Itinerary : Passau, Vienna, Krems, Linz, Passau



2 other departures
MS Maxima
5 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Passau
12/07/2027
from
$ 567
Other departures:
11-15 Dec 2027

34 cruises found
A Danube River cruise offers a different way to discover Central Europe, on a journey where capitals and landscapes are in constant conversation: experience Vienna’s imperial elegance and historic cafés, enjoy Budapest’s thermal baths and sweeping river views, or travel farther east through spectacular scenery such as the Wachau Valley and the Iron Gates.
The destination naturally blends heritage, the good life, food, and scenic cruising in an experience that brings together iconic capitals, riverside landscapes, and more intimate ports of call.
Your search criteria:
Danube
Itinerary : Passau, Vienna, Krems, Linz, Passau



2 other departures
MS Maxima
5 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Passau
12/07/2027
from
$ 567
Other departures:
11-15 Dec 2027
Itinerary : Passau, Vienna, Krems, Linz, Passau



NickoVision
5 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Passau
04/01/2027
from
$ 567
Other ports of embarkation:
PassauItinerary : Passau, Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Melk, Passau



3 other departures
Viktoria
6 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Passau
12/02/2027
from
$ 685
Other departures:
27 Nov 2027
12-17 Dec 2027
Itinerary : Passau, Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Melk, Passau



5 other departures
MS Maxima
6 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Passau
03/25/2027
from
$ 803
Other departures:
06 May 2027
31 Aug 2027
21 Sep 2027
Other departures
Itinerary : Passau, Ybbs, Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Melk, Passau



7 other departures
MS BELVEDERE
8 d
Inside Stateroom
Passau
03/29/2027
from
$ 1,182
Other departures:
10-31 May 2027
07 Jun 2027
02-09-16-30 Aug 2027
Itinerary : Passau, Ybbs, Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Melk, Passau



8 other departures
NickoVision
8 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Passau
11/01/2027
from
$ 1,359
Other departures:
19-26 Apr 2027
17 May 2027
07-28 Jun 2027
Other departures
Itinerary : Passau, Melk, Vienna, Esztergom, Budapest, Bratislava, Krems, Linz, Passau



1 other departures
NickoVision
9 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Passau
12/26/2027
from
$ 1,549
Other departures:
26 Dec 2026
Itinerary : Budapest, Mohacs, Osijek, Belgrade, Golubac, Novi SAD, Ilok, Vukovar, Mohacs, Kalocsa, Budapest



3 other departures
Modigliani
8 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Budapest
09/25/2026
from
$ 2,328
Other departures:
25 May 2027
25 Jun 2027
18 Aug 2027
Itinerary : Vilshofen, Passau, Linz, Wachau Valley, Weissenkirchen, Krems, Vienna, Esztergom, Budapest



5 other departures
AmaMora
8 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Vilshofen
02/20/2027
from
$ 2,616
Other departures:
06 Mar 2027
03 Apr 2027
24 Jul 2027
Other departures
Itinerary : Vilshofen, Passau, Linz, Weissenkirchen, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest



Amasonata
8 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Vilshofen
11/04/2026
from
$ 3,257
Itinerary : Vilshofen, Passau, Linz, Wachau Valley, Weissenkirchen, Vienna, Weissenkirchen, Krems, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Esztergom, Budapest



AmaBella
8 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Vilshofen
12/28/2026
from
$ 3,360
Itinerary : Budapest, Bratislava, Hainburg, Vienna, Wachau Valley, Melk, Vilshofen



3 other departures
Celebrity Boundless
8 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Budapest
11/04/2028
from
$ 3,442
Other departures:
23 Sep 2028
07-21 Oct 2028
Itinerary : Budapest, Bratislava, Hainburg, Vienna, Wachau Valley, Melk, Vilshofen



14 other departures
Celebrity Seeker
8 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Budapest
11/02/2028
from
$ 3,493
Other departures:
18 Nov 2027
23 Mar 2028
06-20 Apr 2028
Other departures
Itinerary : Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Weissenkirchen, Grein, Linz, Passau, Vilshofen



8 other departures
AmaBella
8 d
Inside Stateroom
Budapest
03/15/2027
from
$ 3,586
Other departures:
12 Apr 2027
10 May 2027
07 Jun 2027
Other departures
Itinerary : Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Durnstein, Melk, Linz, Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg



6 other departures
Amareina
8 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Budapest
03/17/2027
from
$ 3,642
Other departures:
28 Apr 2027
12-26 May 2027
09-23 Jun 2027
Other departures
Itinerary : Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Melk, Wachau Valley, Vienna, Budapest



