10 Best Cruises to Austria for 2022-2023

From the MS Vivaldi, capture the beauty of Central Europe on this 8-day cruise of the blue Danube. Feel marveled by the rich history, intriguing traditions and extraordinary culture of Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. Enjoy a round-trip journey from Vienna, making daily stops to explore Melk, Bratislava, Kalocsa, Budapest, and Esztergom.

European Holiday Markets

Nuremberg to Vienna
8 Days from $3,399

Experience Europe at its most magical and enjoy the chance to discover the delightful holiday traditions and treats of Germany and Austria during this 8-day Christmas Market River Cruise on the Danube between Nuremberg and Vienna.

A Taste of the Danube

Vienna to Budapest
4 Days from $1,599

On this short 4-day Danube cruise of eastern Europe, board the Avalon Envision in Vienna and set sail for Melk, where you will visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest, and where Benedictine monks still stroll amidst the sacred walls and end your cruise on Budapest.

Stop in historic Regensburg on your Danube river cruise

Danube Christmas Markets

Budapest to Nuremberg
8 Days from $3,845

Feel the enchantment of the Christmas markets that have graced the Danube for centuries. Scenic Amber river ship takes you from Budapest to Nuremberg on an 8-day cruise through the heart of Hungary, Vienna, and Germany during the most wonderful time of the year.

Danube Waltz

Budapest to Passau
8 Days from $2,499

View the beauty of five different European countries and explore lesser-known Central European cities like Bratislava and Passau during this 8-day Danube River cruise with Viking River Cruises.

Magna on the Danube - Vilshofen to Budapest

Vilshofen to Budapest
8 Days from $4,199

Travel to legendary destinations on a 7-night cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest aboard the MS AmaMagna.

Blue Danube Discovery - Cruise Only

8 Days from $3,199

On this unforgettable 8-day cruise, embark in Budapest, Hungary, and make your way to the charming city of Nuremberg on the MS Amasonata. Visit some of the most important sites of the region (including Gothic & Baroque cathedrals, the Oberhaus Fortress, and others) and bike through the spectacular scenery of the Danube Valley.

Capital Cities along Danube

Vienna to Vienna
5 Days from $1,294

Board the MS Vivaldi for this 5-day cruise visiting the historic capitals and major cities of Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia along the Danube River. Gothic & Baroque architecture and history are at the center of this tour of the former Austro-Hungarian empire, highlighting monuments, museums, castles, and the art & music that define the region.

Explore the charming Austrian town of Linz

Delightful Danube: Vilshofen to Budapest

Vilshofen to Budapest
8 Days from $4,499

Set sail on the Crystal Ravel to explore highlights of the Danube River on this 8-day cruise. Visit Melk’s Benedictine Abbey and stunning Parliament Building, explore Vienna’s famed Ringstrasse, tour picturesque Durnstein, and cruise the pastoral Wachau Valley.

Admire beautiful evening lights of Vienna

Authentic Danube

Vienna to Nuremberg
8 Days from $3,399

Go off the beaten path from Nuremberg to Vienna aboard the River Princess and uncover the scenic wonders and remarkable histories of the cities that rest along the Danube River.

