"Ay, Danube, my Danube, ah, merry Danube!" - is sung in one of the Russian folk songs about one of the most famous rivers in the world. She proudly carries her waters past ten states of Europe.
Once upon a time there were settlements of the ancient Slavs on its banks. This river has always attracted the attention of invaders and geographers. In the 5th century BC, the famous Greek traveler Herodotus explored it.
The Danube is of interest in our time. There are many interesting cruises along the river. Cruises on the Danube are very popular with travelers. And what is this river? Are there legends associated with its name? What do tourists who cruise on the Danube think? What are they? First things first.
Danube - the longest river in Europe
The great river that unites the countries of Europe carries its waters from west to southeast. Translated from the Celtic language, its name translates as "fast river". Fortresses were built on its banks, and warriors from different countries set up their camps.
Who did not explore the Danube: Phoenicians and Greeks, Romans and Macedonians. With the emergence of Kievan Rus, the Danube became a popular trade route. A wide variety of goods were sold on its banks: fabrics and jewelry, leather and furs, vegetables and wine, horses and servants. This river at all times attracted numerous conquerors. Tsar Darius and Alexander the Great, Batu Khan and the crusaders, Roman emperors and the Ottoman Empire - they all sent their troops to the banks of the Danube in a thirst for profit.
The river originates in the mountains of Germany and ends in Ukraine. More than a dozen major European cities are located along the banks of the Danube. Many of them would like to be called the river capital. But Vienna is considered the most important, it is rightfully called the pearl of the Danube River.
Russian hero Danube
One of the legends associated with the appearance of the river can be read in Russian epics. A hero named Dunai Ivanovich accidentally kills his young wife at a feast. Upon learning that she was expecting a child, he is unable to bear the double murder and, throwing himself on his sword, dies. The blood that flows from the wound of the Danube forms a whole river, later it is called the name of the Russian hero.
"Oh, the Danube, and the steamers are now scouring you…" - Russian poet Fyodor Tyutchev wrote almost two hundred years ago. The development of navigation on the river began in the 19th century and continues actively in the 21st century throughout the calendar year, with the exception of one or two months.
Today it is the most popular and favorite route for many tourists in the world. Cruises on the Danube are very diverse. Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest are popular departure ports.
Cruise on the Danube fromVeins
This route is the most popular and loved by many tourists in the world. The capital of Austria - Vienna - will capture the hearts of lovers of opera, w altzes, museums and romance for a long time. The city of Mozart and Strauss, strudel and schnitzel will open its hospitable arms for you.
The journey starts from the city of Vienna and usually ends there. The average duration of a cruise is from 7 to 11 days. Comfortable cabins, English-speaking guides, entertainment programs, delicious and nutritious food - all this and much more awaits you on the cruise.
Cruises on the Danube from Budapest
If you only have a couple of days to visit the capital of Hungary, be sure to take a trip by boat. You will be able to see the entire city in a short amount of time, as well as sail under the seven bridges that connect the banks of the Danube. The river divides the city into two parts: the right bank - the green Buda and the left bank - the flat Pest.
You can ride a boat for several hours, or you can book a cruise from two days to a week. In this case, you will be able to get acquainted not only with Budapest, but also with many European cities. The cruise program includes not only a water trip, but also stops in the largest cities of Europe, and visits to museums.
Curious facts about the Danube
1. The length of this river is about three thousand kilometers.
2. There are several hundred tributaries of the Danube River, and about 30 of them are navigable.
3. Vladimir Khlebnikov and Maxim Gorky, Fyodor Tyutchev and Yaroslav wrote poems about the DanubeSmelyakov.
4. "Lament of Yaroslavna" from the famous old Russian poem "The Tale of Igor's Campaign" includes a mention of the Danube.
5. In Russian folklore, there are a lot of ritual wedding songs that sing about the river.
6. The Danube has several younger brothers and sisters, rivers that got their name from it: Dunaets, Dunavets, Dunavets.
7. Donau, Denyub, Duna, Dunerya, Dunav, Danubiy, Tuna, Istres are the names of one great river.
8. According to combinations of certain features and geographical features, the Danube is divided into several parts: Upper, Lower and Middle.
9. The zero kilometer of the river is located in Ukraine, the island of Ankudinov, it is from here that the length is calculated.
10. The Danube Valley is located in Germany, here the Danube unites with two rivers: the Ilz and the Inn.
Seven Reasons to Cruise
1. In a short time you can get acquainted with the main attractions of the four European capitals: Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava and Belgrade.
2. River cruises on the Danube are a great option for people who cannot choose a sea cruise due to motion sickness.
3. You can get acquainted with the rich history of the river.
4. The opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery passing by.
5. No need to waste time moving from one city to another.
6. If you want to take a romantic trip, then there is no better option.
7. A small number of people likeas a rule, no more than 200 people contribute to the creation of a friendly, homely atmosphere on board the ship, which makes a cruise on the Danube especially attractive.
Reviews from cruisers
One of the distinguishing features that almost all tourists note, cruises on the Danube is the open upper deck of the ship. If you wish, you can always climb here and enjoy the fresh air and the beauty of the passing places.
The advantages of many tourists include excellent quality and variety of cooked dishes. Meals 6 to 8 times a day. Interesting entertainment programs and excursions.
The amazing illumination of bridges, of which there are many on the Danube, causes admiration. Sailing under them, you need to clap your hands and make a wish, as the local guides say. It is quite obvious that many are thinking of repeating the Danube cruise more than once. You can fly from Moscow to Budapest in a few hours, it is from here that many tour operators advise starting a trip along the famous European river.
Things to take with you
If you decide to go on a river cruise to make your sailing easy and comfortable, don't forget to bring the following:
- Warm things: jacket, jumper, cardigan, shawl or scarf.
- Shoes for walking, best flat or low. A great solution would be sports shoes: sneakers, moccasins, sneakers or ballet flats.
- Sun protection headwear.
- Mosquito repellent.
- First aid kit withthe most necessary medicines: painkillers, antipyretics, motion sickness and others.
- Slates or special shoes for taking water procedures.
- Camera or video camera. Better than both. So that you can repeatedly admire the amazing landscapes and beauties of the great river and the sights of the cities you will visit.
Cruises on the Danube are a great opportunity to visit the most interesting places in Europe without getting tired of an overabundance of impressions. On the contrary, relaxing and enjoying the amazing views of nature that open up before your eyes when you swim along the river.
