Wine

The Danube between Passau and Budapest runs through some of central Europe's best white wine country. The Wachau is the highlight, with Grüner Veltliner and Riesling grown on terraces above the river, and many itineraries include a tasting there. Vienna is one of the few capital cities with vineyards inside its boundaries; its Heurigen, informal taverns serving the grower's own new wine, are a favourite evening out. Hungary adds its own grapes further downstream. Dedicated wine cruises go further, replacing some of the usual excursions with vineyard visits and carrying a wine expert on board for tastings and talks.