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Danube River Cruises

Our Danube river cruises include wine tasting at private vineyards... visits to medieval towns and riverside castles... and private palace evenings that come alive with music and merriment.

• ITINERARIES
• FEATURED TOURS

Welcome to the Danube River

This picturesque "river of kings" carves a winding path through a total of ten modern-day European nations with landscapes characterized by vineyards, forested slopes, wine-producing villages and imposing fortresses that remain a testimony to kingdoms and culture... regal, romantic and ready to welcome Tauck river cruisers.

Tauck exclusive – imperial evening at palais pallavicini, our gala imperial evening at a private palace 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. 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."

Bicycling along the Danube

What could be better than a leisurely bicycle ride along the danube.

A leisurely bicycle ride through countryside along the Danube River with your local guide is a perfect way to experience the centuries-old castles and lush vineyards of the Wachau Valley wine-growing region – declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved medieval landscapes. Our river cruises offer numerous opportunities for cycling along Europe's rivers; every Tauck riverboats has bicycles aboard for use by guests ashore.

Passau, Germany

Beautiful, baroque passau, the "city of three rivers".

The charming Bavarian riverside city of Passau – situated at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube rivers – is the kind of town in which you'll set off on a walking tour with a local guide… and your guide's passion for his or her hometown makes your visit that much more special. Must-sees in this "City of Three Rivers" include the 17th-century Baroque Dom St. Stephan (St. Stephan's Cathedral), with its magnificent pipe organ – the largest in Europe – and the 14th-century Town Hall. Enjoy time on your own exploring Passau's pedestrian walkways through tunnels and archways and along ancient cobblestone streets, to find its wealth of Baroque architecture and beautiful churches, many of which are known for their exquisite stained glass.

Austria's Wachau Valley

The joys of austria's wachau valley along the danube.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved medieval landscapes, the Wachau Valley, formed by the Danube River in Austria, invites a leisurely cruise past the lush vineyards of one of the country's premier wine regions… fairy-tale castles… ancient monasteries, like famed Melk Abbey, with its Baroque "facelift" from the 18th-century… and typical, post-card perfect villages like Dürnstein. Take a closer look at its Baroque houses and Romanesque church as you stroll down its one main street… then challenge yourself to an invigorating climb up centuries-old steps to the ruins of hilltop Kuenringerburg Castle, where England's King Richard the Lionhearted was once held for ransom by Austria's Duke Leopold V. The views from up here say all that need to be said about the Wachau Valley…

Hungarian State Opera, Budapest

Enjoy a special tauck visit to budapest's opulent hungarian state opera house.

Andrássy Avenue in the Pest section of Budapest is lined with grandiose public buildings. One of them is the Hungarian State Opera House, commissioned by Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph and opened in 1884; its imposing façade is adorned with statues of great composers like Beethoven, Verdi and Mozart, and Hungarian favorite sons Ferenc Erkel and Franz Liszt greet you at the main entrance. The Emperor himself only attended one event here, but the imprint of his wife, the Empress Elisabeth (known fondly to her subjects as "Sisi"), a great patron of the arts and of the opera in particular, is all over the place – from the general grandeur of its interiors to the private box in which she attended many performances. If you love opera, this is the place to hear it, enjoying some of the best acoustics in Europe. But even if you don't, its sheer opulence makes it a must-see.

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Experience the Danube River with Tauck

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Featured River, Small Ship and Land Journeys

Inspired by the destination.

For 90+ years, the Tauck family has had a passion for sailing — aboard small ships and yachts at sea, riverboats along great inland waterways, and at home on the rivers and lakes of Connecticut and New York. When we began blending our land experience with our strong passion for cruising in our first European river cruise back in 1992, we knew that no "ordinary" river cruise experience would do for our guests. We wanted them to travel Europe's rivers in the same beyond-the-ordinary Tauck style they experienced on our land trips. With that in mind, we searched to find a company to partner with that would share our values and our commitment to "do the right thing" by our guests... and found it in another family-owned company, Scylla. Together, we crafted a river cruise experience that was ahead of its time and inspired by the destinations we explore.

