small boat danube river cruises

Danube River Small Ship Cruises

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• Food & Wine
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• Archaeological Site Visits
• Christmas Market Visits
• Cooking Classes
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• Danube River

Gems of the Danube

• Explore historic Nuremberg
• Stroll through Regensburg
• Visit the city of Cesky Krumlov
• Tour Schönbrunn Palace

Christmas Markets on the Danube - Cruise Only

• Sail a special Illuminations Cruise
• Visit Vörösmarty Square
• Tour the illuminated Rathaus
• Join a guided bike tour

Danube Delights

• Walk to the city of Regensburg
• Explore the architectures in Passau
• Hike around the Bratislava Castle
• Drive and walk around Vienna
• Tour around the Ringstrasse
• Learn about the Slovakian culture
• Visit the Melk Abbey
• Enjoy a traditional Bavarian band

Danube Christmas Delights

• Wander through Bratislava
• Taste Linz's famous Linzer Torte
• Explore Christkindlmarkt
• Discover Passau's history

Oktoberfest & Danube Delights

• Discover Regensburg
• Experience Durnstein
• Visit Vienna
• Explore Bratislavia

Splendours of Europe

• Explore Amsterdam
• Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites
• Explore Vienna
• Visit towns
• Explore the Dutch Golden Age
• Pass the infamous Lorelai Rock
• Visit Würzburg
• Discover Vienna’s famous sights

Christmas & New Year

• Experience Rhine Gorge
• Discover Cologne

Enchantment of Eastern Europe

• Visit site of Lepenski Vir
• Visit and meet a Croatian family
• Bike around the Belgrade
• Watch and enjoy a horse show
• Explore historic Melk
• Sightsee in Passau
• Visit Vienna's landmarks
• Tour Budapest

Grand Danube Cruise - Cruise Only

• Visit the Austrian Lake District
• Savor Vienna's Baroque elegance
• Discover Bratislava's heritage
• Explore the Puszta region

Christmas Markets on the Danube

• Tour Budapest's famous buildings
• Admire Vienna's landmarks
• Visit beloved Christmas markets
• Discover Prague's history

Grand Danube Cruise with Prague

• Cruise through the Iron Gates
• Visit Vienna's city center
• Enjoy local wine and food
• Tour Bran Castle
• Explore Prague's historic sites
• See Hungarian horsemanship

Top Danube River Travel Destinations

Danube river trips by departure date.

• 2024 Danube River trips (83)
• 2025 Danube River trips (49)
• May 2024 (40)
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• July 2024 (35)
• August 2024 (35)
• September 2024 (32)
• October 2024 (40)
• December 2024 (27)
• April 2025 (26)
• July 2025 (25)

Top Experiences in Danube River

• Danube River Cruises (83)
• Danube River River Cruises (79)
• Danube River Cultural (28)
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Danube River Trips by Duration

• 6 day trips (3)
• 7 day trips (3)
• 8 day trips (40)
• 9 day trips (4)
• 10 day trips (7)
• 11 day trips (7)
• 13 day trips (5)
• 15 day trips (8)
• 22 day trips (3)

Danube River Trips by Activity

• Danube River biking (36)
• Danube River wine tasting (29)
• Danube River village visits (29)
• Danube River hiking (28)
• Danube River urban exploration (27)
• Danube River christmas market visits (16)
• Danube River small ship cruises (16)
• Danube River archaeological site visits (14)
• Danube River land & sea exploration (8)

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Danube River Small Ship Cruise Tours & Trips

262 danube river trips. tours from 59 tour companies. 70 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating..

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Authentic Danube & Prague (2022)

Bavaria, Nuremberg, Passau, Prague, Vienna

50 plus, Cultural, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Personnel were all very polite and happy to serve. Service was timely and professional. Most remembered your preferences and were prepared to assist."

Enchanting Danube (2022)

Bratislava, Budapest, Linz, Passau, Salzburg, Vienna, Wachau

Delightful Danube & Prague (2022)

Budapest, Nuremberg, Prague, Vienna, Wachau

All Danube River , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Danube River

Delightful Danube (2022)

Bavaria, Budapest, Nuremberg, Vienna, Wachau

Dashing through the Danube

Cultural, Small Ship Cruise

The Danube Flow

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Grand European Cruise - Westbound 2025

Amsterdam, Bamberg, Belgrade, Bratislava, Bucharest, Budapest, Vienna

• Travel like the royals of old on our grand eastern European river cruises combining Amsterdam to Budapest by Riverboat with Budapest to the Black Sea to create an unforgettable 25-day experience through the heart of Europe.This remarkable voyage virtually links the North Sea to the Black Sea via the Danube
• Main and Rhine rivers
• taking you through the Netherlands

"Sad to see a once good tour company stumble and fall into mediocrity. That’s Tauck post-Covid. My May 2023 tour of Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley was done on the cheap by Tauck, yet cost me thousands of dollars extra as a solo traveler on a special small-group tour. 

5-star hotels switched to 3 and 4 (without any compensation or explanation)… many more meals “on your own”… lots of “self-guided” tours of museums and chateaux and castles we knew nothing about… airline quality “rubber chicken” dinners, not in hotel restaurants, but in sad and isolated business convention spaces… poorly-trained newer Tour Directors (like the one on this tour) with limited experience traveling outside her tiny Canadian village or dealing with people from diverse backgrounds. She even confessed that this was a second gig job that took her away from her own business back home! You get what Tauck pays for, but unfortunately, not what YOU pay for. 

Speaking to a “Guest Relations” agent was comically pointless. She tried to make everything my fault, which I now understand is par for the course with the “new” post-Covid Tauck. Please reconsider spending huge amounts of your hard-earned money on a tour company that has lost its way and no longer delivers."

Grand European Cruise - Eastbound 2025

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Best Danube River Tours by Duration

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Danube river reviews & ratings, the trip was well organised and well.

The trip was well organised and well thought out. It was only a 10 day trip but we saw so much in that time. Our tour guide provided us with options of what to do i...

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Brilliantly organised and value for money.

The trip was fun, interesting and you

The trip was fun, interesting and you experience a different culture to Western Europe.

They Made It Difficult For Me To Get Money Back

I booked a 981euro holiday with Intrepid in July 2017. They emailed me a few days after booking to tell me that trip was cancelled and that I was entitled to a refun...

Tour:   Balkan Adventure

Small groups are ideal! Like that the

Small groups are ideal! Like that the tour leader is ...

