River Cruise Tours & Trips in Austria and Germany
Ever fancied cruising between Austria and Germany? Danube cruises are the way. Visit Vienna, Wachau Valley, and Bavaria's towns, maybe reaching Regensburg or Nuremberg. These cruises mix Austrian elegance with German history, wine regions with beer culture. You'll explore Christmas markets if timing's right, taste regional food and see Central Europe from peaceful river perspectives.
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Rick • traveled in January, 2026
We totally enjoyed our late October cruise even though groups from Spain and Germany were in the majority. City visits were brief and our boat seemed often to be moored in the furthest port from the sights. By engaging local guides through Viator we saw and learned a lot. Bring your walking shoes and use the excellent inexpensive public transportation. Food was excellent, each meal had several courses and there were choices. Staff was helpful, unobtrusive and friendly. Entertainment was one DJ and the music was not what we are used to hearing. Lounges were spacious and had comfy furniture along with lots of windows. Expect to go thru lots of locks. Overall it was a great way to experience the sights and sounds several cities.
Classical Danube (Passau - Budapest - Passau) MS Fidelio - K
Kathleen • traveled in April, 2026
Excellent! We loved this cruise. The staff, food and rooms were great. Would recommend to everyone.
Danube Classics 2027
10 best River Cruise Austria and Germany tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaAustria and Germany travel expert at TourRadar
- Danube Symphony with 1 Night in Budapest (Westbound) 2026
- Danube Symphony with 1 Night in Budapest & 2 Nights in Munich (Westbound) 2026
- Melodies of the Danube 2026
- Jewels of Europe with Prague 2026 - 18 Days (18 destinations)
- Danube Delights 2024|2025|2026
- Blue Danube Discovery 2027
- Across Europe - Budapest to Amsterdam (Budapest - Amsterdam)
- Blue Danube (Nuremberg - Budapest)
- Vineyards & Palaces along the Danube with Prague (2026) (Vienna to Prague, 2026)
- Cruise through the Heart of Europe from the Rhine to the Danube (from Vienna to Strasbourg)
Duration 7 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
- US$4,955+$165 upfront costs
Duration 9 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
- US$6,204
Premium ships glide through Austria and Germany's scenic routes. The journey includes Vienna's Opera House, UNESCO-listed Melk Abbey, medieval Dürnstein, and wraps up with Vilshofen's exclusive Oktoberfest celebration.
Duration 8 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany Age Range Ages 12+ Operator AmaWaterways From
- US$3,899+$250 upfront costs
Duration 18 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $8,990
12% Off- US$7,933You save $1,057
The Emerald Star-Ship winds through Austria and Germany's waterways, showcasing Göttweig Abbey and Dürnstein Castle. Float through the UNESCO Wachau Valley, admire Vienna's Kunsthistorisches Museum, and step into Regensburg's medieval charm with expert guides.
Duration 8 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From
12% Off- US$7,190
Duration 8 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany Age Range Ages 12+ Operator AmaWaterways From
12% Off- US$3,599+$280 upfront costs
Start at Budapest's Castle Hill and make your way to Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace, then walk through Regensburg's UNESCO-listed Old Town with a traditional brewery tasting. The route includes a stop at Dürnstein's iconic blue church in the Wachau Valley and a tour of Würzburg's baroque Residence before reaching the Rhine. Sail aboard the AMADEUS Aurea, which has 12 balcony suites and 67 panoramic cabins, with stops in Passau, Bamberg, and Cologne.
Duration 15 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Netherlands Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From
12% Off- US$5,238
What our customers ask about River Cruise Tours & Trips in Austria and Germany
What are the best times of year to take an Austria and Germany river cruise?
River cruises run from April through October along the waterways of Austria and Germany. Spring months (April-May) offer pleasant temperatures and riverside flowers. Summer (June-August) provides long daylight hours ideal for sightseeing in cities like Vienna and Budapest. Fall cruises (September-October) let travelers see autumn foliage and wine harvests in places like the Wachau Valley. A TourRadar traveler noted: "We had perfect weather in October for exploring charming medieval towns like Dürnstein and enjoying the fall colors along the Danube."
What are the most popular ports and destinations visited on Austria and Germany river cruises?
Key stops include Vienna where travelers can visit Schönbrunn Palace Passau located where three rivers meet and Melk known for its Benedictine Abbey. The UNESCO World Heritage Wachau Valley wine region draws visitors throughout the season. Ships dock at historic towns like Dürnstein Regensburg with its preserved medieval center and Linz. According to a TourRadar traveler review: "The variety of ports was excellent - from grand cities like Vienna to charming small towns like Melk. The Wachau Valley scenery was absolutely stunning from the ship's deck."
What's included in the dining experience on Austria and Germany river cruises?
The dining program focuses on regional dishes made with local ingredients. Scenic Cruises provides five distinct restaurants ranging from casual spots to upscale dining rooms with complimentary wine and beer. Local food experiences often feature Austrian coffee and pastries Bavarian sausage tasting in Regensburg and wine sampling in Wachau Valley. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The food was exceptional - we enjoyed everything from traditional Wiener Schnitzel in Vienna to fresh-baked pretzels in Bavaria paired with regional wines."
What type of accommodations can I expect on an Austria and Germany river cruise?
Ships like S.S. Maria Theresa and Scenic Crystal provide accommodations from standard rooms to premium suites equipped with panoramic windows or balconies. Rooms come with private bathrooms temperature control and entertainment systems. The Scenic Crystal offers butler service and features convertible balcony windows. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "Our Panorama Suite on the Scenic Crystal was spacious and beautifully appointed with floor-to-ceiling windows that transformed into an open-air balcony."
What are the unique cultural experiences offered on Austria and Germany river cruises?
Each region provides local cultural activities onboard and on land. Programs include wine tasting at venues like Schloss Gobelsburg concerts at Vienna's Musikverein and guided tours of Melk Abbey a UNESCO site. Seasonal events range from Oktoberfest in Vilshofen to winter Christmas markets. A TourRadar traveler highlighted "The exclusive evening at a traditional Heuriger wine tavern in Vienna and the private organ concert at Passau's St. Stephen's Cathedral were unforgettable experiences."
How much does an Austria and Germany river cruise typically cost?
Cruise fares range from 2430 USD to 11180 USD per person based on the cruise line cabin choice and travel dates. Premium operators like Scenic and Uniworld command higher rates but include more services while companies like Lueftner Cruises offer mid-range options. An 8-day Danube voyage on Scenic starts at 9590 USD per person whereas Lueftner's similar route begins at 2430 USD. A TourRadar traveler noted "While not inexpensive the all-inclusive nature of our Scenic cruise made it good value for the experience provided."