Budapest

Budapest, the vibrant capital of Hungary, is a city where history, culture, and modern energy converge along the banks of the majestic Danube River. Often called the “Pearl of the Danube,” the city is renowned for its stunning architecture, ranging from the medieval Buda Castle and Fisherman's Bastion to the grandiose Parliament Building and elegant bridges that connect Buda and Pest.

The historic Castle District in Buda offers panoramic views of the river and cityscape, while the lively streets of Pest showcase bustling markets, cafés, and boutiques. Budapest's rich cultural heritage is evident in its numerous museums, galleries, and theatres, as well as its centuries-old thermal baths, such as Széchenyi and Gellért, which remain central to the city's social and wellness traditions.

Modern Budapest is equally dynamic, blending tradition with contemporary flair. The city boasts a thriving nightlife scene, eclectic culinary offerings, and a calendar packed with festivals, music events, and art exhibitions that attract visitors from around the world. The Danube promenade, lined with cafés and historical monuments, provides the perfect place to take in the city's beauty, while the city's parks, such as City Park and Margaret Island, offer serene escapes from the urban bustle. Budapest also embraces innovation and creativity, evident in its growing tech sector and modern infrastructure.

With its seamless mix of history, culture, and vibrant modern life, Budapest offers a truly unforgettable experience for travelers seeking both charm and energy in one of Europe's most captivating cities.

Celebrity Compass

Celebrity Compass, launching in 2027, is Celebrity River Cruises’ first European river ship, designed to bring modern luxury to the waterways of Europe. The ship accommodates 172 passengers in 86 staterooms, offering an intimate yet spacious onboard experience. With a sleek, innovative design and four decks, including three dedicated to cabins, guests enjoy easy flow throughout the ship and plentiful scenic viewpoints.

Onboard facilities include eight restaurants and bars, such as the Martini Bar, Sunset Bar and Café al Bacio, plus the unique Magic Edge cantilevered dining pods and 24/7 dining options — a rarity on river vessels. The ship features an infinity‑edge plunge pool, expansive sundeck, two glass elevators, wellness spaces, and lounges offering panoramic 360‑degree views.

Stateroom categories range from River View cabins to innovative Skylight Infinite Balcony Suites, all with king‑size beds, oversized showers, stocked mini‑bars, and luxury bedding for a comfortable, stylish stay.

Bratislava

Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is an ideal overnight stop for Danube river‑cruise travellers, with ships docking just steps from the historic Old Town, making it easy to explore on foot. Its compact city centre offers medieval streets, charming squares, and highlights such as Bratislava Castle, rising above the Danube with sweeping city and river views. Visitors can wander past landmarks including Michael’s Gate, St. Martin’s Cathedral, and the quirky bronze statues scattered through the Old Town.

In the evening, enjoy local cafés, Slovak wine bars, and riverside promenades, all easily accessible from the cruise dock. With its blend of history, culture and relaxed walkability, Bratislava offers a rewarding overnight stay for river‑cruise guests seeking an atmospheric Central European experience.

Vienna

Experience the elegance and charm of Vienna, a city renowned for its imperial architecture, world-class museums, and vibrant music scene. Stroll through historic streets, visit the majestic Schönbrunn Palace, and indulge in authentic Viennese coffee culture. Perfect for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and foodies, Vienna offers a unique blend of tradition and modern sophistication. Book your Vienna city break today and explore one of Europe's most beautiful destinations!

Melk

Melk, set in Austria’s scenic Wachau Valley, is a highlight of Danube river cruises, best known for the magnificent Baroque Melk Abbey rising above the town. Visitors can explore its grand library, frescoed halls, and panoramic terrace, then wander Melk’s charming old town with cobbled streets, cafés, and pastel buildings. The surrounding Wachau Valley offers vineyards, medieval ruins, and picturesque landscapes, making Melk a richly cultural and visually stunning cruise stop.

Passau

Passau, often called the “City of Three Rivers,” is one of Bavaria’s most picturesque destinations and a major hub for Danube River cruises. Set at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers, the city enchants visitors with its baroque Old Town, pastel‑colored architecture, and the magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral, home to one of the world’s largest church organs.

