Danube River Cruises
Romance, power, and history await along the River Danube, sweeping through many stunning countries. Stop off and explore unforgettable cities, like Vienna and its classic architecture, Bratislava and its Old Town, and Budapest with its iconic Parliament building. Enjoy a walking tour with local guides during the day and kick back and relax on board in the evenings.
Excellent
- Choose from 550+ Danube tours
- 800+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
- H
Heather • traveled in October, 2025
Excellent value for money. Food was great although breakfast was a little bland. Ran out of black tea a couple of days before the tour ended and this was not replenished. The wait staff in both the bar and dining area were excellent. However the reception staff were not helpful and always seemed cranky. More entertainment especially on days when the ship was not docked would be good.
Danube Serenade: Romantic Journey from Turnu Magurele (Bucharest) to Vienna, MS Fidelio - G
Gary • traveled in October, 2025
A lovely trip in spite of the weather. The crew and entertainment were top notch. I'd recommend it highly.
Danube Serenade: Romantic Journey from Vienna to Turnu Magurele (Bucharest), MS Fidelio - R
Richard • traveled in October, 2025
The cruise was good except for they would not let us off the ship at Krems and Melk. The brochure said we could enjoy the sights at those places, but we had to stay on the ship the whole day while the few people who paid for an excursion could get off. That represents false advertising on your advertisement. Very unhappy and I will let other people know on the ratings.
Danube Classics Vienna 2026
Traveler Photos & Videos from Danube Cruises
New Year's Eve Cruise on the Danube - AMADEUS Imperial (Passau - Passau)
Brendan
Danube Serenade: Romantic Journey from Turnu Magurele (Bucharest) to Vienna, MS FidelioMaria
RRobertJackson
The Legendary Danube 2026
Danube Dreams (Eastbound) 2025Brendan
8 days - Imperial Danube (Passau - Vienna - Passau) MS VISTA MILLA 4*ROGER
MCMaria
Christmastime on the Danube (Westbound) 2026
ANAnne
Classical Danube (Passau - Budapest - Passau) MS Fidelio
Danube Classics 2026Eric
Capital Cities Along the DanubeUmangi
LLindaShah
Magnificent Europe 2025
The beautiful blue Danube (port-to-port cruise) (8 destinations)Kelly
The beautiful blue Danube (port-to-port cruise) (from Passau to Budapest)Joanne
Donau-KlassikMagnus
Romantic Danube (Christmas Cruise) 2024Clemens
Table of contents
- The best Danube cruises
- See the Danube your way
- Danube tour companies
- Popular Danube Cruise Ships
- Where to start your Danube trip
- Discover Danube tours for every budget
- Cruises for every type of group
- Danube itineraries by length
- Traveler types and experiences
- Best time to visit
- Danube travel guides - curated by our experts
- Contact our Danube travel experts
- What our customers ask about Danube River Cruises
The best Danube cruises
Compiled by
MelissaDanube travel expert at TourRadar
Danube Serenade: Romantic Journey from Vienna to Turnu Magurele (Bucharest), MS Fidelio
32 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Danube River River Cruise was excellent for our group of 20 friends. The River Cruise Company Cruce Mundo was simply great.”
Mostain, traveled in May
The MS Fidelio takes guests through the Iron Gates gorge and past Decebalus' rock carving. The route includes medieval Golubac fortress, Trajan's Bridge, and Belgrade's St. Sava Temple. French-balconied cabins, regional cuisine, and nightly entertainment complement this journey rated 4.8/5.
Duration 11 days Destinations Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Spanish Ship MS Fidelio River Danube Operator Crucemundo From $2,849
15% Off- US$2,422+$112 upfront costsYou save $427
Danube Serenade: Romantic Journey from Turnu Magurele (Bucharest) to Vienna, MS Fidelio
20 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Food was very good, Staff was attentive and very good. We learned at lot about the history and culture.”
Blaine, traveled in June
The MS Fidelio sails the Danube from Turnu Magurele to Vienna, passing through the Iron Gates gorge. Passengers visit Belgrade's Kalemegdan Fortress and Budapest's Chain Bridge while enjoying full board dining, live entertainment, and stops at major Danube ports.
