Danube River Cruises
At 2,850km, the Danube is Europe’s second longest river next to Russia’s Volga River, and flows through Central and Eastern Europe, from Germany’s Black Forest to the Black Sea in Romania. Bordering its shores along the journey are Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania, and even on through Moldova and the Ukraine.
The Upper Danube is Europe’s most popular river for cruising, at 30% of all river cruise passengers. These week-long itineraries will typically focus on Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary, with optional excursions to Prague in the Czech Republic.
Some of the highlights of these cruises often include Regensburg, a Bavarian city with a medieval Old Town; The Wachau Valley in Austria, known for its picturesque landscape of rolling hills, vineyards and ancient monasteries; Vienna, home to magnificent grand palaces; Slovakia’s Bratislava with its pedestrian-only 18th century old town and the imposing hilltop Bratislava Castle; and Budapest, dubbed both the “Paris of the East” and the “City of Spas”, with a dozen thermal baths, and more thermal hot springs than any other city in the world.
Featured Danube River Cruises
There’s a whole world of possibilities out there, here are just a few we’ve hand-selected for you to discover.
Blue Danube Discovery
Discover a wealth of art, history and cultural treasures as you cruise to some of Europe’s most famous destinations. From Budapest, journey to Vienna, Passau and the 2,000-year-old town of Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, visit magnificent cathedrals and Baroque abbeys, sample Vienna’s sinfully rich sacher-torte cake, experience the breathtaking scenery of the Wachau Valley winemaking region and traverse Europe’s Continental Divide.
Blue Danube Discovery
Discover a wealth of art, history and cultural treasures as you cruise to some of Europe’s most famous destinations. From Budapest, journey to Vienna, Passau and the 2,000-year-old town of Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, visit magnificent cathedrals and Baroque abbeys, sample Vienna’s sinfully rich sacher-torte cake, experience the breathtaking scenery of the Wachau Valley winemaking region and traverse Europe’s Continental Divide.
Heart of the Danube
A wonderfully preserved medieval castle and town in the Czech Carpathian mountains are as awe-inspiring as the palaces and museums of Imperial Vienna. As you cruise from port to port, explore the cobblestone streets and market squares in the Old Towns of Bratislava, Cesky Krumlov, Grein, Passau, and Regensburg, each offering unexpected cultural treasures and culinary pleasures around every bend. And the pièce de résistance – a Tauck Exclusive gala evening with music and dancing at a private palace conjures up elegant Old World Europe just for Tauck guests!
Heart of the Danube
A wonderfully preserved medieval castle and town in the Czech Carpathian mountains are as awe-inspiring as the palaces and museums of Imperial Vienna. As you cruise from port to port, explore the cobblestone streets and market squares in the Old Towns of Bratislava, Cesky Krumlov, Grein, Passau, and Regensburg, each offering unexpected cultural treasures and culinary pleasures around every bend. And the pièce de résistance – a gala evening with music and dancing at a private palace conjures up elegant Old World Europe!
The Blue Danube Discovery
Begin this timeless European river cruise vacation in vibrant Budapest, Hungary, sail along the Danube River with exciting stops in Austria and Germany, and conclude in historic Nuremberg, Germany.
Enjoy an amazing view of the landscapes of Bratislava, Vienna’s Opera House, the Wachau Valley wine region, the medieval walls of Regensburg, and much more on this memorable Danube River cruise vacation!
The Blue Danube Discovery
Begin this timeless European river cruise vacation in vibrant Budapest, Hungary, sail along the Danube River with exciting stops in Austria and Germany, and conclude in historic Nuremberg, Germany. Enjoy an amazing view of the landscapes of Bratislava, Vienna’s Opera House, the Wachau Valley wine region, the medieval walls of Regensburg, and much more on this memorable Danube River cruise vacation!
