The Lower Danube doesn't get the attention the Upper Danube does — and that's part of what makes it worth doing. This itinerary covers Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, and Hungary, with a pre-cruise extension into Transylvania. Here's what the experience is actually like.

Having sailed both the Rhine and the Lower Danube, I share an honest firsthand comparison — from tulips in Amsterdam and Alsace charm to the untouched landscapes of Romania. Find out which European river cruise suits your travel style.