Duration 11 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Spanish Ship MS Fidelio River Danube Operator Crucemundo From
15% Off- US$2,573+$112 upfront costs
Danube Classics Vienna 2026
19 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent cruise. No complaints whatsoever.”
Martin, traveled in August
The A-ROSA DONNA carries passengers along historic Danube waterways. Highlights include Budapest's Chain Bridge, Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace, and Bratislava's Old Town, complemented by gourmet dining, evening entertainment, and guided excursions.
Duration 8 days Destinations Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Germany Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Ship A-ROSA DONNA River Danube Operator A-ROSA From
15% Off- US$1,594
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, German Ships Amadeus BrilliantAMADEUS QueenAmadeus NovaAMADEUS AmaraAMADEUS Aurea River Danube Operator Lueftner Cruises From $2,942
25% Off- US$2,207You save $736
Duration 8 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, German Ships AMADEUS QueenAmadeus NovaAMADEUS AmaraAMADEUS Aurea River Danube Operator Lueftner Cruises From
25% Off- US$2,342
The Legendary Danube 2026
32 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tours were quite good. It would be excellent to include scientifically oriented discussions.”
Kevin, traveled in September
The Main-Danube Canal opens aboard Avalon Visionary. Regensburg's Roman heritage, scenic Wachau Valley, and Vienna's Imperial Palace showcase three countries. Local cuisine and culture flourish from Nuremberg to Budapest.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Hungary Age Range Ages 8+ River Danube Operator Avalon Waterways From
25% Off- US$4,099+$231 upfront costs
The legendary Danube unfolds aboard Avalon Envision through dramatic Schlögen Oxbow and UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley. Architectural gems dot the riverside, from Passau's St. Stephen's Cathedral to Budapest's Fishermen's Bastion. Luxury suites offer panoramic views alongside gourmet regional cuisine.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range Ages 8+ Ship Avalon Passion River Danube Operator Avalon Waterways From
25% Off- US$4,099+$231 upfront costs
A-ROSA FLORA links Austria's finest cities, from Passau's university charm to imperial Vienna's grandeur. The UNESCO World Heritage Wachau Valley, Bratislava's baroque old town, and Melk Abbey's architecture dazzle visitors. Gourmet buffets feature live cooking stations, prosecco, and specialty coffees.
Duration 6 days Destinations Engelhartszell, Vienna, Bratislava, Krems an der Donau, Melk, Linz Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Ship A-ROSA FLORA River Danube Operator A-ROSA From $998
26% Off- US$739You save $260
The legendary Danube flows past UNESCO sites from Budapest to Nuremberg aboard AmaSonata. Vienna's Habsburg palaces, Wachau Valley wine tastings, and medieval towns charm visitors. Luxury accommodations feature twin balconies and exclusive dining at The Chef's Table.
Duration 8 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany Age Range Ages 12+ Ships AmaSonataAmaMora River Danube Operator AmaWaterways From
26% Off- US$3,899+$250 upfront costs
Duration 17 days Destinations Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic Age Range Ages 12+ Ship Scenic Crystal River Danube Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $16,085
55% Off- US$7,190You save $8,895
See the Danube your way
Danube tour companies
Looking at these river cruise lines, A-ROSA has comfortable ships and offers plenty of good food, though our travelers mention the service can be hit-or-miss.Uniworld stands out for their tour guides - our customers consistently tell us these guides know their stuff and make the destinations come alive with stories and local insights. Avalon Waterways has found a sweet spot by offering two distinct ways to explore: their active discovery excursions for folks who want to bike, hike, and kayak, plus traditional sightseeing options for those who prefer a classic pace. While A-ROSA focuses on the basics of comfortable sailing and dining, Uniworld emphasizes cultural immersion through their guides. Avalon allows you to choose your adventure daily through varied excursion options.
Popular Danube Cruise Ships
Where to start your Danube trip
Most of our travelers choose to start their Danube trip from Budapest, and it's easy to see why this Hungarian capital makes such a great launching point. Passau in Germany comes in second, while Bucharest, Vilshofen an der Donau, and Nuremberg round out the popular starting cities. Booking ahead gets especially important during summer peaks and the festive December market season. A balcony cabin pays off when passing through spots like the Iron Gates and Wachau Valley, though we find that regular river-view rooms still give you plenty to look at during daily sailing.
