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

Experience the architecture of the Danube

From the Black Sea to the Blue Danube

Tulcea to Linz
12 Days from $3,988

Explore the enchanting cities of Central Europe aboard the MS Vivaldi on this 12-day Danube River cruise visiting Tulcea, Giurgiu, Belgrade, Novisad, Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Melk and, Linz. With chances for walking and biking tours, explore museums, fairy tale towns, modern cities, and the art & architecture that characterizes eastern Europe.

Classic Prague & Danube Delights

Nuremberg-Budapest with Prague
11 Days from $3,895

Take an 11-day trip from Prague to Budapest aboard Emerald Dawn, plus enjoy a 3-night stay and a whole day of exploration in Prague. Also tour to cities like Regensburg, Passau, Melk, Vienna and more! The history of eastern Europe comes alive on this exciting Danube River cruise with opportunities to hike and bike along the way.

Stop in historic Regensburg on your Danube river cruise

Danube Christmas Markets

Budapest to Nuremberg
8 Days from $3,195

Next December explore beautiful Hungary, romantic Austria and magnificent Germany on this 8-day Christmas Market Cruise on the Danube River from Budapest to Nuremberg aboard the luxurious Scenic Amber river ship.

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.

The Romantic Danube - Cruise Only

8 Days from $3,099

Enjoy a fascinating 8-day cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest aboard the MS Amacerto that captures the romance and timelessness of Europe's unforgettable Danube River. You will also make stops in Linz, Vienna, and Bratislava to explore the ancient architecture and cultures and sample the local cuisines, all during active tours.

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.

From the Blue Danube to the Black Sea

Linz to Constanta
12 Days from $4,386

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.

From the Blue Danube to the Black Sea

12 Days from $4,071

Discover the cultural diversity of seven delta countries on this unique 12-day cruise of the Danube. Board luxurious MS L'Europe on a cultural cruise through idyllic landscapes of this enchanting region. Explore the magnificence of the Danube River as you make your way from Linz, Austria to incredible Constanta, Romania.

Central Europe: Trans-European Cruise

Strasbourg to Budapest
13 Days from $4,044

Join the luxurious MS L'Europe for this 13-day cruise of eastern Europe to discover the enchanting and historical cities of Frankfurt, Rothenburg, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Vienna, and Budapest on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure on this classic Danube River cruise. Sites like Schonbrunn Palace and the old towns of central Europe highlight this trip.

Fisherman's Bastion in Budapest, Hungary

From the Black Sea to the Blue Danube

Tulcea to Linz
12 Days from $4,246

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, Linz, and more.

Best Luxury Danube River Cruises to Melk for 2021-2022

All Melk Luxury Cruises

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Classic Prague & Danube Delights	$3895	11	Jul 31, 2021	Take an 11-day trip from Prague to Budapest aboard Emerald Dawn, plus enjoy a 3-night stay and a whole day of exploration in Prague. Also tour to … 0
Danube Christmas Markets	$3195	8	Nov 29, 2021	Next December explore beautiful Hungary, romantic Austria and magnificent Germany on this 8-day Christmas Market Cruise on the Danube River from … 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
The Romantic Danube - Cruise Only	$3099	8	Jul 31, 2021	Enjoy a fascinating 8-day cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest aboard the MS Amacerto that captures the romance and timelessness of Europe's … 0
The Romantic Danube - Cruise Only	$3299	8	Aug 21, 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 Beautiful Blue Danube	$2927	8	Aug 2, 2021	This 8-day round-trip Danube cruise from Vienna aboard the MS Symphonie takes you through central Europe, featuring stops to explore Melk, … 0
The Legendary Danube	$4699	11	Aug 4, 2021	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
Gems of the Danube	$4395	8	Aug 19, 2021	Enjoy an 8-day luxury cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest aboard the 5-star luxury Scenic Amber. Explore some of the most beautiful cities of central … 0
Danube Christmas Markets	$4745	8	Dec 6, 2021	Enjoy an 8-day luxury Danube Christmas Markets River cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest aboard the 5-star luxury Scenic Amber. Along the way, visit … 0
Classic Prague & Danube Delights	$3495	11	Aug 7, 2021	Take an 11-day trip from Prague to Budapest and experience the Classic Prague and Danube Delights. Enjoy a 3-night stay and a whole day of … 0

Melk Travel Tips & River Cruise Guide

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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.