7-Day Danube Cruises

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Danube itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaDanube travel expert at TourRadar

• 6 Days Danube Christmas Markets, incl. Vienna and Bratislava

  The A-ROSA FLORA navigates 7 destinations across Austria and Slovakia over 6 days. Highlights include Vienna's palaces, UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley, Melk's Benedictine monastery, and Bratislava's baroque old town. Total costs around $800 with comprehensive meals and guided exploration.

  

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  • Day 1

    Passau, Germany

    Board your river ship in Passau during early afternoon. Take time to explore the historic Old Town where the Cathedral Square Christmas market is just a 10-minute walk from the dock. The ship leaves at 16:00, so make sure to arrive by 14:00 for check-in. Looking for parking? The Parkhaus Altstadt (€15/day) is closest to the cruise dock.

    
  • Day 2

    Wachau Valley to Vienna

    Spend the morning cruising through the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley. You'll reach Vienna at 14:00. Make your way to Rathausplatz Christmas Market, which features over 150 stalls. Late afternoon tends to be less crowded. Remember to dress warm since December temperatures usually stay between 35-40°F. The market looks magical after dark when all the lights come on.

    
  • Day 3

    Vienna to Bratislava

    Leave Vienna at 04:00 and arrive in Bratislava at 08:00 for a full day in Slovakia's capital. Walk 12 minutes from the dock to reach the main Christmas market in Hlavné námestie (Main Square). Make sure to try local favorites like lokše (potato pancakes) and medovina (honey wine). Your ship departs at midnight.

    
  • Day 4

    Krems - Wachau Valley - Melk

    Today includes scenic cruising with three stops. Visit Krems (13:00-14:00) for its cozy market in the medieval old town. Sail through the most beautiful part of Wachau in the afternoon. Stop in Melk (18:00-19:00) where you can visit the illuminated Christmas market at the Benedictine Abbey if time permits.

    
  • Day 5

    Linz

    You'll have a full day (06:00-18:30) in Linz. The main Hauptplatz market is right by the dock. Take a 15-minute walk to the small but delightful Volksgarten market. Sample some authentic Linzer Torte, which holds the title of world's oldest known cake recipe. As one traveler shared, "The smell of roasted chestnuts and glühwein fills the crisp air - nothing gets you in the holiday spirit like these traditional markets."

    
  • Day 6

    Return to Passau

    Arrive in Passau at 07:00. If your schedule allows, visit the Christmas market one final time during the peaceful morning hours before crowds arrive.

    

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• 7 Day Vienna And Prague By Train

  

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  • Vienna Austria

    133 mi

  • Hallstatt Austria

    178 mi

  • Prague Czech Republic

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• Danube Cycling Tour

  A 325km route from Vienna to Budapest reveals riverside treasures over 7 days. Roman Carnuntum, Bratislava's boat crossing, Tata's wineries and Esztergom Basilica lead to Budapest's thermal baths.

  

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  • Vienna Austria

    34 mi

  • Bratislava Slovakia

    40 mi

  • Gyor Hungary

    32 mi

  • Tata Hungary

    31 mi

  • Visegrad Hungary

    20 mi

  • Budapest Hungary

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