Holiday Magic: Danube Family River Cruise - Eastbound

Regensburg, Germany’s medieval gem, will transport you to a bygone era. The site of both Celtic and Roman settlements, Regensburg flourished in the Middle Ages. Its Gothic-style and medieval structures, homes, and churches remain well-preserved to this day, having escaped the ravages of World War II. Nestled on the banks of the iconic Danube River, this small Bavarian township will enchant you.

Regensburg’s unspoiled environs have earned the town its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and rightly so. Historic buildings abound in the city center; an easy walk through this square will give you access to some of Regensburg’s most famous landmarks, must-see destinations for any history lover! The Gothic spires of St. Peter’s Cathedral beckon you. Journey inside the cathedral to find soft light streaming through stunning stained glass and a resonant organ played for summer concerts. Steps from St Peter’s lies Regensburg’s thirteenth-century Altes Rathaus, the vibrant yellow Old Town Hall which once hosted parliamentary meetings. The unassuming exterior of nearby Alte Kapelle basilica, built circa the ninth century, conceals an ornate gold-laden church interior within. Sumptuously painted murals decorate this basilica’s vaulted ceilings and archways.

Regenburgs’ remarkable relics of days past, as well as its picturesque restaurants, cafés, museums, and botanical gardens, will captivate your imagination with an old-world charm.

Nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Alps, Salzburg, Austria, exudes a timeless charm that combines Baroque splendor, musical heritage, and breathtaking natural beauty. The city is famously known as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the world's greatest composers. Visitors can immerse themselves in the life and works of Mozart by visiting his birthplace, now a museum, on Getreidegasse, a picturesque street lined with wrought-iron signs and colorful facades. Salzburg's Altstadt, or Old Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, characterized by its stunning Baroque architecture, including the magnificent Salzburg Cathedral and the Residenz Palace, both of which tell the tale of the city's rich history as a powerful ecclesiastical state.

For those enchanted by the magic of cinema, Salzburg offers a unique connection to the beloved musical "The Sound of Music." Fans can relive iconic scenes by visiting locations such as Mirabell Gardens, where the "Do-Re-Mi" song was famously filmed, and the Leopoldskron Palace, which served as the backdrop for the Von Trapp family home. Beyond its film legacy, the city is renowned for its classical music scene. The annual Salzburg Festival, held each summer, draws music enthusiasts from around the world to experience a series of opera, concert, and drama performances, bringing Mozart's compositions to life in the very city that shaped him.

Salzburg is also a gateway to the natural wonders of the Austrian Alps. Just a short distance from the city, travelers can explore the stunning Salzkammergut region, with its crystal-clear lakes and towering mountains that provide opportunities for hiking, cycling, and skiing. The imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of the largest fully preserved castles in Europe, offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes. A walk up to this hilltop fortress is a journey through centuries of history, with exhibits showcasing medieval weaponry, historical artifacts, and the princely apartments of the archbishops who once ruled Salzburg.

A fun fact about Salzburg is its unique culinary scene, which is heavily influenced by both Austrian and Bavarian traditions. The city is famous for its traditional sweet treats, such as the "Mozartkugel," a chocolate and marzipan confection named in honor of Mozart. Another local delicacy, the "Salzburger Nockerl," is a light, fluffy dessert meant to resemble the snow-capped mountains surrounding the city. Whether it's savoring these delights in a traditional café or dining in a centuries-old inn, Salzburg offers a feast for the senses that combines its cultural, musical, and natural heritage into one unforgettable experience.

West of Vienna, the quaint town of Dürnstein lies on the banks of the iconic Danube and is the perfect destination for river cruising, sightseeing, and enjoying the best of Austrian culture. Though small, this picturesque village offers plenty to see and do. Trace the steps of Richard the Lionheart at the castle ruins of Burgruine Dürnstein, where the twelfth-century English king was once a prisoner. Marvel at the lovely blue tower of Stift Dürnstein monastery. Sample delicious Wachau region wines at Domäne Wachau winery, or feast on authentic Viennese delicacies at one of the town’s many riverside restaurants. Let Dürnstein enchant you on your next trip to Austria!