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Danube River Tour Selection Trips

• Because the Danube is Europe’s longest river outside Russia, you have several choices of routes.
• The most popular stretch flows from Nuremberg, Germany, to Budapest, Hungary (or reverse).
• Allow at least eight days for your cruise (for the Nuremberg-Budapest itinerary) and up to two weeks or more to sail farther into Eastern Europe.
• Going downriver – from west to east -- tends to be a smoother voyage, though seasickness is seldom a problem.
• To judge the best value as opposed to just the lowest price, watch for how many “extras” are included in the base rate – port excursions, alcohol, balcony cabins -- that could add to the cost.
• Many Danube itineraries include options for intriguing side trips away from the river – such as to Salzburg in Austria or to medieval Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic.
• You can combine a Danube river cruise with a Rhine river cruise through Germany all the way to Amsterdam via a canal replete with locks.
• For maximum privacy and comfort, consider splurging on a balcony cabin, where you can relax and watch the changing riverside tableau pass by.
• May through September is the most popular (and expensive) season on the Danube (September often offers the most pleasant weather with fewer crowds).
• Don’t overlook the magic of Yuletide cruises, when the entire region comes alive with colorful outdoor Christmas markets.
• Some Danube River cruise lines market almost exclusively to baby boomers aged 50 and up, while others also cater to younger passengers.
• If you plan on traveling alone on your cruise, check into policies on charging for single supplements; they might match you with a same-sex roommate to avoid the extra charge.
• Some luxury river cruise lines offer special evening events on shore – such as private concerts or dining in palaces – or provide complimentary bicycles for sightseeing and exercise.

Additional details

Danube River cruises and tours are available in a variety of lengths, either focusing on a specific section of the river or covering the entire distance. You will often see an itinerary listed as “Westbound” or Eastbound”. This can be helpful when determining your pre and post cruise activities.

The average length of a Danube River cruise is between one and two weeks. Longer Danube River cruises often also visit the Black Sea and a few other rivers in Europe - you’ll see so much of Europe in comfort gliding along the water, and only unpack once!

Many shorter departures along the Danube include cycling excursions, such as those with Butterfield and Robinson. If you travel on a Danube River cruise that’s 6 days or less, chances are you’ll begin or end in Budapest, Hungary visiting three or four other countries along either an Eastbound or Westbound route.

What to Wear on a Danube River Cruise

The Danube is one of the largest rivers in Europe, both by length and width. Given this, it will always be slightly cooler on the boat than on the shore.

Light layers should suffice for most of the year, heavier outerwear for the winter when it will commonly be snowing. Christmas markets are a very popular wintertime activity in Europe and many Danube River Cruises operate during this time, visiting markets along the way.

While most river cruises don’t have strict dress codes, they do cater to an older audience more likely to dress up for dinner.

Danube River Weather

The weather on the Danube is generally mild, though expect to encounter a lot of microclimates as you travel, regardless of the length of your trip. Since you’ll be passing through numerous countries and regions, it’s difficult to pinpoint an easy weather pattern.

The Danube is a popular destination year round - you have the joyous and magical Christmas markets in the wintertime, the lovely springtime with flowers blooming and sunshine peeking through, summertime when it’s warm and small towns and villages vibrant with tourists, and the fall when you can see beautiful changing leaves along the shore and up in the hills.

Weather on the Danube River in August

August is universally one of best months to travel. This is when you’ll find some of the best weather (in the northern hemisphere at least), and the crowds are not quite as heavy as the peak summertime months of June and July, but not so dissipated that certain activities and destinations are shut down to tourism.

In Europe and along the Danube, August is an ideal month, with temperatures ranging from the mid 60s to the mid 90s fahrenheit.

Weather on the Danube River in September

Like August, September is one of the more ideal times to travel. Even less crowds than August, and the weather is usually still warm, but not blazing hot. Expect lows in the 50s especially at night, and 60s and 70s during the day (fahrenheit). You also might get to see some early changes in nature from your cruise deck.

Weather on the Danube River in March

In March, expect the weather on the Danube River to be a bit nippy, though not unbearable. You will be spending time outside though, on the viewing deck, out on the water. So definitely bring a warm jacket so you can spend more time outside. Temperatures will be in the 40s and 50s, mid 30s at night.

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 262 trips to Danube River and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

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We know why you travel. You’d rather have an extra day exploring than a fancy chocolate on your pillow at night. Enjoy hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences for value-minded travel lovers like you.

Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities.

Danube River Cruises

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River cruises on the Danube

A journey on the most beautiful river in europe.

The Danube is probably the most unique and interesting river in Europe. With a length of almost 2,900 kilometers, the river runs from the Black Forest to the Black Sea and crosses ten countries on its journey. Accordingly, there is a lot to see and experience on a river cruise on the Danube. With Vienna and Budapest, two of Europe's most beautiful and important cities lie on the banks of the Danube, their magnificent buildings bearing witness to their centuries-old history. But travelers should also have seen historic cities such as Regensburg, Passau, Linz and Bratislava.

A Danube cruise, however, is not only a journey through the history and architecture of Europe, but above all a foray through some of the most beautiful natural landscapes of our continent. The lovely, hilly landscape of the Wachau with its numerous vineyards, the wild and romantic mountain range of the Carpathians and the gentle estuary of the river at the Black Sea are only three of the scenic highlights on the long way of the river.

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Linz on the Danube

Description and info of river cruises on the Danube

With VIVA Cruises' Danube river cruises, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to routes and duration. Whether you want to take a short 4-day vacation, a Rhine-Main-Danube river cruise or a river trip to the estuary, you will find the right trip for you at VIVA Cruises.

Splendidly awaiting you on this trip are the Danube metropolises of Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest, which will captivate you with their magnificent buildings. Medieval castles, fairytale palaces and imposing aristocratic palaces grace your path between the vine-covered Wachau and the majestic Melk Abbey. With such a journey, you will hardly be able to stop marveling. Click here to get to the voyage: Enchanting Danube | River Cruise | VIVA TWO | VIVA Cruises (viva-cruises.com)

This Main-Danube trip takes you from the Main River to the highest waterway in Europe: the Main-Danube Canal. This waterway, 175 km long in total, connects the Main River near Bamberg via the Altmühl River near Dietfurt with the Danube River near Kelheim. With only 16 locks, which are among the largest and most modern structures of their kind, the canal overcomes a total height difference of 234 meters.

But also culturally there is much to discover: whether in Miltenberg the Schnatterloch, one of the most beautiful marketplaces in Germany, the numerous rococo and baroque buildings in Würzburg, the Old Town Hall in Bamberg, decorated with facade paintings, the medieval old town in Nuremberg or the Liberation Hall in Kelheim - look forward to many cultural highlights, unique river landscapes - and on board a feel-good program for body and soul. Click here to get to the voyage: From Danube to Main | River Cruise | VIVA TIARA | VIVA Cruises (viva-cruises.com)

Drift down the Danube in a gentle zigzag and enjoy the extraordinary views of the narrow gorges and picturesque bays. Hungary's Puszta, Serbia's Carpathians and the Iron Gate will enchant you. Immerse yourself in the history of the Danube metropolises and be swept away by the castles and fortresses of Bratislava and Belgrade. Stroll through the wide avenues of the Paris of the East and end your trip with a piece of cake at Café Sacher. Click here to get to the voyage: Danube Cataracts | River Cruise | VIVA TWO | VIVA Cruises (viva-cruises.com)

