The Danube.

Central Europe · Germany to the Black Sea

A Danube River cruise is a front-row seat to Europe's history and culture. Stretching more than 1,700 miles through ten countries, the Danube connects grand capitals and storied towns, and because river ships dock right in the city center, you are only steps from the action.

Sailing from Germany toward the Black Sea, the Danube invites you to explore grand cities such as Vienna, famed for its imperial palaces and classical music, and Budapest, with its glowing skyline and vibrant culture. Between them lie rolling hills and vineyards, the medieval streets of Bratislava, and hilltop castles that have watched over the river for centuries.

The UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley is a highlight of every itinerary, with terraced vineyards, apricot orchards, and the honey-stone Melk Abbey rising above the water. With opportunities to taste regional delicacies, visit World Heritage sites, and step into local traditions, a Danube cruise is an immersive way to discover the beauty, history, and charm of Central Europe while enjoying the comfort of your floating hotel.

Cruises range from five-day introductions to two-week grand voyages, making the Danube an ideal choice for both first-time river cruisers and seasoned travelers. Whichever you choose, we'll match you to the line, the ship, and the season that suit you best.

Plan this journey →

The river: 1,700+ miles
Countries touched: Ten
Classic sailing: 7 nights
Ships dock: City center

What you'll remember

Moments along the way.

Moment 01

Vienna's imperial grandeur

Palaces, coffee houses, and an evening of Strauss and Mozart in the city that gave the world its waltz.

Moment 02

Budapest after dark

The Hungarian Parliament and Buda Castle aglow along the riverbanks, best seen from the top deck as you sail in.

Moment 03

The Wachau Valley

A UNESCO-listed stretch of terraced vineyards, riverside villages, and the baroque Melk Abbey.

Moment 04

Medieval Bratislava

A compact old town of cobbled lanes, hilltop castle views, and Slovakian hospitality.

Moment 05

Melk Abbey

The honey-gold Benedictine abbey crowning the Wachau, a baroque masterpiece above the water.

Moment 06

A Viennese café

An unhurried afternoon over Sachertorte and a Melange, where coffee is an art form.

The route

A sample sailing.

6 stops · Passau to Budapest

Tap a stop to jump to that day · drag to explore

1

Day 1
Passau, Germany

Board in the baroque City of Three Rivers, where the Danube, Inn and Ilz meet beneath a hilltop fortress.
2

Day 2
Linz, Austria

Austria's easygoing cultural city, and the gateway for an excursion to Salzburg or Czech Cesky Krumlov.
3

Day 3
Dürnstein & the Wachau

Cruise the storybook Wachau Valley: terraced vineyards, apricot orchards and Dürnstein's pale-blue abbey tower.
4

Days 4-5
Vienna, Austria

Two nights in the imperial capital: Schönbrunn and the Hofburg, grand coffee houses and a night at the opera.
5

Day 6
Bratislava, Slovakia

The compact, walkable Slovak capital, all pastel old-town lanes and a castle above the river.
6

Day 7
Budapest, Hungary

Disembark in the Pearl of the Danube, with its floodlit parliament, thermal baths and Buda's castle hill.

Every sailing we book is tailored: this is a starting point, not a package.

When to go

The best time to sail.

The Danube has two golden windows and one glittering bonus round. This is the river's year as we book it — when the Wachau blooms, when the harvest comes in, and when the Christmas markets light the banks.

Prime season Shoulder Quieter & better value

April–June

Spring greenery, blossom in the Wachau and long, mild days before the summer peak.

September–October

Harvest and wine season along the river, golden light and thinning crowds.

July–August

Warm, lively high season. We book the best ships and cabin categories well ahead.

Late November–December

The celebrated Christmas markets light up every town along the river; festive and cozy.

January–March

The river rests: most ships winter over and sailings pause until spring. The smart move now is booking the year's prime cabins ahead.

From the Guest Book

Travelers on this river.

“We felt completely prepared and never once had a moment of stress or concern. Thanks to their meticulous care our vacation was memorable and we look forward to working with Brian and his staff in the future.”

Mark R. Danube River Cruise

Real Google reviews, words unchanged.

Good to know

The Danube cruise questions.

How long is a Danube river cruise?

Most sail 7 nights between Passau and Budapest. Longer 10 to 14-night voyages continue down the Lower Danube toward the Black Sea.

When is the best time to cruise the Danube?

Late spring and early fall are ideal, and December brings the famous Christmas markets. Summer is warm and lively. The river does not operate in deep winter.

What is included on a river cruise?

Typically your cabin, all onboard meals, many guided excursions, and beer and wine with dinner. We confirm exactly what each line includes before you book.

Which ships and lines do you recommend?

It depends on your style, from grand to boutique. We match you to the right line, ship and cabin category, and arrange flights and any pre or post-cruise city stays.

Should we start in Passau or Budapest?

Either works; the itinerary is the same in reverse. We pick the direction that best fits your flights and the city stays you would like to add.

From the journal

Reading on The Danube.

All stories →

Keep exploring

Other rivers.

Let's begin

Ready for
The Danube?

We'll handle the ship, the itinerary, and every detail in between.

Plan Your Trip

The Danube.