danube tour vienna

Vienna by Boat

The Danube River, Europe’s longest, originates in Germany, flows through 10 countries, and empties into the Black Sea.  One of the best ways to experience this natural beauty is by taking a boat cruise along its path. 

With an assortment of cruises offering unique waterway experiences, there is no limit to the ways in which you can enjoy this breathtaking river.  There are year round cruises as well as seasonal outings, and on some ships, an opportunity to be the captain! Whether catching a moonlight trip, a picnic outing, or a city cruise, Danube boat cruises have much to offer.

Vienna Danube Boat Cruise >>

Danube Boat Cruise for 1-2-3 hours in Vienna

Sailing the Danube on any number of sightseeing boat rides is a wonderful way to experience Vienna.  A one hour, breathtaking  tour on the canal banks offers views of Vienna’s beautiful architecture and its many districts. 

A two hour hour cruise allows you to see Vienna’s greenery starting at the Schwedenplatz, sailing towards Vienna’s planetarium and observatories, through the Freudenau Lock and Marina yacht harbor, ending at the Reichsbrucke bridge, next to St. Francis of Assisi's church. 

A three hour cruise allows you to enjoy more of Vienna, as well as the musical delights that help to define the city.

Danube Boat Cruise with Dinner

No boat ride would be complete without featuring some of  Vienna’s finest culinary artistry.  Consider this:  A buffet dinner complimented by the best Viennese wines, musical accompaniment played softly in the background,  and  the warmth of summer’s air on your skin,  as you savor the sparkling brilliance of a city in lights.

With a tour of Vienna’s sites, this enchanting boat ride offers class and culture, as well as fine dining and sophistication.  An evening cruise along the Danube gives you a nautical glimpse into the city’s past, a look into its modern accomplishments, and a glance into future possibilities.

Cruise outside Vienna - Visit the Wachau Valley

There is opportunity to enjoy the water during the day, if you prefer that to an evening cruise. Coursing along the river during daylight towards the scenic Wachau Valley for example, invites tourists to see the flourishing greenery surrounding Vienna’s vineyards, churches, and baroque structures. 

Vienna to Wachau Full-Day Danube Boat Cruise >>

While the landscape calls to you in Wachau Valley, castles and gilded architecture beckon you in Linz.  The Lentos Museum along the river is but one of the attractions that puts Linz on the map and makes visiting such a treasure.  In addition, the Brucknerhaus concert hall on the riverbank makes the Danube a premier waterway.  

Articles of interest

Vienna State Opera

House of the Sea

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Danube Cruises from Vienna

39 danube river cruises from vienna with 123 reviews.

River Cruise Family

8 days - Imperial Danube (Vienna - Budapest - Vienna, MS Crucestar 4*)

"This tour was wonderful. Definitely recommend." Deirdre, traveled in October 2022

Danube Serenade: Romantic Journey from Vienna to Bucharest (Turnu Magurele) , MS Fidelio

"The boat is clean, the crew attentive, the food excellent, the tours appropriate and the overall experience was laid-back." Joan, traveled in May 2024

The beautiful blue Danube (port-to-port cruise)

"Good choice of excursions, excellent service, delicious food." Sharon, traveled in June 2023

Danube Classics Vienna 2024 (8 destinations)

"Food was good and lots of it, the cabin was clean and comfortable. We had a great holiday!" Nicholas, traveled in April 2023

Danube Classics Vienna 2024 (6 destinations)

River Cruise Family Historical +1

Danube Capitals "B" Dutch Grace Superior Deluxe

Danube Capitals "B" Dutch Grace Intermediate Deluxe

A Taste of the Danube with 2 Nights in Vienna (Eastbound) 2024

"NOTHING came even close to Avalon River cruise! Can't wait go on our next." Tom, traveled in October 2014

From the Blue Danube to the Black Sea (port-to-port cruise) (from Vienna to Oltenita)

"Crosieurope had nice food, plenty of beer and wine, very clean boat - both inside and out." Anna, traveled in April 2023

1.200 Miles on the Beautiful Blue Danube (Vienna - Bucharest) (12 destinations)

A Taste of the Danube (Eastbound) 2024

River Cruise

European Holiday Markets (2025) (Vienna to Nuremberg, 2025)

Magic of Advent on the Danube (Vienna - Nuremberg)

Blue Danube cruise, Vienna-Vienna, MS Fidelio

"The beverage package was a highlight of the experience." Alex, traveled in August 2022

River Cruise Family Christmas & New Year +1

Christmas on Danube: from Vienna to Vienna via Budapest - MS Princess Isabella

"Crew and staff were wonderful. I would recommend this travel cruise." Irvin, traveled in December 2022

What people love about Danube Cruises from Vienna

This tour was wonderful. Hit all the highlights. Definitely recommend.

The tour was very good, the crew were excellent, very helpful, approachable and informative and always available. The tours were great and the Danube is wonderful to cruise on. The food was of excellent quality but the fact that there was no choice on the menu was poor and we feel there should have been an earlier sitting for dinner, and lunch could have been a buffet. The accommodation was adequate but the shower was totally inadequate. We enjoyed the cruise

Al-Rosa did an excellent job. Food was good and lots of it, the cabin was clean and comfortable. The staff were always friendly and helpful and Sabrina did a great job of looking after everyone and made sure that we were always at the right place at the right time. The tours were great and we enjoyed our evenings in the lounge with music and quizzes by Erich. We had a great holiday!

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The Danube Tower

60 years top of Vienna Welcome to the highest landmark in Austria!

UEFA EURO 2024™ at Donaubräu

Celebrate your school report at the Danube Tower 2024-06-28

Celebrate Your Birthday at the Danube Tower

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Top of vienna.

The Danube Tower is a Viennese landmark, a technical masterpiece and shines in a stylish reinterpretation of the 1960s.

The express lift takes you up to the viewing platform 150 meters up in the air, with an unforgettable 360° panorama. This makes the Danube Tower a popular destination and the perfect starting point for anyone who wants to discover the city.

A trip to the Danube Tower is something not to be missed: situated in one of the city’s biggest and most beautiful parks, the Danube Park, it can be seen from afar, inviting visitors to discover its secrets. First, your gaze wanders upward, up the tower to its distinctive top.

Once up there, it roams into the distance, to the margins of the city and even far beyond. These changes in perspective make a visit to the Danube Tower an unforgettable experience. Learn more about its history, look forward to culinary highlights and enjoy the thrill at dizzy heights.

Culinary Calender

April to june culinary highlights.

Food connoisseurs are in for a treat as the kitchen expertly blends wild garlic, rhubarb, asparagus, strawberries, and greens to create a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

July to August culinary highlights

The dishes in focus are a celebration of the rich and distinct flavors of tomatoes, cherries, apricots, and peaches, creating a unique and delightful culinary experience.

October to November culinary highlights

With our dishes of pumpkin, tubers, apples, pears, elderberries, plums and mushrooms, the transition into the colder season becomes a pleasure!

December culinary highlights

Celebrate the holidays in style with the Danube Tower's winter creations in December. Perfect for Christmas parties or dinners, these dishes add an extra touch of magic to your christmas celebration.

January to March culinary highlights

Cabbage and beets are not just nutritious, but they also make a delectable duo on our plates. With creative culinary pairing, they reveal a new dimension of flavors that will surprise.

Discover the Tower

Dining at the highest level at 170m.

The Turm Restaurant is located at a height of 170 meters and rotates constantly, offering visitors a breathtaking 360-degree view of the metropolis. Guests can forget everyday life for a short time and enjoy a carefree time "top of Vienna".

Danube Tower Slide

Discover the new thrill on Europe's highest slide at the Danube Tower! Glide from a height of 165 metres over a 40 metre long track to the viewing level at a height of 150 metres. You can reach a speed of up to 18 km/h in just 7-9 seconds.

Tradition and vision

In the revolving tower cafe at a height of 160 meters, guests can enjoy a selection of excellent pastries and coffee variations, but also a small menu with warm delicacies.

Your event high above the city

Whether a company celebration, presentation, festive reception, Christmas party, customer event or press conference: with its unique 360-degree panoramic view over the city, the Danube Tower is Vienna's most beautiful and spectacular venue.

Your favorite place

In the Donaubräu, including the spacious guest garden on the ground floor of the Danube Tower, visitors enjoy cozy hours with a view of the Danube Park and specially brewed Tower Beer.

Your personal memory

Don't forget to choose your personal souvenir after your visit. In the newly designed souvenir store you will find a varied selection of classic-traditional souvenirs and a select assortment of personalized Danube Tower mementos.

New World Record at the Danube Tower

On June 10, 2024, Lower Austrian ultrarunner Rainer Predl set a new world record by running 100 kilometers in 2,500 laps around the platform of the Vienna Danube Tower. He achieved this impressive feat in 10 hours and 51 minutes.

Danube Tower Part of Royal Canadian Air Force World Record

June 3, 2024: On April 1, 2024, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) celebrated its 100th anniversary. For 100 years, the RCAF has protected Canada, its interests, and especially its people.

Title: A Tower Open to All Celebrates Pride Month 2024

We celebrate diversity not only during Pride Month but every day with our guests and staff! For 60 years, we have been a place of connection and togetherness, where everyone is welcome!

Austria's highest landmark turns 60

19. April 2024: A popular attraction, in which Wien Holding also participates, celebrates its anniversary: Today, Vienna's City Councilor for Economic Affairs, Peter Hanke, and the shareholders of the Donauturm commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Donauturm.

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Vienna Danube Guide 2024: 16+ River Discoveries To Dive Into

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In this extensive insider guide to the Vienna Danube I’m going to share what the Donau in Wien looks like, the best places to explore and enjoy yourself and where you’ll likely arrive by cruise ship. Although the Danube flows through Vienna it is not the only Vienna river. Further down you will also learn about the eponymous Wien river.

The Danube River In Vienna

Approximately 23 km of the 2,850 km long Donau flow through Vienna. The Danube river in Vienna as of today didn’t always look like this. It is the result of two regulations in the 19th and 20th centuries to control floods. Since 1875 the Danube Canal , instead of the main Danube, flows alongside the city center. The actual Donau now passes a few kilometres north east of the center. The long and narrow Danube Island (Donauinsel) splits the Vienna Danube into the Donau and the parallel side arm Neue Donau (New Danube). The crescent-shaped side arm of Neue Donau is the Alte Donau (Old Danube).