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TAUCKS EVENTS

Cruising the River Danube

The Danube winds its way through the heart of "Old Europe"… where you'll encounter venerable cities that grew along its banks to became bastions of the Habsburg Empire and, later, today's Europe, like Vienna, Regensburg, Passau, Linz, Bratislava and Budapest… and go farther afield to explore such gems as Berlin, Salzburg, Munich, Cesky Krumlov and more…

The blue danube, royal danube, berlin & kraków, blue danube: family riverboat adventure, tauck's river cruise guide, danube river facts.

Learn interesting Danube River facts – from the cities along its banks to its history, art, music, food and more.

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Tauck's European river cruise guide will help you find the right Danube, Rhone, Rhine, Seine or Douro river cruise for you.

Why Take A Tauck River Cruise

Tauck River Cruising means traveling in good company, exclusive access to cultural experiences, distinctively inclusive pricing and more!

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The Blue Danube River Cruise: Vienna, Budapest & Salzburg

The blue danube river cruise.

Vienna, Budapest & Salzburg

8 days from only $2,249pp

Price Includes

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The Blue Danube River Cruise Vienna, Budapest & Salzburg

Save up to $250pp off a voyage on our brand-new ship ms riviera radiance.

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The price you see is the price you pay

• Tour the most historic towns and cities along the Danube, including guided tours of Vienna, Dürnstein, Budapest and Bratislava.
• Visit Esztergom Basilica and Melk Abbey.
• Explore Salzburg or Linz with an expert guide on a tour of the town's most interesting sights.
• Immerse yourself in the local culture with a Hungarian folklore show on board.
• Enjoy a classical Live music performance on board with stunning views of Vienna.

Click here to see our departures available exclusively for solo travelers

Stepping aboard you will appreciate the superb surroundings of your floating luxury hotel for the next seven nights with spacious and well-appointed cabins or suites, private bathrooms and meticulously prepared fine cuisine.

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 200m long Emperor’s Gallery, lined with portraits of Austrian emperors.

Soon we arrive in Linz where we take the short drive to Salzburg. During the guided tour of the old town we will see the imposing fortress Hohensalzburg towering over the city and of course the birthplace and residence of Mozart, Salzburg’s most famous citizen.  On our way back eastwards we will reach classical Vienna, home of Strauss and many great composers. This city offers up so much wonderful architecture as well as a host of other things to see including the Spanish riding school.

Finally, cruising into Hungary, we arrive back in imperial Budapest, straddling the picturesque Danube. After a guided tour of this palatial city we spend the evening on board, where the Captain hosts another spectacular dinner, an excellent finale to this most exceptional and relaxing cruise.

Your Itinerary

• DAY 1 EMBARK 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 DISEMBARK IN BUDAPEST

EMBARK IN BUDAPEST

Arrive in Budapest, where your five-star floating hotel is moored. The dedicated crew will welcome you on board, ensuring you settle into your comfortable and extremely well-equipped cabin and familiarize yourself with the ship. There is 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 of you.

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 artifacts. 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 Dürnstein during dinner.

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-colored 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-colored 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 saber 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’: 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 traveling companions and reflect on all the inspirational places, sights and sounds you have experienced on a truly ‘imperial’ cruise.

DISEMBARK IN BUDAPEST

After breakfast this morning, the crew bids you farewell before you disembark the ship.

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

• Full board from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day; if you choose to travel with us on any of the full day excursions by coach, a packed lunch will be provided. Anyone choosing to stay on the ship may of course have lunch in the restaurant
• A packed lunch during the full day trip to Salzburg
• Five-star service from an English-speaking crew and knowledgeable local guides 
• Complimentary on-board tea and coffee 
• Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi
• All visits and excursions as mentioned
• Coach travel as mentioned
• The services of a Riviera River Cruises cruise director

Useful Information

• Currency: Euro, Forint
• Languages: Hungarian, German, Slovak
• Countries: Austria, Hungary, Slovakia

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

We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your vacation with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the vacation due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns. 

Visit the Spanish Riding School in Vienna from €16pp

Enjoy a visit to the Spanish Riding School, the only institution in the world that has practised classical equitation in the Renaissance tradition of the haute école for over 440 years and continues to do so.

Please contact us   for details.

