Danube River Cruises
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Table of contents
- The best Danube cruises
- What people love about Danube Cruises
- Travel Danube your way
- Best tour companies
- Popular Danube Cruise Ships
- Best places to start your adventure
- Discover Danube tours for every budget
- Danube tours for every group
- Top Danube travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit
- Danube travel guides - curated by our experts
- Contact our Danube travel experts
- What our customers ask about Danube River Cruises
The best Danube cruises
Compiled by
MelissaDanube travel expert at TourRadar
MS Swiss Splendor takes passengers to Vienna's Hofburg Palace, Budapest's Chain Bridge, and Bratislava's Castle. UNESCO heritage sites in Wachau Valley unfold before French-balcony cabins while guests enjoy full-board dining.
Duration 8 days Destinations Austria, Hungary, Slovakia Age Range up to 105 year olds Operated in English, German, Spanish Ship MS Swiss Splendor River Danube Operator Crucemundo From $1,895
33% Off- US$1,270+$136 upfront costsYou save $625
Danube Serenade: Romantic Journey from Turnu Magurele (Bucharest) to Vienna, MS Fidelio
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We had an enjoyable experience.”
Emmanuel, traveled in June
The MS Fidelio sails the Danube from Turnu Magurele to Vienna, passing through the Iron Gates gorge. Passengers visit Belgrade's Kalemegdan Fortress and Budapest's Chain Bridge while enjoying full board dining, live entertainment, and stops at major Danube ports.
Duration 11 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria Age Range up to 105 year olds Operated in English, German, Spanish Ship MS Fidelio River Danube Operator Crucemundo From $2,223
20% Off- US$1,779+$150 upfront costsYou save $444
Danube Classics Vienna 2025
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Food was good and lots of it, the cabin was clean and comfortable. We had a great holiday!”
Nicholas, traveled in April
The A-ROSA DONNA carries passengers along historic Danube waterways. Highlights include Budapest's Chain Bridge, Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace, and Bratislava's Old Town, complemented by gourmet dining, evening entertainment, and guided excursions.
Duration 8 days Destinations Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Germany Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Ship A-ROSA DONNA River Danube Operator A-ROSA From
20% Off- US$1,416
The A-ROSA DONNA sails from Passau through UNESCO's Wachau Valley. The itinerary features extended stays in Vienna (28 hours) and Budapest (24 hours), with visits to Esztergom's basilica and Bratislava's baroque quarter.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Ship A-ROSA DONNA River Danube Operator A-ROSA From
20% Off- US$1,034
The Amadeus fleet transports guests through 4 countries from Passau, stopping at UNESCO's Wachau Valley and Dürnstein wine village. Habsburg architectural gems like Melk Abbey and Esztergom Basilica punctuate the route. Regional wines, Sacher Torte, and multicourse meals delight guests 5+ seeking cultural immersion.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Ships Amadeus BrilliantAMADEUS QueenAmadeus ImperialAmadeus CaraAmadeus RivaAMADEUS Amara River Danube Operator Lueftner Cruises From
20% Off- US$2,152
What people love about Danube Cruises
- Danube Serenade: Romantic Journey from Vienna to Turnu Magurele (Bucharest), MS Fidelio
İts perfect ..i really enjoyed it
- Danube Serenade: Romantic Journey from Turnu Magurele (Bucharest) to Vienna, MS Fidelio
This was our first river cruise and it has ensured it won't be our last. From start to finish the ship MS Fidelio was excellent and the crew and service offered second to none. All staff were friendly and efficient without getting in the way. Food was plentiful and the quality impressive. I found the balance between onboard and ashore perfect. The number of inclusive tours was good, four in total in Belgrade, Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna and on all occasions the guides knowledgeable and entertaining.Tours available in 3 languages , English , Spanish and Dutch. Additional optional tours were also available at a price but we chose to explore ourselves. At no point did we feel pressured in to adding further tours. Most of the sailing was done at night leaving as much time as possible in the designated places to visit. The crew went out of their way to entertain the passengers. The cruise manager Augustine was very entertaining with a fantastic sense of humour, something akin to a cross between Hi-De-Hi and Borat. Price of cruise very reasonable and drinks prices on board not overly extravagant, similar to prices in the UK. I would recommend this cruise on the Danube on board the MS Fidelio to anyone. I will also mention the ease of booking through Tour Radar and the follow up communication was exceptional. Looking forward to my next foray.
