The Danube is the second longest river in Europe after the Volga, flowing for 1,771 miles (2,857km) through nine different countries. Before reaching Budapest it is forced through a narrow twisting valley in the pretty Carpathian Basin, known as the Danube Bend, 8 miles (13km) from Budapest. The cluster of towns on the bend offers an amazing collection of history, culture and architecture, particularly the small towns of Szentendre, Visegrád and Esztergom.

It is an extremely scenic area with green valleys and hills rising up from the river, picturesque little towns with market squares and commanding fortresses with sweeping views. Many visitors choose to do a boat cruise on the Danube from Budapest stopping at the little towns along the way. Combined with good facilities and easy accessibility it is one of the more popular destinations in Hungary.