Glide through the eras of the Danube and admire the legacies of the former monarchies. In the magnificent capitals of Bratislava, Budapest and Vienna, you can visit ancient coronation sites, storm castle palaces and waltz through cafés. Marvel at the breathtakingly beautiful landscapes of the Wachau and be enchanted by lovely Linz. Click here to get to the voyage: Danube's Great Cities | River Cruise | VIVA TWO | VIVA Cruises (viva-cruises.com)

Untouched wilderness full of biodiversity as far as the eye can see! Be fascinated by natural spectacles and the immense variety of birds and plants of the Danube Delta. Join us on a nature-filled journey where, in addition to flora and fauna, history also outgrows itself - in Budapest, Belgrade and Vienna as well as in ancient fortresses, principalities and kingdoms. Click here to get to the voyage: Danube Delta Nature Experience | River Cruise | VIVA TWO | VIVA Cruises (viva-cruises.com)

A river cruise on a VIVA Cruises ship is suitable for almost every group of people: whether young or old, city or country fan, architecture or nature lover - the Danube has something to offer for every taste. No other river in Europe offers travelers such a diverse mix of history, architecture, nature, culinary delights and sport. Get to know the Danube on a leisurely city tour, a hike up a nearby hill or a bike tour along the river.

The special feature of an all-inclusive river cruise with VIVA Cruises: from full board with breakfast, lunch and dinner to snacks in between and high-quality alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, everything is included in the price of our cruises. Even the mini-bar in the cabins is refilled daily.

VIVA All-Inclusive: only the best for you

With VIVA Cruises, "all-inclusive" means you can sit back, relax and enjoy. Your physical well-being is taken care of with selected food and drinks. In addition, we offer you relaxing care products. And if you do need a good connection, use our WLAN. For other good connections - especially to our on-board staff - the included tip provides.

A warm welcome with a welcome champagne - to a wonderful stay on board

Full board with breakfast buffet, lunch, dinner (multi-course gourmet gourmet menus, served at the table) and snacks with free choice of table and flexible dining meal times

All day high quality, cold and hotnon-alcoholic beverages and a exquisite selection of alcoholic beverages; take a look at our bar menu.

High Tea: once per trip a selection of sweet and savory treats such as scones such as scones, sandwiches, cupcakes cupcakes, chocolates and macarons. In addition various teas are offered to match are offered.

Daily freshly filled mini-bar and reusable water bottle in the cabin

Selected beauty products from RITUALS

Free WLAN on board - for undisturbed reception

Tips for the entire crew

The right excursions for your river cruise

The guests on board our floating premium hotels are all different. That's why we devise an equally diverse excursion program for each of our fascinating itineraries. Whether you are a gourmet, a nature lover or an art enthusiast, our selection of experiences will open up new perspectives for you on every voyage.

Arrival and departure to your VIVA ship

With VIVA Cruises you enjoy the feeling of being in the best hands from the very beginning. That's why our service is not limited to life on board, but begins with the preparation of your trip.

You need a parking space for your vehicle, plan a comfortable arrival and departure by train or would like assistance for a suitable flight?

Upon request, we will gladly take care of your stress-free arrival and departure as well as transfers. Call us: +49 211 274 032 50 or write us an e-mail : [email protected]

Our berth in Passau is either in Lindau or Passau Old Town, rarely also in Passau Racklau. You will receive further information with your travel documents.

If you travel to Passau with your own car, we recommend booking a space in the Globus parking garage there. Our partner Globus will take you with your luggage directly from the parking garage to the ship on the day of arrival and will conveniently pick you up from the ship on the last day of your trip. You will receive further information about the parking facilities and the voucher with your travel documents. Payment will be made directly on site.

Book your parking space now here: globus-group.de/booking

We are happy to book a transfer for you from the train station to the ship and back. This is available from us for 20 € per person, including luggage transport in the bus. Please contact us for a booking by mail or phone.

Our berth in Vienna is usually located on the Donauraum Vienna , close to the Reichsbrücke. You will receive further information with your travel documents two weeks before the start of your trip.  If you are traveling to Vienna in your own car, here is our recommendation for a nearby parking garage: P+R Reichsbrücke Handelskai 255 Leopoldstadt 1020 Vienna 

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Do you have questions or want to book a trip? We are happy to help you.

+49 (0) 211 274 032 50

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Danube River Cruise Bike Tours

Step aboard your elegant floating hotel and let the Danube River be your guide through history. Germany’s fairy-tale Bavaria, the Czech Republic’s pastoral Bohemia, Austria’s idyllic vineyards, Prague, Vienna, Budapest... some of Europe’s most glorious ports of call are yours to discover. Venture ashore and explore charming towns and bucolic countryside on foot or by bike. On board the ship, enjoy an array of culinary options and comforts while cruising onward toward the next adventure. And relish the convenience of only unpacking once on these one-of-a-kind Danube river cruises, which combine the magic of active travel with the luxury of a small ship river cruise. 

The banks of the Danube are soaked in history, having witnessed the rise and fall of countless empires. Our Danube river cruises highlight the eagerness of residents of the Czech Republic, or Austria, or Hungary, to share their cultures and display their proud pasts. Behind the towering cathedrals and grand palaces are local stories of people free to thrive in a hopeful present. 

Ready to join us and discover these incredible countries for yourself? Explore all our Danube river cruises below. We hope to see you out on the river soon! 

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Choosing The Best Danube River Cruise For You

Let the beautiful Danube, the "River of Kings," waltz its way into your heart on an unforgettable journey. Find the best Tauck Danube River cruise for you and follow its siren song past medieval towns, romantic castles and lush vineyards.

Best For First Timers - The Blue Danube

Is the Danube truly blue? While composer Johann Strauss may have taken a few liberties with the Danube's color, he was right about one thing: it is certainly beautiful! The reviews agree: The Blue Danube is Tauck's #1 best-selling itinerary worldwide. You'll see why as you soak up picturesque scenery on a 12-day journey through five countries with stops in Prague, Bratislava, Regensburg, Vienna, Budapest and Salzburg.

Life onboard our best-rated river cruise line is one of refined pleasures. Along the way, you'll discover architectural and cultural treasures, taste locally made wine and dine like an aristocrat at Tauck Exclusive private royal palace dinners. Your Danube River Cruise begins and ends with 2-night stays at premier, city-center hotels in Budapest and Prague, as well as a 2-day docking mid-cruise in Vienna—giving you ample opportunity to further explore these romantic capitals of Europe.

View the full itinerary for the Blue Danube River Cruise here.

The river is ready for adventure, the hills are alive with music and medieval castles are game for modern play on the best-rated Blue Danube: Family Riverboat Adventure . Tauck has thought of everything to make your family vacation stress-free and full of fun. This 8-day river cruise takes you through four countries with stops along the way for geocaching, marzipan making, and bicycling along the Danube. Discover the secrets of a royal maze, see a knight's tournament and, of course, eat strudel!

Experience family harmony on a tour of Salzburg, where you'll step into scenes straight out of the classic family film The Sound of Music . Everyone will thrill to iconic views from atop the 19th-century Riesenrad (giant Ferris wheel) at the Vienna Prater, one of the world's oldest amusement parks. And fairytales come true at a Tauck Exclusive: a private dinner with Viennese entertainment, held in the ballroom of a Baroque palace.

