Dazzling Danube Celebration with Crystal

At the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, Passau is also situated at a meeting of cultures. The town began as a Roman settlement, enjoying the rising tide of influence as the largest bishopric in the Holy Roman Empire and enduringly vibrant as a hub for various trade and manufacturing pursuits, including salt, swords and ideas. Experience Passau’s charm as you the wander the cobbled streets of Old Town, gaze upon arched bridges and Italianate manses and encounter magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the New Bishop’s Residence.

On this Crystal River Cruise, you will not only discover the delights of Passau but also venture to Regensburg, a gem of a city boasting a medieval Old Town that is one of Germany’s best-preserved and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Due west is Munich, a world-class metropolis with a walkable town center and air of celebration and sophistication that whirls and settles in its squares, beer halls and art galleries.

A skyline graced by the spire of a historic church and the arch of a more modern bridge reveals the essence of Vilshofen’s appeal: A meeting of past and present. The meeting of three rivers—the Vils, the Wolfach and the Danube—deepens that appeal. This small city is as attractive as it is accessible, inviting cycling expeditions on its pretty paths and hikes in the neighboring Bavarian forest. Vilshofen respects its centuries-old past as it preserves old, cobbled lanes and such landmarks as its tower, located on the town square, and the Church of Saint John. A staging of spectacular annual events, including the floating Christmas market and “Donau in Flammen,” or “Danube in Flames,” the exciting fireworks display that bursts over the riverside promenade in July, brings a celebratory spirit to the city. Some would say that a festive spirit persists no matter the season, thanks to not only the calendar of events but the daily chance to experience the city’s parks, museums and eateries.

Cast your eye over the Budapest skyline, and you’ll see all the makings of a world-class city and striking photograph: domes and spires, bridges and lampposts, splendid architecture in the foreground, rolling hills in the back, and the Danube River placidly curving through it, providing a reflective surface for sunsets and city lights. Look closer, and the treasures of Budapest—Hungary’s capital and the largest metropolis—really come to light. Castle Hill is at the top of most visitors’ lists, a UNESCO-listed district hosting Buda Castle, Trinity Square, Matthias Church and Fishermen’s Bastion. The area is also residential, with 18^th-century houses, cobblestone streets and few cars, thanks to a strict vehicular ordinance, giving you a real sense of what the city must have been like ages ago. Budapest is full of history, originally a Roman settlement, formed as a unified city when Buda and Pest joined in 1873, overtaken by various invading forces over the centuries, and today an interesting goulash of local culture and foreign influences. Take a seat in a Turkish-era bath or savor rich Esterházy torte in a gentile coffee house to experience the many sides of a city that charms from both sides of the Danube.

Once the capital of Hungary, Esztergom still displays a regal appearance, situated beautifully on the Danube and capped by the Esztergom Basilica, the largest church in Hungary. Adding to its former-capital credentials is Esztergom’s stretch-way-back history: It is one of the oldest towns in Hungary. The Middle Ages version of the city lies underneath the present Esztergom; excavations have revealed evidence that this spot of Hungarian earth has been inhabited since the end of the Ice Age—in other words, 20,000 years ago. Fast forward to today and you’ll discover a town that stays in touch with its past, with most roads leading to the grand Basilica. Turn your head away from the church’s imposing edifice to glimpse the city’s other attractions, including fountain-adored squares, fine gardens and, of course, the waters and bridges of the Danube.

No visit to Esztergom is complete without a visit to its enormous Basilica, the largest church in Hungary. Situated on Castle Hill, it boasts a 236-foot central dome that can be seen for miles. Inside is the altarpiece depicting the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a stunning work measuring 44×22 feet, making it the largest single-canvas painting in the world.

Slovakia’s capital city may be the country’s buzzing political and economic center, but it is also a historic gem that stirs the imagination. A maze of narrow, cobblestone streets wind around colorful 18th-century buildings, and shade-covered sidewalk cafes beckon weary—or simply hungry—travelers to linger over a meal and enjoy people watching. Museums, cathedrals and palaces are edifying locales to spend some time, while photography buffs will want to snap images of the medieval castle that looms over the city with a majestic grace. For those looking for more contemporary sights, Bratislava boasts a pulsating modern art scene, as well as some outstanding examples of Communist-era architecture.