The Austrian city of Melk and the nearby Wachau Valley are undoubtedly highlights of most Danube River cruises. The main attraction is the impressive Benedictine Melk Abbey. This 11th-century monastery towers over the town and features a baroque marble hall, library, and church. Travelers have the option to hike in the surrounding verdant hills and breathe in the crisp fresh air of the Wachau Valley or enjoy a more relaxing walking tour of Durnstein, where Richard the Lionheart was held, prisoner. Make sure to sample some of the locally vinted wines during your stay. Vienna, Budapest, and Passau are common start and finishing points of cruises visiting Melk and many cruises visit the highlights of Linz, Austria & Bratislava, Slovakia as well. Contact one of our European cruise experts today to start planning your trip!

Best Danube River Cruises to Melk for 2021-2022

All Cruises to Melk

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.

The Romantic Danube - Cruise Only

8 Days from $3,299

Cruise eastern Europe on this 8-day itinerary along the romantic Danube from Vilshofen to Budapest aboard the MS Amasonata, stopping in cities like Passau, Linz, and Vienna en route. You will see breathtaking architecture, beautiful natural landscapes, and taste some of the most savory flavors and wines that Europe has to offer.

The Beautiful Blue Danube

Vienna to Vienna
8 Days from $2,936

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.

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.

Festive Season on a Taste of the Danube (Westbound)

Budapest to Vienna
4 Days from $1,099

Board on the Avalon View in Budapest 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 Vienna.

The Legendary Danube

11 Days from $4,799

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 Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Linz, Vienna, and Budapest, and select from a large variety of daily activities and excursions. As you cruise through Eastern Germany, don't miss the excellent Bavarian cuisine!

Magical Christmas Markets

13 Days from $4,899

Visit multiple Christmas Markets on the scenic Danube river on the luxurious MS Amasonata from Nuremberg to Vienna. Discover some of the most enchanting landscapes of the region while you immerse yourself with ancient European Christmas traditions.

Fisherman's Bastion in Budapest, Hungary

From the Black Sea to the Blue Danube (Port-to-port cruise)

Port-to-port cruise
12 Days from $4,253

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

Festive Season on a Taste of the Danube with a trip in Budapest

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6 Days from $1,588

From the Gypsy violins of Budapest to the romantic sounds of Vienna, the “City of Music,” this Danube river cruise highlights the natural beauty of Austria’s Wachau Valley, and the fascinating capital cities of Hungary and Slovakia. Before your cruise, spend two nights in Budapest, with guided sightseeing in the vibrant capital.

Festive Season on a Taste of the Danube with a trip in Vienna

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6 Days from $1,528

From the violins of Budapest to the romantic tunes of Vienna, the “City of Music,” this European river cruise highlights the natural beauty of Austria’s Wachau Valley and celebrates the fascinating capital cities of Hungary, Slovakia and Austria.

All Melk Luxury Cruises

Best Luxury Danube River Cruises to Melk for 2021-2022

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
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
The Romantic Danube - Cruise Only	$3299	8	Oct 30, 2021	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
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
Magical Christmas Markets	$4899	13	Dec 8, 2021	Visit multiple Christmas Markets on the scenic Danube river on the luxurious MS Amasonata from Nuremberg to Vienna. Discover some of the most … 0
Christmastime on the Danube (Westbound)	$2699	7	Dec 7, 2021	Immersed in the holiday spirit as you explore the famous Christmas markets with rows of brightly decorated wooden huts that sell Christmas tree … 0
Christmastime on the Danube (Eastbound)	$2870	7	Dec 1, 2021	Enjoy this magical time of year with a Christmastime river cruise vacation starting in the Nuremberg, on through the heart of Germany, and ending in … 0
Danube Dreams & Discoveries: Vienna Roundtrip	$8998	8	Mar 26, 2022	Board Crystal Mahler on this 8-day voyage and cruise roundtrip from Vienna to discover highlights of the Danube. Immerse yourself in the regal … 0
Danube Dreams (Westbound)	$2799	8	Apr 7, 2022	Begin this timeless European river cruise in Budapest, where guided sightseeing acquaints you with the highlights of the vibrant capital of Hungary … 0
Delightful Danube: Vilshofen to Budapest	$3799	8	Nov 3, 2021	Board the Crystal Ravel to explore highlights of the Danube River on this 8-day cruise. Visit Melk’s Benedictine Abbey and stunning Parliament … 0
Delightful Danube: Budapest to Vilshofen	$3799	8	Nov 10, 2021	Board the Crystal Ravel to explore highlights of the Danube River on this 8-day cruise. Visit Melk’s Benedictine Abbey and stunning Parliament … 0

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Melk Travel Tips & River Cruise Guide

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.

Highlights of Melk
This quiet Austrian town along the Danube River is a highlight for history and architecture buffs.

The 11th century Benedictine Melk Abbey is a monument to baroque architecture, with its towering church, library, and marble hall.

Just outside of Melk are other popular destinations, like the Wachau Valley.

Postcard-perfect Dürnstein is a charming little town with more baroque highlights.

Take an excursion to Arstetten Castle, last residence of Archduke Franz-Ferdinand and his wife.

Your cruise continues on to other top destinations in Austria and along the Danube, like Germany, Hungary, and Serbia.