View the full itinerary for Tauck's Family Danube River Cruise .

Best For Experienced Travelers - Royal Danube, Berlin & Kraków

Enjoy more time to discover the Danube east of Vienna on the 14-day Royal Danube, Berlin & Kraków . This insightful, revealing excursion begins and ends with 3-night stays in premier, city-center hotels in Berlin and Kraków. In between, your river cruise will take you past picture-perfect scenery, with stops to sample wines in the Wachau Valley and party like its 1799 in Vienna at a Tauck Exclusive palace dinner. Another must-see is the impressive Danube Gorge at the confluence of the Danube River and Danube-Main Canal.

While your itinerary features unforgettable outings (like dining underground in the Wieliczka Salt Mine near Kraków), you're also free to customize as you please. Learn more about WWII history or make a pilgrimage to the home of Wagner and Liszt. Visit an ancient abbey or a working BMW factory. Take a boat ride, bike ride or a mountain tram. Pay tribute to an unlikely hero at Schindler's Factory or breathe in views and fresh air at Poland's best-known mountain resort. This is the Danube, your way!

Explore Tauck's Poland River Cruise today!

What is the best time to experience a celebration 700 years strong? Join Tauck in November and December for Christmas Markets Along the Danube . This 8-day river cruise unwraps all of the charms and treats of this age-old tradition. The festivities begin as you join the crew and your fellow travelers in trimming the riverboat's Christmas tree. You'll definitely be in the holiday spirit as you visit Christmas markets in Vienna, Salzburg, Passau, Regensburg and Nürnberg. Whether called Christkindlmarkt or Weihnachsmarkt , each one sparkles with unique character that you won't want to miss!

This river cruise is truly a feast for the senses. You'll see why as you nibble gingerbread and bratwurst, listen to impressive pipe organs and heavenly choirs, sip warming mugs of glühwein and gaze at stands loaded with local crafts. Be sure to save room for wonderful outings, including a tour of the Baroque Melk Abbey, a chance to explore Thurn und Taxis Palace and its private Christmas market in Regensburg and a holiday lunch and choir performance at Vienna's Palais Pallavicini.

Explore Tauck's Danube Christmas Markets River Cruise .

Best For Music Lovers - Musical Magic Along the Blue Danube

Pay homage to the river that inspired a beloved waltz and was home to the world's most lauded composers. Musical Magic Along the Blue Danube is a 12-day "master class" in musical greatness, as you revel in the prodigious talents of Mozart, Beethoven, Bartók, Schubert, Liszt, Strauss, Haydn and more.

Your itinerary is a glorious full-out symphony of Tauck Exclusive experiences. In Budapest – where you'll stay two nights in a premier, centrally located hotel—enjoy a guided tour of the gilded 1884 State Opera House. On board your river cruise, you'll be immersed in workshops, seminars and performances by Tauck's "maestros." Listen to works from Mozart's operas, as well as a fascinating talk by a Mozarteum University professor, in Salzburg. And the crescendo of your musical journey is a visit to Vienna, the Imperial City. Sit in on an orchestra rehearsal at Auersperg Palace before a night you'll never forget: a gala evening at Palais Ferstel, with a sumptuous dinner, orchestra, ballet, and Mozart…now that's musical magic!

Learn about our music-focused Danube River Tours .

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Danube river cruises: an ultimate guide to cruising Budapest and beyond

Why, when and how to sail along Europe’s second-longest river, which meanders through the likes of Vienna, Budapest and Bucharest

Its banks are lined with dramatic, unspoiled landscapes, postcard-perfect towns and villages, and grand, opulent cities . Take a river cruise down this majestic river and you’ll encounter some of the world’s most stunning countryside, including the UNESCO-protected Wachau Valley, along with an array of fascinating cultures.

Cruising Europe’s waterways is a great way to see more of the region in a short period of time than you might do by land, and a river cruise can be the ideal introduction to cruise holidays for first-timers.

While ships are smaller than those traversing across oceans, river cruise itineraries often feature big-name guests onboard – as is the case with our seven-night sailing along the Danube , when one of the UK's best-loved historians, Lucy Worsley (pictured below), joins guests on a private visit to Vienna’s Royal Lipizzaner Stables and Spanish Riding School.

What is the best time of year to cruise the Danube River?

The Danube is a year-round destination with the exception of January and February, when few cruise lines operate here. Summer, when the weather is hottest, is peak season and as a result Europe’s cities are particularly crowded. Because of that, we recommend taking a Danube river cruise in April, May, September and October. Good Housekeeping's seven-night itinerary sails in September, when the weather should still be balmy and dry, but the summer hordes have gone home.

Where does a Danube river cruise start and end?

The Danube either flows through or delineates part of the border of Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine. Many cruises traverse the stretch between the capital cities of Vienna, Austria and Budapest , Hungary, starting or ending at either location.

Our seven-night Danube river cruise with Lucy Worsley departs from the city of Engelhartszell in Austria before calling at Vienna (pictured below), the pretty town of Esztergom in Hungary and Budapest. You'll then loop back down the river, calling at Slovakia's capital Bratislava and the Wachau Valley in Austria before returning to Engelhartszell.

Is a Danube river cruise worth it?

Absolutely! If you love dazzling landscapes, magnificent architecture and fabulous food, a Danube river cruise is hard to beat. Exploring Europe by water requires no internal flights and train rides and eliminates schlepping around with your luggage in tow.

On a river cruise, you can discover multiple destinations – and even get to the heart of them with a guided tour, should you wish – in just one trip, all the while returning to the same luxurious stateroom and comfy bed each night.

What are the best things to do on a Danube river cruise?

One of the highlights of any Danube cruise is the Austrian capital, Vienna, with its musical heritage, imperial palaces, array of art museums, stunning Lipizzaner stallions, and delectable cuisine (a slice of Sachertorte chocolate cake is a must when in town!).

Secondly, Budapest, the capital of Hungary, boasts breath-taking architecture as well as historic thermal baths (pictured above), while Bratislava shouldn’t be overlooked with its lively 18th-century Old Town and impressive reconstructed hilltop castle from which you can look down over it.

Other hotspots along the Danube include the verdant Wachau Valley in Austria, which tumbles down to the riverbanks; and medieval Esztergom, Hungary’s former capital, which is home to the country’s largest church, Esztergom Basilica.

And that’s all without mentioning the entertainment and facilities onboard your ship. Join us on our seven-night Danube cruise and you’ll sail aboard A-ROSA FLORA, which boasts an onboard spa offering beauty and body treatments, gym, spacious sun deck, heated outdoor pool, outdoor restaurant with canopy top, bar and dancefloor, lounges and plenty of evening fun.

Which cruise lines offer Danube river cruises?

Among the companies offering cruises along the Danube are A-ROSA Cruises , with whom we have partnered to bring you our remarkable river cruise . A-ROSA has 20-plus years of experience in sailing couples, families, groups and solo travellers along some of Europe’s loveliest rivers in laidback style, giving you lots of freedom to explore port stops at your own pace.

