Europe’s second longest river, the Danube is one of the more significant bodies of water on the continent, and can be explored on a number of organised cruises.
(Photo: CroisiEurope River Cruises / Courtesy Tourradar)
Beginning in Germany and emptying out into the Black Sea, crossing most of Europe in the process, the river links several important cities including Vienna, Budapest and Belgrade, across a total of ten countries. The types of excursions vary widely in both duration and theme, some featuring a laid-back vibe and others offering a party experience filled with music. Here are five of the best Danube river cruises currently available.
Beautiful Blue Danube
This cruise starts in Passau and ends in Budapest, plying the route in six days. This price does not include shore excursions, however city tours are available. With the tour company being French though, most of these are directed at French speakers. Therefore this cruise is ideal for those who prefer to take a self-guided tour of the city. Hosts and hostesses on board the cruise are multi-lingual however. Included in the price is on-board accommodation and entertainment, and all meals with some drinks. Riverboats are modern and have a large lounge area and elevators between decks. From $1,528 per person.
Along the River Danube, Budapest, the Balkan Peninsula and the Danube Delta
(Photo: CroisiEurope River Cruises / Courtesy Tourradar)
For a more extended experience, this 12-day cruising adventure takes you from Hungary to Romania, via Serbia, traversing the Danube for the entire length of the trip. Along the way, you’ll discover cities rich in history and magnificent architecture, with the chance to disembark at each stop to explore at your leisure. To help get you in the mood, there’s even a welcome cocktail when you board your vessel with a capacity of 160 people. The bulk of the accommodation will be in a double-occupancy cabin with a shower in a private bathroom. All meals, from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the final day, are included in the tour price. From $3,436 per person.
Danube Classics Vienna
(Photo: A-ROSA / Courtesy Tourradar)
Among the most captivating cities that the Danube runs through is Vienna, the capital of Austria, and this 8-day cruise along the Danube starts here, before moving on to Budapest in Hungary, Melk in Austria and Passau in Germany, before returning to Vienna. Among the highlights along the way will be cruising under Budapest’s seven bridges, and the chance to step onto land to stroll through Bratislava’s historic old town, admire Melk’s impressive Benedictine monastery and explore Vienna’s wealth of museums, galleries, state opera, theatres, palaces and castles. All accommodation takes place aboard your 206-capacity ship. From $936 per person.
The Legendary Danube
(Photo: Avalon Waterways / Courtesy Tourradar)
Another 8-day option is this cruise that takes in three countries – Germany, Hungry and Austria. Admire the scenic beauty from your stateroom or atop the sky deck of your ship as you cruise past quaint towns perched on the banks of the Danube. Highlights include stops in Regensburg, the only German city not bombed during WWII, where lovers of architecture will enjoy the many listed buildings of historic interest, and Porta Pretoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. There’ll also be time to taste local sausages at one of Germany’s oldest restaurants and relax in thermal baths in Budapest, where the river cruise ends. From $3,589 per person.
Rivers of the World
If you have the time, budget and inclination to see a sizeable chunk of the world in one fell swoop, this incredible 55-day odyssey aboard a veritable floating boutique hotel may well fit the bill. Over almost two full months, you and an exclusive group of up to 40 adventurous guests will set sail to some of the world’s most famous rivers – including the Danube – across Europe and far beyond. Sail one of the most biodiverse environments on earth, the Amazon Rainforest, visit the famous “Lost City” of Machu Picchu, witness the cascading waters of Iguazu Falls, and stay at Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach. The tour starts in Lima, Peru and ends in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with the Danube featuring in between. Pricing includes Welcome and Farewell events, a dedicated Travelling Concierge, special experiences, and flights between each leg of the cruise. Pricing TBC.