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!

10 Best Danube River Cruises to Melk for 2022-2023

All Cruises to Melk

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.

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.

The Romantic Danube - Cruise Only

8 Days from $3,899

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.

Trans-European Cruise

Strasbourg to Budapest
13 Days from $3,950

Explore Central Europe in the comfort of your luxury ship the MS France on this 13-day Danube River cruise. Discover Frankfurt, the Abbey of Melk, Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace, and the historical city of Budapest, a great example of an authentic European town with more than 1,000 years of history. Biking and urban exploration of modern cities and old towns highlight this trip.

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

Danube Holiday Markets

Budapest to Passau
8 Days from $3,599

Aboard S.S. Maria Theresa on this 8-day Danube river cruise, music lovers will find many special holiday treats, from onboard caroling to an exclusive organ recital. Shoppers will delight in the chance to pick out a variety of unique gifts at enchanting Christmas markets found in Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Melk, Salzburg and Passau.

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.

The Legendary Danube

11 Days from $4,299

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!

The Romantic Danube

11 Days from $3,799

Spend three nights in Prague and enjoy a fascinating cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest with stops in the charming cities of Passau, Austria, Vienna, and Hungary aboard the MS Amasonata.

The Romantic Danube - Cruise Only

8 Days from $3,599

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 - Cruise Only

8 Days from $3,399

Travel back through centuries as you walk along cobblestone streets through grand cities and historic towns bedecked with twinkling Christmas trees and lined with wooden huts gleaming with handcrafted treasures. Enjoy an 8-day cruise of Iconic Christmas Markets aboard the MS Amalea!

All Melk Luxury Cruises

10 Best Luxury Danube River Cruises to Melk 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
The Romantic Danube - Cruise Only	$3899	8	Jul 1, 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
The Legendary Danube	$4299	11	Nov 22, 2023	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
The Romantic Danube	$3799	11	Jun 28, 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	$3599	8	May 29, 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
Danube Christmas Markets with Prague	$3809	11	Nov 29, 2022	The Christmas markets along the Danube are an incredible sight. Festive market stalls twinkle with fairy lights and are piled high with gingerbread … 0
Jewels of Europe	$6695	15	Sep 21, 2022	On this 15-day European river cruise along the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers, meander past forested slopes, picturesque vineyards, and enchanting … 0
Blue Danube Discovery - Cruise Only	$3199	8	May 27, 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 Legendary Danube - Cruise Only	$3399	8	Jun 17, 2022	Board the luxurious MS Amasonata on this exclusive 8-day cruise of the Danube River. From Nuremberg, you will sail through Germany and Austria before … 0
Danube Explorer	$3395	8	Aug 27, 2022	Enjoy an 8-day cruise aboard the Emerald Sky. Visit historical cities that will make you experience old Europe in this Modern Age while cruising … 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.