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 medieval Schönbrunn & Hofburg Palaces, Heuriger Tavern (where a selection of delicious wines await), and beautiful architecture. Continue on 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. Sail beyond Austria the length of the Danube visiting Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, 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

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Magnificent Europe

17 Days from $7,219

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.

Biking Along the Danube

8 Days from $3,180

Explore Central Europe by bike on this 8-day cruise through Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary aboard the MS Beethoven. Embrace the history, traditions, culture and cuisine of central Europe as you explore destinations like Melk Abbey, Devin Castle, the Gellert Baths, the Great Plains, and the charming Wachau Valley.

Vltava river and Charles bridge in Prague

Romantic Danube (Wine Cruise)

11 Days from $3,439

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 $3,860

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.

Melodies of the Danube (Wine Cruise) - Cruise Only

8 Days from $3,299

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 $2,699

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 $2,375

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
The Romantic Danube - Cruise Only	$2699	8	Mar 22, 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 …
Melodies of the Danube (Wine Themed) - Cruise Only	$2699	13	Mar 21, 2019	Board the MS Amaviola in Budapest for a 13-day cruise, and enjoy a variety of activities as you discover the Wachau Valley wine-growing region. …
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 …
Melodies of the Danube (Wine Themed) - Cruise Only	$2699	8	Mar 24, 2019	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 …
Magical Christmas Markets - Cruise Only	$3099	7	Nov 24, 2019	Enjoy a 7-day cruise of the traditional Christmas markets of the Danube River aboard the top-ranked MS Amacerto. Depart from Nuremburg and visit …
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	Mar 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 …
The Romantic Danube (Wine Themed) - Cruise Only	$2799	8	Mar 29, 2019	Enjoy a fascinating 8-day cruise along the Romantic Danube from Vilshofen to Budapest aboard the MS Amasonata.

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.