The Danube (Part 1)

Angela Rippon kicks off this brand-new series with a stunning adventure down Europe's second longest river. She joins her ship in breathtaking Budapest. In Hungary's capital she has a whistlestop tour of the city, from the stunning views from the Fisherman's Bastion to a bridge that is very familiar, especially to Londoners. As she crosses the river, Angela learns of the complicated history of the Pest side of the river, from its time as a sanctuary for the Jewish population, to the heartbreaking stories that came from the Second World War.

Angela's journey down the Danube continues as she travels through Slovakia to Vienna, the romantic capital of Austria. Here, she samples delicious cakes while musing about the city's history of cafe culture and how it attracted great musicians, architects and innovators. She visits the Spanish Riding School to witness how horses and humans can come together to produce beautiful choreography. Then Angela puts herself through her paces at a prestigious dance school, where she is taught how to do a proper Viennese Waltz.

After departing Vienna it's off to Krems, a historic place situated in the UNESCO world heritage site of the Wachau Valley. A visit to a 1000-year-old abbey is on Angela's itinerary, not only to take in the beauty and craftsmanship of the buildings, but also to discover how the monks keep the abbey running financially. And a large part of it, surprisingly, comes down to the humble apricot, and all the foods that can be made using it as an ingredient.

The first half of Angela's trip down the Danube ends with a cycle ride through the gorgeous Wachau Valley. The road, lined with vineyards and winemaking villages, leads her to Durnstein where she rejoins her ship. It's also home to a historic castle, with an intriguing link to the UK, thanks to Richard the Lionheart.