The Wiener Donau has a few fabulous places to eat, drink, bike, swim and rent a boat. This list focuses on the Danube in Vienna, including Klosterneuburg. Many of them are not in tourist guides. Find practical information and tips on Wachau Valley and Melk Abbey in Lower Austria.

The Other Vienna River

When in Vienna you can see the river close to two main attractions: First, when the Vienna river runs parallel to the main entrance of Schönbrunn Palace . Second, when in Stadtpark use the Wien river promenade close to the Art Nouveau Wienfluss-Portal, which forms part of my Art Nouveau Walk . 

Map of Vienna Danube

Danube Resort Kritzendorf

Most of all, Kritzendorf is known for its unique stilted houses that were built along the banks of the Danube River. They date back to the late 19th century when the Danube frequently flooded its banks. Today they have turned into a cultural landmark.

During many summers I used to stay at a typical stilt house in Kritzendorf, swimming in the Danube, walking among the willow trees, eating apricot dumplings and watching the adults sip red currant wine. Definitely the best things to do there are to explore the old riverside resort, take a shoreline walk and a careful swim, and lunch at riverside restaurant Fischer.

Address : Strombad Kritzendorf, 3420 Klosterneuburg

Klosterneuburg Abbey

When the Vienna State Opera closes during the summer, the Oper Klosterneuburg offers a fantastic alternative with their open air operas in the historic courtyard. Find out about the  art wine tour that I did there.

Address : Stift Klosterneuburg, Stiftsplatz 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg

Otto Wagner’s Danube Weir

As the Danube enters Vienna it flows through a terrific Art Nouveau weir and the so called Schemerl Bridge: For example, when cruising into Vienna, you’ll pass right underneath that bridge. Find out more in Otto Wagner in Vienna .

Address : Am Brigittenauer Sporn 7, 1220 Vienna

Danube Island

The best eatery along Wiener Donau is contemporary style Marina Restaurant . If you’d like to stay on the Vienna Danube, take a look at the Hilton Danube .

Vienna’s Danube Tower

Because of its height and positioning you will hardly get more breathtaking sceneries of the city of Vienna and Vienna wineries from the Danube. From November 2023, an illuminated slide on the northern outside of the tower will allow you to glide from the central floor through a transparent work of art to the viewing level at a height of 150 meters. The project by the German object artist Carsten Höller is intended to last for three years. Address: Donauturmstrasse 8, 1220 Vienna

Boat Rides On The Vienna Danube

If you don’t have much time and want to combine a Vienna sightseeing tour with a Danube boat ride , your best bet is the Vienna Danube boat ride (more in Boat Trips ). It takes you along both the Wiener Donau and Donaukanal (Danube Canal).

Danube National Park

Especially the local boat tours and hiking trails are popular with children. Some areas of the national park have designated cycling paths. Rent a bike and explore the surroundings at your own pace, enjoying the fresh air and scenic views.

The best seasons to visit the park is in the spring and summer, though make sure you take insect repellent with you.

Find out more about Nationalpark Donauauen and how to get there in my July travel tips .

Address: Nationalpark Donauauen, Schlossplatz 1, 2304 Orth/Donau

Danube Cruise Ship Piers

On the one hand, most cruise liners offer guided day trips and shuttle services.  On the other hand, exploring Vienna on your own will change the way you connect to the city. To begin with, take metro U1 from nearby station Vorgartenstrasse and whizz to the Vienna city centre in less than 10 minutes. If you need help pulling together your own off-shore day programme , check out my Vienna travel planning services.

Address: Schiffahrtszentrum Wien, Handelskai 265, 1020 Vienna

Best Places Along Alte Donau / Old Danube

Small side streets often beat majestic broadways in charm. As for waterways, this rings true for the Vienna Danube and the Old Danube. At Alte Donau you enter a local riverside community that has successfully hidden from mass tourism over the past decades.

Renting A Sofa Boat

Address: Meine Insel, Laberlweg 19, 1220 Vienna

Bootshaus Café and Restaurant

In fact, the new owners, who also run traditional Café Landtmann and Café Museum, fulfilled a long cherished dream for themselves when opening this stylish Danube café.

The best places to take a swim in the Old Danube are quiet Kaiserwasser, the Old Danube Promenade and wild  Donau-Oder-Kanal , a canal project to connect the Danube with German Oder which never finished.

If you’d like to really discover this authentic stretch of riverside Vienna, stay at Eva Elbaranes-Kolls eclectic Bed and Breakfast The Rooms.

Address: An der unteren Alten Donau 61, 1220 Vienna

Danube Canal: Spittelau

Watch out for the large golden stopper stuck onto the blue tower before artful checks and blotches of colour appear on the main building.

Address: Müllverbrennungsanlage Spittelau, Spittelauer Lände 45, 1090 Vienna

Summerstage At The Canal

A bit further down you will find buzzing riverside hangout Summerstage . Between May and September locals love to relax with a glass of wine or beer on the large wooden terrace while listening to occasional live music. Summerstage is open from 5.00 pm on week days and from 3.00 pm on weekends.

Address: Rossauer Lände 17, 1090 Vienna

Otto Wagner’s Schützenhaus

Another lovely eye-catcher is Otto Wagner’s Schützenhaus , an Art Nouveau jewel that is now housing a restaurant. It was designed to cover and protect various lifting devices to help regulate the Danube Canal. In the restaurant you can still see some of them.

Address: Obere Donaustraße 26, 1020 Vienna

High Speed Catamaran To Bratislava

Probably the best place for rooftop views of the Danube Canal and the city is restaurant Le Loft at luxury hotel Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom. The dark shiny tower goes on the account of French star architect Jean Nouvel.

Address: Twin City Liner Pier, Schiffstation Wien City, Franz-Josefs-Kai 2, Schwedenplatz/Kai, 1010 Vienna

A few strokes further and you will land at Badeschiff, a pool constructed on a converted cargo ship. While taking in views of the city visitors can swim in one of Vienna’s hippest locations for dining out, and dancing. There are sunbeds and seating areas around the pool, providing a comfortable space for sunbathing and relaxation. It’s a popular place to unwind, especially during sunny days. In the evenings, the Badeschiff can transform into a lively spot with a unique nightlife atmosphere, feature DJ performances or themed parties.

In the winter you can also play bowling and do ice curling.

Address:  Badeschiff, Donaukanallände, 1010 Vienna

Strandbar Herrmann

You can see all these and more places during a one hour boat tour on the Danube Canal. If you are a group of max. eight people and like doing something authentic between 1st May and 26th October consider renting a Wiener Bootstaxi .

Address: Strandbar Herrmann, Herrmannpark, 1030 Vienna

Best Vienna Danube Festivals and Events 2024

Donauinselfest : Europe’s biggest open air festival rocks the Danube Island for a weekend each June – though this year in September. Find out more in Vienna Music Festival .

Light Festival (Lichterfest) on the Old Danube: While the Donauinselfest rocks, the Lichterfest gently sways. Prepare for evergreens, decorated boats, illuminated shorelines and a massive firework on Alte Donau on an evening in July. In 2024 the festival will take place at the end of July (exact date tbc). Above all, be quick if you want to rent a boat there that evening.

Need help with your Vienna Travel Planning ? Explore Trip Planning and Travel Consulting by Vienna Unwrapped

find more Vienna Attractions  – Native Advice of Tourist Attractions back to Vienna Unwrapped homepage

A Magic Night At A Vienna Summer Opera: Klosterneuburg

Vienna Summer Opera. When Viennese opera houses close for the season an open air opera …

Vienna Danube River Cruises

10 best danube river cruises visiting vienna for 2024-2025, magna on the danube - budapest to vilshofen, the legendary danube, gems of the danube, danube waltz, classic prague & danube delights, the beautiful blue danube, christmas on the danube, the romantic danube - cruise only, christmastime on the danube (westbound), european holiday markets, 10 best luxury danube river cruises to vienna for 2024-2025, 10 top-rated danube river cruise ships to vienna for 2024-2025, vienna cruising tips & travel guide, top 15 things to do and see in vienna - must-see attractions & experiences, some of vienna's favorite activities.

• Schönbrunn Palace – an expansive palace that served as the summer home for the royal family; although it was the summer residence, its relevance as a Baroque landmark in Austria's architectural and cultural history sets it above most other buildings in Vienna.
• Hofburg Palaces – built in the 13th century, it has been the imperial seat for more than 800 years
• Grinzing – this neighborhood is most famous for its taverns, where you will experience a true flavor of the region as you sample its delicious locally grown and crafted wines and beers.

Top Things to See and Do in Austria

European rivers, when to visit europe: seasons & temperatures, cruising europe christmas markets, european cruise: when to go, best time to visit austria, best vienna danube river cruise lines for 2024-2025.

• AMA Waterways   - an all-inclusive river cruise provider that offers gorgeous itineraries to European destinations like the legendary Danube River, passing via Vienna, Austria. Sail in maximum luxury aboard the  MS Amamagna , double the width of classic European river ships, with more than 50% ultra-spacious suite accommodations with full balconies.
• CroisiEurope   - Europe's market leader in river cruising, explores the mythical capitals of Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest in a single voyage, the great classic for discovering the splendors of the Blue Danube aboard the river ships  MS France ,  MS Beethoven , and  MS Amacerto . 
• Emerald Waterways   - explore the delights of the Danube with carefully crafted EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE excursions, world-class dining experiences, and staffs' in-depth knowledge. Journey onboard the  Emerald Sky  and  Emerald Sun , two of its six Star-Ships cruise the Danube rivers.

Top Vienna Travel Destinations

• Danube River

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Select Your Experience

Vienna Boat Tour: Cruise the Danube River with these Day Tours

Let’s help you choose the right Vienna boat tour for your trip!

The Danube River runs through Vienna, but because it doesn’t cross right through the Innere Stadt or District 1, which is the old town, it can be easy to miss.

Between the palace, cathedral, museums, art galleries and famous cafes, you could very easily come to the end of your trip in Vienna and realize, you haven’t yet walked along the Danube Canal, let alone the Danube River!

So if you want to cruise the Danube, you’re going to have to be proactive and book a tour. But which one should you pick and where should you cruise?

When it comes to picking a Vienna boat trip, there are no shortage of options. You can take a day trip to Bratislava and then travel back by boat, spend the day exploring the Wachau Valley vineyards on a cruise, enjoy a boat tour with dinner and live music, try out a private e-boat and so much more.

So we’re going to help you figure out which of these Vienna boat tours is right for you! Let’s narrow it down.

