A Danube river cruise is a masterclass in European history and scenery. The river rises in the Black Forest of Baden-Württemberg and flows east across the continent, and the typical cruise itinerary focuses on the most culturally rich Central European section between Nuremberg or Passau and Budapest or Bucharest — a stretch that packs extraordinary historical and architectural interest into every bend. Passau, the embarkation point for many Danube cruises, is a beautiful Baroque city at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers — its hilltop fortress, cathedral with Europe’s largest cathedral organ and colourful old town make it a fine introduction to what follows. The Wachau Valley between Melk and Krems in Austria is the Danube at its most scenic: UNESCO-listed vineyards of Grüner Veltliner and Riesling grapes cover steep hillsides above the river, punctuated by medieval castles and abbeys including the magnificent Melk monastery perched high on its granite outcrop. Vienna is the cruise’s central act — one of the great cities of Europe, a city of imperial palaces, outstanding museums, coffee house culture and the Vienna Philharmonic. A full day or overnight stop allows visits to the Schönbrunn Palace, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the Naschmarkt and the Ringstrasse. Bratislava, the compact Slovak capital just an hour downstream, is charming and underappreciated. Budapest, the Grand Finale of most Danube itineraries, is one of Europe’s most beautiful capital cities — the Parliament building, Chain Bridge, thermal baths and ruin bars making it one of the most rewarding cities for a post-cruise extension. Danube cruises operate from late March to December, with Christmas market sailings in December being among the most atmospheric and popular.