10 June to 11 June

Romania: Sibiu

11 June

Romania: Sighisoara

11 June to 13 June

Romania: Brasov

13 June to 14 June

Romania: Bucharest

Once known as the ‘Paris of the East’, it’s fair to say that modern Bucharest bears some pretty ugly architectural scars from the 22-year dictatorship of the late Nicolae Ceauşescu. Looks aren’t everything though, and Romania’s capital has emerged from the ashes of communism as a feisty, dynamic city.

14 June

Romania: Giurgiu

The river port of Giurgiu is situated just across the Danube from the Bulgarian city of Ruse, and the two cities are linked by a cross-border Friendship Bridge. Giurgiu is the start and end point for river cruises on the lower Danube, linked by road and rail to Romania’s capital, Bucharest.

15 June

Bulgaria: Silistra

The riverside town of Silistra, situated in northeastern Bulgaria, was once the Roman settlement of Durostorum, a heritage you can explore at the interesting Archaeological Museum. You can also visit the town’s Ottoman era fort or take a trip out into the surrounding countryside.

16 June

Bulgaria: Ruse

The Bulgarian city of Ruse (also written ‘Rousse’) sits on the right bank of the Danube just opposite the Romanian city of Giurgiu, and is one of the country’s most attractive cities. Sometimes known as ‘Little Vienna’, thanks to the plethora of Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, it’s a highlight of any cruise along this stretch of the Danube.

16 June

Bulgaria: Svistov

17 June - Scenic river cruise

18 June

Serbia: Belgrade

Belgrade has been invaded and occupied dozens of times over the centuries, a fact that's reflected in the mish-mash of architectural styles, from Ottoman and Art Nouveau to grim relics of the communist era. But Belgrade is also a city with real soul, emerging from a difficult recent history as one of Europe’s most exciting capitals.

19 June

Croatia: Vukovar

Vukovar is one of the great tragedies of the Balkan wars, a once prosperous and elegant city reduced to rubble by fierce fighting between Croats and Serbs. There are green shoots of optimism as the city rebuilds, but the battle-scarred streets are a powerful reminder of the devastating conflicts of the 1990s.

20 June

Hungary: Mohács

Mohács was the scene of a decisive battle in 1526 that brought Hungary under Ottoman control, but is best known these days for its Busó carnival in February, when men in creepy-looking costumes take to the streets to celebrate the end of winter. The town is also a jumping off point for the attractive city of Pécs, half an hour’s drive away.

21 June to 22 June

Hungary: Budapest

Budapest is one of Eastern Europe’s most appealing cities, a vibrant and welcoming capital that straddles the Danube. The history of Budapest has been somewhat turbulent, but plenty of beautiful buildings survive, including the imposing Parliament and iconic St Stephen’s Basilica.

23 June

Slovakia: Bratislava

Bratislava, Slovakia’s quaint little capital, straddles the Danube close to the border with Austria and Hungary. The compact old town is the best place to begin your exploration, before heading up to the hilltop castle for commanding views of the city and surrounding countryside.

24 June

Austria: Vienna

Formerly the centre of the Habsburg Empire, Vienna is as grand a European capital as you can imagine, jam packed full of thrusting, bombastic buildings that stand as a reminder of Austria’s glorious imperial heyday.

25 June

Austria: Dürnstein

One of the prettiest towns in Austria’s Wachau Valley, little Dürnstein charms visitors with its handsome 16th century architecture. Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned in the castle that sits on the hillside above the town, and the region is also famous for its wine.

25 June

Austria: Melk

The riverside village of Melk is best known for its spectacular abbey, a Baroque masterpiece that dominates the landscape. A Benedictine abbey was first established here in 1089, and the 18th century reconstruction that you can see today is still a working monastery.

26 June

Austria: Brandstatt

26 June

Germany: Passau

The pretty Bavarian town of Passau, situated close to Germany’s border with Austria, enjoys a unique setting at the confluence of three rivers: the Inn, the Ilz and the Danube. The narrow cobbled streets of the handsome old town, the Altstadt, are quite delightful.

27 June to 28 June

Germany: Regensburg

Originally founded by the Celts and later an important Roman settlement, Regensburg is one of Bavaria’s lesser known gems. Situated on the northernmost bend of the Danube, it’s a friendly and laid back city, with an exceptionally well preserved medieval centre.

28 June to 1 July

Arriving in Prague

Prague, the captivating Czech capital, is arguably Eastern Europe’s biggest tourism success story, attracting visitors from far and wide with its handsome architecture, cosmopolitan outlook and truly excellent beer.