The Danube – A river flowing languidly like a waltz melody

After countless echoes of the musical tune 'a stream of green, a river overflowing, a stream deep in meaning, a stream of sorrows through the ages...', I was fortunate to embark on a drifting adventure along this renowned river. 

European travel marveling at the Danube – a river flowing languidly like a waltz

The Danube, the second-longest river in Europe, originates from the Black Forest (Germany) flowing through a series of picturesque capitals and famous cities of 10 Central and Eastern European countries, ultimately emptying into the Black Sea.

The river, like an elegant waltz, sometimes gently meanders through idyllic countryside villages, but at other times, it rushes forcefully amidst steep mountainous terrains. And the Danube, azure (An der schonen blauen Donau – the Danube in all its blue and beautiful glory) – the timeless composition by the musical genius Johann Strauss II, composed over 150 years ago, capturing the emotions of his two great loves in life, continues to enchant generations and serves as the connecting melody for numerous love stories worldwide.

Recently, during a European travel journey, we were fortunate to embark on a boat trip along the Danube. The expedition started from the city of Vienna (Austria) and concluded at Turnu Magurele (Romania), covering a total distance of nearly 1,400 km, passing through 7 countries, featuring landmarks in 5 capitals, and 4 riverside cities.

A 12-day journey led us to a land where one of the oldest civilizations in Europe flourished between 6,000 and 4,000 years BC. Ancient relics, castles, and fortresses stand resilient through time, bearing witness to the rise, survival, and demise of numerous empires in the past. Every modern city today has undergone a glorious yet tragic history, with thousands, millions sacrificing to build and defend, leaving the scars of war scattered across this region.

We could witness and feel the tragedy of World War II when visiting the memorial project 'Shoes on the Danube Bank' in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, or the memorial plaques in Vidin (Bulgaria) dedicated to over 6 million Jews killed across Europe. Ancient city walls, streets with bullet marks, and constructions left unfinished for decades in Serbia (Croatia) vividly portray the intensity of civil strife. The pain from these wars runs deep in memory, leaving a poignant imprint on the generations here.

The journey is also an excellent culinary and cultural experience, from Vienna with exquisite pastries and perfect chocolates served in centuries-old cafes, to Budapest with the world's finest Picks salami and renowned goose liver pâté, accompanied by wines you won't find anywhere beyond Hungary's borders. In Slovakia, Serbia, Croatia, we relished special BBQ dinners with fresh beer for less than 12 euros (approximately 287,000 VND per person). In summer, the place is brimming with delicious and affordable fresh fruits brought directly from farms on the outskirts of the city.

We spent a whole day visiting a vineyard in Krusedol (Serbia) – a place with ancient monasteries and the production site of excellent wines. Not just a few, but thousands of wine cellars dating back centuries, intricately built underground by generations of craftsmen, maintain ideal humidity and temperature for fermentation and aging. Although modern cellars with computerized production monitoring systems are built today, the special secret passed down through wars cannot replicate the exquisite taste of ancient wines.

River cruising brought us a completely relaxing journey; the Navigator, a 4-star floating hotel, provided spacious, clean cabins with twice-daily room service, and a perfect water system with quality EU-standard drinking water flowing directly from the tap.

Since the ship sailed at night, every morning we woke up in a new city with the port right in the center. Stepping ashore, we could immediately immerse ourselves in the lively scenery of the streets and appealing landmarks. The ship's restaurant served 3 main meals and 3 snacks daily with dishes changing according to the localities where the ship docked. Free 24/7 coffee and hot tea were always available. Our most lasting impression was the ship's staff – always enthusiastic, adorable, with bright smiles.

Despite diverse personalities, each companion in our group has found a unique way to experience life and understand the people in these regions. If seeking quiet space, one can ascend to the boat deck, sipping a cup of coffee, breathing in the pollution-free air, and admiring the crisp sunrise or vibrant sunset each day. It's also effortless to embrace the local vibe, like exploring cobblestone streets, vibrant marketplaces, then resting at a charming street corner to savor delicious ice cream in Bratislava (the capital of Slovakia) or unwinding with the renowned hot mineral spa services in Budapest (the capital of Hungary). The nightly diverse music programs and entertaining arts on the ship or in the cities ensure no one feels bored.

And one clear morning, cruising through the serene countryside of Bulgaria with riverbanks adorned with wildflowers on lush green carpets, in my mind resonates the joyful melody of the Danube, with lyrics by composer Pham Duy:

'A stream of green, a river overflowing,

A stream deep in meaning, a stream of sorrows through the ages.

A stream with a shimmering sky, a stream of love and affection,

A stream still nostalgic, a stream of memories.

Return to the enchanting realm of childhood dreams.

By Hương Lê / Saigon Entrepreneur

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour