Previous cruise was the Rhine. The Viking experience on that cruise led us to book the Danube. Once again, Viking provided exceptional food and cultural and historical perspectives and experiences. On board service was, as usual, without peer. A short time with Viking and the passengers and crew become a family. The shore guides were extremely knowledgeable and accomodating. Their walking lectures gave thorough insight into the unique people, their historical culture and the evolution to today's modern social and political environment. Additional tours were of high value. Onboard lectures were extremely interesting and enhanced one's knowledge of each area, its cultures, and its history. The late fall cruise provided moderate temperatures, only one morning of light rain, and spectacular foliage. Viking provided a good mix of escorted tour time, on shore leisure time, optional shore tours, coupled with daylight cruise times during the most interesting portions of the river. We will be on Viking again in November 2017.