10 Best Luxury River Cruises to Austria for 2022-2023

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Danube Christmas Markets	$3845	8	Nov 29, 2022	Feel the enchantment of the Christmas markets that have graced the Danube for centuries. Scenic Amber river ship takes you from Budapest to Nuremberg … 0
Blue Danube Discovery - Cruise Only	$3199	8	Apr 29, 2022	On this unforgettable 8-day cruise, embark in Budapest, Hungary, and make your way to the charming city of Nuremberg on the MS Amasonata. Visit some … 0
Delightful Danube: Vilshofen to Budapest	$4499	8	Mar 27, 2022	Set sail on the Crystal Ravel to explore highlights of the Danube River on this 8-day cruise. Visit Melk’s Benedictine Abbey and stunning … 0
Christmas Markets on the Danube	$4299	11	Nov 25, 2022	Board the MS Amabella for this unique 11-day adventure visiting some of Europe's most enchanting Christmas Markets on the scenic Danube River route … 0
The Romantic Danube - Cruise Only	$2999	8	Mar 25, 2022	Cruise eastern Europe on this 8-day itinerary along the romantic Danube from Vilshofen to Budapest aboard the MS Amasonata, stopping in cities like … 0
Grand Christmas & New Year's	$6699	13	Dec 22, 2022	Embark on the S.S. Beatrice in Nuremberg for 13 amazing days over the Christmas and new years season sailing through Germany, Austria and Hungary … 0
The Legendary Danube	$4799	11	May 20, 2022	Fall in love with the Danube on this 14-day Danube River cruise aboard the MS Amasonata. Discover some of the most important cities such as … 0
Delightful Danube & Prague	$4399	10	Apr 20, 2022	This is an extraordinary journey for aficionados of European history, music and art. Experience dynamic Budapest, imperial Vienna and exquisitely … 0
The Romantic Danube	$3899	11	Mar 22, 2022	Spend three nights in Prague and enjoy a fascinating cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest with stops in the charming cities of Passau, Austria, Vienna, … 0
The Romantic Danube - Cruise Only	$2899	8	Mar 20, 2022	Enjoy a fascinating 8-day Danube River cruise, starting in the enchanting city of Vilshofen and sailing all the way to historical Budapest aboard the … 0

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Austria & Danube River Cruise Guide

Top Things to See and Do in Austria

Vienna, Salzburg, and Linz in Austria are teeming with cultural sites that bring the history of Europe to life. Each stop on an Austria trip shows a different side to the country, making a journey here an experience that sheds new light on life in modern-day Europe.

What to see & do in Austria
Austria has been a keystone in the history and culture of central Europe and is crossed by the Danube River. A river cruise through this historic region of Europe acquaints you with the towns of:

Vienna:

Schönbrunn Palace – with over 1400 rooms, it is maybe the most important palace in the whole country and a fine example of Baroque architecture.
Hofburg Palaces – for more than 800 years, this has been an imperial palace in Vienna.
Grinzing – a district known for its wineries.
Heuriger Tavern – one of Grinzing's renowned taverns which many of our cruises visit.

Melk:

Quaint and traditional Dürnstein village
Built nearly a thousand years ago, the Benedictine Melk Abbey that keeps watch over the Danube River below.

Wachau Valley:
Remarkable not only for its breathtaking natural beauty but also historically relevant as a region of fortresses and vineyards and also where Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned.

Take a ride on the ferris wheel or take a stroll through the Christmas Market

Cruising Europe Christmas Markets

Explore the enchanting Christmas Markets throughout Germany, Austria and Hungary on your Europe river cruise. Drink hot mulled wine as you meander through these traditional street markets. This is sure to be a charming, festive way to spend the holiday.

European Rivers

The multiple rivers flowing through Europe provide the perfect mode of transit for intimate travel experiences throughout various countries! River cruises also eliminate the stress of finding public transportation or driving. This brief overview of the Rhine, Rhone, Danube and Main rivers can help guide you in selecting your best river cruise option.

River Cruising Has Our Attention

While many travelers are familiar with the standard ocean liners and mega-yachts, river cruises offer a different atmosphere and experience that can only be found in certain parts of the world.

Best Time to Visit Austria

Learn about the best time to visit Austria, the best time to cruise the Danube River, and about some of the activities that are preferred during the respective seasons.

Best Austria Danube River Cruise Lines for 2022-2023

AMA Waterways - an all-inclusive river cruise provider that offers gorgeous itineraries to European destinations like the legendary Danube River, passing via Vienna, Austria. Sail in maximum luxury aboard the MS Amamagna, double the width of classic European river ships, with more than 50% ultra-spacious suite accommodations with full balconies.
CroisiEurope - Europe's market leader in river cruising, explores the mythical capitals of Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest in a single voyage, the great classic for discovering the splendors of the Blue Danube aboard the river ships MS France, MS Beethoven, and MS Amacerto.
Emerald Waterways - explore the delights of the Danube with carefully crafted EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE excursions, world-class dining experiences, and staffs' in-depth knowledge. Journey onboard the Emerald Sky and Emerald Sun, two of its six Star-Ships that cruise the Danube rivers.