Danube, The

From its source in southwest Germany, coursing through central Europe and the Balkans, the Danube is a river of romance. Europe's second-longest river, it flows through proud cities—Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava and Belgrade, forming the frontier between Romania and Bulgaria before branching into a delta and pouring into the Black Sea. This Way the Danube sails along the navigable stretch of the river, starting at Passau, stopping off at the major cities and making side trips into the surrounding countryside.