Romantic Danube
Visit Budapest’s Castle District and cross the famous Chain Bridge. Explore Göttweig Abbey, one of Austria’s most revered monastic centers, and make dumplings with Wachau Valley apricots. Visit historic Salzburg. Spend two days in Vienna, and celebrate the city’s musical heritage at a concert featuring works by Mozart and Strauss. With medieval towns, grand cities and stunning scenery, this 8-day journey on the “Blue Danube” is one you are sure to love.
Romantic Danube
Visit Budapest’s Castle District and cross the famous Chain Bridge. Explore Göttweig Abbey, one of Austria’s most revered monastic centers, and make dumplings with Wachau Valley apricots. Visit historic Salzburg. Spend two days in Vienna, and celebrate the city’s musical heritage at a concert featuring works by Mozart and Strauss. With medieval towns, grand cities and stunning scenery, this 8-day journey on the “Blue Danube” is one you are sure to love.
Passage to Eastern Europe
See Bucharest’s 3,000-room Palace of Parliament. Make banitsa bread with a home cook in Vidin. Explore Belgrade’s Ottoman and European treasures, including 6th-century Kalemegdan Fortress. View the Danube’s towering Iron Gate. Visit a Croatian family’s Osijek home. Witness Hungary’s daredevil Puszta horsemen. Behold Budapest’s grandeur. Once hidden behind the Iron Curtain, the eastern Danube still has secrets to reveal on this enriching cruise tour.
Passage to Eastern Europe
See Bucharest’s 3,000-room Palace of Parliament. Make banitsa bread with a home cook in Vidin. Explore Belgrade’s Ottoman and European treasures, including 6th-century Kalemegdan Fortress. View the Danube’s towering Iron Gate. Visit a Croatian family’s Osijek home. Witness Hungary’s daredevil Puszta horsemen. Behold Budapest’s grandeur. Once hidden behind the Iron Curtain, the eastern Danube still has secrets to reveal on this enriching cruise tour.
Grand Danube
Journey along paths forged by conquerors, crusaders and kings through Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Austria, and Germany. Step back in time to explore the history and mystery living in the hillsides, the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, and through the taste of wine in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times. From the imposing capitals of Budapest and Vienna to towns lost in time, immerse yourself in the colorful folktales and traditions of the extraordinary people and places you visit along the way.
Grand Danube
Journey along paths forged by conquerors, crusaders and kings through Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Austria, and Germany. Step back in time to explore the history and mystery living in the hillsides, the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, and through the taste of wine in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times. From the imposing capitals of Budapest and Vienna to towns lost in time, immerse yourself in the colorful folktales and traditions of the extraordinary people and places you visit along the way.
Budapest to the Black Sea
Discover resort towns along Romania’s Black Sea Coast, explore an ancient Christian necropolis in Pecs, and visit “Dracula’s” castle in Transylvania and dine in the Soviet-style People’s Palace in Bucharest. Share homemade refreshments in the home of a Croatian family rebuilding their lives in postwar Vukovar. Experience authentic local cuisine, music and dance, and a wealth of architectural wonders as your river cruise winds its way through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, with nights on land at luxury hotels in the popular cities of Bucharest and Budapest (the Paris of Eastern Europe).
Budapest to the Black Sea
Discover resort towns along Romania’s Black Sea Coast, explore an ancient Christian necropolis in Pecs, and visit “Dracula’s” castle in Transylvania and dine in the Soviet-style People’s Palace in Bucharest. Share homemade refreshments in the home of a Croatian family rebuilding their lives in postwar Vukovar. Experience authentic local cuisine, music and dance, and a wealth of architectural wonders as your river cruise winds its way through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, with nights on land at luxury hotels in the popular cities of Bucharest and Budapest (the Paris of Eastern Europe).