River cruises for every budget
Cruises for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Danube itineraries by length
Traveler types and experiences
Solo Travelers284 tours- Couples317 tours
- Seniors (50+)245 tours
Best time to visit
- Spring 2026
Danube spring cruises from Passau and Vienna earn high marks from our travelers in April. These routes showcase the Wachau Valley with its vineyards and cycling routes.. The spring weather proves ideal for outdoor exploration - whether you're climbing to Dürnstein's castle ruins or pedaling the scenic stretch between Melk, Krems, and the surrounding villages. Our guests appreciate how the tours balance cultural immersion with active options - perhaps starting with a morning soak in Budapest's thermal baths, followed by an afternoon walk through the Castle District when temperatures are mild or dividing time in Vienna between imperial palaces and cycling adventures on the Danube island.
- March 2026 42 tours
- April 2026 61 tours
- May 2026 popular 102 tours
- Summer 2026
Danube summer cruises blend rich cultural experiences with active outdoor pursuits that consistently earn high marks from our travelers. The top routes combine Vienna's museums and palaces with excursions in the Wachau Valley. Many sailings include options to cycle Bratislava's waterfront paths, or explore Vienna's grand boulevards when cafe tables spill onto the streets. Our guests often mention how these summer voyages balance cultural sites with cooling breaks - from Budapest's thermal pools to wine tastings in old stone cellars beneath the city.
- June 2026 popular 100 tours
- July 2026 99 tours
- August 2026 92 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
The Danube's wine culture shines in fall with special wine-focused sailings that our travelers love. The season starts with Oktoberfest in Vilshofen - you'll try local beers while folk musicians play nearby. The Wachau Valley looks great this time of year; you can taste Rieslings and Grüner Veltliners right where they grow, often at old monastery wineries like Schloss Gobelsburg. Some guests mix it up by cycling through the autumn vineyards before stopping at Weissenkirchen's estates, where local winemakers share their techniques. The hiking works well in fall - trails up to Bratislava Castle and along Budapest's hills offer perfect temperatures for walking, plus you get those rich fall colors along the river.
- September 2026 83 tours
- October 2026 popular 98 tours
- 81 tours
Danube travel guides - curated by our experts
Contact our Danube travel experts
Andrei
Expert in Danube at TourRadar
Andrei is one of our seasoned Danube Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Danube tours answered!
- Choose from 578+ Danube tours
- 848 verified reviews by TourRadar customers
- 24/7 customer support
Call us
+1 844 311 8331What our customers ask about Danube River Cruises
How long should your Danube cruise be?
Cruises range from short 3- or 4-night getaways to full two-week journeys that stretch all the way to the Black Sea. Most travelers go for a 7- to 10-day itinerary, which usually includes cities like Budapest, Vienna, and Bratislava. Shorter trips tend to focus on a single stretch of the river, while longer cruises might include hotel stays, land tours, or even flights as part of the itinerary. If you’re cruising for the first time, a weeklong trip is a good balance between depth and ease.
Where do Danube River cruises start and end?
Budapest, Vienna, Passau, and Nuremberg are the main starting and ending points for most Danube cruises. The most common route is between Budapest and Passau or Nuremberg. Longer cruises might continue east to Bucharest or the Black Sea. Some itineraries include pre- or post-cruise hotel stays to give you more time in cities like Vienna or Budapest. All of these cities are well-connected by international airports and transfers to the ship are usually easy to arrange.
What’s it like on board a Danube River cruise ship?
Life on board a Danube cruise ship is usually relaxed and easygoing. Most ships carry fewer than 150 passengers which makes things feel personal without being crowded. Cabins tend to be compact but well-designed and many come with floor-to-ceiling windows or French balconies. Meals are included and typically served in a main dining room with menus that mix regional dishes with international standards. Some lines also include a lighter buffet in the lounge or small snacks throughout the day. In the evenings you might hear live music or see a local dance performance. There’s usually a top deck with chairs for scenic sailing and a small gym or spa depending on the ship.
How much does a Danube River cruise cost?