My Top 3 Picks: Vienna Boat Tour

Vienna to Bratislava Tour by Bus and Boat

✅ Day trip to Bratislava

✅ Full-day tour

✅ Plenty of time for exploration

Wachau Valley Day Tour with Wine Tasting

✅ Scenic boat ride

✅ Great summer tour

✅ Visit wineries

Heurigen Cruise with Viennese Songs and Buffet

✅ Viennese songs

✅ Buffet dinner

✅ Sunset views

Best Vienna Boat Tour

1. vienna to bratislava tour by bus and boat.

⭐️  RATING:  4.2/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  11.5 hours | ✅  Book it!

This Vienna boat tour is an exciting one because it takes you all the way to Bratislava, Slovakia! That means you can add another European country to your list!

On the way to Bratislava, you travel by bus. This is a 1-hour journey aboard a coach bus.

Once you arrive in Bratislava, you will meet a local guide who will take you on a guided walking tour of the old town. The tour will last about 2 hours and afterwards, you’ll have additional time to explore Bratislava on your own and perhaps retrace your steps to some of the attractions that most interest you.

A few attractions not to be missed in Bratislava’s old town include:

St. Martin’s Cathedral, a Gothic cathedral that’s been the site of many coronations; Michael’s Gate, the only gate that has been preserved in the city; the Bratislava Fortifications, the last remaining stretch of the medieval city walls; and Roland Fountain, a fountain topped by Knight Roland who was the legendary defender of the city.

I would suggest making time to visit Bratislava Castle. Built in the 9th century and modified many times over, this 4-towered castle sits perched on a hill overlooking the Danube River.

It’s a beautiful walk to the top offering nice views over the Old Town, plus you also have the Slovak National Museum and the Baroque Gardens on the north side.

You’ll also have plenty of time to try Slovak food during the day. I really enjoyed a restaurant called Modrá Hviezda which is set in a cave at the foot of the castle hill. It’s a pretty unique dining experience so ask to be seated in the back if there’s room.

We ordered pork chop covered in crushed walnuts with a honey-mustard sauce and a side of roasted potatoes, and duck cooked in a wine sauce with forest mushroom and potato pancakes.

After enjoying your day trip to Bratislava , you’ll make your way down to the pier to board the boat to Vienna. You’ll travel aboard the Twin City Liner, which is a catamaran. The journey time back to Vienna is 1.5 hours.

Bring your passport on this boat trip as you are entering another country and you may be required to present it.

• You get to visit another country
• Full-day activity
• Plenty of time for solo exploration

Check Prices and Availability!

2. Wachau Valley Day Tour with Wine Tasting

⭐️  RATING:  4.8/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  9 hours | ✅  Book it!

This day trip to the Wachau Valley isn’t a full-day boat tour, however, it does include a boat tour segment in the itinerary when you do this trip during the summer months!

You’ll start the day leaving Vienna and travelling by van down narrow countryside roads deep into the heart of the Wachau Valley.

Along the way, your driver and guide will teach you all about the history of wine-making in the region which dates back to the time of the Romans!

During the tour, you’ll get to taste a variety of dry and fruity white wines from the Wachau Valley and sample other local delicacies like apricot jams and liqueurs.

If you take this tour during the summer months (technically mid-May to mid-October), you’ll be able to enjoy a boat ride on the Danube River from Spitz to Melk. Since this isn’t possible during the winter months, this activity gets replaced with a guided tour of Melk Abbey.

Once you arrive in the medieval town of Dürnstein, you’ll get free time to explore. The castle ruins are an important attraction in the area since this is where Richard the Lionhearted was once held prisoner.

Finally, you’ll get to visit a heuriger , which is a traditional family-run Austrian wine tavern. Here you’ll enjoy a wine tasting!

You can browse more wine tours in Vienna here.

• Great way to explore an Austrian wine region
• Visits beautiful medieval towns
• Scenic boat ride during the summer months

3. Heurigen Cruise with Viennese Songs and Buffet

⭐️  RATING:  4.1/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | ✅  Book it!

This Vienna boat tour down the Danube River is an opportunity to enjoy live music with an Austrian dinner.

During the cruise, you circle Vienna’s 2nd district which offers scenic views of the illuminated skyline. You get to see landmarks like the Danube Tower, the Danube Plate, and the DC Tower.

Plus, you can also see historic buildings such as the Anniversary Church, the Ringturm and the Rossauer Barracks.

The performance is all Viennese Heuriger music. If you’re wondering what that is, you’re not alone! Heuriger refers to a wine tavern, so these are traditional songs played mainly on guitars and accordions which add to the merriment of the place.

Dinner is served buffet style featuring classic Viennese dishes.

• Get to listen to traditional wine tavern music
• Scenic views of Vienna
• Buffet dinner featuring Austrian cuisine

4. Floating Dinner Vienna: Private Dining Experience on Danube

⭐️  RATING:  NEW! | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour | ✅  Book it!

If you’re looking for the most unusual Vienna boat ride, this one here might be it!

This is a very unique setup where you get your own e-boat Island. Picture something like a round floating deck complete with comfortable patio furniture and a palm tree.

Dinner is served before the cruise and includes a main course meal, either Viennese Schnitzel or a vegetarian option, and one bottle of red or white wine.

You then begin your e-boat sail down the Danube River, but it’s not as tricky as it sounds. The e-boats are extremely easy to drive using a joystick control.

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind boat cruise in Vienna, this one fits the bill.

• Unique boat experience
• Get your own private e-boat island
• Viennese Schnitzel and wine for dinner

5. Vienna: Sunset Barbecue Cruise with Fireworks Display

⭐️  RATING:  4.3/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3.5 hours | ✅  Book it!

This Vienna boat cruise takes place aboard the MS Kaiserin Elisabeth.

During the tour, you’ll get to enjoy the Danube River from a unique perspective as well as iconic landmarks like the Donauplatte, the Danube Tower, and the Millennium Tower.

This cruise also features live Heuriger music which creates a very lively environment with the musicians encouraging participation from the public.

Dinner is BBQ served buffet style and the grand finale is a beautiful fireworks display to end off the evening.

• BBQ dinner buffet
• Live Austrian wine tavern music
• Fireworks display while cruising the Danube River

Choosing a Vienna boat tour

So what’s the best Vienna boat tour, you ask?

As you’ve seen, there are all sorts of different options: you can enjoy a river cruise on the Danube River with dinner and live music, a scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley wine region, a private tour on your own e-boat island, or a boat tour coming back from Bratislava to Vienna.

You have lots of choices and hopefully, this blog post has helped you narrow it down to the right one for you!

Read More about Austria:

• 10 Delectable Vienna Food Tours
• 10 Vienna Restaurants to Visit
• 5 Best Vienna Bike Tours
• Where to Eat in Salzburg
• Must-Try Tyrolean Dishes
• Sachertorte: Vienna’s Famous Dessert

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The Blue Danube River Cruise with Vienna Extension

11 days from only $3,358pp

Price Includes

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• Useful Info

Accommodation

FREE Superior drinks package on all European river cruises

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Experience more with so much included

• Tour the most historic towns and cities along the Danube, including guided tours of Vienna, Dürnstein, Budapest and Bratislava.

Visit Esztergom Basilica, Melk Abbey, Schönbrunn Palace and the Vienna State Opera House.

Explore Salzburg or Linz with an expert guide on a tour of the town's most interesting sights.

Experience in the local culture with a Hungarian folklore show and a traditional Heurigen evening and enjoy a live classical music performance on board with stunning views of Vienna.

Feel the wind in your hair on a horse-drawn carriage ride through Neusiedlersee with wine-tasting and lunch. 

Soak up all that Europe’s most cultured river has to offer, with its wealth of grand baroque architecture, medieval cities, picture perfect towns and the sights that inspired Strauss and Mozart.  

From Budapest, we slip our moorings and head on our journey north to Esztergom spending the morning exploring its historic centre, which once was Hungary’s capital, before continuing westwards to the beautiful old town of Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Navigating through Lower Austria we then reach the romantic town of Dürnstein, where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned, having been shipwrecked on his return from the crusades. After we visit the remarkable monastery in Melk, with its Emperor’s Gallery, lined with portraits of Austrian emperors. Soon we arrive in Linz where you’ll discover its baroque old town on a guided tour. Alternatively, take the short drive to Salzburg and enjoy a guided tour of the old town. We will reach classical Vienna, and see the Spanish riding school. Finally, cruising into Hungary, we arrive back in imperial Budapest, straddling the picturesque Danube. This holiday is ideal for travelers who love culture, music and architecture. 

End this spectacular adventure with a three-night stay in central. During our time on shore, we'll ride through the stunning natural beauty of Neusiedlersee on a horse and carriage. And explore Schönbrunn Palace on a guided tour, following in the footsteps of Emperors through the imperial apartments before saying goodbye to one of Europe's most opulent cities.

Your Itinerary

• DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN BUDAPEST
• DAY 2 ESZTERGOM
• DAY 3 BRATISLAVA
• DAY 4 DÜRNSTEIN & MELK
• DAY 5 SALZBURG OR LINZ
• DAY 6 VIENNA
• DAY 7 BUDAPEST
• DAY 8 NEUSIEDLERSEE
• DAY 9 SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE
• DAY 10 VIENNA
• DAY 11 RETURN HOME

ARRIVAL IN BUDAPEST

You fly to Budapest, where a coach takes you to your cruise ship. The dedicated crew are there to welcome you on board, ensuring you settle in and familiarise yourself with this first-class floating hotel. There’s always a sense of expectancy and excitement on the eve of a cruise and, after an excellent dinner in the stylish restaurant, conversation is sure to revolve around the delights ahead.

Overnight we have cruised upstream to Esztergom, one of Hungary’s oldest towns, a royal capital during medieval times and today the seat of the country’s archbishop. We have a guided tour of the famous neoclassical basilica, standing sentinel over the Danube on the border with Slovakia, and boasting one of the world’s largest altarpieces and a wealth of priceless religious artefacts. The castle is also worth exploring; it was the seat of government until the Ottomans invaded in the 16th century.

Nestling below are myriad atmospheric churches resonating with the enchanting sounds of choir; this is the best of provincial Hungary and is little changed since Habsburg times. As you enjoy your first lunch on board we gently leave Esztergom in our wake, affording a fascinating opportunity to compare the different landscapes, towns and villages of Hungary on one river bank and of Slovakia on the other.

