It may be July, but, in my mind, I’m thinking of December. It must be because I’ve been planning a holiday vacation with my boyfriend, departing the day after Christmas and returning in the New Year. Given my job, it can be difficult to find places to experience together that I haven’t been, but on this trip we’ll visit Regensburg and Passau , Germany; Vienna and Melk, Austria; Bratislava, Slovakia; and Budapest, Hungary. Of those cities, I’ve only previously been to Budapest, so I’m excited to see several cities for the first time together.

At the same time, there is some beauty in taking someone to one of your favorite cities, those places you are always eager to return. You can watch them fall in love with a beloved destination and you can show them your favorite spots.

We’ll be hitting all those European cities on a river cruise with the relatively new U by Uniworld river cruise line, launched this year by Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection. This will also be our first river cruise experience. A few highlights of the U by Uniworld we’re looking forward to include embark and disembark at your own chosen times; daily brunch; included excursions; and complimentary WiFi on board. The Dashing Through the Danube itinerary includes stops at the legendary Christmas markets throughout the countries, an iconic activity I’ve always been interested in experiencing, but probably wouldn’t without something like this as a catalyst.

I’m really looking forward to the trip, so much so I might be willing winter to arrive just a little bit. Since it’s a first-time visit to many of the stops on the itinerary for both of us, I’m seeking suggestions. What are some must-see sites in Regensburg, Passau, Vienna, Melk and Bratislava? Share your suggestions with me at [email protected].

— Kimberly Krol, editor in chief