- Danube Classics Vienna 2025
We had a generally good experience. Most new passengers board in Engelhartszell, but 17 passengers boarded the ship in Vienna. We boarded in Vienna and didn’t receive new passenger orientation, which includes basic ship, safety and excursion presentations. The crew was very friendly, although it was primarily a German language oriented cruise lines.
Travel Danube your way
River cruises along the Danube run between 8 and 15 days, with routes that really showcase the river's finest stretches. Starting in Budapest makes perfect sense - you get right into Hungary's cultural heart before heading upstream. Our travelers consistently tell us how much they enjoy the guided walks through Vienna's Habsburg palaces, squares and also Bratislava's charming old town corners. The experience hits a sweet spot between relaxation and discovery - you'll be tasting local specialties at dinner while medieval towns pass by your cabin window. We bring local experts aboard throughout the trip who add real depth to the UNESCO site visits and wine tastings in the Wachau Valley. For the best cabin choice and rates, book about two months ahead. April and October departures are particularly nice with pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists along the route.
Select from our extensive range of 435 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Danube with our expert guides leading the way.
Explore a wide diversity of partially guided tours through Danube. We have 36 adventures that vary from 5 days to 16 days. With the greatest number of departures in September, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Best tour companies
Looking at these river cruise lines, A-ROSA has comfortable ships and puts out plenty of good food, though our travelers mention the service can be hit-or-miss. Many guests have noted challenges with English language support during their trips.Uniworld really stands out for their tour guides - our customers consistently tell us these guides know their stuff and make the destinations come alive with stories and local insights.Avalon Waterways has found a sweet spot by offering two distinct ways to explore: their active discovery excursions for folks who want to bike, hike and kayak, plus traditional sightseeing options for those who prefer a classic pace. This flexibility means you're not locked into one style of touring.The main difference is in how these companies approach the overall experience. While A-ROSA focuses on the basics of comfortable sailing and dining, Uniworld puts more emphasis on cultural immersion through their guides, and Avalon gives you the freedom to choose your own adventure each day through their varied excursion options.
Popular Danube Cruise Ships
Best places to start your adventure
Most of our travelers - 31 to be exact - choose to start their Danube trip from Budapest, and it's easy to see why this Hungarian capital makes such a great launching point. Passau in Germany comes in second with 13 departures, while Bucharest, Vilshofen an der Donau and also Nuremberg round out the popular starting cities. Our booking data shows you'll want to plan about 63 days ahead to get the cabin and dates you're after. This gets especially important during summer peaks and the festive December market season. April and October sailings tend to hit that sweet spot of good weather and better rates, while December trips let you experience those magical Christmas markets despite the chilly temps. A balcony cabin really pays off when you're passing through spots like the Iron Gates and Wachau Valley, though we find that regular river-view rooms still give you plenty to look at during daily sailing.
Discover Danube tours for every budget
The budget-friendly Danube cruises deliver remarkable value without cutting corners on the experiences that matter. Our travelers tell us they love getting deep into the culture without the premium price tag. You'll walk through Vienna's historic center with expert guides and explore Melk's Benedictine abbey - those key highlights are all included. The cabins focus on comfort rather than luxury, but you're here for gliding past medieval castles and wandering through Bratislava's ancient streets. What works particularly well is how the tours handle optional activities; you can pick and choose extra excursions based on your interests. The boat crews earn consistent praise for their attentive service and the local guides really bring each destination's stories to life.Step up to a premium Danube voyage and you'll notice the difference in every detail. The dining program stands out - regional specialties paired with wines from vineyards you'll actually pass by on your journey. You get properly spacious cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows and service that's genuinely personal; the crew knows your coffee preference by breakfast on day two. These trips include special access you can't get elsewhere: private concerts in Vienna's grand halls, museums when they're closed to the public and also intimate tastings in centuries-old wine cellars. The real highlights often come from meeting local families for home-cooked Croatian meals or cycling through Austrian wine country with guides who know every back road.
Danube luxury tours
Danube tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
471 tours in DanubeExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Danube. We have 471 adventures that vary from 4 days to 27 days. With the greatest number of departures in August, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Top Danube travel itineraries to fit your plans
The week-long Danube cruises let you really get into the flow of river travel. We find our guests love starting in Budapest - you get two full days to explore both banks from Heroes' Square over to the Castle District. Moving up the river, local guides take you through Bratislava's winding cobblestone streets to the castle where you'll get excellent views across the city. Vienna hits just the right notes with morning visits to the Kunsthistorisches Museum and free afternoons to bike around the Danube island or try the coffee houses locals have visited for generations. What makes these 7-day trips work so well is how they mix active experiences like climbing through Dürnstein's castle ruins with cultural moments such as catching a rehearsal at Passau's St. Stephen's Cathedral - you can actually hear the organ echoing through those ancient walls.