This morning we explore Slovakia’s fast-emerging capital city, Bratislava, on a guided tour. Until recently swathed in the drab uniformity of Communism, the city has rekindled the splendour of its imperial past in its beautifully restored Old Town. Equally impressive is the imposing 17th-century castle commanding expansive views across the Danube.

This afternoon we cruise into Lower Austria, a peaceful, bucolic region and home to some of the country’s best wines. By now the stresses of everyday life seem distant as you absorb the ever-changing scenes we pass: children playing on the river banks, young couples strolling arm in arm like generations before them, vignerons carefully pruning their vines, and cobbled quaysides lined by half-timbered buildings.

You’ll marvel as the Captain skilfully navigates the ship along the serene river and through locks whose mechanisms never cease to fascinate, as we cruise towards Dürnstei

DÜRNSTEIN & MELK

Durnstein is known principally for the ice-blue tower of its abbey, which dominates the view, and the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192 after being shipwrecked on his return from the crusades. This morning we take a guided walking tour to explore this memorable city further. Set on a rocky outcrop high above the river, the castle is now ruined, but it’s easy to imagine England’s legendary monarch seething with frustration far from home, while waiting for his family to raise funds to pay his ransom.

After lunch you visit the remarkable Melk Abbey. Nothing quite prepares you for your first sight of this enormous honey-coloured building, standing resplendent above the surrounding countryside. Originally a castle, it was gifted to the Benedictine Order in the 11th-century and, although reconstructed in Baroque style during the 18th century, it has remained a monastic school and monastery ever since. The Abbey is renowned for its 214-yard-long Emperor’s Gallery lined with portraits, many fine rooms and an ornate library. After we re-join the ship, dinner is served during the final part of our cruise upstream through the pretty Nibelungengau, immortalised in the music of Wagner. 

SALZBURG OR LINZ

Reaching Linz, you will have the choice to stay in the city and take a guided walking tour, exploring its charming baroque old town. At its heart you’ll see one of the finest squares in Austria, lined by grand pastel-coloured facades with an impressive central Trinity Column of white marble, crowned by a gilded sunburst. There’s also the fortress-like castle, built high above the city by Emperor Friedrich III, now a museum housing a fine collection of nineteenth and twentieth-century artworks.

Alternatively, we drive to Salzburg, once an independent state whose archbishops turned it into one of the most sophisticated cities north of the Alps. Dominating the skyline is one of Europe’s largest stone fortresses, the Hohensalzburg, while beneath its walls church domes and spires rise from the delightful Altstadt, or Old Town. Then there’s the wonderful Hellbrunn Palace and the splendid formal gardens of the Mirabell Palace – a must for horticulture fans.

This morning, discover some of the city’s main sights in the company of an expert local guide, then you’re free to explore as you wish. Everywhere there are sights associated with the city’s most famous resident, Mozart, who played the harpsichord aged three, composed rudimentary music at five and wrote his first opera when he was 11!

Please note lunch is not included on this full day excursion to Salzburg; however, the ship will offer a packed lunch. We return to the ship for another splendid dinner.

For many, today’s visit to Vienna will be one of the highlights of the cruise. The city’s very name provokes images of elegance, fine music, wide boulevards, Baroque architecture and a rich tapestry of peoples who were drawn here from all corners of Europe. For 200 years until the First World War, Vienna was the cultural centre of Europe and many of the showpiece buildings, galleries, aristocratic palaces and magnificent churches you see today were built to reflect its imperial status. The city’s most iconic monument is the breathtaking Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, whose striking multi-coloured roof and huge Gothic South Tower dominate the skyline. There’s also the colossal Hofburg, the former royal court that is now home to a collection of museums, the Crown Jewels and the Spanish Riding School, and where the Vienna Boys’ Choir performs. Then there are the lavish Imperial Apartments and an outstanding collection of relics of the Holy Roman Empire, including, allegedly, the sabre of Charlemagne himself. The Kunsthistorisches Museum, which contains the world’s fourth largest collection of paintings, is just across the road. This morning we have a tour with a local guide offering insights into why Vienna is one of Europe’s great capitals – the seat of the Habsburg emperors and home to some of the world’s finest classical composers, including Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart and, of course, a whole family of Strausses.

During the afternoon you’re free to explore as you wish. Take a stroll in the Prater, notable for the huge Ferris wheel that features in several Cold War spy thrillers. Or, for something quite different, visit the Schönbrunn Palace, a former royal residence now housing a range of world-class museums and galleries. Perhaps, though, just take a stroll through Vienna’s atmospheric side streets, or enjoy a coffee and a slice of delicious Sachertorte in one of the lovely coffee houses.

This evening we’ve arranged truly the ‘icing on the cake’: You have the wonderful Captains Dinner and no visit to Vienna is complete without a live musical experience, so after dinner we have a classical recital on board. To hear this exquisite music played in the city of its creation makes a wonderful finale to the day.

Enjoy a leisurely morning as we cruise majestically through Hungary’s peaceful pastoral landscape towards Budapest. After lunch we enjoy a sightseeing tour of this captivating city, which truly lives up to its reputation as the ‘Pearl of the Danube’. The twin cities of Buda, built around the hilltop fortress, and Pest, with its wide boulevards, were fought over through the centuries. The Ottomans ruled here for 150 years before being ousted in the late 17th century, but their legacy lives on in the many thermal baths fed by hot springs, giving rise to Budapest’s other sobriquet – the ‘City of Spas’. After the end of Ottoman rule, Budapest became an imperial city of the Habsburg Empire, attracting great cultural and commercial wealth. Castle Hill is Budapest in microcosm: two churches, seven museums and a theatre among streets and squares with their own special atmosphere and a dramatic view across the river to the awe-inspiring neo-Gothic Parliament Building. Budapest’s endless galleries, museums, outstanding Art Nouveau architecture and excellent shopping offer a fittingly elegant end to your Danube cruise.

This evening’s Gala Dinner closes with a Hungarian folklore show, giving you time to bid farewell to your travelling companions and reflect on all the inspirational places, sights and sounds you have experienced on a truly ‘imperial’ cruise.

NEUSIEDLERSEE

This morning, we'll disembark in Budapest and journey to Neusiedlersee. The region of Neusiedlersee, located on the border between Austria and Hungary, is home to a picturesque lake - the second-largest steppe lake in Europe. The lake is a haven for nature enthusiasts due to its reed beds and wetlands, which provide a habitat for a variety of wildlife. It is also a popular destination for those seeking adventure, as it offers activities like bird watching, sailing, and cycling. And wine enthusiasts will already know that the region is famous for its fruity red wines which you’re invited to sample today with a lunch and wine tasting at a local winery.

First, we visit the wine cellars and learn about wine production here. Then we enjoy authentic Austrian cuisine with specialities from the region to accompany the samples of a sophisticated range of fruity whites, strong reds and mouth-watering sweet wines.

After our wine tasting, we'll take off on a horse-drawn carriage ride in the Neusiedlersee region with a local guide. Feel the wind in your hair as we ride through the meadows and vineyards along its shore and experience the stunning natural beauty of the lake. The rhythmic clip-clop of the horses' hooves lull you into a serene sense of zen that’s unreachable at home, allowing you to simply relax and appreciate the enchanting surroundings. This traditional mode of transportation offers a unique and nostalgic experience and creates lasting memories of this enchanting region.

We'll arrive in Vienna this afternoon and settle into our centrally located hotel, where we stay for three nights.

SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE

We'll explore Schönbrunn Palace - the most popular sight in Vienna. Experience the opulence of the Habsburg dynasty and explore the stunning architecture, richly furnished rooms and expansive garden of this UNESCO World Heritage site. While the palace was commissioned in the 17th century by Emperor Leopold I, it was Empress Marie Theresa who transformed it into the Palace we see today. 

On the imperial tour, we'll see the grandeur of Austria's imperial history, walking in the footsteps of Empress Maria Theresa and Emperor Franz Joseph. Adorned with exquisite furniture, elaborate chandeliers, and intricate wall hangings, these rooms offer a glimpse into the extravagant lifestyle of the Habsburg dynasty. Discover the extravagant grandeur of the Great Gallery, the exotic influences of the 'Chinese Cabinets', and the impressive Hall of Ceremonies. 

After our tour, explore the palace and grounds at your leisure. Animal lovers should head to the Tiergarten Schönbrunn - the oldest zoo in the world - located within the palace grounds. Here you'll get to see a diverse range of animal species and learn about the conservation efforts being made. Or take a stroll through the meticulously landscaped gardens adorned with fountains, statues and flower beds. Climb the hill to the Gloriette, a striking structure perched at the top of the palace gardens with panoramic views of Vienna and the palace ground. Or head to the nearby Schönbrunn Palace Children's Museum to learn about the everyday lives of the imperial children through interactive exhibits.  

The rest of the afternoon and evening will be at leisure in Vienna. 

We know that for Riviera Travel guests it’s not enough to see the city, you want to experience it – and what better way to experience Vienna than through the music it’s famous for. Tonight, you can choose to spend the evening in one of the most opulent buildings in the city with an additional optional excursion to Kursalon Music Hall. Enjoy the essence of Vienna through the works by the city's most famous Classical composers - Mozart and Strauss.

This morning, we'll peek behind the scenes of the world's largest repertory operation and uncover the secrets hidden from the evening operagoers during a guided tour of the Staatsoper. Our tour of the architectural and cultural highlights of The Vienna State Opera includes its grand staircase, captivating oil paintings and tapestries inspired by Mozart's The Magic Flute.  

After our tour, there's free time at leisure to explore the city. Perhaps take a tour of the Hofburg - once the imperial family's residence. Marvel at the impressive collection of drawings and master prints at the Albertina, one of the largest and most significant print collections in the world. Or visit the Burggarten, this leafy oasis is the perfect place to relax with lovely views of its palatial surroundings.  

Alternatively, you could choose to join an optional visit to the Kunsthistroisches Museum. This fascinating Art History Museum is home to famous works such as Raphael's "Madonna in the Meadow," Vermeer's "The Allegory of Painting," and the world's largest collection of Bruegel's art. As you explore, you're likely to stumble on some of history's most famous works, like The Infanta paintings by Velazquez, and masterworks by Rubens, Rembrandt, Dürer, Titian and Tintoretto. 

Not sure where to go? Your tour manager is on hand to weigh in with even more local knowledge to help you find the most amazing places most tourists miss.  