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

• River Cruise
• Fully Guided

Places You’ll See

• Introduction
• Day 1 VIENNA
• Day 2 MELK - DÜRNSTEIN
• Day 3 BRATISLAVA - KALOCSA
• Day 4 KALOCSA - BUDAPEST
• Day 5 BUDAPEST
• Day 6 ESZTERGOM - VIENNA
• Day 7 VIENNA
• Day 8 VIENNA

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Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Operated by croisieurope river cruises.

When river cruising was a privilege for the wealthy, CroisiEurope developed an affordable cruising concept offering the best value in river cruises at great prices, and appealing to every traveler. This was possible thanks to our involvement in all the steps: from the simple idea to the construction of our ships, the assembly of our crews, and the full integration of sales and logistical (purchasing, cuisine and maintenance) teams. Your pleasure is our priority, and we aim to provide just that in the comfort of our boats and the quality of the service you receive when dining. We call on all our expertise to better serve you, including working in partnership with some of the most renowned French chefs, such as Paul Bocuse and Marc Haeberlin. Owner and operator of 43 ships, the CroisiEurope river cruise company is proud to be the greatest river ship owners in Europe. Although the Rhine and its tributaries and the Danube remain the major river cruise destinations in Europe, we knew how to develop creative itineraries that appeal to everyone. But we also knew it was important to expand our cruises to unique destinations. These include the Seine and the Rhône, of course, but also the Tisza in Hungary, the Guadalquivir in Spain, the Douro in Portugal, the Dordogne and the Garonne in Bordeaux. Don’t forget our more exotic destinations as well: the Mekong in Vietnam and the Irrawaddy in Myanmar. Our founder’s pioneering spirit has been passed down through the generations. After having developed the novel concept of a coastal cruise on the Adriatic Sea aboard a 200-passenger, top-comfort and high-tech ship (La Belle de l’Adriatique), CroisiEurope revamped the feel of cruising the French canals in Alsace, Burgundy, Champagne, Provence, and Paris with a fleet of new, modern and comfortable hotel barges. With just 12 cabins, these barges bring you to the heart of each one of these regions to discover the hidden treasures awaiting you. As a French company, we are also proud to be launching a river cruise on the Loire. In a worldwide premier, our new revolutionary boat equipped with a paddle wheel will bring you into the interior of a mythical region like you have never experienced before. Alsatian, but French. French, but European. In 2014, we also launched the New MS Lafayette Class of intimate vessels with only 82 guests. CroisiEurope knew how to become global by providing cruises in some of the world’s most fabulous destinations. And it’s with this passion, friendliness, and professionalism that we welcome you aboard our fleet.

Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

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Cancellation policy.

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

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CroisiEurope River Cruises Ship

Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 4.3
• Itinerary Excellent 4.3
• Guide Good 4.0
• Transport Excellent 5.0
• Accommodation Excellent 4.3
• Food Good 4.0
• Tour Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises 4.3

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• August 2025
• September 2025
• October 2025
• Thursday 6 Jun, 2024 Thursday 13 Jun, 2024 English Almost Sold Out Based on Main Deck 2 Adjustable Twin Beds Cat B - C_335 MS Beethoven $3,016 Hiking Version View this tour
• Monday 16 Jun, 2025 Monday 23 Jun, 2025 English Based on Main Deck 2 Adjustable Twin Beds Cat B - C_335 MS Beethoven $3,138 Hiking Version View this tour

Frequently Asked Questions

We are there for you! If you have any questions about this tour, then please don't hesitate to contact us 24/7 and we will get back to you latest within 2 hours!

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Good to Know

• Currencies € Euro Austria Ft Forint Hungary

As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for Austria, Hungary and Slovakia. Ideally 6 months before travel.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for Hungary and Slovakia. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for Hungary and Slovakia. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before August 25th, 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after August 25th, 2024, a minimum payment of 30% is required to confirm your booking with CroisiEurope River Cruises. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 120 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• The following cards are accepted for "CroisiEurope River Cruises" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• TourRadar can request CroisiEurope River Cruises to hold spaces for you for up to 48 hours without any credit card details.
• TourRadar is an authorised Agent of CroisiEurope River Cruises. Please familiarise yourself with the CroisiEurope River Cruises payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Cruises Vienna

Welcome to the most livable city in the world

Whether on the Great Danube, an evening tour or as part of our city cruise along the Vienna Danube Canal, a visit on a DDSG Blue Danube ship always brings variety, relaxation and fun.

