Central Europe River Cruises
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10 best river cruises through Central Europe
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MelissaCentral Europe travel expert at TourRadar
- Danube Dreams with 2 Nights in Prague (Eastbound) 2025
- Danube Dreams with 2 Nights in Prague (Westbound) 2025
- Highlights of Eastern Europe (2025) (Bucharest to Budapest, 2025)
- Melodies of the Danube 2025
- Danube Explorer & Highlights of Budapest 2025
- Danube Delights & Classic Prague
- Danube Rhapsody (Passau - Passau)
- Gems of the Danube with Munich & Prague 2025 - 13 Days (from Munich to Prague)
- Classical Danube and Prague Extension (Budapest - Prague)
- Gems of the Danube with Munich & Prague 2025 - 13 Days (from Prague to Munich)
Central Europe unfolds aboard Avalon's luxury river ships. Prague's Astronomical Clock, the Schlögen Oxbow, Vienna's Kunsthistorisches Museum, and Budapest's Chain Bridge await, all viewed from panoramic suite accommodations.
Duration 10 days Destinations Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
- US$4,228+$210 upfront costs
The waterways from Budapest to Regensburg reveal Bratislava's Old Town and Vienna's Opera House. Medieval Dürnstein and Linz's Hauptplatz shine aboard luxurious Avalon Suite Ships with panoramic windows.
Duration 10 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
- US$4,528+$210 upfront costs
Highlights of Eastern Europe (2025) (Bucharest to Budapest, 2025)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very good tour - excellent guides, very knowledgeable and fun!”
Rata, traveled in August
Sail Central Europe's waterways aboard S.S. Beatrice or River Princess. The Hungarian Parliament welcomes visitors before cruising through Iron Gates gorge and exploring Serbian capital Belgrade. Features expert-guided tours, private concerts, and premium dining with unlimited beverages.
Duration 10 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary Age Range 16 to 100 year olds Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $4,599
30% Off- US$3,219You save $1,379
Cultural riches of Central Europe unfold on AmaWaterways' luxury vessel. Budapest's Castle District, Bratislava's coronation heritage, and Vienna's Opera House captivate visitors. Choose between Salzburg's Mirabell Gardens or UNESCO-listed Český Krumlov Castle.
Duration 8 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator AmaWaterways From
30% Off- US$3,398
Central Europe's treasures shine aboard the Emerald Star ship. Budapest's market halls, Bratislava's Gothic quarter, and Vienna's Baroque palaces await discovery. Melk Abbey's manuscripts and Český Krumlov's medieval lanes complement 24 gourmet meals and nightly entertainment.
Duration 10 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From $8,490
57% Off- US$3,620You save $4,870
Sail from Budapest's Danube banks to Prague's historic center. UNESCO sites like Wachau Valley, Vienna's Kunsthistorisches Museum, and medieval towns await aboard Emerald Star-Ship, with expert-guided tours throughout.
Duration 11 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From
57% Off- US$7,760
Melk Abbey, Vienna's Ringstrasse, and Budapest's thermal baths highlight this river voyage. Luxury Amadeus fleet cabins serve as home base while exploring UNESCO sites and Habsburg capitals. Private concerts, wine tastings, and Hungarian folk shows enliven 9 historic cities.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From $2,594
30% Off- US$1,816You save $778
Scenic's luxury river ships glide through Central Europe, showcasing Regensburg's medieval center, Melk's Baroque abbey, and Vienna's imperial palaces. A private classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein and UNESCO-listed sites round out the voyage.
Duration 13 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Czech Republic Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $11,735
50% Off- US$5,865You save $5,870
Cruise aboard Amadeus Cara or Riva ships through Central Europe. Budapest's Parliament, Bratislava's Gothic quarter, and Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace open their doors. Luxury accommodations with panoramic windows, gourmet dining, and Viennese concerts enhance the journey.
