We have cruised the Rhine earlier with Viking and were quite pleased by the tours and also the ability to get on and off the ship without taking forever and being run through security constantly, like the large cruise ships. Pulling into small towns and villages and walking a path to the old section is just our style. Yes, there are some coach tours and they are well worth it. On the Rhine, the tour to Colmar cannot be missed, and is close. On the Danube tour, they changed the coach tour from Salzburg (one of our favorite small cities in Europe) to Chesky Krumlov (which we fell totally in love with). It is a long drive from Linz but a beautiful drive through the countryside, and one of the best days of our Danube tour.

Starting in Budapest gave us a chance to explore the city by arriving a few days earlier and enjoying the families and restaurants during the Christmas season. Extending a few days in Prague was the same experience, where you have the time to just stroll and get the real feel of a place. Ending the tour in central Europe gives you a further chance to extend somewhere else as well, for an inexpensive plane ride. For us, it was Rome for another 6 days.

The portages on the Danube Cruise, including Budapest, Vienna (climbed St. Stephens tower for the view and to burn off calories), and the incomparable towns of Melk and Durnstein are the true Europe still left. We also loved visiting Bratislava, with very eclectic art and a truly friendly people, and of course Passau was marvelous. Having the chance to climb up to forts and castles as we went, because we didn't need to run or miss the ship, made it all the more wonderful for us. We are active and like to add climbing up church towers or hills for views (or a beer) to our daily activity. Read more