SIGHTSEEING CRUISES VIENNA

from € 28.00

GRAND DANUBE RIVER CRUISE

The tour starts at the Wien / City ship station on Schwedenplatz and leads past the Urania observatory, the new residential projects in Erdberg with the modern skyline, and along the Prater forests. After the Freudenau lock, the ship sails next to the Danube Island, past a former granary that has served as a hotel for decades, and the Ernst Happel Stadium, to the Reichsbrücke station.

Boat trip with the MS Wien

Departure station vienna / city schwedenplatz, duration approx. 2 hours, restaurant on board.

Starting at the Reichsbrücke station, we will show you “modern Vienna” with the skyline of the Danube plate, the Danube Tower and the Millennium Tower. Via the Nussdorf lock we reach the Danube Canal, where you can experience “historic Vienna” and the interesting architecture of Hundertwasser and Zaha Hadid. The tour ends in the city center at the Wien / City station on Schwedenplatz.

Departure station Vienna / Reichsbrücke

Duration approx. 1.5 hours.

nur € 28,00

CITY CRUISE

You navigate the Danube Canal in a loop starting at the Wien / City ship station on Schwedenplatz. On this tour you will see important buildings: Uniqa Tower, Urania observatory, Badeschiff, hotel and business building by Jean Nouvel, Schützenhaus by Otto Wagner, Ringturm, Roßauer barracks, Zaha-Hadid-Haus and the Spittelau waste incineration plant designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

Boat trip with the MS Blue Danube

Duration: 75 minutes.

only € 39.00

EVENING SIGHTSEEING TOUR

Starting at the Wien / City ship station on Schwedenplatz, through “green Vienna” past the Urania observatory. After the lock in the Freudenau it goes on the “great Danube” past the modern Vienna with the skyline of the Danube Tower and the Millennium Tower in the direction of Nussdorf. Along the Hundertwasser district heating plant in Spittelau, the Roßauer barracks and the Ringturm, the tour ends again at Schwedenplatz.

Duration: 3 hours

The Blue Danube Discovery (WBN2023)

Escorted tour details, a 8-day avalon waterways tour starting from $3,099.00.

Dates & Prices

• What's Included

All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability and are quoted in U.S. Dollars. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.

Escorted Tour Highlights

Austria, Danube River, Europe, Germany, Hungary

See Description

Sightseeing Highlights

City Highlights Day 1 Budapest (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception Day 2 Vienna: Scenic sailing, pass through Bratislava; free time in Vienna in the evening Day 3 Vienna: Choice of guided sightseeing or bike with your Adventure Host Day 4 Dürnstein-Wachau Valley-Melk: In Dürnstein choice of guided tour or a hike up to the castle ruins with your Adventure Host; scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley; choice of guided tour of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk or hike with your Adventure Host; onboard wine tasting Day 5 Passau: Guided walk Day 6 Regensburg: Choice of guided walk, see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria or bike with your Adventure Host Day 7 Roth. Excursion to Nuremberg: Onboard lecture; choice of guided sightseeing in Roth, or hike with your Adventure Host or guided tour in Nuremberg, or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; onboard beer tasting Day 8 Nuremberg (Disembarkation): Your cruise ends this morning

Title The Blue Danube Discovery

Vacation Overview Begin this timeless European river cruise vacation in vibrant Budapest, Hungary, sail along the Danube River with exciting stops in Austria and Germany, and conclude in historic Nuremberg, Germany. As you leave Budapest, you 'll sail past the splendid Parliament Building and, along the Danube River, you 'll see Hungary on your left and Slovakia on your right as a 58-mile stretch of the river runs between both countries. Enjoy an amazing view of the landscapes of Bratislava while sailing. Vienna, Austria, offers stunning St. Stephen 's Cathedral, the Habsburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, and much more. In the heart of the Wachau Valley wine region is Dürnstein, a 16th-century town with charming cobblestone streets and the baroque Stiftskirche with its luminous blue façade. In Melk, visit Austria 's majestic Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe 's largest monasteries, and enjoy a tasting of some of the Wachau Valley 's famous wines. Join in a guided walk through Passau, with its narrow streets, beautiful Patrician houses, and baroque architecture. Sail further up the Danube River to discover the medieval walls of Regensburg—the only German city not bombed during WWII. Here, you can become acquainted with some of Germany 's famous beers! The last stop on this memorable river cruise vacation is the thousand-year-old city of Nuremberg. During guided sightseeing, marvel at the medieval fortifications, extraordinary Gothic churches, and the Imperial Castle. Take free time to make a wish at the striking fountain on the Hauptmarkt (Main Square)—a perfect ending to a memorable Danube River cruise vacation!

