Board one of the many riverboats that cruise the Danube River through Austria, in the heart of central Europe. In the capital city of Vienna, you will see ornate architecture on an impressive scale in the city center and Schönbrunn & Hofburg Palaces. Explore myriad museums and the residences of famous residents like Mozart and Freud. Sailing up river to Grinzing, a charming traditional village on the outskirts of Vienna, and then on to the beautiful Wachau Valley. Around Melk, you can explore historic Dürnstein village and Melk Abbey, which was built as a Baroque palace but now serves as a prestigious coed school in a Benedictine monastery. Sailing down river beyond Austria visits Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia and beyond. Contact us one of our Austrian travel experts to get started planning your cruise to Austria today!

10 Best Danube River Cruises to Austria

Austrian Cruises (128 Results)

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Magnificent Europe

17 Days from $7,639

Embarking in Amsterdam, Netherlands and winding through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary, this 17-day river cruise aboard the MS Amaviola visits the major highlights along the Danube, Main, and Rhine rivers, including Cologne’s Gothic Cathedral, Würzburg Residenz Palace, the charming Old Towns of Bamberg & Regensburg, and the Melk Abbey.

Vltava river and Charles bridge in Prague

Romantic Danube

11 Days from $3,839

This 11-day Danube River cruise starts with 3 nights in Prague, followed by a 7-night cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest aboard the MS Amalea. Along the way, savor the renowned vintages of wine of the Wachau Valley, bike along the banks of the Danube, and stroll through the small towns and big cities like Linz, Weissenkirchen, and Vienna.

Christmas Markets on the Danube

13 Days from $4,039

Enjoy a 13-day exploration of central and Eastern Europe, starting with 2 nights in Budapest, followed by a 7-night cruise from Budapest to Vilshofen aboard the MS AmaMagna and concluding with 3 nights in Prague. Along the way, you will see Budapest's Great Market Hall & Vörösmarty Square, bike through Vienna, and visit important historic sites.

A building ruin amongst a green Slovakia landscape.

The Former Austro-Hungarian Empire (Hiking Cruise)

8 Days from $2,430

Hike the enchanting Carpathian Mountains around Bratislava, Budapest, and Vienna on this incredible 8-day hiking cruise on the MS Beethoven. Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, Baroque architecture, and breathtaking views across this region, recognized for its incredible natural beauty, especially in towns like Esztergom, Kalocsa, and Melk.

From the Blue Danube to the Black Sea

12 Days from $3,915

Join the MS Vivaldi on this 12-day cultural cruise. Explore some of the most charming and idyllic landscapes from the Danube Bend to the Black Sea. Enjoy the cultural diversity of Southeastern Europe as you visit wonderful cities such as Linz, Bratislava, Budapest, Bezdan, Rousse, Giurgiu, and more.

Blue Danube Discovery and Prague

13 Days from $4,389

Discover the Danube River on this unique 13-day exploration of Europe. Start with 2 nights in historical Budapest, followed by an unforgettable 7-night Danube River cruise to Nuremberg, concluding with 3 nights in the charming city of Prague. A flexible itinerary with plenty of daily tour options allows you to design your own trip.

Melodies of the Danube - Cruise Only

8 Days from $3,099

Enjoy a 7-night wine-themed Danube River cruise from Budapest to Vilshofen aboard the MS AmaMagna, visiting Bratislava, Vienna, Linz, and Passau along the way. As you savor the expertly vinted local wines of the Strudengau Valley, indulge your passion for music, art, and architecture in each of the stunning cities you visit.

The Romantic Danube - Cruise Only

8 Days from $2,899

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 MS Amalea.

Iconic Christmas Markets

13 Days from $3,819

Explore the most iconic Christmas Markets in Europe on this 13-day adventure starting with 2 nights in Budapest, followed by a 7-night cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg and concluding with 3 nights in Prague. At each stop along the way, browse for delicious local treats to warm you up and the perfect hand-crafted souvenirs!

The Beautiful Blue Danube

6 Days from $2,314

The MS Vivaldi hosts this 6-day Danube River cruise. Experience central Europe by traveling to its small towns & vibrant cities like Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Melk, and Passau. Sightseeing and hiking through the Carpathian Mountains highlight this tour.

10 Best Luxury River Cruises to Austria

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Blue Danube Discovery and Prague	$4389	13	Apr 1, 2020	Discover the Danube River on this unique 13-day exploration of Europe. Start with 2 nights in historical Budapest, followed by an unforgettable …
The Romantic Danube - Cruise Only	$2899	8	Oct 4, 2019	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 …
The Beautiful Blue Danube	$2766	8	Sep 17, 2019	This 8-day round-trip Danube cruise from Vienna aboard the MS Symphonie takes you through central Europe, featuring stops to explore Melk, …
Melodies of the Danube - Cruise Only	$2999	8	Apr 5, 2020	Embark the luxury ship MS Amacerto for a fascinating 8-day cruise along the Danube River from Budapest to Vilshofen, enjoying wine tastings from the …
The Romantic Danube - Cruise Only	$3299	8	Jun 21, 2020	Experience the Danube on an 8-day river cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest aboard the MS Amaprima. You'll have the chance to bike, hike, and stroll …
Blue Danube Discovery - Cruise Only	$2999	8	Apr 3, 2020	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 …
Magical Christmas Markets - Cruise Only	$3099	7	Dec 6, 2019	Join the MS Amasonata on a unique 7-day adventure visiting multiple Christmas Markets along the scenic river route from the historic city of …
Magical Christmas Markets	$4459	12	Nov 21, 2019	Visit multiple Christmas Markets on the scenic river route from Vienna to Prague. Discover some of the most enchanting landscapes of the region while …
Magical Christmas Markets	$4459	13	Dec 3, 2019	Visit multiple Christmas Markets on the scenic river route from Nuremberg to Vienna. Discover some of the most enchanting landscapes of the region …
Melodies of the Danube - Cruise Only	$2699	8	Sep 20, 2019	Explore the Danube River on an 8-day cruise from Budapest to Vishofen aboard the MS Amasonata. En route from Hungary to Germany, you will pass …

Austria Cruise Guide

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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.