The Danube - Black Sea to Germany
Sail from the Danube Delta of the Black Sea to Hungary’s capital of Budapest through the Balkans, Hungary, and Austria on your European river cruise. Begin with an overnight stay in Bucharest for a guided sightseeing tour, including the Royal Palace Square. Travel to Cernavodă to embark on your Danube River cruise, beginning with the Danube Delta preserve. Sail through the striking landscapes of the Balkans—Rousse, Bulgaria, Veliko Târnovo, and Arbanassi, one of the oldest towns in Bulgaria.
The Danube - Black Sea to Germany
Sail from the Danube Delta of the Black Sea to Hungary’s capital of Budapest through the Balkans, Hungary, and Austria on your European river cruise. Begin with an overnight stay in Bucharest for a guided sightseeing tour, including the Royal Palace Square. Travel to Cernavodă to embark on your Danube River cruise, beginning with the Danube Delta preserve. Sail through the striking landscapes of the Balkans—Rousse, Bulgaria, Veliko Târnovo, and Arbanassi, one of the oldest towns in Bulgaria.
Magnificent Europe
From Amsterdam to Budapest, experience the culture of Central Europe in a unique way on this timeless river cruise vacation. Amsterdam is loved for its vibrant mix of sophisticated architecture and classic squares and canals. Tour Cologne—the stunning 2,000-year-old city known for its Gothic-style architecture. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, offering the most beautiful view of the Rhine River, and stop in the charming wine town of Rüdesheim. Visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey in Melk, then sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley. This truly is a river cruise to remember!
Magnificent Europe
From Amsterdam to Budapest, experience the culture of Central Europe in a unique way on this timeless river cruise vacation. Amsterdam is loved for its vibrant mix of sophisticated architecture and classic squares and canals. Tour Cologne—the stunning 2,000-year-old city known for its Gothic-style architecture. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, offering the most beautiful view of the Rhine River, and stop in the charming wine town of Rüdesheim. Visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey in Melk, then sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley. This truly is a river cruise to remember!
Amsterdam to Budapest by Riverboat
Pass through five countries including the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. Private shore excursions take you to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historic districts of Budapest, Vienna, and Bamberg, and the Wachau and Rhine valleys. In Vienna, take your choice of visits to Schönbrunn Palace or the Sisi Museum at the Hofburg, and attend a grand Imperial Evening in a traditional palace. In Amsterdam, tour the famed Rijksmuseum. Visit Köln Cathedral, Melk Abbey, medieval towns like Regensburg, Budapest’s Heroes’ Square and much more!
Amsterdam to Budapest by Riverboat
Pass through five countries including the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. Private shore excursions take you to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historic districts of Budapest, Vienna, and Bamberg, and the Wachau and Rhine valleys. In Vienna, take your choice of visits to Schönbrunn Palace or the Sisi Museum at the Hofburg, and attend a grand Imperial Evening in a traditional palace. In Amsterdam, tour the famed Rijksmuseum. Visit Köln Cathedral, Melk Abbey, medieval towns like Regensburg, Budapest’s Heroes’ Square and much more!
Grand European Tour
Admire Rhine Valley vistas from a 900-year-old castle. Sample the food and wine of Austria’s Wachau Valley. Learn the Viennese waltz and linger in Budapest’s Café Gerbeaud. Indulge all your senses on this 15-day journey spanning the best of Europe. Our most iconic itinerary traces the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers between the windmill-dotted waterways of Holland and the stunning landscapes of Hungary, with engaging encounters at every bend.
Grand European Tour
Admire Rhine Valley vistas from a 900-year-old castle. Sample the food and wine of Austria’s Wachau Valley. Learn the Viennese waltz and linger in Budapest’s Café Gerbeaud. Indulge all your senses on this 15-day journey spanning the best of Europe. Our most iconic itinerary traces the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers between the windmill-dotted waterways of Holland and the stunning landscapes of Hungary, with engaging encounters at every bend.
