Austria, Germany and Switzerland River Cruises
What if castles lined both sides of the river for miles? The Rhine Gorge does exactly that, and you lose count of fortresses. Vienna's palaces impress, Strasbourg's cathedral punches skyward, and the Glacier Express winds through Swiss Alps scenery. Amsterdam's canals work perfectly for evening cruises, Heidelberg Castle stores that enormous wine barrel, and Nuremberg's Christmas markets transform the squares. A true expedition.
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10 best river cruises through Austria, Germany and Switzerland
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SteffAustria, Germany and Switzerland travel expert at TourRadar
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- Jewels of Europe with Wonders of Switzerland & Austria 2026|2027
- Jewels of Europe with Wonders of Switzerland & Austria 2026 - 29 Days (from Zurich to Amsterdam)
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Duration 29 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Switzerland Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $28,845
32% Off- US$19,750You save $9,095
Luxury Scenic Space-Ships glide through three countries from Basel's cultural sites to Black Forest's Breisach and Neuschwanstein Castle. Butler service and premium beverages accompany wine tasting in Moselle Valley vineyards.
Duration 20 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $13,775
14% Off- US$11,824You save $1,951
Sail aboard the Avalon Tranquility II through Austria's UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley, cruising past vineyards to Dürnstein and Melk's Benedictine Abbey. Your ship navigates Germany's Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim where you'll tour the Mechanical Music Museum and try Rüdesheimer coffee. In France, you'll see Strasbourg's Gothic cathedral in the La Petite France District. Panorama Suites feature Open-Air Balconies, and the ship includes daily happy hours with house beer and wine plus complimentary Wi-Fi. You can bike along the Rhine with your Adventure Host in Breisach, Germany's gateway to the Black Forest, before the cruise ends in Basel, Switzerland.
Duration 18 days Destinations Hungary, Austria, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
14% Off- US$8,967+$495 upfront costs
Three countries unveil their waterways from Basel's markets to Germany's Heidelberg Castle and Austria's Melk Abbey. Premium accommodations complement Christmas traditions in the Rhine, Main, and Danube valleys.
Duration 16 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Austria Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
14% Off- US$13,432+$495 upfront costs
Sail aboard the 5-star Scenic Jewel Space-Ship with 53 crew members serving 50 guests, cruising the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers for 14 nights. You'll glide through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge viewing 40 hilltop castles, dock in Dürnstein's Wachau Valley vineyards, and cruise the Danube Gorge to Weltenburg Abbey founded in 600AD. Scenic Enrich experiences include a classical concert at Vienna's Palais Liechtenstein and gala dinner at Bonn's La Redoute recital hall.
Duration 29 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Switzerland Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $28,530
31% Off- US$19,760You save $8,770
Sail the Danube, Main, and Rhine rivers aboard Scenic Jasper or Scenic Jewel, both featuring 169 guests and Balcony Suites with Scenic Sun Lounges. You'll glide through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge past 40 hilltop castles, then see Amsterdam's 16th-century canals on a private boat tour. The ship cruises to Weltenburg Abbey, Bavaria's oldest monastery founded in 600 AD. In Switzerland, you'll travel the iconic Golden Pass Train and Glacier Express through the Alps before boarding your 5-star Space-Ship in Budapest.
Duration 29 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Netherlands Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $19,436
10% Off- US$17,485You save $1,951
Sail 14 nights aboard the 5-star Scenic Jewel from Budapest to Amsterdam, navigating the Danube, Main, and Rhine rivers with a maximum of 50 guests. You'll attend an exclusive classical concert at Vienna's Palais Liechtenstein and have a gala dinner at Bonn's La Redoute Recital Hall. The ship sails through the 65-kilometer Rhine Gorge, passing Lorelei Rock and medieval fortresses between Rüdesheim and Bonn.
Duration 29 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Netherlands Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $28,180
31% Off- US$19,585You save $8,595
Sail through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge past the iconic Lorelei statue and over 40 hilltop castles, then cruise the terraced vineyards of the Moselle Valley from Cochem's medieval Reichsburg Castle to Bernkastel's historic market square. You'll stay aboard the 5-star Scenic Pearl, accommodating up to 167 guests with 50 crew members, as you glide through charming riverside villages like Rüdesheim and the Alsace wine region from Strasbourg.
Duration 29 days Destinations Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $34,480
34% Off- US$22,735You save $11,745
Duration 18 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $18,450
47% Off- US$9,705You save $8,745
Brewing traditions come alive across three countries' waterways. Bamberg's historic breweries, Frankfurt's craft beer tastings, and Black Forest villages showcase local culture. Expert beer lectures aboard Avalon Tranquility II complement UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Duration 16 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
47% Off- US$8,398+$495 upfront costs
What our customers ask about Austria, Germany and Switzerland River Cruises
What are the best months to take a river cruise through Austria, Germany and Switzerland?
River cruises through these European waterways operate from April to October with the height of the season falling in July and August. Weather conditions along both the Rhine and Danube are most reliable during these summer months. Cities like Basel Strasbourg Vienna and Budapest enjoy temperatures between 75-85°F (24-29°C). Recent travelers note the favorable conditions particularly in the Rhine Gorge where clear summer skies enhance the river experience.
What key destinations and landmarks are typically included on Austria, Germany and Switzerland river cruises?
The route takes passengers through a rich tapestry of European culture and history. Stops include Vienna's grand Schönbrunn Palace the castle-dotted Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO site) Strasbourg's towering Gothic Cathedral and Basel's well-preserved Old Town. Beyond the major cities smaller towns like Dürnstein Breisach and Rüdesheim offer authentic local experiences. These destinations provide a balanced mix of architectural grandeur natural beauty and cultural heritage.
What are the most scenic stretches along Austria, Germany and Switzerland river cruises?
The journey's visual highlights center around three main areas: the Rhine Gorge where 40 medieval castles line a 65-kilometer stretch the Wachau Valley in Austria with its patchwork of vineyards and historic villages and the dense Black Forest near Basel. The Melk Abbey perched above the Danube provides another notable viewpoint while Basel serves as a picturesque meeting point of three countries. Each section of the river tells its own story through the landscape.
What kind of cabin options are available on Austria, Germany and Switzerland river cruise ships?
River vessels offer accommodations ranging from standard rooms to premium suites. The Avalon Panorama serves as a good example with its 172-square-foot Deluxe Staterooms 200-square-foot Panorama Suites (featuring convertible Open-Air balconies) and 300-square-foot Royal Suites. Standard amenities across all cabin types include hotel-style beds private bathrooms climate control and river-view windows. Single travelers can book dedicated solo cabins available on most ships.
How much free time is typically available during port stops in Austria, Germany and Switzerland?
Port visits strike a balance between structured tours and independent exploration. Stops generally last 6-12 hours starting with guided morning excursions followed by free afternoons. Larger cities such as Vienna Basel and Nuremberg often include overnight stays. This scheduling allows guests to experience evening activities or simply explore at their own pace. Some itineraries build in full free days especially in destinations like Salzburg or the Black Forest region.
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