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The 10-day journeys give you time to really understand life along the Danube from Bucharest to Budapest and onwards. Our travelers tell us they love the variety - cycling through Belgrade's old quarters one morning, then exploring Bulgarian hill towns the next day. Going through the Iron Gates gorge is something special and the stops at medieval strongholds like Baba Vida and Golubac Castle add real historical context. These longer trips let you visit places many miss, like Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi where you'll share lunch with local families and step inside Orthodox monasteries. People who've done this route particularly enjoy having both guided tours and free time to wander through places like Ruse with its elegant 1800s buildings or take side trips to sites such as Vlad the Impaler's tomb.
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You can explore the full length of the Danube in two distinct ways on these comprehensive 14-day journeys. The first option flows from Bucharest to Vienna, letting you discover Romania's Transylvanian region before starting your river voyage. Alternatively, you can cruise from Nuremberg south to Zagreb, with Croatia's vibrant capital serving as your final destination. These longer routes go beyond typical river stops, giving you time to explore Ljubljana's historic center, wander through Zagreb's Upper Town, and delve deeper into each location. What sets these two-week experiences apart is the thoughtful blend of river cruising and land exploration. Our passengers tell us they value those extra days visiting Transylvania's ancient churches, discovering Slovenia's pristine lakes, and experiencing signature Danube highlights from Budapest's thermal waters to Vienna's musical heritage. With the extended schedule, you'll never feel rushed, instead, having those valuable additional days in key cities to truly absorb local culture and daily rhythms.
Demographics
The real sweet spot for solo travelers comes from having both guided experiences and time to venture out alone. Our guests particularly connect during Vienna's walking tours with local food stops, which naturally bring people together. The small group visits to St. Stephen's Cathedral and also Franz Liszt Academy leave plenty of room for questions and lingering at interesting spots. The evenings work especially well - whether catching Regensburg Cathedral Choir or joining intimate Mozart concerts, these moments help solo travelers find their crowd.Couples tell us they love how these tours weave romance with cultural depth. The days often start in Vienna's art collections before moving to afternoon wine tastings in historic cellars. Wachau Valley routes hit that sweet balance - you're drifting past hillside vineyards and medieval castles while picking which village catches your eye. Our travelers appreciate choosing between active wine country cycling and also relaxed classical concerts in historic venues. Those evening shows in Budapest tend to create the moments couples remember most.Young travelers go for tours that keep them moving while diving deep into local culture. The routes mix hiking near Passau, cycling through Wachau Valley and also climbing to castle ruins for river views worth the effort. Our guests love jumping between old and new - from Salzburg's historic quarter to Linz's electronic arts spaces. Local flavors play a big part, from Linzer torte to Dürnstein's saffron tastings, while evenings split between cozy wine taverns and classical concerts in medieval monasteries.The senior-focused tours nail the balance between taking it easy and cultural richness. Our travelers consistently mention loving the relaxed walks through Bratislava's baroque quarters and Vienna's grand streets. You get plenty of time to explore Belvedere Palace's art or wander Melk Abbey's gardens without rushing. The format works well - choose between gentle city strolls and also more active options when you're feeling energetic. Evenings hit just right with traditional music in Budapest and wine tasting in ancient Danube cellars.The Danube really clicks with families when tours mix learning and fun just right. Kids get drawn into Melk Abbey's clever optical illusions and hidden doorways, while the treasure hunts through Passau keep their attention locked in. Parents tell us they love how their children can choose between splashing in the Ilz River or taking nature walks along the banks. The Jewish heritage routes in Budapest and Vienna add depth to the experience, and we've noticed the Giant Sphere of Bavaria tends to spark curiosity in travelers of all ages.
- Solo Travelers352 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples371 tours
- Seniors (50+)322 tours All tours for Seniors
Best time to visit
- Spring 2025
Danube spring cruises starting from Passau and Vienna in April earn high marks from our travelers. These routes showcase the Wachau Valley when vineyards awaken, and riverside paths welcome cyclists back for the season. Vienna's art collections offer intimate viewing experiences with expert guides, and we've arranged exclusive early entry to the Kunsthistorisches Museum before the crowds arrive. The spring weather proves ideal for outdoor exploration - whether you're climbing to Dürnstein's castle ruins or pedaling the scenic stretch between Melk, Krems and the surrounding villages. These journeys blend classical concerts in Vienna's venerable halls with visits to Melk Abbey, just as its gardens burst into bloom. Our guests appreciate how the tours balance cultural immersion with active options - perhaps starting with a morning soak in Budapest's thermal baths, followed by an afternoon walk through the Castle District when temperatures are mild, or dividing time in Vienna between imperial palaces and cycling adventures on the Danube island.