7 other departures
Amareina
8 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Nuremberg
12/23/2026
from
$ 3,668
Other departures:
24 Mar 2027
05-19 May 2027
02-16-30 Jun 2027
Other departures
Itinerary : Vilshofen, Passau, Linz, Wachau Valley, Weissenkirchen, Krems, Vienna, Esztergom, Budapest



3 other departures
AmaBella
8 d
Inside Stateroom
Vilshofen
11/02/2026
from
$ 3,771
Other departures:
22 Mar 2027
19 Apr 2027
01 Nov 2027
Itinerary : Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Weissenkirchen, Grein, Linz, Passau, Vilshofen



10 other departures
AmaLea
8 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Budapest
03/20/2027
from
$ 3,811
Other departures:
26 Jun 2027
10-24 Jul 2027
07-21 Aug 2027
Other departures
Itinerary : Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Weissenkirchen, Grein, Linz, Passau, Vilshofen



12 other departures
AmaMora
8 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Budapest
03/27/2027
from
$ 3,866
Other departures:
13 Mar 2027
10-24 Apr 2027
08-22 May 2027
Other departures
Itinerary : Vilshofen, Passau, Linz, Wachau Valley, Weissenkirchen, Vienna, Weissenkirchen, Krems, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Esztergom, Budapest



10 other departures
AmaMora
8 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Vilshofen
03/20/2027
from
$ 3,866
Other departures:
17 Apr 2027
01-15-29 May 2027
12-26 Jun 2027
Other departures
Itinerary : Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Weissenkirchen, Grein, Linz, Passau, Vilshofen



8 other departures
AmaVerde
8 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Budapest
03/29/2027
from
$ 3,980
Other departures:
26 Apr 2027
24 May 2027
21 Jun 2027
Other departures
Itinerary : Vilshofen, Passau, Linz, Weissenkirchen, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest



Amareina
8 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Vilshofen
11/17/2027
from
$ 4,025
Itinerary : Vilshofen, Passau, Linz, Weissenkirchen, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest



AmaMora
8 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Vilshofen
12/25/2027
from
$ 4,081
Itinerary : Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Weissenkirchen, Grein, Linz, Passau, Vilshofen



9 other departures
Amasonata
8 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Budapest
03/24/2027
from
$ 4,092
Other departures:
07-21 Apr 2027
16 Jun 2027
14-28 Jul 2027
Other departures
Itinerary : Budapest, Bratislava, Hainburg, Vienna, Wachau Valley, Melk, Vilshofen



7 other departures
Celebrity Compass
8 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Budapest
07/20/2028
from
$ 4,159
Other departures:
05 Aug 2027
16-30 Sep 2027
25 May 2028
Other departures
| Season | Weather & conditions | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
March - April | Cool and colorful. The air is crisp, with beautiful fall or spring light. | An excellent time to explore museums and architecture without the crowds. Bring a warm jacket for cruising. |
May - September Mild and sunny. Pleasant temperatures. Perfect for the outdoor decks. Peak season. The weather is ideal for strolling through the capitals and having lunch outdoors, despite larger crowds. | ||
December Cold and magical. Enchanting markets, mulled wine, and festive lights. Many cruise lines offer special themed "Christmas Markets" mini-cruises (Vienna, Budapest). | ||
The bends of the Danube hold some of Central Europe’s most beautiful treasures. Here are the must-sees.

In Vienna
The must-see Schönbrunn Palace and majestic St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

In Budapest
The imposing Hungarian Parliament and Fisherman’s Bastion.

In Bratislava
The four-towered medieval castle that stands proudly above the river.

In Austria
The Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its bucolic vineyard landscapes.

Between Serbia and Romania
The Iron Gates, a spectacular gorge where the Danube carves its way between the mountains.

In Austria
Authentic Wiener schnitzel and the city’s famous coffeehouse treats.

In Hungary
Flavorful traditional goulash and local pastries.

