Speak with a cruise expert Call 1300 214 840 WhatsApp Email

Danube river cruises

Danube river cruises at a glance

A Danube river cruise usually spends seven nights sailing between Budapest and Passau or nearby Vilshofen in Germany, or round trip from Budapest. It visits Vienna, Bratislava, the Wachau Valley and Linz, across Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany. Longer voyages link the Danube with the Main and Rhine to Amsterdam.

The Danube is the river of capital cities. One week can take in Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna, with the vineyards, castles and abbeys of Austria's Wachau Valley in between.

The river flows through ten countries, but most cruises cover the stretch between Bavaria and Budapest. Sailings run in both directions, and AmaWaterways also runs its double-width ship, AmaMagna, on round trips from Budapest.

Danube facts
Typical length7 nights; longer when combined with the Main and Rhine
SeasonMarch to December, including Christmas markets
Starts and endsBudapest and Passau or Vilshofen
CountriesHungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany
HighlightsBudapest, Bratislava, Vienna, The Wachau Valley, Passau

Guide updated 26 October 2026.

Danube river cruises and fares

Every AmaWaterways itinerary on the Danube we list, 13 in all, with 770 departures. Open one for the day-by-day and the fare in each stateroom type on every date. Fares are per person for two sharing, in Australian dollars, cruise only, as listed by the cruise line on 2 November at 7:29am. Staterooms sell out and fares move between checks, so we confirm what is open and what it costs before you pay.

13 itineraries

River cruiseLengthFromQuote
Danube
Best of the DanubeDanube · AmaLea, AmaMagna, AmaRudi, AmaSonata, AmaVerdeRound trip from Budapest 7 nights34 departuresNext: 7 Feb 2027, 14 Feb 2027, 21 Feb 2027 Window fromA$2,695ppA$5,390 for 2
City Escapes: The DanubeDanube · AmaLea, AmaMora, AmaReina, AmaSofia, AmaSonata, AmaVerdeOne way, Vilshofen to Budapest; One way, Budapest to Vilshofen 7 nights34 departuresNext: 11 Nov 2026, 11 Nov 2026, 14 Nov 2026 Window fromA$2,983ppA$5,966 for 2
Romantic DanubeDanube · AmaBella, AmaLea, AmaMora, AmaReina, AmaSofia, AmaSonata, AmaVerdeOne way, Vilshofen to Budapest 7 nights134 departuresNext: 18 Nov 2026, 21 Nov 2026, 27 Dec 2026 Window fromA$3,127ppA$6,254 for 2
Melodies of the DanubeDanube · AmaBella, AmaLea, AmaMora, AmaReina, AmaSofia, AmaSonata, AmaVerdeOne way, Budapest to Vilshofen 7 nights131 departuresNext: 22 Nov 2026, 20 Dec 2026, 21 Dec 2026 Window fromA$4,036ppA$8,072 for 2
Blue Danube DiscoveryDanube / Main-danube Canal · AmaBella, AmaMora, AmaReina, AmaSonataOne way, Budapest to Nuremberg 7 nights23 departuresNext: 18 Nov 2026, 21 Nov 2026, 17 Mar 2027 Window fromA$4,434ppA$8,868 for 2
Gems of Southeast EuropeDanube · AmaBella, AmaMagna, AmaRudi, AmaVerdeOne way, Budapest to Giurgiu; One way, Giurgiu to Budapest 7 to 8 nights108 departuresNext: 15 Nov 2026, 16 Nov 2026, 22 Nov 2026 Window fromA$4,468ppA$8,936 for 2
Icons of the DanubeDanube · AmaMagna, AmaRudiOne way, Budapest to Vilshofen; One way, Vilshofen to Budapest 7 to 9 nights112 departuresNext: 29 Nov 2026, 6 Dec 2026, 13 Dec 2026 Window fromA$4,508ppA$9,016 for 2
Legendary DanubeDanube · AmaBella, AmaReina, AmaSonataOne way, Nuremberg to Budapest 7 nights23 departuresNext: 23 Dec 2026, 24 Mar 2027, 5 May 2027 Window fromA$4,853ppA$9,706 for 2
Iconic Christmas MarketsDanube · AmaBella, AmaLea, AmaMora, AmaReina, AmaSonata, AmaVerdeOne way, Nuremberg to Budapest; One way, Budapest to Nuremberg 7 nights46 departuresNext: 25 Nov 2026, 25 Nov 2026, 28 Nov 2026 Window fromA$5,297ppA$10,594 for 2
Treasures of the Main & RhineDanube / Rhine / Rhone · AmaSofiaOne way, Amsterdam to Nuremberg 7 nights1 departureNext: 20 Mar 2027 Window fromA$5,616ppA$11,232 for 2
Grand DanubeDanube · AmaBella, AmaMagna, AmaRudi, AmaVerdeOne way, Vilshofen to Giurgiu; One way, Giurgiu to Vilshofen 14 nights94 departuresNext: 16 Nov 2026, 22 Nov 2026, 14 Dec 2026 Window fromA$6,386ppA$12,772 for 2
Magnificent EuropeDanube / Main / Rhine · AmaFiora, AmaLea, AmaMora, AmaSofiaOne way, Amsterdam to Budapest; One way, Budapest to Amsterdam 14 nights25 departuresNext: 1 May 2027, 1 May 2027, 15 May 2027 Window fromA$7,993ppA$15,986 for 2
Christmas Markets on the DanubeDanube · AmaBella, AmaSofiaOne way, Budapest to Vilshofen; One way, Vilshofen to Budapest 7 nights5 departuresNext: 23 Nov 2026, 29 Nov 2026, 30 Nov 2026 Window fromA$8,049ppA$16,098 for 2

Want the total for two on a specific date? Our experts check availability and every extra before you commit.