- March 2025 27 tours
- April 2025 58 tours
- May 2025 popular 93 tours
- Summer 2025
Danube summer cruises blend rich cultural experiences with active outdoor pursuits that consistently earn high marks from our travelers. The top routes combine Vienna's museums and palaces with excursions in the Wachau Valley. Travelers especially value those early morning visits to Kunsthistorisches Museum before it heats up, and then cycling through vineyard paths in the afternoon. In Budapest, the itineraries start with Castle District walks before tourist crowds arrive, followed by evening concerts once the day cools down. Melk Abbey tours work perfectly with their shaded garden visits, while those who tackle the Dürnstein castle climb are rewarded with sweeping Danube vistas. Many sailings include options to cycle Bratislava's waterfront paths, or explore Vienna's grand boulevards when cafe tables spill onto the streets. Our guests often mention how these summer voyages balance cultural sites with cooling breaks - from Budapest's thermal pools to wine tastings in old stone cellars beneath the city.
- June 2025 94 tours
- July 2025 89 tours
- August 2025 popular 101 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Fall is when the Danube's wine culture really shines, with special wine-focused sailings that our travelers love. The season kicks off with Oktoberfest in Vilshofen - you'll try local beers while folk musicians play nearby. The Wachau Valley looks great this time of year; you can taste Rieslings and Grüner Veltliners right where they grow, often at old monastery wineries like Schloss Gobelsburg. Some guests mix it up by cycling through the autumn vineyards before stopping at Weissenkirchen's estates, where local wine makers share their techniques. The hiking works well in fall too - trails up to Bratislava Castle and along Budapest's hills offer perfect temperatures for walking, plus you get those rich fall colors along the river too.
- September 2025 popular 98 tours
- October 2025 86 tours
- 60 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter along the Danube brings something special - Christmas markets and local traditions that really come alive. Our most popular cruises start in Passau, taking you through Salzburg's old town when it's dusted in snow. You'll warm up with mulled wine tastings and traditional pastries between walks. The Vienna portion includes evening concerts in 12th-century monasteries, where Mozart and Strauss pieces sound even better in winter. Our customers especially enjoy splitting their Budapest time between guided Castle District tours and also relaxing visits to the thermal baths. The winter routes add nice seasonal touches - there's Bavarian folk dancing, a stop in Oberndorf where Silent Night was first sung and also some fascinating optical illusions in Melk Abbey's library.
- December 2025 popular 65 tours
Danube travel guides - curated by our experts
Contact our Danube travel experts
Nina
Expert in Danube at TourRadar
Nina is one of our seasoned Danube Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Danube tours answered!
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+1 844 311 8331What our customers ask about Danube River Cruises
What Time of Year Should You Take Your Danube Cruise?
The sweet spots are really spring and fall around April-May or September-October when you'll get lovely weather fewer tourists and some beautiful scenery. Summer's great if you love soaking up the sun on deck though it does get pretty busy June through August. Winter's actually quite magical especially December-January when those Christmas markets light up places like Vienna and Budapest just pack some warm clothes you'll need them.
Which Cruise Line Fits Your Style on the Danube?
Viking's your go-to if you're into really diving deep into the culture they include these fantastic excursions and interesting talks. If you're more active AmaWaterways might be your thing they've got these great bike tours around Passau and Vienna. Love amazing views? Avalon's Panorama Suites have these incredible floor-to-ceiling windows that'll blow you away. Want to really treat yourself? Uniworld does luxury incredibly well with elegant ships and really personal service. And if you're watching your budget but still want a great experience Emerald Cruises offers some really competitive prices with plenty of itinerary options.
What Local Experiences Can You Look Forward to Along the Danube?
You're in for some real treats at each stop. Budapest's got these amazing thermal baths like the Gellert Spa and you've got to try the traditional goulash. In Vienna make sure you experience proper coffee culture with a slice of Sachertorte and a Wiener Melange. Over in Bratislava you can taste authentic Slovak food like bryndzové halušky these amazing potato dumplings with sheep cheese. Passau's got Europe's biggest pipe organ in St Stephen's Cathedral it's incredible. And don't miss Melk Abbey it's this stunning Baroque monastery with an amazing library. Most cruises work these highlights into their itineraries and you'll get plenty of chances to try local wines catch some cultural shows and really get to know the local traditions.