Most multi-day river cruises dock along the Fritz‑Schäffer‑Promenade or the Untere Donaulände, both of which offer easy access to Passau’s attractions. From the waterfront, travellers can quickly walk into the Old Town, explore cafés, browse boutiques, or hike up to Veste Oberhaus for spectacular panoramic views of the three rivers.

With its compact layout, rich heritage, and riverfront charm, Passau is not only a transit point but a destination worth savoring before or after your Danube cruise.

Regensburg

Regensburg, a UNESCO‑listed medieval gem on the Danube, is one of Bavaria’s most captivating river‑cruise ports. Just steps from the dock, visitors can explore its beautifully preserved Old Town, stroll across the 12th‑century Stone Bridge, and admire the soaring Gothic spires of St. Peter’s Cathedral.

Roman ruins, charming squares, and traditional Bavarian eateries add to its historic appeal. With its walkable streets, rich heritage, and iconic riverfront views, Regensburg offers an unforgettable stop on any Danube itinerary.

Nuremberg

Nuremberg, a historic Bavarian city along the Main‑Danube Canal, is a highlight of many river cruises thanks to its medieval Old Town, imposing Imperial Castle, and vibrant cultural heritage. Visitors can wander cobbled lanes, half‑timbered houses, and the lively Hauptmarkt, or delve into profound WWII history at the Documentation Center and rally grounds. With its blend of medieval architecture, museums, and Franconian cuisine, Nuremberg offers a rich and memorable cruise stop.

ICE train from Nuremberg to Berlin Direct

Travel swiftly across Germany on the high‑speed ICE service from Nuremberg Hbf to Berlin Hbf, covering approximately 235 miles (378 km) along a direct northbound route through Bavaria and central Germany. The journey typically takes around 2h 44m to 3h 26m, with the fastest ICE trains making the trip in as little as 2h 44m.

On board, travellers can expect comfortable modern seating, generous legroom, Wi‑Fi, luggage space, and quiet, climate‑controlled coaches—standard features on ICE trains. Most services run direct without the need to change trains, offering a relaxed and efficient way to reach the heart of Berlin.

With frequent daily departures and reliable Deutsche Bahn operation, this route is ideal for business travellers, tourists, and anyone seeking a fast, stress‑free link between Bavaria and Germany’s capital.

Berlin

This top Northern European hotspot is simply bristling with sights to see such as the Brandenburg Gate, Potsdamer Platz, the Berlin Wall, Check Point Charlie and the Reichstag. When you add in the myriad of night life venues, cafe culture and restaurant scene - your holiday will cover all bases for a memorable city break. At the end of World War II, both Germany and Berlin were divided into four zones of occupation under the control of the United States, Britain, France and the Soviet Union.

In 1949 the country Germany formally split into two independent nations: the Federal Republic of Germany (FDR or West Germany) and the German Democratic Republic (GDR or East Germany). In 1952, the East German government closed the border with West Germany, but the border between East and West Berlin (located in East Germany) remained open. East Germans could still escape through the city to the less oppressive and more affluent West. On the night of 12-13 August 1961 crossing points between the Western and Soviet sectors were closed and a wire barrier was constructed around West Berlin, dividing neighbourhoods and separating families overnight.

From this barbed wire barricade, the Wall eventually developed into a fortified concrete structure encircling West Berlin and isolating it from the surrounding East German territory. Checkpoint Charlie was the name given by the Western Allies to the best-known Berlin Wall crossing point between East Berlin and West Berlin during the Cold War. It became a symbol of the Cold War, representing the separation of East and West where Soviet and American tanks briefly faced each other during the Berlin Crisis of 1961.

Potsdamer Platz is an important public square in the centre of Berlin, lying about 1 km south of the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag. It marks the point where the old road from Potsdam passed through the city wall of Berlin at the Potsdam Gate. This was one of the busiest traffic intersection in Europe and was totally destroyed during World War II and then left in ruins during the Cold War era. Since German reunification, Potsdamer Platz has been the site of major redevelopment projects.