One of the best ways to explore Europe is through the magic of a river cruise. On board a dreamy longship, you’ll get unprecedented access to some of Europe’s best sights that you’ll miss by train, plane and car. Of all the rivers in Europe, the Danube River is the second longest at 2,800 kilometres. It spans through ten European countries from Germany to Austria to Slovakia and Moldova. Here’s some of the best Danube river cruises to experience the beauty of Europe on.
The best Danube river cruises 2024
01
Romantic Danube
from $3,295 at Viking River Cruises
Ready to experience the romance of the Danube? Over eight days, you’ll visit just three of the ten countries that the Danube river flows through. Kicking off the trip, you’ll set sail from the scenic city of Budapest before making your way into the heart of Danube. You’ll then enter Austria where the cruise will dock in the historic cities of Vienna and Krems. After this, wrap up in Germany with stops in Passau and Regensburg.
Key stops:
- Budapest, Hungary
- Vienna, Austria
- Krems, Austria
- Passau, Germany
- Regensburg, Germany
02
Portraits of Eastern Europe
Uniworld
The Portraits of Eastern Europe tour is for those looking to experience the magic of Eastern Europe through the Danube River. Over 19 days, you’ll weave your way through the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. You’ll be on board the ultra-luxurious River Duchess where you’ll get a lavish front row seat to the ever-changing scenery of Europe’s landscape as you sail the Danube.
However, you’ll be sufficiently too busy on your cruise to lounge in your stateroom. Of the 19 days on board, 16 of those days are dedicated to enriching excursions for passengers to explore the rich history of these European cities.
Key stops:
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Nuremberg, Germany
- Regensburg, Germany
- Passau, Germany
- Vienna, Austria
- Budapest, Hungary
- Belgrade, Serbia
- Vidin, Bulgaria
- Ruse, Bulgaria
- Bucharest, Romania
03
Imperial Danube
from $2,190 at Tour Radar
The Imperial Danube is the perfect for a small taste of what the Danube River has to offer. Operated by Crucemundo, you’ll board one of their impeccable ships in Vienna, Austria where you’ll set sail for Dürnstein, Melk and Linz. On the way you’ll be treated to views of rolling green mountains, castles and other historical sites. The cruise will then dock in Bratislava in Slovakia where you’ll get the opportunity to explore the Cathedral of San Martín and the Puerta de Miguel. After this, the cruise will float towards Hungary where you’ll stop in at Budapest and Esztergom before finishing up back in Vienna.
- Vienna, Austria
- Dürnstein and Melk, Austria
- Linz, Austria
- Bratislava, Slovakia
- Budapest, Hungary
- Esztergom, Hungary
04
Danube Waltz
from $3,295 at Viking River Cruises
- Budapest, Hungary
- Bratislava, Slovakia
- Vienna, Austria
- Krems, Austria
- Linz, Austria
- Passau, Germany
Experience all the Danube River has to offer in style on board Viking River Cruises’ Danube Waltz – an eight day adventure spanning four countries. Starting in Budapest, Hungary, you’ll make your way to Bratislava in Slovakia where you can delve into the historical remnants of the Hapsburg era. After this, sail towards the rolling green hills of Austria where you’ll visit Vienna, Krems and Linz before finishing up in Passau, Germany.