Duration 10 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From
50% Off- US$2,908
Luxury awaits aboard Scenic Crystal or Jasper through Central Europe. Budapest's thermal baths, Vienna's Belvedere Museum, and Bratislava's historic cellars offer rich experiences. Features butler service, gourmet dining, and exclusive concerts at Palais Liechtenstein.
Duration 13 days Destinations Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $12,660
50% Off- US$6,390You save $6,270
River Cruises in Central Europe Reviews
- Danube Classics 2025
My experience at a-rosa was great.I travel with husband and we enjoyed in Vienna .Opera was great and city are beautiful.Tnx to all crew on ship they was very friendly, and we want to give special thanks to Marko from Serbia for his explanation about ship and Vienna .See you again A - Rosa team ♥️
What our customers ask about Central Europe River Cruises
What are the main cities and highlights visited on Central Europe river cruises?
Central Europe river cruises connect travelers to the region's most notable cities along the Danube. Stops include three major capitals: Vienna Budapest and Bratislava with visits to smaller riverside towns like Melk Dürnstein and Passau. Travelers explore significant landmarks such as Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace Budapest's Parliament Building and the historic Melk Benedictine Abbey. The route takes passengers through the picturesque Wachau Valley. As one TourRadar traveler noted "Each stop offered something unique - from the grand architecture of Vienna to the medieval charm of Dürnstein." Many routes also feature extended time in Prague and evening stays in Budapest to see the cities illuminated at night.
What types of cabin options are available on Central Europe river cruise ships?
River cruise vessels provide accommodations for varying budgets and preferences. The Scenic Crystal demonstrates this range: Royal Owner's Suites span 475 square feet with distinct sleeping and living spaces while Panorama Suites feature convertible floor-to-ceiling windows creating open-air balconies. Standard Suites measuring 160 square feet come with large picture windows. Ships like the S.S. Beatrice offer suites with French balconies and upscale marble bathrooms. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "Our Panorama Suite on Scenic Crystal was incredibly spacious with the innovative Sun Lounge window system that transformed our cabin into an open-air balcony - perfect for scenic cruising through the Iron Gates."
When is the best time of year to take a Central Europe river cruise?
The peak season runs May through September when weather conditions are optimal for riverside exploration. July and August bring warmer temperatures ideal for outdoor activities like Budapest's thermal baths and Vienna's gardens but also larger crowds. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer comfortable temperatures and fewer visitors at popular sites such as Prague's Charles Bridge and Melk Abbey. A TourRadar traveler who cruised in September shared: "The weather was perfect for exploring charming towns like Dürnstein and enjoying scenic cruising through the Wachau Valley - not too hot or cold and beautiful fall colors starting to appear."
What kind of dining experiences can I expect on a Central Europe river cruise?
Ships provide extensive meal options that blend local specialties with international dishes. The A-ROSA FLORA serves buffet-style meals for breakfast lunch and dinner with live cooking stations plus afternoon tea and unlimited beverages. As one TourRadar traveler shared "The food was excellent. Each day we filled out a form to choose our lunch and dinner entrees - always 3 choices including vegetarian options." Standard inclusions feature wine and beer with meals multiple dining venues and special occasions like Captain's dinners.
What's included in a typical Central Europe river cruise fare?
River cruise packages tend to be comprehensive. Scenic's rates cover lodging all meals drinks during lunch and dinner most excursions WiFi and staff gratuities. Uniworld includes butler service for suite guests and customizable shore activities. As one TourRadar traveler shared "Everything was included - from excellent meals to fascinating tours we didn't have to worry about extra costs." Additional services like spa treatments premium beverages and select excursions usually require extra payment.
What's the best way to get to and from Central Europe river cruises?
Cruises typically depart from major transport hubs like Passau Budapest or Prague. Nuremberg and Munich airports provide access to Passau departures while Budapest's Ferenc Liszt International Airport serves river cruise ports directly. One TourRadar traveler advised "Arriving a day early helped us adjust to the time difference before boarding." Though flights aren't commonly included in cruise packages many operators like Scenic and Uniworld provide airport transfer services.