Tonight, we'll enjoy a traditional Heurigen evening at a nearby restaurant, where we will be celebrating the latest wine production. You can experience the taste of this year's vintage with a wine tasting while relishing in the exquisite Viennese cuisine.

RETURN HOME

Today we’ll transfer to the airport for your flight home to the UK. The flight may only take around 2.5 hours but memories of your time spent in Vienna will last a lifetime.

Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin with a limited number of sole occupancy cabins available on all decks, at the relevant supplement. The price includes:

• All meals on board (except one lunch if choosing the Salzburg excursion) - from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day - including welcome cocktails and the Captain's dinner.
• Complimentary on-board tea and coffee
• All visits and excursions as mentioned
• 3 nights in centrally located hotel in Vienna with breakfast
• Airport transfers
• Coach travel as mentioned
• Travel to and from port of embarkation
• The services of a Riviera Travel cruise director

Discover Even More

Optional Classical Music concert at the Kursalon Vienna 

We know that for Riviera Travel guests it’s not enough to see the city, you want to experience it – and what better way to experience Vienna than through the music it’s famous for. Spend the evening in one of the most opulent buildings in the city, Kursalon Music Hall. Enjoy the essence of Vienna through the works by the city's most famous Classical composers - Mozart and Strauss. 

Optional visit to the Kunsthistroisches Museum 

Join an optional visit to the Kunsthistroisches Museum. This fascinating Art History Museum is home to famous pieces by Raphael, Vermeer, Velazquez, masterworks by Rubens, Rembrandt, Dürer, Titian and Tintoretto and the world's largest collection of Bruegel's art. 

Please contact us to pre-book either of the above experiences.

Transfer Times

All transfer times listed here are approximate, and dependant on traffic. If you have a question regarding transfer times please don't hesitate to contact us . 

Useful Information

• Currencies: Euro, Forint
• Flight Time: Approx. 2 hrs 25 mins to 3 hrs
• Languages: Hungarian, German
• Time Zone: GMT+1
• Countries: Austria, Hungary, Slovakia

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship for the duration of your cruise. Please note that speeds may vary.

Visa Information

We are unable to accept responsibility if you are unable to travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements.

We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to call us to discuss these concerns. General information on mobility in connection with our tours can be found here .

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Heart of the Danube: Bavaria to Budapest

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Select the cruise direction, and the year, you would like to travel.

• 2024 Eastbound
• 2025 Eastbound
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Uniquely Tauck

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE - An Imperial Evening at a private Vienna palace with dinner and classical performers

Wine-tasting event at the village of Weissenkirchen, in Austrian wine country

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

All gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Directors

Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions – $1,982 Value

Choice of sightseeing in Passau or medieval Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Guests should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.

Moderately paced, and may include some early morning hotel departures, one or two on-tour flights, and extended motor coach travel.

Exclusively inclusive river cruising

When your road is the Danube, it's enchanting... Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, and Germany are linked by peaceful river landscapes dotted with storybook castles and romantic villages surrounded by stone terraced vineyards, where making world-class wines – and tasting them! – is an art.

A wonderfully preserved medieval castle and town in the Czech Carpathian mountains are as awe-inspiring as the palaces and museums of Imperial Vienna. As you cruise from port to port, explore the cobblestone streets and market squares in the Old Towns of Budapest, Bratislava, Cesky Krumlov, Grein, and Passau, each offering unexpected cultural treasures and culinary pleasures around every bend. And the pièce de résistance – a Tauck Exclusive gala evening with music and dancing at a private palace conjures up elegant Old World Europe just for Tauck guests!

Take a look at Tauck River Cruising along the Danube, the "River of Kings"

A step back in time... cesky krumlov, explore medieval cesky krumlov.

Cesky Krumlov grew up around 13th-century Krumlov Castle, one of the largest castle complexes in the Czech Republic. In addition to the castle's storied mix of architectural styles, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque among them, the Winter Riding School, lavishly built in Viennese Rococo style, is one of the highlights of any visit...

Tauck Exclusive – Imperial Evening at Palais Pallavicini

Our exclusive gala imperial evening at the private palais pallavicini in vienna.

Built in 1784, the sumptuous Palais Pallavicini is a grand private palace in the heart of Vienna whose magnificent Baroque touches transport you to another time. On many of our Danube river cruises, join us at the Palais for a gala evening featuring a reception, dinner and classical performances sure to sweep you off your feet... and let you experience firsthand how Europe's cultured classes lived and were entertained centuries ago. And film fans will note that the Palais and its elegant facade served as rogue Harry Lime's postwar Vienna apartment in the Cold War classic "The Third Man."

Off-boat excursions were led by Tauck directors and local guides with excellent bilingual skills who provided outstanding insights.

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Eastbound: Munich → Budapest

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About Booking This Tour

Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally , you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Czech Republic,  and Austria. You are not required to obtain a visa for the short duration of this tour.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally , you should contact an embassy or consulate of  Germany, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic and Slovakia to determine what travel documentation is required.

Please Note: Longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your cabin while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents or cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

Cruise Regulations – International maritime security guidelines require that your passport information be provided to us prior to your embarkation. You need to provide this information to us as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied. Once you board the riverboat, your passport will be held by the purser until you disembark.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $900 per person

Final Payments:

Final Payment is due to Tauck  60  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Cruise Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection

Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. It must be purchased within 10 days of your initial deposit. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON and Tauck will  reduce the regular cancellation fees outlined herein, provided we are notified of cancellation before your cruise departs. Certain terms and restrictions apply (see below*).

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.  Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  Should you cancel for covered reasons, the plan reimburses cancellation fees imposed, up to your total trip cost. 
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection is:   $799   per person

This plan provides cancellation coverage for your trip and other insurance coverages that apply only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Cruise and Event Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included in initial payment. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your reservation. Cruise and Event Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACCREINTL

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit

Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees.

If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit

Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply for this tour.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan:

120 days or more before departure: Loss of cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection fee per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 25% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person 59 – 1 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan: 120 days or more before departure: $900 per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person 59 - 1 days before departure: Loss of 100% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

Tour Interruption Fees

If you have to interrupt your tour en route, you may be entitled to a refund for the unused land portion if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less a fee of $40 per person per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses.

Partial Room Cancellation

A person who cancels or leaves a tour while a roommate remains constitutes a cancellation of one type of accommodation and rebooking of another type of accommodation. The price charged to the remaining person is the new, higher price for the new accommodation.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation and transfer terms outlined herein. Note: All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage ― General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much stricter in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage ― General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or large items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small and is designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece and to carry only those items you need handy during the day such as purses, make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or in the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may not allow for access during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Our riverboat is registered in Basel, Switzerland. Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and inform us at time of booking.

VACCINATIONS

If you are a resident of the U.S. , no vaccinations are currently required for travel to the Czech Republic, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary or Austria. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Info Center at 800-232-4636/800-CDC-INFO (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC Internet website by clicking here .

If you are a resident of another country , please contact an embassy or consulate of the Czech Republic, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary and Austria to determine what vaccination(s) may be required for your travel.

While a cruise on the Danube is very relaxing and the pace leisurely, to enjoy all the tour has to offer, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, as some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. There is a moderate to significant amount of walking during our excursions, often along cobblestone streets, and at many sites there are multiple stairs or steps. For the most part, however, the amount of walking you do is at your discretion.

Your riverboat has four decks: Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, and Sun.An elevator runs between the Diamond Deck and Emerald Deck; there is no elevator access to the Sun Deck. There is no chair lift between any of the decks.

Because you will be cruising on a river and not on the open sea, you are never far from land and, therefore, there is no doctor on board. In case of emergency we can easily dock the boat and call for an ambulance or medical assistance.

PLEASE NOTE:  We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters.  Likewise, we regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs.  The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest.  Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate service animals on any river cruise for medical and legal reasons.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

On board the riverboat, smoking is permitted in a limited area of the Sun deck. Smoking (including e-Cigarettes) is not permitted in any cabin, the restaurant, the lounge or any other interior space.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list  here.

The climate along the Danube River is temperate and unpredictable. From June through August, the average high temperatures decrease as you travel west along the river and range from 69 to 79°F (21 to 26°C) and the average low temperatures range from 51 to 59°F (11 to 15°C). Rainfall amounts in this region remain fairly constant throughout the year, although late spring and early summer are generally the wettest seasons of the year. Opposite of temperature, rainfall increases as you travel west.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov , by clicking here.

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with New Headings who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is flexible and allows for layering. Casual, cotton clothing is recommended. A light jacket or sweater for the sun deck is also recommended. Pack comfortable yet sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in, as many of the sites visited were built centuries ago and have uneven surfaces, some steep inclines and many steps.

During evenings aboard the riverboat, dress is resort casual. Items such as slacks and collared shirts are appropriate for men. For women, slacks, a dress or a skirt and blouse are suitable. For dinner and throughout the evening, guests should refrain from wearing shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops or sneakers. Your journey also includes one or two special occasion dinners, where a sport coat and tie for gentlemen and a dress/pantsuit for ladies are suggested. (Your Tauck Director will advise you prior to those evenings.)

Bathrobes, slippers and hairdryers are provided in each guest room at the hotels and in each cabin on board the riverboat.

Valet laundry service is available at the hotels and on the riverboat for a fee. There is no valet dry cleaning available on the riverboat. Ironing facilities on the riverboat are available by request to the front desk. Category 7 suites feature their own irons and ironing boards.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription, or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.

We recommend you pack the following items for your tour:

• Flat, rubber-soled walking shoes for onboard
• Sturdy but comfortable walking shoes that have already been broken-in for onshore
• Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
• Sport jacket (optional tie) for men
• Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
• Sunglasses, hat
• A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
• Sun protection
• Camera, lenses, batteries,memory cards and chargers
• Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm function (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
• Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Reusable zipper-lock bags or other waterproof bags
• Daypack for camera equipment
• Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your cabin while traveling

The Tauck Experience

Tauck's River Cruise Guide

Danube river facts, first timer's guide, why take a tauck river cruise, choosing the best european river cruise for you.

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  [An * means an affiliate relationship; see footer] City guide | Search the site | Tips for June

Visiting Vienna

The Donauturm tower

Plenty of places in Vienna let you sip a coffee with a slice of cake while you watch the world go past. The Donauturm does too, though life goes past far below, not outside.

• Viewing platform at >150m
• …feature local specialties
• External slide for that extra kick
• Book tower tickets * online
• Best views of Vienna

The Danube Tower

(The Donauturm seen from afar)

Coffee with a view is a remarkably accurate description of the Donauturm. Austria’s tallest building looks out across Vienna and the Danube river.

