Danube River Cruises
From the imperial capitals of Vienna and Budapest to the vineyard-draped Wachau Valley and the glow of the Christmas markets — sail the heart of Europe with a specialist who knows every bend of the river.
The Danube is the classic European river cruise: eight countries, four capital cities and some of the most scenic stretches of water on the continent, all from a ship that carries as few as 100 to 190 guests and docks in the center of each town. A week between Passau and Budapest packs in Vienna’s palaces, Budapest’s illuminated Parliament, Bratislava’s old town and the castle-topped Wachau — with almost no packing, unpacking or long transfers. We help you pick the right line, ship, cabin and season, and hand you up to five free, no-obligation quotes.
Why cruise the Danube?
Four capitals, one week
Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava and (on longer sailings) Belgrade — plus the Wachau Valley, Passau and Regensburg, most within a short walk of the ship.
Central, walk-off docking
River ships tie up in the heart of each city, so you step off into the old town instead of a distant cruise port.
All-inclusive value
Most Danube fares fold in shore excursions, regional wine and beer with meals, and gratuity options — easy to budget.
Christmas market season
Late-November and December sailings turn the Danube into a floating tour of Europe’s finest Advent markets.
The most-loved stretch of river in Europe
The signature Danube cruise runs roughly a week between Passau or Nuremberg and Budapest, threading the Wachau Valley — a UNESCO landscape of terraced vineyards, hilltop ruins and the baroque Melk Abbey — in a single unforgettable afternoon of scenic sailing.
Shorter 4- and 5-night tasters focus on Vienna and Budapest; longer 10- to 14-night voyages continue into the Lower Danube toward Belgrade and the Iron Gates gorge. We match the length and pace to how you like to travel.
Starting in Bavaria? Many itineraries embark in Passau, so compare Passau hotels if you want a night there before you sail.
Loved the terraced vineyards? Come back by land and stay among them — RoomsCheap.com lists places to stay in the Wachau, from Melk to Dürnstein and Krems.
Danube river cruising in pictures
Ready to plan your Danube river cruise?
Tell us your dates, preferred line and cabin, and whether Christmas markets are on your list. We’ll send up to five free, no-obligation quotes from vetted Danube river cruise specialists.
Get up to 5 free Danube cruise quotesFrequently Asked Questions
When is the best time for a Danube river cruise?
April–June and September–October bring the mildest weather and vineyards at their best. July–August is warm and lively; late November and December are prime Christmas-market season. Spring can bring higher water, autumn lower water — a good specialist plans around both.
Which cities does a Danube cruise visit?
The classic route calls at Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Passau, Regensburg, Melk and the Wachau Valley. Longer Lower-Danube sailings add Belgrade, the Iron Gates gorge and ports in Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania.
How long should a Danube cruise be?
Seven nights (Passau/Vilshofen to Budapest, or reverse) is the sweet spot. Four to five nights focus on Vienna and Budapest; ten to fourteen nights cover the full Danube from Germany to the Black Sea.
Which cruise line is best on the Danube?
AmaWaterways, Viking, Avalon, Scenic, Uniworld, Emerald and Tauck all sail the Danube, each with a different style and price point. We match the line to your budget, taste and must-have dates.
How do I get a Danube cruise quote?
Request up to five free, no-obligation quotes and compare lines, ships, cabins and sailing dates side by side.