Call a Cruise Expert · 1300 214 840 Enquire Today

What is a Danube river cruise like?

Expect grand cities more than small villages. On AmaWaterways' Melodies of the Danube, Budapest gets two days and Vienna a full day, with included city tours and free time for concerts and coffee houses.

Between the cities, the Wachau Valley is the scenic highlight. This stretch between Melk and Krems was listed by UNESCO in 2000 for its vineyards, monasteries, castles and old towns. Ships usually stop at Dürnstein, Weissenkirchen or Melk, home of the Benedictine abbey above the river.

Ships vary more on the Danube than on most rivers. AmaMagna is 22 metres wide, nearly double a standard river ship, and carries 196 guests with four restaurants. Uniworld's S.S. Maria Theresa carries 150 guests in rooms styled on the Habsburg court.

Which ports does a Danube cruise visit?

A typical seven-night sailing from Budapest calls at Bratislava in Slovakia, then Vienna, Weissenkirchen in the Wachau, Linz and Passau, ending at Vilshofen in Germany. Some itineraries include a day trip to Salzburg. Bratislava, the Slovak capital, is usually a half-day stop between Budapest and Vienna.

Passau sits where the Danube meets the Inn and Ilz rivers, and it is the usual German start or end point.

Which way should I sail, and for how long?

Ships sail the route both ways, so choose by where you want extra time. Budapest and Vienna both reward a hotel night or two before or after the cruise.

Seven nights covers Bavaria to Budapest. For a longer trip, our lines also sail between Amsterdam and Budapest on the Rhine, Main and Danube. APT's new ships, Solara, Ostara and Alara, run that route from March to December.

In December, Christmas market sailings run on the same stretch, such as AmaWaterways' Vilshofen to Budapest and Uniworld's eight-day Budapest to Passau.

What is included, and what does it cost?

Danube fares include your cabin, meals on board and most guided excursions. AmaWaterways and Avalon include wine and beer with lunch and dinner. APT, Scenic and Uniworld include more, such as drinks through the day and gratuities. Scenic adds butler service for every suite, and APT includes transfers.

Fares vary by month, ship and cabin, so we do not list them here. Tell us your dates and we will compare the lines for you.

When is the best time for a Danube river cruise?

May, June and September are the most comfortable months on the Danube. Late November and December bring the Christmas markets, with daytime highs around 0 to 7°C.

MonthsWhat to expect
March to MaySpring: the season starts, with guided bike rides along the Danube on some itineraries.
June to AugustSummer: long days and more evenings and overnights in port in Budapest and Vienna. Low water can affect some sailings in dry years.
September to OctoberAutumn: comfortable temperatures, and September is one of the most popular months to sail.
Late November to DecemberChristmas markets in Vienna, Regensburg and other towns. Most markets open in late November and close by 23 to 26 December.

Which river lines sail the Danube?

Danube river cruise deals

EXCLUSIVE US $300^ Onboard Credit! Cruise & Stay Package

Icons of the Danube with Prague

Departs
Sun, 22 Aug 2027
Line
AmaWaterways
Ship
AmaMagna
Route
Budapest to Prague
Includes
Main meals & entertainment onboard · Immersive tours in every destination · 3 Nights Hotel in Prague
FromA$9,035 pp*
Find Out More

Danube river cruises, answered

Should I choose a Danube cruise or a Rhine cruise?

Choose the Danube if you want grand cities, because Vienna and Budapest are on the same week. Choose the Rhine if you want castles, vineyards and more countries. If you want both, look at the longer Amsterdam to Budapest voyages.

What is the Wachau Valley?

The Wachau is a stretch of the Danube in Austria between Melk and Krems. UNESCO listed it as World Heritage in 2000 for its vineyards, monasteries, castles and historic towns. Most Danube cruises stop there, often at Dürnstein, Weissenkirchen or Melk.

Can I see the Christmas markets on a Danube cruise?

Yes. AmaWaterways, for example, runs a seven-night Christmas Markets sailing between Vilshofen and Budapest from late November to mid-December. Most markets open in late November and close between 23 and 26 December. Expect daytime highs around 0 to 7°C.

Are river cruises suitable for people with limited mobility?

Sometimes, but ask before you book. Ships often moor side by side, so you may need to climb stairs and cross another ship to reach the shore. Danube towns have cobblestones and steep lanes, and AmaWaterways advises against its itineraries for wheelchair and scooter users.

More river cruises

Enquire Today

Share your details for a personalised quote.

Enquiring about: Danube river cruise, any sailing

No obligation, and no charge for the enquiry. We’ll only contact you about this sailing unless you ask us to look at others.

These dates don’t suit? Say so in the box above - we can help you find the best sailing for your next holiday, or build a full Easy Quote.

Sources: AmaWaterways: Melodies of the Danube itinerary, AmaWaterways: Danube river cruises (ten countries, Melk, Dürnstein, Salzburg), AmaWaterways: Christmas Markets on the Danube, UNESCO: Wachau Cultural Landscape, APT: Europe river cruises, Scenic: seasonal guide to Europe river cruising, Uniworld: Danube Holiday Markets, Budapest to Passau, AmaWaterways: preparing for your Europe cruise. River fares are quoted per sailing and date by the cruise lines.