As the second-longest river in Europe, the Danube meanders through Germany, Austria, Hungary and seven other countries all the way to the Black Sea. Along its banks lie great cities, medieval trading towns, cathedrals, palaces, and spectacular gorges fringed by mountain ranges.
Quick Search Search 4,219 river cruise Departures along the Danube
The Danube starts in the Black Forest region of Germany, where the Breg and Brigach rivers join. It flows through Central and Eastern Europe and ultimately empties into the Black Sea, forming the Danube Delta in Romania and Ukraine.
Europe's Second Longest River
The Danube is the second-longest river in Europe, after the Volga. It spans approximately 2,850 km's (1,770 miles) and flows through ten countries - more than any other river in the world.
Historic Cities
From Vienna's musical history to Budapest's thermal baths, the Danube provides access to some of Europe's most iconic cities. These ports of call offer rich history, vibrant culture, and world-class cuisine right at the river's edge.
Danube Delta Wonders
The Danube Delta is Europe's second-largest delta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to hundreds of species of birds and fish, it's an eco-lover's paradise and an excellent spot for bird-watching and fishing excursions.
Popular starting ports for cruising the Danube
Vienna, Budapest, Passau, Nuremberg and Bucharest serve as logistical starting ports for your Danube river cruise and also offer you the opportunity to enhance your trip by adding a few extra days prior to your cruise departure to explore these cultural and historical cities.
It's not all blue
Despite the famous waltz "The Blue Danube" by Johann Strauss II suggesting otherwise, the Danube is not always blue and can appear green, grey, or even brown depending on weather conditions, water flow, and sediment levels.
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A Viking river cruise is the discerning traveller’s dream. Whether you choose to visit Egypt, Asia, Europe or the Mississippi, our itineraries are designed...more to immerse you in the history and culture of each destination. With us, you could be exploring a local food market with our head chef one day and experiencing an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of a world-famous museum the next. Our state-of-the-art ships take you right into the heart of each destination, and you won’t find any kids or ‘nickel and diming’ on board. In fact, our fares include everything you need - from meals, beverages and Wi-Fi to a culturally enriching shore excursion at every port of call. This unique combination of features has become affectionately known as ‘the Viking difference’. Viking has 70 award-winning river ships sailing all over the world, and we can’t wait to welcome you on board to discover the Viking difference for yourself.
One of our favourite sayings that describes Avalon Waterways is ‘the possibilities are as wide open as the views’. From Europe to the Galapagos and Asia,...more you can cruise in relaxed luxury with Avalon Waterways, with choices as unique as you. Avalon offers you a range of choices from excursions, dining options, activities that help you tailor your experience. Just imagine gliding away down the world’s most spectacular rivers, all while enjoying a unique vantage point from your own private oasis. Our floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in our suites blur the line between where the world ends, and your suite begins; allowing you to experience the world less seen from the comfort of your bed. This is river cruising from a unique point of view.
From the moment you step aboard AmaWaterways award-winning ships you'll be welcomed by a dedicated crew committed to making your voyage unforgettable....more Sail through the heart of Europe, Asia, or Africa and explore enchanting destinations while indulging in exquisite, locally inspired cuisine and world-class amenities. AmaWaterways thoughtfully designed excursions immerse you in the rich culture and history of each port with every detail of your itinerary crafted to exceed your expectations and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Birthplace of Mozart and UNESCO World Heritage site, explore the sights of Salzburg's "Old Town" and marvel at Baroque architecture. If you're feeling nostalgic, why not tour the filming locations of The Sound of Music.
Český Krumlov
Step into a fairy-tale with a visit to the Czech town of Český Krumlov. Surrounded by the Vltava River, you'll stroll cobblestone streets, encounter countless "pinch-me" vistas or visit the largest castle in Central Europe.
Schönbrunn Palace
Drawing millions of visitors each year, Schönbrunn Palace once served as the Habsburg rulers' main summer residence. With 1,441 rooms and expansive gardens, this significant cultural and historical monument is worth visiting.
Fisherman's Bastion
An iconic landmark in Budapest, Fisherman's Bastion offers stunning panoramic views of the city. With the original walls built in 1700s, it is said to have been protected by a guild of fishermen during the Middles Ages.
The Iron Gates
If cruising the Lower Danube, you'll likely pass through the narrow Iron Gates, a picturesque gorge that forms a natural boundary between Serbia and Romania. It also gains its name from the two hydroelectric plants the Danube powers!
Latest Reviews What our clients are saying about their journeys along the Danube
Wonderful experience! Ann and Brett, QLD, Australia, Aug 2024
We had a wonderful time on our 8 day Danube Delights River cruise with Emerald. The scenery was brilliant; the food incredible and we made plenty of friends to boot! Whilst we experienced some very hot weather during our trip, we really enjoyed cooling off in the on-board pool of an afternoon. Most of the local tours guides were very good. Thanks ...read more to Hannah from Global Journeys for making the books so easy.
Relaxing river cruise. Michelle and Robert, QLD, Australia, Aug 2024
This river cruise far exceeded our expectations. The service was unbelievable, we received consistent, excellent service throughout the cruise. Scenic are more expensive than other companies but it is truly all inclusive from food and drinks (not just at meal times) to all of you excursions. I can’t recommend this cruise highly enough.
The best holiday of our lives! Michelle and Ron, NSW, Australia, Aug 2024
We absolutely loved our Avalon cruise from Prague to Budapest and the accomodation arranged for us at hotels in both Prague and Budapest by Global Journeys we’re fantastic. Everything went smoothly with on the holiday. The cabin on the Avalon cruise was perfect with floor to ceiling windows and the staff on the ship were great. It was our first river ...read more cruise and we would be keen to travel this way again in the future. The flights arranged for us with Emirates were well timed. I would gladly recommend Global Journeys and Avalon to others. The weather was very hot in August, so next time I would travel in September/October.
Relaxing cruise on the Danube Eileen & Samuel, QLD, Australia, Aug 2024
Having previously sailed with Viking Cruises we were looking forward to this very much. The service on Viking ships is wonderful, the staff excellent and the food just much too good to resist but that’s okay you are on holiday after all! This was a lovely relaxing cruise down the Danube and the onboard entertainment was very nice especially the two ...read more young dancers who taught us how to waltz!
Compared to our previous Rhine and Rhone cruises we did find the optional tours seemed to take precedence over the included tours which in the main where mostly walking tours near the ship and the post extension in Budapest while being a lovely two days, included a tour that was basically a half hour walk round the hotel. We were also disappointed with the airport transfer as the Viking host did not turn up at the airport and even after being paged didn’t show so we checked in ourselves not a big deal except we were both unwell with a virus and this didn’t help.
All in all this cruise was very enjoyable and we met some lovely people and couldn’t fault the staff on the Viking Tor but would still put the Rhine and Rhone cruises first.