Once inside the tower, express lifts take you up over 150m to the split-level viewing platform. This offers a 360° view across the entire city and beyond, with both open-air and weather-safe viewing options.

From here, you can see, for example:

• The United Nations complex
• The Danube (hard to miss, it being long, wide, watery, and river-shaped)
• The wind farms beyond the city limits
• Stephansdom cathedral
• The Votivkirche
• The Giant Ferris Wheel (not quite so “giant” from up here)
• The Prater entertainment complex
• The Spittelau incinerator with its remarkable contemporary design
• The Steinhof church built by Otto Wagner , which glints gold in the distance on the hills to the west
• My apartment building (probably not on your must-see list)

Interactive multilingual touchscreens let you zoom in and learn more about individual buildings and what it is you’re actually looking at.

Try the slide?

The Donauturm also has a 40m-long slide that drops you 15m from around 165m down to the viewing platform. But… (and it’s a mighty large but) …not just any slide.

Designed by renowned artist Carsten Höller, this slide curves its way around the *outside* of the tower. As you can imagine, installing it that high up proved a significant project. Oh, and the upper half is transparent, just to add to the fun.

At the time of writing, you pay an extra €5 to use the slide.

Food and drink

A café sits above that viewing platform with a restaurant even higher up (170m). Both venues revolve, taking around 24 minutes to do a full turn: just about long enough for a cappuccino with a view.

The entire façade moves, which means your field of vision always remains clear because the window turns with you. The décor has a simple retro look and feel.

On the culinary front, the offerings are what you might call a reflection of Vienna and its environs, with local, traditional and seasonal specialties, wines from the region, etc. The prices aren’t cheap, but that reflects the logistical difficulties faced by such an establishment.

I had no time to stop, but the thought of a relaxing beer in the café, watching the anthill of activity below, was one I’ll turn to reality sometime.

Incidentally, the tower also has a pub-restaurant on the ground floor, too, though with more limited opening times.

Ticket and visitor tips

Tickets are available, for example, from the tower direct or online sources.

(Booking service provided by Tiqets.com*, who I am an affiliate of)

• I visited during the day, but I imagine Vienna by night on a clear evening provides quite a spectacular view.
• If you do want to eat/drink when there, check locally for seasonal opening times and whether reservations are necessary. Last time I looked, for example, the restaurant needed a reservation
• On that topic, the Donauturm is one of my suggestions for a romantic dinner location , especially given the evening view. They have romance packages available.
• Check your accessibility needs before visiting. The Danube Tower is a listed building so it’s not possible to adapt it to all accessibility requirements
• The Vienna Pass (see a review ) gets you up the tower once for free
• If you have time, enjoy the park around the tower, too. The Donaupark has gardens rich in bees and butterflies, water features, a miniature railway, small sculptures, and wide grassy meadows particularly well-suited to tiring out kids
• Walk a couple of minutes to the northeast of the tower to find the Alte Donau

The huge Alte Donau lake was once part of the actual Danube and has lakeside cafés and restaurants (like The Bootshaus ), boat hire, walks and cycle paths along the banks, and (in warmer seasons) public lidos and other bathing opportunities.

How to get to the Danube Tower

The tower sits between two subway stations:

• Take the U1 to the Alte Donau station
• Take the U6 to the Neue Donau station

Once at either subway station, catch the relatively sporadic 20A bus line to the Donauturm.

If you’re up for a 20 minute walk, go to the Alte Donau station and wander northwest along Arbeiterstrandbadstraße, then through the Donaupark (Danube Park) to the tower.

For rather obvious reasons, spotting the tower from afar is not a huge challenge.

Address: Donauturmstraße 8, 1220 Vienna | Website

The most beautiful Danube cities and towns to visit

From grand European capitals to enchanting villages with intriguing histories, these are the places to visit along one of the continent's longest rivers

It flows through Vienna, known as the home of Mozart; Budapest , a historic gem where grand buildings contrast with more ramshackle, bohemian neighbourhoods; Bratislava, where you'll find neo-Gothic architecture and a diverse culinary scene; and Belgrade, with its vibrant nightlife and tumultuous history.

A great way to discover the cities along the Danube is on a river cruise . River cruises are a great way to embark on grand adventures, allowing you to visit several towns and cities on one trip, without the hassle of navigating local transport yourself.

A Danube river cruise is not just about capital cities. As well as bustling metropolises, you'll also be able to explore old towns, historic landmarks and pretty villages set amid glorious rural scenery, like Passau and Linz, the venerable 900-year-old abbey at Melk, and the breathtaking natural landscapes of the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley.

Good Housekeeping has a boutique river cruise which will take you through several of these locations and cities along the Danube. In Vienna, you'll enjoy an exclusive visit to the Royal Lippizaner Stables with historian Lucy Worsley, to see the city's beautiful Lipizzaner horses in training.

Or, you might choose to join our festive five-night sailing with Saturday Kitchen presenter Matt Tebbutt, who'll prepare a special gala dinner for you on board one evening. Enjoy the magical atmosphere along the Danube and sip warming glühwein as you explore some of the region's finest Christmas markets.

We've rounded up some of our favourite destinations to help you feel inspired and visit the loveliest Danube cities, whether on a river cruise or a city break.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna is one of Europe's grandest cities, boasting Baroque palaces, beautifully-tended gardens and chic coffee houses where you'll feel as if you've stepped back in time. It's also a city synonymous with music, being the home of Mozart for much of his life, and still draws lovers of classical music who come to hear accomplished musicians play in the city's many magnificent concert halls. You can visit the house Mozart once lived in, which is now a fascinating museum dedicated the composer.

Vienna is also home to the the Royal Lipizzaner Stables at the Spanish Riding School, where grand Lipizzan horses are trained to perform a mesmerising type of equine ballet.

You can visit the Royal Lipizzaner Stables with Lucy Worsley as part of Good Housekeeping's Danube River cruise. You'll enjoy an aperitif and an introductory talk before watching the training of the young stallions in the imperial atmosphere of the Baroque winter riding school, accompanied by classical Viennese music.

VISIT VIENNA WITH GH

Alternatively, see Vienna at its festive best on our Christmas sailing in December. You'll have the chance to visit the beautifully decorated Rathaus Christmas Market, Vienna's largest, and discover several smaller markets around the city.

VISIT VIENNA AT CHRISTMAS

Esztergom, Hungary

Esztergom is a historically important city perched on a picturesque curve in the Danube River which marks the boundary between Hungary and Slovakia. This Danube city has been the seat of Catholicism in Hungary for over 1,000 years, and the first thing you'll see as you approach is the remarkable church that crowns the historic town.

This is Hungary's largest church and has an impressive history stretching back to the reign of the nation's first king, St Stephen. You're sure to be impressed by the scale of the Basilica up close, with its monumental 118-metre dome.

Elegant Esztergom is a port of call on Good Housekeeping's Danube cruise with Lucy Worsley, where you'll have time to visit the exquisite Basilica before sailing onwards for Budapest.

VISIT ESZTERGOM WITH GH

Linz, Austria

The Austrian port city of Linz enchants visitors with its Baroque facades, fairytale churches, and charming squares. The city has transformed from an industrial hub to a vibrant European cultural stronghold in recent years. Whether it's theatre, cinema, art, or music, you'll find plenty of thriving culture to enjoy. Of course, no visit to Linz is truly complete without indulging in its sweet culinary delights, including the famous Linzer Torte.

As well as having plenty of culture of its own to offer, Linz also makes a great base from which to explore nearby Salzburg. While not located on the Danube itself, Salzburg often makes an appearance on Danube river cruise itineraries due to its unmissable landmarks, including Mozart's birthplace and the exquisite Mirabell Palace and Gardens.

Good Housekeeping has a special right-day Danube cruise with no single supplement, perfect for solo travellers. You'll sail into Linz on the ultra-luxurious SS Maria Theresa and can either spend the day here or head to nearby Salzburg.

VISIT LINZ WITH GH

Krems, Austria

Krems might not be among the better-known locations on the Danube, but it certainly has a lot to offer in terms of culture and scenery. In this small Austrian town, you'll find story-book churches and museums and plenty of spectacular vistas to enjoy on a meandering walk along the Danube's banks.

It's also a great destination for wine lovers, who can sample vintages from the surrounding Krems Valley wine region. Vineyards have flourished in this valley for centuries, thanks to the region's fertile soils, and are particularly known for their Rieslings and spicy Grüne Veltliners.

You'll make a stop in lovely Krems on Good Housekeeping's Danube cruise, where you can join an optional tour to discover Krems and parts of the surrounding Wachau Valley.

VISIT KREMS WITH GH

Bratislava, Slovakia

Slovakia's capital sits snugly between Hungary and Austria along the banks of the Danube. Bratislava may be compact, but it packs a punch in terms of history and culture. The city's location has made it a melting pot of cultures since ancient times, and you can expect to see these influences play out in every corner.

There's a medieval and Gothic old town that buzzes with the sound of different languages around grand Baroque palaces built by Hungarian nobility alongside communist-era blocks and a unique futuristic bridge that reflect its more recent past. A highlight is the imposing Bratislava Castle, which dominates the skyline with its four turrets, standing on a rocky hill in the Little Carpathians and looking out across the Danube.

You can visit Bratislava on Good Housekeeping's Danube cruise, where you'll have time to visit the castle and wander the cobbled streets of the Old Town and along the promenade of the Danube riverbank, stopping for a coffee and admiring the views.

VISIT BRATISLAVA WITH GH

Durnstein, Austria

If you're compiling a list of smaller towns and villages to visit along the Danube, you'll want to add Durnstein in Austria's Wachau Valley. This village is home to around 900 residents and looks like something straight out of a storybook, with its crumbling hilltop castle and pretty blue-white church overlooking the river.

Durnstein is also a must-visit location for wine lovers. This sleepy little town is well-known for its wineries and is surrounded by lush vineyards producing quality Rieslings and other wines. The surrounding countryside is also known for its sweet and plump apricots, whose trees transform the valley's orchards into a fragrant pink-white ocean of blossoms each spring.

You'll visit Durnstein on Good Housekeeping's eight-day cruise of the Danube. This cruise is ideal if you're looking to explore the Danube as a solo traveller, with no single supplement.