In Serbia
Belgrade’s Skadarlija district for typical regional grilled specialties.
Admiring Budapest illuminated from the Danube
Travelers very often cite arriving in or cruising through Budapest as one of the highlights of a Danube River cruise. The illuminated Parliament, bridges, and Buda Hills are visible directly from the river, offering a clear, unobstructed, and truly memorable view.
Cruising through the Wachau among vineyards, villages, and abbeys
The Wachau Valley is often praised in reviews for its unhurried pace, vineyard landscapes, and villages nestled along the river. Travelers enjoy both the scenic cruise and stops around Melk, Dürnstein, or local white-wine estates, all in a calmer atmosphere than the major capitals.
Savoring the Danube way of life through cafés, markets, and local specialties
Reviews also highlight simple moments ashore: a Viennese coffee, a slice of Sachertorte, goulash in Budapest, or grilled food at a traditional restaurant in Belgrade. This culinary dimension appeals because it naturally complements cultural visits and gives each port an identity that is easy to remember.
Taking a break at Vienna’s Karmelitermarkt, among neighborhood stalls and cafés
In Vienna, travelers looking to venture beyond the familiar pairing of imperial palaces and historic cafés often enjoy the Karmelitermarkt in Leopoldstadt. The market retains a neighborhood feel, with stalls selling regional products and bread, cafés, a few casual tables, and a more relaxed atmosphere than the major attractions in the city center.
Enjoying panoramic views of Budapest from the Rudas Baths
In Budapest, travelers often talk about the Széchenyi Baths, but Rudas stands out as a more compact, stone-clad alternative that is often considered less obvious. The rooftop pool, with views of the Danube and its bridges, offers a more distinctive thermal experience than simply bathing in large pools.
Dining along the quiet Danube riverfront in Zemun
In Belgrade, travelers looking to go beyond Kalemegdan and Skadarlija often appreciate Zemun for its small-town atmosphere along the river. The Danube riverfront, outdoor dining, fish restaurants, boats, and views over the water create a more nautical, slower-paced atmosphere than central Belgrade.
Danube cruises sail along the second-longest river in Europe, stretching nearly 9,350 feet. The Danube originates in Germany’s Black Forest and flows into the Black Sea, crossing historically rich countries like Germany, Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, and Romania. Its two main tributaries are the Tisza and the Sava rivers.
These river cruises offer the chance to discover iconic landmarks of Danube capitals such as the Vienna Opera House in Austria, the Hungarian Parliament in Budapest, and the Bratislava Castle in Slovakia, as well as the Iron Gates, a spectacular passage through the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains within the Danube Gorge.
A cruise on the Danube offers a fascinating dive into the cultural diversity of Central Europe.
Vienna, with its majestic Schönbrunn Palace, world-famous opera house, and traditional Viennese cafés, delivers a deep immersion into European history and heritage. The Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, unveils charming wine country landscapes between Krems and Melk. In Budapest, the Royal Castle—also listed by UNESCO—and the Hungarian Parliament, a grand neo-Gothic masterpiece, captivate visitors with their impressive architecture.
In the heart of the Danube Gorge, the Iron Gates, the Decebalus sculpture, and Golubac Fortress form a breathtaking historical and natural panorama. Nature lovers will be enthralled by the Danube Delta, a unique ecosystem known for its biodiversity.
Music and dance play a central role in the cultural experience of a Danube cruise. In Vienna, the echoes of Strauss’s famous “Blue Danube” often accompany the evening atmosphere, while in Hungary, traditional dances and waltzes bring a touch of local charm to the experience.
The cuisine along the Danube is remarkably diverse, from Viennese schnitzel to Budapest’s goulash and Romanian sarmale, not to mention the wines of the Wachau and Pannonia regions.
There is a wide range of Danube cruise itineraries, from short river cruises to long journeys along the river. Most of these voyages follow a round-trip route.
The longest itineraries start in Passau, Germany, and go all the way to the edges of the Black Sea in Romania, reaching cities such as Oltenita, Tulcea, Braila, or Cernavoda before returning to Passau. These cruises allow you to visit several European countries including Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania.
Danube cruise lines offer many segments of this itinerary (round trip), including cruises departing from Passau to Vienna or Budapest, or cruises from Vienna or Budapest to Serbia or Romania. Each journey provides a rich experience of the Danube’s cultural diversity and historical and natural treasures.
Passau, the “City of Three Rivers,” is the starting point for many Danube cruises. Its historic center is full of architectural gems like St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which houses a magnificent organ. Wander through charming alleys, explore local museums, and enjoy stunning views of the three river confluences—Inn, Ilz, and the Danube.