How much does it cost to cruise the Danube?

Danube cruises can be great value, with our cruise through Austria, Hungary and Slovakia starting just over £2,000 per person for a week. All meals and drinks, including sparkling wines and cocktails, are included, as are snacks and afternoon tea. Also included is the use of the sauna, gym and top-deck heated swimming pool. You'll also get 15% off treatments in the onboard spa.

Sail the Danube and visit Vienna's famous riding school with Lucy Worsley in September 2024.

FIND OUT MORE

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Luxury Danube River Cruises

Searching for a top-class river cruise experience? Look no further, as our Luxury Danube river cruises will allow you to discover exceptional destinations such as Budapest and Vienna. Taste the adventure and discover new cultures while enjoying premium services and facilities. Read more on luxury river cruises .

250+ Luxury Danube river cruises with 182 reviews

• River Cruise

The Legendary Danube with 2 Nights in Prague 2024

A Taste of the Danube with 2 Nights in Vienna (Eastbound) 2024

Having been on several cruises in prior years NOTHING came even close to Avalon River cruise! Can't wait go on our next.

The beautiful blue Danube (port-to-port cruise)

The tour was very good, the crew were excellent, very helpful, approachable and informative and always available. The tours were great and the Danube is wonderful to cruise on. The food was of excellent quality but the fact that there was no choice on the menu was poor and we feel there should have been an earlier sitting for dinner, and lunch could have been a buffet. The accommodation was adequate but the shower was totally inadequate. We enjoyed the cruise

Danube Classics Vienna 2024 (8 destinations)

vrey good~vrey good~

• Christmas & New Year

Melodies of the Danube 2024

Grand Danube Cruise 2024

Danube Classics 2024

Enchanting Danube (2024) (Passau to Budapest, 2024)

This was our first river cruise and everything went beyond our expectation. Services: the staff were accommodating and helpful. Tours: various excursions to choose from for different age group and they were well-organized. Ship: beautiful boutique-design ship. The only cons is a slow Wifi connection but it ain't a big deal. There were so many onboard activity that kept us entertaining. I noticed that the cruise operates in eco-friendly manner, i.e. they eliminates sing-use plastic. That's a big plus!!!!

Classical Danube Cruise (Budapest - Passau)

We love Amadeus! There is something special, warm and welcoming about this cruise line. We've sailed on multiple other lines and Amadeus is our favorite! Immaculate ships, exceptional crew and delicious food and wines. The chef is very accommodating and tries to cater to every passengers wishes. I can't say anything but positive things about Amadeus! We are about to sail them again in September, 2023 and in April, 2024! Can't wait!

Enchantment of Eastern Europe (Start Bucharest, End Budapest)

Danube Delights (from Munich to Budapest)

German Riverscapes from Passau to Trier (Passau - Trier)

2nd Amadeus river cruise and we loved it. very laidback and enjoyable.

• Hiking & Trekking

Hiking Cruises in the Former Austro-Hungarian Empire (port-to-port cruise)

• In-depth Cultural

Delightful Danube & Prague (2024) (Prague to Budapest, 2024)

Jewels of Europe with Ljubljana & Zagreb

Luxury danube river cruise reviews.

Well looked after, very good short tour

Al-Rosa did an excellent job. Food was good and lots of it, the cabin was clean and comfortable. The staff were always friendly and helpful and Sabrina did a great job of looking after everyone and made sure that we were always at the right place at the right time. The tours were great and we enjoyed our evenings in the lounge with music and quizzes by Erich. We had a great holiday!

Danube Tours starting in:

• Budapest (78)
• Bucharest (28)
• Passau (25)
• Prague (25)
• Vienna (22)
• Nuremberg (19)
• Engelhartszell (16)
• Amsterdam (14)
• Vilshofen an der Donau (12)
• Luxury Group tours (615)
• Luxury River Cruise tours (613)
• Luxury Fully Guided tours (609)
• Luxury Explorer tours (373)
• Luxury Historical tours (270)
• Luxury Family tours (260)
• Luxury European Christmas Markets tours (81)
• Luxury Wine tasting tours (19)
• Luxury Sightseeing tours (17)
• Luxury Christmas & New Year tours (15)
• Luxury Walking Adventure tours (10)
• Luxury Partially Guided tours (6)
• Luxury Personalized tours (6)
• Luxury In-depth Cultural tours (5)
• Danube River Cities: Everything You Need to Know

Travel Styles

• Singles and Solo (387)
• For Couples (539)
• Seniors (485)

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The Blue Danube

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Uniquely Tauck

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Private Imperial Evening at a palace in Vienna featuring a gala dinner and Viennese performers

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Private aperitif and dinner in Prague at Lobkowicz Palace, Prague Castle

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – A private tour of Prague's Baroque libraries, Strahov Monastery

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

All gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director

All private Tauck shore excursions – $3,438 Value

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Guests should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.

Moderately paced, and may include some early morning hotel departures, one or two on-tour flights, and extended motor coach travel.

Exclusively inclusive river cruising

Along the "river of kings"... medieval castles and Gothic cathedrals... charming riverside villages... the Imperial treasures of the Habsburgs... lush Wachau valley vineyards... the music of Mozart... 

Tauck exclusive - imperial evening at palais pallavicini, tauck exclusive – private evening at lobkowicz palace, a tauck exclusive tour and gala evening at lobkowicz palace in prague castle, hosted by an insider.

One of the oldest and most distinguished Bohemian noble families, the Lobkowicz family has played a pivotal role in the history of Central Europe for more than six centuries. After the tumult of the 20th century and the establishment of the Czech Republic, the family recovered formerly confiscated properties including Lobkowicz Palace at Prague Castle. Opened to the public in 2007 as the Lobkowicz Palace Museum, its collections feature world-famous paintings, ceramics spanning five centuries, and much more. Favorite highlights include hand-annotated manuscripts by composers including Beethoven, Haydn and Mozart. Our Tauck Exclusive private farewell evening at Lobkowicz Palace at Prague Castle includes a private tour of the museum's collections, a reception and a gala farewell dinner, hosted by a family insider.

The River of Kings – The Danube

Everything on our danube cruise was top notch. the staff went above and beyond to accommodate us; i can't imagine a company that could be more attentive to individual needs.

Ellen Breslow, Ed.D., CCC

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Prague, Czech Republic

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About Booking This Tour

Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally , you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. You are not required to obtain a visa to enter any of these countries for the short duration of this tour.

The U.S. State Department advises that: "All foreigners seeking entry into the Czech Republic must also carry proof of a medical insurance policy contracted for payment of all costs for hospitalization and medical treatment while in the Czech Republic. According to the Czech Government, if you have a health insurance card or an internationally recognized credit card with health insurance included, it will generally be accepted as proof of insurance to enter the country."

Tauck offers travel protection that is considered sufficient for this purpose. Please refer to the Tauck Travel Protection Product section above on this webpage for further details.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally , you should contact an embassy or consulate of the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary to determine what travel documentation is required.

