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Cruising down the Danube
It is enough to hear Strauss’s waltz On the Beautiful Blue Danube to start dreaming about a cruise along the Danube River. Yet, a cruise down the Danube remains the classic way to explore the beauty in this part of the Continent. Dennitza Simeonova is a representative of the Bulgarian Cruise Sociaety which brings together cruise lovers from across the country.
« The cruises down the Danube are a very nice way to spend your vacation », Denitza Simeonova told Radio Bulgaria. «Over a week you have the chance to see nine countries including Bulgaria. Usually the cruiser travels at night and casts anchor at the big ports during the day, so that people can see the local sights”.
On entering Bulgaria travelers can see the Baba Vida Fortress near the town of Vidin, which is the only medieval fortress preserved in Bulgaria to date. Cruising down the river you will enjoy beautiful views and songs of birds. The Danube goes by a lot of places related to the big bird migration route between Europe and Asia. The humid areas by the river shelter a large number of bird colonies. One such place is the small river island of Persina declared a nature reserve for its unique bird species diversity. Its impenetrable marshes are home to numerous colonies of gulls, cormorants, herons, wild ducks, to name but a few. The island is a unique autumn venue for the black stork before its flight to the Southern countries.
Cruising eastwards along the river you reach Ruse, one of Bulgaria’s most beautiful Danube cities. It is known as “The Small Vienna” for its magnificent buildings dating back to the late 19th century. Ruse stands out with its rich culture programs, various museums and cozy restaurants that offer Bulgarian cuisine. Passengers can also visit Rusenski Lom Natural Reserve not far away from Ruse, which is known for its unique flora and fauna. The rock nooks hanging over one of the Danube’s tributaries is home to colonies of black storks, Egyptian vultures, spotted eagles, etc.
The famous Ivanovo Monasteries, which were carved into the rocks more than 7 centuries ago, are in the vicinity of Ruse, too. They are under the auspices of UNESCO, attracting thousands of tourists every year. Toward the northeast part of the Danube, just before cruisers leave the Bulgarian river valley, you find yourself in Silistra- one of the country’s oldest towns, which was founded some 2000 years ago as a Roman fortress. Passengers take off the cruiser only to visit an architectural and historical reserve in the town’s centre, where a patriarchal basilica was recently excavated. What is more, the Srebarna Nature Reserve, which is some 2 km away from Silistra, is also a must see. The reserve is home to more than 221 bird species. One of the world’s biggest populations of the Dalmatian pelican nests in the reserve.
Denitza Simeonova has favourite seasons for cruising down the Danube.
“If you prefer to meet less tourists aboard and at the places you will visit, you should take your trip in spring or autumn. Yet, if you are looking for a good and sunny weather, you’d better cruise in summer time. The Danube Cruises aim to make you familiar with interesting facts about the places you visit. Various discussions are organized aboard. For instance, you can hear talks about Bulgarian culture or a historical event from Europe’s life”, Denitza Simeonova said for Radio Bulgaria.
If you want to explore the Bulgarian banks alone, you can take a daily cruise from the big ports of Varna and Burgas. Rest assured, the trip will bring you picturesque views and pleasant emotions.
Mon Sep 20, 2010 12:28 pm
