A relaxed week on the Danube between Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna and the Wachau Valley, with castles, vineyards and, in December, Christmas markets at every stop. Here's what a Danube river cruise is like, when to go and how long to stay.
Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany are all in the Schengen area, so the new EU entry checks apply. Check entry rules on GOV.UK before you book.
Temperatures are the average daytime high in °C.
River cruises sail from late March to December. May, June and September are warm without the summer crowds, and early autumn brings the grape harvest in the Wachau Valley. In a dry summer, low water can force changes to the route. From late November to Christmas, special market cruises call at Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava and Passau, with cold days around 3°C, mulled wine and lights on every square.
Sailing in or out of Budapest after dark, past the lit-up Parliament and Chain Bridge, is the highlight of many trips.
Vineyards, apricot orchards and the hilltop abbey at Melk on one of the prettiest stretches of the river.
Schönbrunn Palace, coffee and cake, and in winter the Christmas market outside the City Hall.
A small, walkable old town below a castle, often a half-day stop between Vienna and Budapest.
Budapest's huge outdoor thermal pools, steaming even in winter, for a soak before you board.
A pretty German town where three rivers meet, with a baroque cathedral and one of the world's largest church organs.
It can be, though river cruises are quieter and more grown-up than sea cruises. Some lines run family sailings in the summer holidays with activities for children, which are worth looking out for.
Seven nights between Budapest and Passau or Nuremberg is the classic trip. Shorter four or five-night Christmas market cruises are popular in December.
Fly into Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. The river cruise piers are in the city centre, about 30 minutes away by taxi. At the other end, fly home from Munich, Vienna or Nuremberg.
Most river cruises include meals, drinks with dinner and a guided walk in each town. The boats moor right in town centres, so you can easily explore on your own as well.
Put Danube river cruise on standby with everyone's other ideas. You each spread your points in secret, get one veto, and the draw picks where you go.