International maritime security guidelines require that your passport information be provided to us prior to your embarkation. You need to provide this information to us as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied. Once you board the riverboat, your passport will be held by the purser temporarily to make copies.

Please Note: Longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $900 per person

Final Payments:

Final Payment is due to Tauck  60  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Cruise Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection

Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. It must be purchased within 10 days of your initial deposit. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON and Tauck will  reduce the regular cancellation fees outlined herein, provided we are notified of cancellation before your cruise departs. Certain terms and restrictions apply (see below*).

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.  Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  Should you cancel for covered reasons, the plan reimburses cancellation fees imposed, up to your total trip cost. 
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection is:   $799   per person

This plan provides cancellation coverage for your trip and other insurance coverages that apply only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Cruise and Event Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included in initial payment. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your reservation. Cruise and Event Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACCREINTL

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit

Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees.

If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit

Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply for this tour.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan:

120 days or more before departure: Loss of cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection fee per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 25% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person 59 – 1 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan: 120 days or more before departure: $900 per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person 59 - 1 days before departure: Loss of 100% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

Tour Interruption Fees

If you have to interrupt your tour en route, you may be entitled to a refund for the unused land portion if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less a fee of $40 per person per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses.

Partial Room Cancellation

A person who cancels or leaves a tour while a roommate remains constitutes a cancellation of one type of accommodation and rebooking of another type of accommodation. The price charged to the remaining person is the new, higher price for the new accommodation.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation and transfer terms outlined herein. Note: All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS:   are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE:   Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much stricter in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Your riverboat is registered in Basel, Switzerland. Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

VACCINATIONS

If you are a resident of the U.S. , no other vaccinations are currently required for travel to the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Slovakia or Hungary. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking here .

If you are a resident of another country ,  please contact an embassy or consulate of each of the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Slovakia or Hungary to determine whether additional vaccinations are required for your travel. 

While a cruise on the Danube is very relaxing and the pace leisurely, to enjoy this cruise, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. There is a moderate to significant amount of walking during our excursions, often along cobblestone streets, and at many sites there are multiple stairs or steps; for the most part, however, the amount of walking you do is at your discretion.

Your riverboat has four decks: Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, and Sun. An elevator runs between the Diamond Deck and Emerald Deck; there is no elevator access to the Sun Deck.  There is no chair lift between any of the decks.

Because you will be cruising on a river and not on the open sea, you are never far from land and, therefore, there is no doctor on board. In case of emergency we can easily dock the boat and call for an ambulance or medical assistance.

PLEASE NOTE:  We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters.  Likewise, we regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs.  The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest.  Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate service animals on any river cruise for medical and legal reasons.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

On board the riverboat, smoking is permitted in a limited area of the Sun deck. Smoking (including e-Cigarettes) is not permitted in any cabin, the restaurant, the lounge or any other interior space.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list  here.

The climate along the Danube River is temperate and unpredictable. From June through August, the average high temperatures decrease as you travel west along the river and range from 69 to 79°F (21 to 26°C) and the average low temperatures range from 51 to 59°F (11 to 15°C). Rainfall amounts in this region remain fairly constant throughout the year, although late spring and early summer are generally the wettest seasons of the year. Opposite of temperature, rainfall increases as you travel west.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website by clicking here.

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with Necessary Gear who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is flexible and allows for layering. Casual, cotton clothing is always advisable. A light jacket or sweater for the sun deck is also recommended. Pack comfortable yet sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in, as many of the sites visited were built centuries ago and have uneven surfaces, some steep inclines and many steps.

During evenings aboard the riverboat, dress is resort casual.  Items such as slacks and collared shirts are appropriate for men.  For women, slacks, a dress or a skirt and blouse are suitable.  For dinner and throughout the evening, guests should refrain from wearing shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops or sneakers.  Your journey also includes one or two special occasion dinners, where a sport coat and tie for gentlemen and a dress/pantsuit for ladies are suggested.  (Your Tauck Director will advise you prior to those evenings.)

Bathrobes, slippers and hairdryers are provided in each guest room at the hotel(s) and in each cabin on board the riverboat.

Valet laundry service is available at the hotel(s) and on the riverboat for a fee. There is no valet dry cleaning available on the riverboat. Ironing facilities on the riverboat are available by request to the front desk. Category 7 cabins feature their own irons and ironing boards.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed. No medications are sold on board the riverboat.

We recommend you pack the following items for your cruise on the Danube:

• Flat, rubber-soled walking shoes for onboard
• Sturdy but comfortable walking shoes that have already been broken-in for onshore
• Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
• Sport jacket and optional tie for men
• Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
• A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Travel alarm clock/ cell phone with alarm functions
• Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Reusable zipper-lock bags or other waterproof bags
• Daypack for camera equipment
• Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your ship cabin while traveling

The Tauck Experience

Tauck's River Cruise Guide

Danube river facts, first timer's guide, why take a tauck river cruise, choosing the best european river cruise for you.

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The best boutique river cruise lines

Regardless of which of the world’s waterways you choose for your next river cruise, these brands will ensure the voyage is not easily forgotten

From the Mekong to the Danube, these boutique river cruise lines offer some of the best inland cruise experiences. These top cruise lines offer unique onshore experiences while prioritising sustainability in their operations. Without further ado, let’s dive in to the best of boutique river cruising.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Set sail aboard Uniworld Boutique River Cruise in destinations across Europe, Egypt, Southeast Asia, India and Peru. The fleet’s ships have an average capacity of 120 guests and the fleet boasts one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios. Guests aboard a Uniworld cruise can expect high quality shore excursions, gourmet cuisine, hospitality and all-inclusive benefits. Plus, Uniworld was 2023’s Gold List Award winner for the Luxury Ocean Or River Cruise Brand (With Ships Under 300 Guests) category.

Uniworld’s fleet features 17 ships – with an 18th set to debut in 2025 – that are crafted to reflect the destinations in which they sail. The fully-immersive approach includes farm-to-table cuisine with local delicacies and fine wines served daily as well as all-inclusive amenities.

Sustainability is at the heart of Uniworld operations with sustainable attention given to both on- and off-shore activities. As a signatory of the Glasgow Declaration, Uniworld is committed to limiting carbon emissions while holding other travel companies and organisations accountable. Some of the other sustainability initiatives undertaken by Uniworld include reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050, partnering with Leanpath to reduce onboard food waste and a ban on 60 types of single-use plastics. Guests aboard a Uniworld cruise can take part in a Make Travel Matter Experience, which is designed to advance at one of the United Nations Global Goals. Such experiences include visiting the Calcutta Rescue, meeting the women who run the Iraq Al-Amir Women’s Cooperative, visiting Weinessiggut Doktorenhof for vinegar tasting and tasting the chocolates, jams and honeys at Wachau Saffron Manufactory.

Unique experiences aboard a Uniworld cruise include the Cruise & Rail itineraries which allow guests to see more of their chosen destination by combining the two travel methods. These distinct trips are currently on offer in Europe and India.