Iconic Christmas Markets
Travel back through centuries as you walk along cobblestone streets bedecked with twinkling Christmas trees and handcrafted treasures. Iconic Christmas markets are plentiful: Nuremberg’s festive Christkindlesmarkt, the largest and oldest Christmas market in Germany; Regensburg’s Christmas market at Thurn and Taxis Castle, considered one of Bavaria’s most beautiful; Vienna with its impressive Christmas markets that seem to majestically appear around every corner; and Budapest’s Vörösmarty Square, where products sold in the market are traditionally handmade are yours to explore.
Iconic Christmas Markets
Travel back in time where iconic Christmas markets are plentiful: Nuremberg’s festive Christkindlesmarkt, the largest and oldest Christmas market in Germany; Regensburg’s Christmas market at Thurn and Taxis Castle, considered one of Bavaria’s most beautiful; Vienna with its impressive Christmas markets that seem to majestically appear around every corner; and Budapest’s Vörösmarty Square, where products sold in the market are traditionally handmade are yours to explore.
Christmastime on the Danube
Enter a stunning world of cherished Christmas traditions along the Danube River. Board your ship in Nuremberg where its Christmas market is one of the most famous in the world; learn about local Christmas traditions; experience Passau’s charming Christmas market set against the breathtaking backdrop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral; cruise through the wintery landscape of the picturesque Wachau Valley; and end in Austria’s magical capital of Vienna where you’ll enjoy a tour through the Christmas markets and taste of all the best flavors Austria offers during this sparkling time of year on the Danube River.
Christmastime on the Danube
Enter a stunning world of cherished Christmas traditions along the Danube River. Board your ship in Nuremberg where its Christmas market is one of the most famous in the world; learn about local Christmas traditions; experience Passau’s charming Christmas market set against the breathtaking backdrop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral; cruise through the wintery landscape of the picturesque Wachau Valley; and end in Austria’s magical capital of Vienna where you’ll enjoy a tour through the Christmas markets and taste of all the best flavors Austria offers during this sparkling time of year on the Danube River.
Christmas Markets Along the Danube
Enjoy signature sightseeing and exclusive events, gain insights from the personal experiences of your local guides as they recall the Christmas Markets of their childhoods, and celebrate the holidays with special yuletide events on the ship and off! Attend a holiday baking demonstration, a festive European Christmas dinner and a performance by alumni of the Regensburger Domspatzen choir! Explore the Baroque architecture of 900-year-old Melk Abbey, have lunch at the Palais Pallavicini in Vienna, and take a tour of the Palace of St. Emmeram in Regensburg, with a visit to its private Christmas Market.
Christmas Markets Along the Danube
Enjoy signature sightseeing and exclusive events, gain insights from the personal experiences of your local guides as they recall the Christmas Markets of their childhoods, and celebrate the holidays with special yuletide events on the ship and off! Attend a holiday baking demonstration, a festive European Christmas dinner and a performance by alumni of the Regensburger Domspatzen choir! Explore the Baroque architecture of 900-year-old Melk Abbey, have lunch at the Palais Pallavicini in Vienna, and take a tour of the Palace of St. Emmeram in Regensburg, with a visit to its private Christmas Market.
Danube Christmas Delights
Pass through Europe’s most enchanting countries, stopping to explore cultural capitals and fairy-tale villages. Savor Austro-Hungarian cuisine, admire the Wachau Valley’s beauty and explore Central European cities. Take part in European holiday traditions and experience the region’s renowned Christmas markets. Breathe in the scents of traditional fare and admire the handiwork of local artisans—perfect for bringing home to your family and friends.
Danube Christmas Delights
Pass through Europe’s most enchanting countries, stopping to explore cultural capitals and fairy-tale villages. Savor Austro-Hungarian cuisine, admire the Wachau Valley’s beauty and explore Central European cities. Take part in European holiday traditions and experience the region’s renowned Christmas markets. Breathe in the scents of traditional fare and admire the handiwork of local artisans—perfect for bringing home to your family and friends.
*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to change and availability.
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