Austria’s capital Vienna charms visitors with its rich cultural and historical heritage. Don’t miss Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Vienna State Opera. Take a walk in the Belvedere Gardens, discover world-renowned museums, and treat yourself to a slice of Sachertorte in a traditional Viennese café.
Slovakia’s capital Bratislava is a charming blend of history and modernity. Visit Bratislava Castle for panoramic views over the Danube. Explore the medieval old town, lively cafés, and historical landmarks. Be sure to see St. Martin’s Cathedral and the iconic SNP Bridge.
Budapest, the Pearl of the Danube, is home to iconic buildings such as Buda Castle, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Hungarian Parliament. Relax in the famous thermal baths of the Hungarian capital, like the Széchenyi Baths. At night, cruising the Danube offers breathtaking views of Budapest’s illuminated monuments from the water.
Belgrado, capitale della Serbia, affascina per la sua combinazione di culture e la sua energia vibrante. Visitate la fortezza di Kalemegdan, passeggiate nel quartiere bohémien di Skadarlija e scoprite il museo Nikola Tesla. Il punto di confluenza tra il Danubio e la Sava offre paesaggi mozzafiato e piacevoli passeggiate.
Per molti itinerari sul Danubio, il porto fluviale di Oltenita in Romania rappresenta l’ultima tappa prima del viaggio di ritorno. Esplorate il museo archeologico che ospita reperti della cultura Gumelnițiana. Passeggiate lungo le rive del Danubio per godervi la natura circostante. Oltenita offre uno spaccato della vita rurale rumena autentica e delle sue tradizioni in un ambiente rilassante.
Il periodo migliore per una crociera sul Danubio va da marzo a ottobre. I mesi da maggio a settembre offrono temperature miti e buon soleggiamento, perfetti per attività all’aperto e visite turistiche. In autunno, i paesaggi lungo il fiume si tingono di colori vivaci e le temperature restano gradevoli, con un’affluenza turistica minore nei luoghi di interesse.
CroisiEurope è il leader europeo delle crociere fluviali. La compagnia propone diverse crociere sul Danubio che permettono di scoprire i tesori culturali dell’Europa centrale e orientale. Gli itinerari includono visite a Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest e Belgrado, con scali prolungati per esplorare siti storici come il castello di Schönbrunn e le terme di Budapest. Le crociere includono anche la traversata delle famose Porte di Ferro tra Serbia e Romania, che offrono panorami spettacolari. A bordo, i passeggeri beneficiano della pensione completa con cucina raffinata e la maggior parte delle bevande incluse.
Nicko Cruises si distingue per il suo concetto di “slow cruising”, offrendo ai passeggeri il tempo per apprezzare appieno e esplorare le destinazioni. Le crociere fluviali sul Danubio di Nicko Cruises puntano sul relax e sulla scoperta culturale, con itinerari che attraversano paesaggi bucolici e città pittoresche come Vienna, Bratislava e Budapest. A bordo, l’atmosfera è serena con spazi per il relax, spa e sale lettura, offrendo ai passeggeri un’esperienza tranquilla e arricchente.
Rivages du Monde propone crociere di lusso lungo il Danubio, permettendo ai passeggeri di scoprire l’Europa centrale e i suoi tesori storici. Gli itinerari comprendono visite a città emblematiche come Vienna, Budapest e Bratislava, con un’attenzione particolare alla storia e alla cultura locali. A bordo, i passeggeri beneficiano di un’atmosfera conviviale e conferenze arricchenti per un’esperienza immersiva. Le crociere di Rivages du Monde includono nel prezzo i voli, i trasferimenti, le conferenze, la pensione completa e una selezione di bevande.
Lüftner Cruises propone crociere premium sul Danubio, che combinano comfort moderno e design sofisticato. Queste crociere mettono in risalto le escursioni a terra per scoprire la ricchezza culturale e storica di ogni regione. Gli itinerari includono destinazioni emblematiche come le gole del Danubio, classificate patrimonio mondiale dell’UNESCO, e la visita di città storiche come Vienna e Budapest. A bordo, i passeggeri possono gustare pasti gastronomici accompagnati da vini europei, usufruire di biciclette gratuite per esplorazioni in autonomia e di un servizio attento.
Per le crociere fluviali brevi sul Danubio, un itinerario andata e ritorno da Passau a Vienna o Budapest dura circa 5 giorni. Le crociere in partenza da Budapest o da Vienna fino in Serbia o Romania durano generalmente una decina di giorni andata e ritorno. Le crociere sul Danubio da Passau in Germania fino alla Romania possono durare fino a 15 giorni andata e ritorno.
Esistono anche crociere sul Danubio da Strasburgo. Questi itinerari seguono il Reno verso nord fino alla confluenza con il Meno a Magonza, poi proseguono lungo il Canale Reno-Meno-Danubio fino a Bamberga. Queste crociere possono durare fino a 20 giorni.
Il Danubio attraversa numerosi paesi europei come Germania, Austria, Slovacchia, Ungheria, Croazia, Serbia, Bulgaria e Romania.
Le crociere sul Danubio, incentrate sul patrimonio e sulla cultura, sono principalmente destinate a un pubblico adulto.
Gli itinerari sul Danubio di CroisiEurope, Nicko Cruises e Luftner Cruises includono la pensione completa nel prezzo della crociera, coprendo i 3 pasti quotidiani: colazione, pranzo e cena.