VISIT DURNSTEIN WITH GH

Passau, Germany

Another small but mighty location along the Danube is the enchanting town of Passau. The town is located at the meeting point of the Danube with two other rivers, the Ilz and the Inn, and is known for its colourful Baroque buildings and winding alleyways. Having been partially destroyed by a fire in 1662, parts of the town were rebuilt by Italian architects, giving the city a Mediterranean Baroque flair.

Nestled among the charming cobbled streets of Passau is St. Stephen's Cathedral, home to one of the world's largest church organs with more than 17,000 pipes and one of the buildings which was rebuilt in the Italian Baroque style. It's well worth paying a visit to the cathedral to see this spectacular instrument.

Passau is another stop on our eight-say Danube cruise with no single supplement. You'll visit St. Stephen's Cathedral with its impressive organ and the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress.

VISIT PASSAU WITH GH

Budapest, Hungary

Hungary's enigmatic capital, nicknamed 'the Pearl of the Danube,' is a city of contrasts. For much of history, the city didn't exist. Rather than Budapest, there was Buda and Pest, two distinct settlements on opposite sides of the river. Around 150 years ago, the two sides became one, forming the city we know today. You can still note the differences on either side of the Danube, with historic Buda being slightly more upmarket and elegant than the lively, bohemian Pest across the river.

Visitors love wandering around admiring Budapest's mix of architectural styles, from Art Nouveau to Baroque and Bauhaus. Highlights include the Gothic Hungarian Parliament building standing proudly on the eastern bank of the Danube and the famous Szechenyi Baths - one of the largest thermal spas in Europe.

Good Housekeeping's Danube river cruise with Matt Tebbutt, will take you to Budapest, where you'll dock overnight, giving you plenty of time to get to know this central European gem.

VISIT BUDAPEST WITH GH

Belgrade, Serbia

Another Danube city is Belgrade. While it might not be considered the prettiest city along the Danube, Belgrade has a long and fascinating history and is thought to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, stretching back over 7,000 years.

You'll see reminders of this long history as you explore, especially at the impressive Belgrade Fortress, standing at the confluence of the Sava and the Danube, first built by the Romans in the 2nd century and later destroyed, rebuilt and expanded many times.

But Belgrade has a modern flair too and is gaining a reputation for buzzy nightlife, with a whole host of excellent bars and restaurants to discover as well as a lively street art scene, with various intriguing murals adorning the walls of its buildings throughout the city.

Melk, Austria

Known as 'the gateway to the Wachau,' Melk is another exquisite Austrian city with an important religious history. Its crowning glory is its Baroque Abbey, perched high above the Danube and offering incredible views across the region's beautiful valleys and Melk's cobbled streets.

Melk Abbey is packed full of fascinating artefacts and includes a stunning library with an intricately frescoed ceiling, a spiral staircase and thousands upon thousands of books. The Abbey is also the final resting place of several members of the House of Babenberg, Austria's first ruling dynasty.

You can visit Melk on Good Housekeeping's cruise of the Danube. You'll get the chance to visit the city's famous abbey and wander around the city's delightful streets, enjoying views across the Danube as you go.

VISIT MELK WITH GH

Visit Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava and Melk on a Danube cruise with Good Housekeeping. This exclusive seven-night cruise includes a special visit to the Royal Lipizzaner Stables with Lucy Worsley who'll give a special talk and Q&A.

FIND OUT MORE

Or join a five-day Christmas cruise along the Danube which will take you to some of the region's finest festive markets. Joining you for part of the cruise is Matt Tebbutt, who'll craft a delicious gala dinner.

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Discover Vienna on board of the MS Blue Danube

You travel in a loop starting at the Wien / City boat station on Schwedenplatz on the Danube Canal. On this tour you will see important buildings: Uniqua Tower, Urania observatory, Badeschiff, Ringturm, Roßauer barracks, Zaha-Hadid-Haus, and much more.

Experience Vienna from a different perspective

Several departures daily, schedule 01.01. – 31.12., daily.

SCHWEDENPLATZ TO SCHWEDENPLATZ

No City Cruise on 24.12.!

City Cruise on the Danube Canal

You can discover Vienna from the water on board of MS Blue Danube.

Experience Vienna from the water

Enjoy a cruise on board while our captains take care of your safety on board

Restaurant on board

Let yourself in our Viennese on-board restaurants – under the direction of Roman Loos – indulge in culinary delights. We offer you a varied range of food and drinks at moderate prices. The dishes are freshly prepared on board and the schnitzel is knocked, breaded and deep-fried directly at our restaurant.

Sightseeing

At any time of the year you have the opportunity to let the shores pass by in a relaxed way

€ 29.50 / per person

RESTAURANT ON BOARD

Onboard catering Loos Restaurant on board

Air conditioner on board

Announcements explanations of the main attractions

Children: 0-9 years: free | 10-15 years: -50% discount Seniors: 20% discount | Monday to Friday Groups: 10% discount from 20 persons tour guide free of charge, every 21st person free of charge People with disabilities: 20% discount (only with ID) also for 1 accompanying person

Combi tickets

Combine your boat trip with an additional offer at sensational prices!

until 29.03.2024: € 39,60 per person

from 30.03.2024: € 41.00 per person

SHIP + SCHNITZEL

Pork schnitzel with parsley potatoes freshly prepared on board.

until 29.03.2024: € 35,60 per person

from 30.03.2024: € 37,00 per person

SHIP + APPLE STRUDEL

Apple strudel with whipped cream + hot drink of your choice in addition to the boat trip.

until 29.03.2024: € 42,60 per person

from 30.03.2024: € 44,00 per person

SHIP + LUNCH

Combine your city walk with a short break.

2024: € 71,00 per person

SHIP + DINNER

End the day with a boat trip through illuminated Vienna.

landing piers

Shipstation vienna / city schwedenplatz.

Shipstation Vienna / City 1010 Vienna Franz-Josefs Kai 2 U1, U4 | Metro station “Schwedenplatz” underground car park

Ready to go?

Secure your tickets now!

Experience Vienna by boat!

A boat trip is always exciting and varied. During the trip, our captains ensure that your tour runs smoothly.

As one of the most livable cities in the world, Vienna is always worth a visit. For tourists as well as for locals who want to enjoy the view from the water. I am pleased to be able to look after you safely on board of our ships.

Matthias Krista

captain, DDSG Blue Danube

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

Here you will find the answers to important questions about our cruises in Vienna.

Where can I buy tickets?

Tickets are available at our landing piers in Vienna and in the Wachau. You can also conveniently purchase your tickets via the online shop and print them out at home as Print @ Hom e tickets.

personally | at all ticket counters in Vienna or Wachau in the online shop | https://shop.ddsg-blue-danube.at by email | [email protected] by phone | +43 1 588 80

Can I take my bike on board?

It is not possible to transport bicycles on our ships in Vienna

Is there food on board?

All of our ships see themselves as floating restaurants. In Vienna, the Roman Loos company can pamper you with Viennese delicacies. Please choose from our extensive food and drink menu.

Are your ships air-conditioned?

The temperatures on our ships are always pleasant. Our ships are equipped with air conditioning.

children 0–9 years free of charge 10–15 years 50% discount

Seniors 60plus: 20% reduction Mon-Fri (from 60 years or with a pensioner ID)

groups 10% discount from 20 people Tour guides free, every 21st person free

Are the ships wheelchair accessible?

Wheelchairs must be registered for all journeys. You can find information on wheelchair-accessible ships and moorings under the following link and in the folder “People with special needs”.

SPECIAL NEEDS

In the case of boat trips with included bus transfers, transport for wheelchair users is unfortunately not possible.

Smoking on board?

The restaurant area is a smoke-free zone for all boat trips. Smoking is possible on the sun deck.

Table reservations

Table reservations for group bookings and menu orders possible. Otherwise free choice of seats.

Cancellation conditions

free up to 2 weeks prior to departure 20% up to 24 hours before departure 50% from 24 hours before departure 100% no-show

Can I take dogs on board?

Dogs travel with us for free. However, a muzzle and leash are essential! Unfortunately, dogs cannot be transported on boat trips with included bus transfers.

Discover the “ Queen among Europe’s rivers ” with the DDSG Blue Danube. The Danube is the most sung about river, it crosses a world cultural heritage, glides majestically between vineyards, breaks through rock massifs, offers imaginative views and a lot of variety. For the curious and first-time visitors as well as for “repeat offenders” and connoisseurs.

MS_Wien_Grosse_Donaurundfahrt

Ms_blue_danube_dinner_cruise.

Dinner Cruise oder City Cruise

Dinner_Cruise

Entspannte Atmosphäre auf Donauwellen

Schiff + Schnitzel

Vienna_Lunch_Boat

Gemütliche Auszeit am Wasser.

Beste Entspannung und schönste Aussicht

Rettungsring_DDSG_Blue_Danube

bei der DDSGBl

Schulterklappe

Steht Ihnen zur Verfügung. Schiff ahoi!

Wichtiger Hinweis

Geänderter fahrplan aufgrund von hochwasser, donnerstag, 13.06.2024, linienschifffahrt in wien, linienschifffahrt in der wachau, themenschifffahrt in wien.

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8 best river cruises in Europe, from the Douro to the Danube

Get to know the continent’s waterways, as well as the towns and cities on their banks, with these relaxing cruise holidays, article bookmarked.

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Europe is a continent built on its rivers, with many having played a vital role in the formation and development of its most important cities . From the Thames to the Tiber , they are an ever-flowing reminder of the continent’s long and varied history.

The opportunity to sail along these rivers, among the world’s most beautiful and peaceful waterways, is a temptation that’s easily given in to. Of course, a river cruise is about more than just spending time floating on the water (although that option is available, should you wish). It’s about the towns, cities and landmarks along the way.

These trips will take you on a relaxing and slow-paced journey to vineyards and valleys, tours and excursions, returning each night to your own floating hotel. Each day offers quick stops to discover some of the continent’s most important cultures at your own pace.

The Independent has rounded up eight of the best Europe river cruise packages, from epic continental crossing and to the finest Christmas markets to explore.

Capitals of Eastern Europe, Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises’ Capitals of Eastern Europe itinerary is a 16-night trip covering the main cities on the Danube. It sets sail from Vienna, the elegant and sophisticated Austrian capital, and it finishes in Constanta, Romania, before a quick final journey overland to Bucharest to end your trip with a two-night stay.