Uniworld prides itself on its all-inclusive amenities that include daily shore excursions, meals, beverages, room service, Wi-Fi, gratuities and complimentary laundries with Miele appliances. Its crew-to-guest ratio is one of the highest in the river cruise industry, making cruising with Uniworld a truly special experience.

uniworld.com

Avalon Waterways

A trip aboard Avalon Waterways takes all of the little details into account: from ‘relaxed luxury’ to an all-inclusive experience that features complimentary bikes and the AvalonGO app for personalised travel tips. With a fleet of 19 ships, Avalon takes guests to locations across Europe, Southeast Asia, Egypt, Peru and the Galapagos Islands . Avalon Waterways ships accommodate an average of 150 guests.

Avalon Panorama Suites fit cabins with open-air balconies, ensuring an unobstructed view from the edge of the guestroom to the world beyond. These Panorama Suites offer views 30% larger than the industry average. Beds facing the open-air balcony ensure that views beyond the cabin window are still accessible while relaxing.

Guests aboard Active and Discovery cruises can choose from Active, Discovery and Classic excursions daily. With up to 28 excursion options, the Active and Discovery itineraries let travellers craft a truly unique trip. Special interest itineraries include beer, wine, history, photography, and celebrity-hosted Storyteller Series sailings.

Cuisine on Avalon ships is farm-to-fork and features locally sourced ingredients and regional wines. Avalon Waterways and its parent company, Globus, partner with several organisations like Trees4Travel and The Ocean Cleanup to ensure sustainability measures are met. Attained sustainability goals include eliminating single-use plastics on ships and in corporate offices, investing in local farmers, using shore energy at dozens of ports while docked and reducing onboard paper waste by 80%. Future plans include installing electric bow thrusters and adopting bio-fuel to reduce carbon emissions by 50%.

avalonwaterways.com.au

Scenic River Cruises

Australian cruise line Scenic offers all-inclusive river getaways in Europe and Southeast Asia. Guests voyaging in Europe can choose from active excursions like Kayak on the Pinhão River, cultural activities such as taking a day excursion to the Normandy beaches or interactive excursions like shopping with a chef in Avignon. Those travelling with Scenic can choose from active, moderate and relaxed excursions. Examples include a tethered balloon ride in Siem Reap, cruising Tonlé Sap Lake and a lantern making class in Hoi An, respectively.

Unique experiences onboard include cooking classes in the dedicated cheese and wine cellars of Scenic DIamond and Scenic Sapphire. These two vessels were redesigned to better satisfy customers’ luxury needs, such as reducing the number of cabins onboard to create two large Royal Owner’s Suites. A vitality pool and expanded wellness centre were also added.

scenic.com.au

Tauck takes guests to European destinations near various rivers such as the Rhine, Rhône, Douro, Seine and Danube. With nine vessels (that’s five more than they had in 2014!), Tauck offers a variety of experiences across its growing fleet. Tauck prides itself on cultural experiences, with river cruise options ranging from a private tour of the baroque libraries of Prague to an imperial evening in Vienna. They also host Christmas Market cruises on the Danube and Rhine rivers as well as from Amsterdam to Brussels.

tauck.com.au

Viking River Cruises

Viking’s river cruise offerings range across Europe, Southeast Asia, Egypt and North America’s Mississippi River. Viking prides itself upon its culturally immersive cruises with unique options including Christmas Market adventures on the Seine, Moselle, Main, Elbe, Danube and Rhine rivers as well as tulip peeing trips in the Netherlands.

Onboard, Scandinavian touches accentuate each trip from the vessel’s shape to the interior design and decor choices. Dining is destination-focused, meaning that meal options onboard reflect those available ashore.

vikingrivercruises.com

Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent’s river cruises offer intimate luxury aboard each voyage in Europe, Egypt , China and Southeast Asia. A&K is the only one on this list to offer river cruises in China. From Beijing to Shanghai, guests aboard one of these voyages will see iconic destinations such as the Great Wall, the terracotta warriors in Xian and the three gorges of the Yangtze River.

A&K’s Connections river cruises take guests to Prague and the Danube as well as Switzerland and the Rhine. Luxury European canal barge cruises carry travellers on smaller waterways aboard a ‘floating country inn.’ These small group voyages are limited to 20 or fewer passengers, depending on the barge. Destinations include the Scottish highlands, Britain’s Thames River, Germany’s Moselle River, various French waterways and Holland.

abercrombiekent.com

Riviera River Cruises

Exclusive to Europe, Riviera focuses on bringing the history and culture of a destination to guests. The fleet’s 16 river cruise ships – most of which are named for famous authors – sail on seven rivers plus the Dutch waterways. One of Riviera’s more unique offerings is its solo travellers’ cruises, which exclude singles’ supplements – where an additional fee is placed on those booking a room solo. Solo trips are currently available in Portugal, France, Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands.

rivierarivercruises.com

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8 best river cruises in Europe, from the Douro to the Danube

E urope is a continent built on its rivers, with many having played a vital role in the formation and development of its most important cities. From the Thames to the Tiber, they are a ever-flowing reminder of the continent’s long and varied history.

The opportunity to sail along these rivers, among the world’s most beautiful and peaceful waterways, is a temptation that’s easily given in to. Of course, a river cruise is about more than just spending time floating on the water (although that option is available, should you wish). It’s about the towns, cities and landmarks along the way.

These trips will take you on a relaxing and slow-paced journey to vineyards and valleys, tours and excursions, returning each night to your own floating hotel. Each day offers quick stops to discover some of the continent’s most important culture at your own pace.

The Independent has rounded up eight of the best Europe river cruise packages, from epic continental crossing and to the finest Christmas markets to explore.

Capitals of Eastern Europe, Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises’ Capitals of Eastern Europe itinerary is a 16-night trip covering the main cities on the Danube. It sets sail from Vienna, the elegant and sophisticated Austrian capital, and it finishes in Constanta, Romania, before a quick final journey over land to Bucharest to end your trip with a two-night stay.

Read more on Europe travel :

• Best European holiday destinations to visit by train from London
• Escape to the Chateaux: Why you should book a trip to the Loire Valley
• Best budget European city breaks for your 2023 bucket list

On the way you’ll visit a host of towns in Hungary, Serbia and even Bulgaria, but on this trip the bigger cities are the main attraction. Vienna is followed by Bratislava – where Baroque palaces meet a typically Eastern European Old Town – and then Budapest . The Hungarian capital is a highlight: from festooned “ruin bars” and thermal baths to a spectacular neo-Gothic parliament building, the city has a wide variety of architecture, activities and things to do.

How to book

The tour lasts for 17 days, starting from £3,795pp. This price includes return flights, one excursion in each port of call and all meals. vikingrivercruises.co.uk

North Rhine & The Netherlands, TUI

Alongside the Danube, the Rhine is one of Europe’s main cruise rivers. Many operators have several Rhine packages; TUI’s offering covers a stellar range of cities for a very affordable price. It’s ships have two dining options (a bistro and a more formal restaurant) with al fresco seating, as well as a wellness and activity area on the top deck. No excursions are included, but this does give you free rein to choose whatever activities you like.