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> Tours > Danube Countries

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Danube Countries

Our boat bike tours in danube countries.

Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary

Day of rest & exploration in Budapest

Around 200 km / 147 miles

Ships with max. 150 passengers

• Guided cycling: A tour leader will guide you during the cycling days
• Independent cycling: No tour leader, the ships’ crew does daily briefing, independent cycling
• Level 1: easy tours, very flat terrain
• Level 2: quite easy tours, mostly flat terrain
• Level 3: requires a higher level of exertion, medium hilly terrain
• Level 4: for experienced cyclists, hilly terrain with climbs

Cities of Vienna, Bratislava, & Budapest

Around 220 km / 135 miles

Ship with max. 170 passengers

Cities of Vienna, Budapest & Bratislava

Culture & Nature along the Danube

Approx. 265 km/159 mi. cycling

Ship with max. 198 passengers

Our tulip tours in March and April are hugely popular. There are still a few free places on our ships!

Travel through 6 countries in 15 days

Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, & Belgrade

Almost 400 km/ 250 miles

Ship with max. 150 passengers

Plenty of sights in Vienna

the “Great loop”and UNESCO Site Wachau

Between Germany and Austria

Day of rest & exploration in Vienna

Bike barge tour Danube — cycle & cruise “the Blue Danube”

Aside from valley landscapes, fine cuisine, delectable wines, ancient architecture and a wealth of cultural heritage, you will have one constant as you travel central Europe:

The Danube River. This charismatic (but not actually not blue) waterway is entrenched in the song, folklore, history and breathtaking scenery of countries including (but not limited to) Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, and Serbia.

A bike barge tour along the Danube is a perfect way to explore these countries as you can admire them from the two best possible perspectives — from the water onboard a comfortable barge and up close and personal, from your bike saddle on daily cycle trips.

Experience the best of the Danube countries

Your bike barge tour Danube is a ticket to the attractions of Europe’s most charismatic capital cities: the baroque and imperial palaces of Vienna, Budapest’s hilltop bastions and iconic bridges, and the vibrant culture of Belgrade, the “White City”. Nevertheless, you’ll also uncover hidden gems as you bike the river’s path, passing through charming villages, regions famous for their local tipples and culinary traditions, and spotting relics of rich history.

A few particular highlights include the vineyards, wine cellars and hilltop fortresses of Austria’s Wachau Valley, the impressive monolith of Hungary’s Esztergom Basilica, and the Danube’s Schlögener Schlinge Great Loop, where the river makes a full 360° turn on itself.

What to expect from a Bike barge tour on the Danube

All of our tours depart from and end at Germany’s “Three-Rivers City”, Passau. These bike barge tours on the Danube pass through gentle terrain and varied landscapes, making them a suitable and popular trip for all ages. In addition to fascinating bike tours through romantic Danube settings, evenings in your floating hotel are time to relax. We offer live music on some boats, panorama salons on others or even a pool on the MS Carissima. And if you don’t feel like biking one day, you can skip the bike tour and cruise to your next destination!

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Amadeus Riva cruise review — spectacular memories on the Danube

Gillian bowditch hops aboard a new river tour and finds there’s no better way to see the magnificent capitals of central europe.

B y the time you are in the market for a river cruise down the Danube, there is a whole degree of discernment that needs to be accommodated. From the crispness of the Egyptian cotton sheets and the fluffiness of the robes to the size of the walk-in wardrobe and the plumpness of the pillows, standards must be met.

The Amadeus Riva has this licked. Launched in 2023, the five-star floating hotel is shipshape and Bristol fashion: teabags proudly from Yorkshire, fresh flowers that wilted not a petal on our seven-night voyage from Passau to Budapest then back to Linz.