A Danube River cruise can range from around $2,000 per person for a standard cabin on a weeklong trip to over $6,000 for a suite on a longer or luxury itinerary. That price often includes lodging, meals, basic excursions, and sometimes drinks or airport transfers. Optional tours, gratuities, and special dining experiences are usually extra. Some cruises also offer discounts if you book early or travel during the shoulder seasons like April or October. Avalon and Viking are mid-range options while Uniworld typically offers a more high-end experience.
Is there Wi-Fi on Danube River cruises?
Most Danube cruise ships offer Wi-Fi and on many lines it’s included in the fare. You can usually check email, send messages, and browse the internet but speeds may slow down when the ship is moving or in more remote areas. Streaming and video calls might work in cities but can be spotty along the quieter stretches of the river. If you need a stronger connection some ships offer upgraded Wi-Fi packages. It’s also a good idea to download important documents or entertainment before your trip just in case.
Which cruise line fits your style on the Danube?
Different lines offer different experiences. Viking focuses on culture and history with strong local excursions and onboard lectures. AmaWaterways leans more active with bike tours in places like Passau and Vienna. Avalon’s Panorama Suites have floor-to-ceiling windows if great views are your thing. For something upscale, Uniworld offers elegant décor and standout service. Emerald Cruises is a solid pick for budget-conscious travelers with well-rounded itineraries at competitive prices.
What local experiences can you look forward to along the Danube?
There’s something unique at every stop. In Budapest, soak in a thermal bath like Gellért and try a bowl of goulash. In Vienna, don’t miss classic café culture — a slice of Sachertorte with a Wiener Melange. In Bratislava, you can sample bryndzové halušky, a traditional Slovak potato dumpling dish. Passau is home to the largest pipe organ in Europe, inside St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Melk Abbey is another highlight — a massive Baroque monastery with an impressive library. Most cruise itineraries also include local wine tastings, folklore shows, or walking tours with knowledgeable guides.
What is the prettiest part of the Danube River?
The Wachau Valley in Austria is often considered the most beautiful stretch. Between Melk and Krems, the river winds past terraced vineyards, hilltop castles, and old villages. Many cruises slow down or add narration here so you can enjoy the scenery. The Iron Gates gorge between Serbia and Romania is another striking section, carved through steep cliffs. Near Budapest, the Danube Bend offers wide views and riverside towns. Scenery shifts with the seasons — spring brings flowers, summer is lush, autumn shows off golden vines, and winter can be misty and dramatic.
What countries does the Danube River flow through?
The Danube runs through ten countries: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine. It also passes four capital cities — Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, and Belgrade. Most cruises focus on the central part of the river, covering three to five countries. Some longer cruises head east into the Balkans or all the way to the Black Sea, offering a deeper look at Southeastern Europe..
Where is the Danube River?
The Danube starts in the Black Forest of Germany and flows southeast across Central and Eastern Europe, ending in the Black Sea in Romania. It’s the second-longest river in Europe and a key waterway linking Western and Eastern Europe. Over the centuries, it has served as a trade route, a border between empires, and today, one of the most traveled rivers for cultural cruises.
How long is the Danube River?
The river stretches about 1,770 miles (2,850 kilometers), second only to the Volga in Europe. Cruises usually cover sections of that, often several hundred miles at a time. Some longer itineraries travel over 1,000 miles, and canal systems connect the Danube to other rivers like the Rhine, making even longer journeys possible by water.
How should you pack for a Danube River cruise?
Bring clothes you can layer — weather can shift between regions and from day to night. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, especially for cobbled streets in old towns. You’ll want casual outfits for excursions and a few nicer options for dinner on board. Binoculars are handy for scenic cruising, especially through areas like the Wachau Valley. A day bag, plug adapter for European outlets, and any medications or travel documents you need for border crossings are also important.
What vaccines do you need to take a Danube River cruise?
No special vaccines are required for most Danube itineraries. Just make sure your standard vaccinations — like measles-mumps-rubella, tetanus, and the flu — are up to date. Health standards are generally high across the region. Still, check with your doctor or a travel health clinic at least a month before your trip. Advice may vary depending on your health history or the countries you’re visiting.