The first two days are spent in Amsterdam , where you’ll have ample time to wander its canals and green spaces, such as the Vondelpark, or visit attractions such as the Anne Frank museum, Van Gogh museum and Rijksmuseum.

Days three and four bring you to Rotterdam and Dusseldorf. You can enjoy the port area in Netherlands ’ second city or simply marvel at its dramatically different modern architecure, while Dusseldorf provides a variety of museums and concerts alongside a lively Old Town. On days five to seven, you’ll visit four picturesque riverside cities and towns: Bonn, Koblenz, Boppard and Oberwesel. There are waterfront bars and restaurants galore, and each has its own slice of history (think of a Beethoven museum in Bonn and a memorial to the ruler who united Germany in Koblenz).

From £1,219pp for this seven-night trip, including three meals per day (you can add coffees, alcohol and other drinks on an all-inclusive basis for an extra £20 per night) and return flights. tui.co.uk

The Douro, Riviera Travel

A trip along the northern Douro river can offer views to rival even the most idyllic of Algarve beaches. This trip starts in Porto , where bars and restaurants line the banks in the Ribeira (Riverside) district, but it is worth climbing the various hills to see other areas and sites, such as the cathedral and Dom Luis I Bridge.

After setting off along the Douro, your first two stops are Pinhao – a picturesque wine town, famous for being at the heart of the Port-producing region of the country – and Castelo Rodrigo, a 12th-century walled village located in the highlands. Day four will see you visit Salamanca, the Spanish sandstone city famous for its cathedrals and university.

The next two days are spent in Peso da Régua and Lamego – two small hillside towns – before returning to Porto on day seven. The cruises ends here but the holiday isn’t; this package also contains a three-night stay in Lisbon . After travelling to the capital by coach, you’ll visit the nearby towns of Coimbra (day eight) and Sintra (day 10), while you’ll have a day in the capital sandwiched in between; while in Lisbon, take in the city’s unique Manueline and Pombaline architecture while wandering through its grand squares, and visit Sao Jorge castle or the city’s famous Time Out Market.

This 11-day cruise is priced from £2,128pp, including all meals on board, excursions, airport transfers and coach travel where necessary.  rivieratravel.co.uk

The Rhone, Scenic Cruises

Scenic Cruises’ luxury Rhone sailing takes you through some of the best sections of southern France , starting in Lyon . The regional capital has 2,000 years of history, so it’s blessed with a Roman amphitheatre right through to a Renaissance Old Town. Your first trip will take you north along the Saone river to Macon, a famous wine region in Burgundy.

The next two towns, Vienne and Viviers, offer spectacular views of the Rhone before you arrive in Avignon for two nights. You can enjoy a private concert at the Palais des Papes – once a Papal residence – as well as a cooking class onboard, but a visit to the city itself is worth it to wander its narrow streets and charming squares, starting with the Place de l’Horloge. Your final day takes you to Arles, at the mouth of the Rhone – from here, you can travel home, stay in the city or carry on towards Marseille .

Prices start at £1,863pp for the eight-day cruise. The package includes 20 meals, the premium concert experience, cooking lessons and 19 shore activities, ranging from walking tours to wine tastings. scenic.co.uk

Holland & Belgium, Avalon Waterways

Avalon’s eight-day cruise of the Low Countries is an excellent way to experience some of the region’s best cities in a relaxing way. It starts and ends in Amsterdam , where you’ll have a number of nights to wander its scenic network of canals lined with beautiful 17th-century buildings.

When you move onto Belgium, you’ll visit Ghent , Brussels and Antwerp on consecutive days. More tranquil canals await you in Ghent, and those who enjoy being by the water can continue this in Antwerp’s waterfront area. Brussels has more than its fair share of landmarks and museums (all centred around Grand Place, main square and Unesco Heritage Site), but the Royal Museum of Fine Arts (Antwerp) and St Bavo’s Cathedral (Ghent) are definitely places to visit during the other stops. Day six will take you to Rotterdam before you head back to the Dutch capital.

From £1,635pp. Meals and some activities are included; there are additional excursions in each destination that can be purchased. avalonwaterways.co.uk

Danube Delights, Emerald Cruises

This trip from Emerald Cruises takes you along the famous river to Regensburg. It starts with two nights in Budapest , with a traditional Hungarian folklore show and tour of Buda Hill on offer, along with any solo sightseeing you’d like to do. Days three and four take you to Bratislava and Vienna, where you can enjoy cycling tours and hikes.

Krems and Durnstein are the last two stops in Austria before you head to Passau, the German “City of Three Rivers”. At the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, the city is home to an impressive cathedral and Old Town. After disembarking at Regensburg, you make your way to Munich , where a good plan is to spend time exploring the Bavarian capital before you fly home.

From £1,995pp for this eight-day cruise, which includes five guided tours, 20 meals and complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board. emeraldcruises.co.uk

Christmas Markets on the Rhine, Ama Waterways

There’s something quite special about experienceing Christmas celebrations on a river cruise through Europe. On this AmaWaterways voyage, you sail the Rhine, boarding in Amsterdam and with a first stop in Cologne. The Gothic cathedral provides the backdrop for one of the country’s best Christmas markets, where you’ll find dozens of stalls selling festive items, many of it handmade. Other markets include the more elaborate Heinzels Wintermärchen in the Old Town and the Markt der Engel (a more rustic affair in the city’s Neumarkt square). For those who want to mix in a bit of sightseeing, the Museum Ludwig and Roman-Germanic Museum can give you a taste of arts and history.

Next on the itinerary you’ll visit the German towns of Heidelberg and Speyer, where more markets await, before arriving in Strasbourg, France. Here you’ll find an eclectic mix of French and German culture, a warm festive spirit and plenty of opportunities to wander the markets that are spread throughout the town. Wander further afield and you’ll find Petite France, a pretty district known for cobblestone streets and canals. Holidaymarkers return to Germany for the penultimate stop in Breisach, before disembarking in Basel (though you can always stay in Switzerland for a taste of Swiss Christmas markets).

From £2,254, including meals and some activitie; flights and airport transfer not included. amawaterways.co.uk

European Sojourn, Viking River Cruises

This ultimate itinerary bisects Europe to take passengers from Amsterdam to Bucharest, via sections of the Rhine, Main and Danube among other European rivers. Along the way, passngers will visit some of Europe’s principal cities – think Budapest, Amsterdam and Vienna – smaller (but just as beautiful) riverside settlements such as Passau and Bamberg, and lesser-known towns including Vidin and Kolocsa.

Hidden gems range from Melk, an Austrian town in the underrated Wachau Valley wine-making region, Osijek, the fourth-largest city in Croatia, and Kinderdijk, a Dutch village famous for its set of 19 windmills. With 23 days, eight countries, 20 towns and cities, and at least 10 Unesco World Heritage Sites, there’ll be plenty to see as you traverse the length of central Europe.

From £5,395pp, including flights, 19 guided tours, all meals, transfers and amenities. vikingrivercruises.co.uk

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