As it was my first cruise I had some preconceived ideas. Some were justified — it’s hard not to succumb to the inevitable herd mentality, although it was easier to escape the enforced jollities than I had expected — but many were not. River travel is much more soothing than any other form, and the Danube is a charming, surprisingly rural river, despite being a working waterway and the second-longest river in Europe.

The balance of excursions to private time was judged well, with one city or attraction to explore each day. First stop, medieval Regensburg, which was the first of seven Unesco world heritage sites on the trip.

• Scenic Eclipse II review — the most luxurious cruise around Scotland

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Our guide was sympathetic when we decided to escape the tyranny of the tour flag too. There’s something charming about discovering a city by yourself, slipping into the cool interior of a baroque church or lingering over a courtyard that you might otherwise stride through. Well-informed local guides are part of every excursion along with personal headsets for those who enjoy a guided tour.

On day two we jumped off the ship and onto a coach to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and the backdrop to The Sound of Music . In August the hills are alive with the sound of tourists. To escape the hordes we walked along the footpath overlooking this chocolate-box town nestled into the Austrian Alps on the River Salzach, before descending to take in another magnificent cathedral.

Anyone suffering from a deficit of the ecclesiastical baroque will be cured on this cruise. From the Wedgewood blue church of Dürnstein to the splendour of Melk Abbey, an 11th-century working Benedictine Abbey, there is no shortage of places to worship — that’s before you even get to the magnificent cathedrals of Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest.

Those three capital cities in three consecutive days constituted the remarkable finale of the trip. There is no other way it would have been possible to do this without a rigmarole of packing bags and moving hotel. Each city offered up some spectacular memory, not least the Albertina Museum in Vienna, whose almost empty state rooms housed works by Albrecht Dürer and drawings by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.

The best way to think of this Danube cruise is as a smorgasbord of culture — a tempting tapas that leaves you wanting more. My first act on arriving home was to plan another trip to Vienna with my daughter next year.

Talking of food, the chefs did a good job with the limited kitchen space. Breakfast buffets were robust and plentiful; lunch was either formal in the dining room or light in the upstairs lounge and dinner was four courses, except when it was seven. Packed meals were available for day trips. The sommeliers were unstinting with the wine. Everything was included and there was no mandatory tipping or hidden expenses.

Rob, our cruise master, gave it his all, even switching from lederhosen to spangles to boogie the night away to some golden oldies. The staff were charming and accommodating in equal measure. On the final night after dinner the Amadeus Riva cruised the length of Budapest, where the fairytale bridges and buildings on either side of the banks of the Danube were lit up like the set of a Christmas ballet.

In the balmy evening air, with a glass of fizz in our hands and the strains of Johann Strauss’s Blue Danube Waltz undercut by the lapping of the water against the side of the boat, this famous waterway that stretches from the Black Forest to the Black Sea was at its magnificent best and we left the trip on a high note.

Gillian Bowditch was a guest of Great Rail Journeys ( greatrail.com ). The Beautiful Blue Danube cruise costs from £1,595pp for seven nights, full-board on Riva’s sister ship, Imperial, including drinks, excursions, all transfers, flights from Glasgow or Edinburgh to Munich via London, plus one night’s B&B in London.

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Come and take a city train

Around bratislava or to the devín castle, discover and experience, bratislava and its surroundings, bratislava from the deck, of a sightseeing ship, about blue danube tours.

Walk around the Old Town

Walk the streets of Bratislava's Old Town, soak up the atmosphere of interesting places and listen to the history of palaces, churches and entrance gates - we can prepare all this instantly!

City train around Bratislava

Get on our red city train Blaváčik and join us to discover the beauties of Bratislava and its unique scenes. We can conform the starting point, ending point and duration of the tour to your requirements and interests.

Traveling around our capital is always an adventure. In a modern bus we will show you not only the historical, but also the modern face of Bratislava.

Devín Castle and currant wine

Discover with us the beauty of the ancient castle Devín, which is indelibly written in Slovak history.

Wine and beer tasting

These special tours are intended for lovers of quality alcohol in the form of wine or beer, for lovers of the sweet we can offer a visit to a chocolate factory.

Trip to the Little Carpathians

With us, you will go to the Little Carpathians region, which offers, in addition to unexpected natural scenery, endless vineyards and cozy historical towns.