Read more on Europe travel :

• The underrated European holiday destination with fabulous forests and brilliant beer
• Beat the heat: The ‘cool’ European destinations to visit in summer 2024
• The lesser-known Croatia destinations you may not have considered

On the way you’ll visit a host of towns in Hungary, Serbia and even Bulgaria, but on this trip the bigger cities are the main attraction. Vienna is followed by Bratislava – where Baroque palaces meet a typically Eastern European Old Town – and then Budapest . The Hungarian capital is a highlight: from festooned “ruin bars” and thermal baths to a spectacular neo-Gothic parliament building, the city has a wide variety of architecture, activities and things to do.

How to book

The tour lasts for 17 days, starting from £5,445pp. This price includes return flights, one excursion in each port of call and all meals. vikingrivercruises.co.uk

North Rhine & The Netherlands, TUI

Alongside the Danube, the Rhine is one of Europe’s main cruise rivers. Many operators have several Rhine packages; TUI’s offering covers a stellar range of cities for a very affordable price. Its ships have two dining options (a bistro and a more formal restaurant) with al fresco seating, as well as a wellness and activity area on the top deck. No excursions are included, but this does give you free rein to choose whatever activities you like.

The first two days are spent in Amsterdam , where you’ll have ample time to wander its canals and green spaces, such as the Vondelpark, or visit attractions such as the Anne Frank Museum, Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum.

Days three and four bring you to Rotterdam and Dusseldorf. You can enjoy the port area in the Netherlands ’ second city or simply marvel at its dramatically different modern architecture, while Dusseldorf provides a variety of museums and concerts alongside a lively Old Town. On days five to seven, you’ll visit four picturesque riverside cities and towns: Bonn, Koblenz, Boppard and Oberwesel. There are waterfront bars and restaurants galore, and each has its own slice of history (think of a Beethoven museum in Bonn and a memorial to the ruler who united Germany in Koblenz).

From £1,639pp for this seven-night trip, including three meals per day (you can add coffee, alcohol and other drinks on an all-inclusive basis for an extra £20 per night) and return flights. tui.co.uk

The Douro, Riviera Travel

A trip along the northern Douro River can offer views to rival even the most idyllic of Algarve beaches. This trip starts in Porto , where bars and restaurants line the banks in the Ribeira (Riverside) district, but it is worth climbing the various hills to see other areas and sites, such as the cathedral and Dom Luis I Bridge.

After setting off along the Douro, your first two stops are Pinhao – a picturesque wine town, famous for being at the heart of the Port-producing region of the country – and Castelo Rodrigo, a 12th-century walled village located in the highlands. Day four will see you visit Salamanca, the Spanish sandstone city famous for its cathedrals and university.

The next two days are spent in Peso da Régua and Lamego – two small hillside towns – before returning to Porto on day seven. The cruise ends here, but the holiday doesn’t; this package also contains a three-night stay in Lisbon . After travelling to the capital by coach, you’ll visit the nearby towns of Coimbra (day eight) and Sintra (day 10), while you’ll have a day in the capital sandwiched in between; while in Lisbon, take in the city’s unique Manueline and Pombaline architecture while wandering through its grand squares, and visit Sao Jorge castle or the city’s famous Time Out Market.

This 11-day cruise is priced from £1,599pp, including all meals on board, excursions, airport transfers and coach travel where necessary.  rivieratravel.co.uk

Idyllic Rhône, Scenic Cruises

Scenic Cruises’ luxury Rhone sailing takes you through some of the best sections of southern France , starting in Lyon . The regional capital has 2,000 years of history, so it’s blessed with a Roman amphitheatre right through to a Renaissance Old Town. Your first trip will take you north along the Saone River to Macon, a famous wine region in Burgundy.

The next two towns, Vienne and Viviers, offer spectacular views of the Rhone before you arrive in Avignon. You can enjoy a private concert at the Palais des Papes – once a Papal residence – as well as a cooking class onboard, but a visit to the city itself is worth it to wander its narrow streets and charming squares, starting with the Place de l’Horloge. Your final day takes you to Arles, at the mouth of the Rhone – from here, you can travel home, stay in the city or carry on towards Marseille .

Prices start at £2,999pp for the eight-day cruise. The package includes 20 meals, the premium concert experience, cooking lessons and 19 shore activities, ranging from walking tours to wine tastings. scenic.co.uk

Holland & Belgium, Avalon Waterways

Avalon’s eight-day cruise of the Low Countries is an excellent way to experience some of the region’s best cities in a relaxing way. It starts and ends in Amsterdam , where you’ll have a number of nights to wander its scenic network of canals lined with beautiful 17th-century buildings.

When you move on to Belgium, you’ll visit Ghent , Brussels and Antwerp on consecutive days. More tranquil canals await you in Ghent, and those who enjoy being by the water can continue this in Antwerp’s waterfront area. Brussels has more than its fair share of landmarks and museums (all centred around Grand Place, the main square and Unesco Heritage Site), but the Royal Museum of Fine Arts (Antwerp) and St Bavo’s Cathedral (Ghent) are definitely places to visit during the other stops. Day six will take you to Rotterdam before you head back to the Dutch capital.

From £2,453pp. Meals and some activities are included; there are additional excursions in each destination that can be purchased. avalonwaterways.co.uk

Danube Delights, Emerald Cruises

This trip from Emerald Cruises takes you along the famous river to Regensburg. It starts with two nights in Budapest , with a traditional Hungarian folklore show and tour of Buda Hill on offer, along with any solo sightseeing you’d like to do. Days three and four take you to Bratislava and Vienna, where you can enjoy cycling tours and hikes.

Krems and Durnstein are the last two stops in Austria before you head to Passau, the German “City of Three Rivers”. At the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, the city is home to an impressive cathedral and Old Town. After disembarking at Regensburg, you make your way to Munich , where a good plan is to spend time exploring the Bavarian capital before you fly home.

From £1,849pp for this eight-day cruise, which includes five guided tours, 20 meals and complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board. emeraldcruises.co.uk

Christmas Markets on the Rhine, Ama Waterways

There’s something quite special about experiencing Christmas celebrations on a river cruise through Europe. On this AmaWaterways voyage, you sail the Rhine, boarding in Amsterdam and with a first stop in Cologne. The Gothic cathedral provides the backdrop for one of the country’s best Christmas markets, where you’ll find dozens of stalls selling festive items, many of them handmade. Other markets include the more elaborate Heinzels Wintermärchen in the Old Town and the Markt der Engel (a more rustic affair in the city’s Neumarkt square). For those who want to mix in a bit of sightseeing, the Museum Ludwig and Roman-Germanic Museum can give you a taste of arts and history.

Next on the itinerary, you’ll visit the German towns of Heidelberg and Speyer, where more markets await, before arriving in Strasbourg, France. Here you’ll find an eclectic mix of French and German culture, a warm festive spirit and plenty of opportunities to wander the markets that are spread throughout the town. Wander further afield and you’ll find Petite France, a pretty district known for cobblestone streets and canals. Holidaymakers return to Germany for the penultimate stop in Breisach, before disembarking in Basel (though you can always stay in Switzerland for a taste of Swiss Christmas markets).

From £3.149, including meals and some activities; flights and airport transfer not included. amawaterways.co.uk

European Sojourn, Viking River Cruises

This ultimate itinerary bisects Europe to take passengers from Amsterdam to Bucharest, via sections of the Rhine, Main and Danube among other European rivers. Along the way, passengers will visit some of Europe’s principal cities – think Budapest, Amsterdam and Vienna – smaller (but just as beautiful) riverside settlements such as Passau and Bamberg, and lesser-known towns including Vidin and Kolocsa.

Hidden gems range from Melk, an Austrian town in the underrated   Wachau Valley wine-making region, Osijek, the fourth-largest city in Croatia, and Kinderdijk, a Dutch village famous for its set of 19 windmills. With 23 days, eight countries, 20 towns and cities, and at least 10 Unesco World Heritage Sites, there’ll be plenty to see as you traverse the length of central Europe.

From £8,045pp, including flights, 19 guided tours, all meals, transfers and amenities. vikingrivercruises.co.uk

Read more: Best hotels in Europe 2024: Where to stay for a city, beach or retreat break

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United Nations

Information service vienna.

• Press Releases

UNIS/OUS/443 29 June 2024

Celebrating 20 years of Danube Day

The international commission for the protection of the danube river (icpdr) announces festivities for danube day 2024..

VIENNA, 29 June (UN Information Service) – Marking its 20th anniversary, the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) invites the 79 million people living in the 14 Danube countries to take part in this year’s Danube Day celebration and outdoor events. There will be a variety of activities on the Danube riverbanks supporting the mission to #KeeptheDanubeBlue.

Since its establishment in 2004, Danube Day has been a significant event, commemorating the signing of the Danube River Protection Convention (DRPC) on 29 June 1994 in Sofia, Bulgaria. It's a day to celebrate the Danube and its tributaries, which play a vital role in people’s lives by providing water, food, power, recreation, and livelihood.

Danube Day 2024 will be a special celebration as it marks both the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Convention and the 20th anniversary of Danube Day. Over 20 years, Danube Day has become the world’s largest international river festival, populating riverbanks with events and activities from the Black Forest to the Black Sea to celebrate the Danube’s cultural diversity. At the international level, events are coordinated by the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) from the Permanent Secretariat in Vienna, Austria. ICPDR member countries and partners also organize events at the national level, putting to use their local knowledge side-by-side with international cooperation.

ICPDR President Vladimír Novák said: “Danube Day marks the significant involvement of civil society in protecting our precious water resources. It showcases our efforts in sustainable development and our commitment to environmental awareness, and most importantly, it celebrates our sense of community and connection. As we mark this milestone, we take pride in our achievements and look forward to continuing our mission for a cleaner, healthier, and safer Danube. Whether you're a concerned citizen, a dedicated environmentalist, or someone who loves the Danube, your participation makes a difference."

The International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River is an international organization consisting of 14 cooperating states and the European Union. Since its establishment in 1998, it has grown into one of Europe's largest and most active international bodies engaged in river basin management. Its activities relate to the Danube River and the tributaries and groundwater resources of the entire Danube River Basin, with additional close links with the Black Sea.

For more information about Danube Day 2024 and events taking place throughout the Danube River Basin, visit www.danubeday.org and www.icpdr.org .

For further information, please contact:

Hélène Masliah-Gilkarov Public Participation and Communication ICPDR Secretariat at UNOV Telephone: (+43-1) 26060-4373 Mobile: (+43 676) 845 200 220 Email: helene.masliah-gilkarov[at]icpdr.org Web: www.icpdr.org

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