graz and Innsbruck and historic spa towns famous the world over like Bad Ischl or by letting your heart melt when visiting Hallstatt, there is something for everyone to explore.

The beautiful Blue Danube is like no other river in the world, flowing through ten different countries, which include Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Moldova, Serbia, Slovakia, Romania and Ukraine. The Danube is Europe’s second longest river passing through quite a number of exciting big cities between its source in the Black Forest and its estuary into the Black Sea as well as constantly providing spectacular views of fascinating riverscapes. They say that the world’s loveliest cities have always been built beside the water and a journey along the majestic Danube confirms this to be the truth. As you drift along, you will experience a wide range of different cities and landscapes, grand cities such as Vienna and Budapest as well as many other natural highlights. Every region the Danube passes through has its own unique atmosphere. It appears not only in the ports and cities but also in the surrounding countryside. The most beautiful natural areas include the Danube Loop, the Iron Gates Gorge and the Danube Delta with its steep cliffs and primeval rock formations.

Germany is not only an economic powerhouse of the European Union (EU), it is also a great place to visit with everything from historic cities like Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg and Dresden to smaller historic towns, incredible scenery, spectacular Cathedrals, Grand Palaces, Castles, the majestic Bavarian Alps and the Rhine and Mosel Rivers.

Located on the River Main, Frankfurt is a modern business and financial centre with an impressive Old Town (Altstadt) including the delightful Römerberg, a well preserved pedestrian friendly city square known for its fountain, medieval townhouses, attractive boutiques and galleries. The square is also home to historic buildings including the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) and a number of fine Old Churches. In the Museumsufer district you will find the Museum of World Cultures and the Museum of Ancient Sculpture.

Cruising along the River Rhine while it carves its path through wonderful deep cut valleys and some of the most breathtaking Castles and cultural landscapes will have you mesmerized. Along its route you will be able to catch a glimpse of historic towns like Boppard, the legendary rocks of Lorelei, the stunning Old City of Koblenz and the fairytale turret tops of Eltz Castle. The Rhine is also famous for its wine with vineyards catering for Riesling and Spätburgunder that flow from the hilltops to the riverbanks. Sitting along the Rhine is Cologne (Köln) with its historic Old Town and famous Cologne Cathedral. Your journey will bring both cultural diversity and an incredible number of alternating impressions. Goethe himself drew inspiration from the beautiful Rhine, as did many other famous poets who understandably fell into raptures when they contemplated its dreamy riverside scenery; the central Rhine Valley, steeped in legend and the Moselle region with its delightful vineyards, make perfect destinations for romantics and connoisseurs alike.