Special tours

If you feel that you have already seen everything or you want a change from a traditional tour by means of vehicle or on foot, then you are at the right address with us!

Bratislava from above

This tour is intended for lovers of heights, high-speed elevators and excellent views. In 45 seconds, the elevator will take you from zero to almost below the clouds. At a height 95 meters located on two pylons is one of the most beautiful Bratislava observation towers, known as UFO.

Trips just outside of Bratislava

If you have more time, we will be happy to offer you excursion destinations near the capital.

Walking Tour With Slovak Cooking Course

Cities and people can be presented also through typical regional dishes. You will see, that Bratislava's gastronomy is not only potato, sheep cheese and cabbage, but also influence from Austrian and Hungarian cuisine. During this visit you will not only eat but also cook by yourself!

Postcommunist tour in old Škoda car

One of our most popular tours not only for foreign guests. A stylish ride around Bratislava in a retro car together with our guide and a picnic on Slavín.

Regular cruises on the Danube

Sightseeing cruise Bratislava – Devín and back

Cruise by a sightseeing ship to the ruins of the Devín Castle with a break.

Panoramic cruise under the Bratislava bridges

Panoramic cruise under the Bratislava bridges with unusual views of the city from the deck of a ship.

Sightseeing cruise Bratislava – Čunovo and back

Pleasant drive to Cunovo, where not only art lovers but also water sports fans will get their money's worth.

Sightseeing cruise Bratislava – Čilistov and back

Possibility to spend a day on a beach or in Aqua Sphere X-bionic.

Sightseeing cruise Bratislava – Gabčíkovo and back

A boat trip to the Gabčíkovo Waterworks with a passage through the locks.

Party Boat cruise

Cruises on request for smaller groups, subject to boat availability.

Themed cruises with dinner or brunch

An unconventional experience created by combining food, sailing and live music.

Sightseeing cruise Bratislava – Hainburg

Cruise by a sightseeing ship to the Austrian town of Hainburg with a 5-hour break.

Bratislava city train

Only the best for our guests

Reputation and quality of service at Blue Danube Tours is also formed by our guides. Only they will change your trip around Bratislava to an experience. We work with professional and experienced guides certified by BKIS or SSSCR, who speak almost all world languages. Do not hesitate to contact us if you are looking for a program for your relatives, business partners or foreign delegations!

Congratulations to the whole Blue Danube Tours team. Amazingly managed program in Bratislava and a visit to a Slovak family. We took a city train to the Castle, walked around the city with a fantastic guide and we ended the perfect day in a garden in Šenkvice with a homemade cake and great wine.

Sally and Peter, Melbourne, Australia

Our guide was adorable. The tour of Bratislava, even with a visit to the UFO, was the golden nail of our cruise. We highly recommend this trip!

Michelle a Claire, Cheshire, England

Perfectly organized conference of our company thanks to BDT. Guests enjoyed the city, a breathtaking organ concert and a tasting of the best Slovak wines. The evening cruise to the Devín was an excellent team building.

Rainer Engel, Dortmund, Germany

I have been on countless holidays in my life, but this one on the Primadonna will definitely be in the top three of the best holidays. It was definitely not my last river cruise, I am already waiting for the cruise to the mouth of the Black Sea.

Ing. Ilja Tokoš

This amazing cruise on the Danube was a beautiful experience, especially for my aunt, to whom we gifted it for her 80th birthday. The staff was great, accommodation nice and clean, food excellent. We had a lot of nice and unforgettable experiences and we met a lot of great people. Once again, thank you.

Jana Šúňová

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Overview Blue Danube Discovery

7- night cruise, 7- night cruise with 2-nights budapest pre-cruise, 3 nights prague post-cruise, 7-night cruise add pre- or post-cruise land program 7-night cruise with 2-nights budapest pre-cruise, 3 nights prague post-cruise 7-night cruise with 2-nights budapest pre-cruise, 3 nights prague post-cruise add pre- or post-cruise land program 7-night cruise, cruise from : budapest to nuremberg, cruise from :, countries: austria, germany, hungary, slovakia austria, germany, hungary, slovakia, czech republic, rivers: danube, blue danube discovery at a glance.

• Budapest to Nuremberg
• Budapest to Prague

Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.

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Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

What is the kremlin in russia?

The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.