Tasty tours
A multi-stop river cruise allows you to taste many of Europe’s signature recipes in a single trip – the perfect getaway for any dedicated foodie. To whet your appetite, here are some of the most delicious spots to visit along the waterways
BUDAPEST
Wind your way down the Danube and you’ll stop in Hungary, where goulash is the national dish. This rich soup-stew hybrid is traditionally made with beef, paprika and onions, and served with potatoes – it’s seriously hearty fare. But if you only eat one thing in the capital, Budapest, make it lángos, a deep-fried flat bread spread with sour cream and topped with cheese. Buy it fresh out of the fryer from street-food vendors.
FRANKFURT
In order for a sausage to officially be a ‘frankfurter’, it has to be made in Frankfurt or the surrounding area, so it’d be rude not to order at least one while you’re here – ideally served in a bun with a generous zig-zag of mustard and/or ketchup. Frankfurt is conveniently en route to the Moselle Valley, so taking a Moselle river cruise will also gain you access to its prized wine-making region, where you can sip some of Germany’s best Rieslings.
VIENNA
Never had wiener schnitzel – a thin, breaded cutlet of veal – before? It’s a must-order in its native Austria, another key stop on the Danube’s banks. However, this is also a great country to indulge your sweet tooth. Apfelstrudl (apple strudel) is served at its best on the cobbled streets of Vienna, as is sachertorte, a rich, dark chocolate sponge cake sandwiched with sticky apricot jam, originally invented for nobility in the 19th century.
BASEL
Tour the Rhine with TUI River Cruises and you’ll have the chance to begin your adventure in Basel, where you’ll find authentic Swiss cuisine, such as basler leckerli (traditional spice and honey biscuits loaded with nuts and candied peel) and plenty of melting pots of cheesy fondue. On TUI River Cruises ships, you travel on a Full Board Plus basis, which often includes meals inspired by seasonal produce from the places you visit.