Danube River Cruises

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.

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Search 5,416 river cruise departures along the Danube

Popular Cruises on The Danube

8 Days Munich to Budapest

Operator: Scenic

From 4,663pp
Save 1,497pp

8 Days Budapest to Bucharest

Operator: Travelmarvel

From 4,126pp
Save 877pp

8 Days Budapest to Vilshofen

Operator: Avalon River Cruises

From 4,006pp
Save 2,627pp

7 Days Nuremberg to Vienna

Operator: Avalon River Cruises

From 4,690pp
Save 1,429pp

The Danube River

Map of the Danube River

Where does the Danube start & finish?

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.

Featured River Cruise Operators Featured Operators

AmaWaterways
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.
Danube Rivers637
Budget:Premium
Known For:Luxury & Wellness
Fleet Size:29
APT
APT
Life-enriching, relaxing and unique – an APT river cruise is the ultimate holiday experience. Discover unforgettable destinations as you travel in total more comfort and style. From Europe to Africa and the mighty Mekong River, APT has a diverse range of river cruises, and you’ll wake up most mornings in a new location, ready to explore fresh and exciting sights. Timeless luxury, exclusive experiences, life enriching moments and true personalisation. APT offers all-inclusive holidays so everything is taken care of. We invite you to join us; you won’t be disappointed.
Danube Rivers214
Budget:Premium & Luxury
Known For:Aussie Specialist
Fleet Size:8
Scenic
With Scenic, it’s more than a 5-star river cruise...it’s a seamless journey from start to finish that places you, our guest, at the heart of everything more we do. It’s taking you to extraordinary regions and immersing you in meaningful and enriching experiences. It’s exquisite cuisine, indulgent wellness, and a world-class team who will anticipate your every need. You'll find the difference is in the details with Scenic: the innovative ship design, expertly trained crew, immersive journey, and an unrivalled focus on health and safety protocols.
Danube Rivers550
Budget:Premium & Luxury
Known For:Luxury Cruising
Fleet Size:14

Discover

Highlights of the Upper and Lower Danube
The Sound of Salzburg The Sound of Salzburg
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 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 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 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 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
Danube Delights River Cruise   Danube Delights , ON, Canada, May 2026
Thanks for setting up the Emerald Danube Delights River Cruise. We are used to setting up our own travel arrangements and it was the first time we went on an organized tour, it was fantastic and hassle free, from the guide meeting us at the airport on arrival till the return shuttle everything went smoothly and far exceeded our expectations. Everything read more was perfect, the travel arrangements, ship, room, staff, activities, food, people, excursions not one thing we can complain about. All the countries visited were so interesting and the tour guides were exceptionally knowledgeable, so much history. Bratislava, Slovakia was a highlight for us, the tour guide was very enthusiastic and authentic. making it very memorable. May was a great time to travel, weather was good for touring and we beat the tourist crowds. Looking forward to cruising the Rhine for our next adventure.
One of our very best holidays   Grand European Tour , VIC, Australia, May 2026
After doing several ocean cruises, we did our first river cruise and it will not be the last. We really enjoyed the 15 days on the Danube and Rhine, sailing from Budapest to Amsterdam. Got to know most of the 180 odd passengers on the cruise and they were very friendly, outgoing and supportive. Cruising along the scenic Wachau Valley and the Mid-Rhine read more wine growing area and castles along the rivers were spectacular. The cruise staff took good care of us and obliged to all our requests.
Jewels of Europe Jewels of Europe , AB, Canada, May 2026
Scenic Jade. Amsterdam to Budapest amazing , spectacular, 5 star service. For our very first ever cruise this five cruise was exceptional. Our tour host Richard was fantastic from organizing tours to entertaining guests answering questions. Fantastic. Everyone was friendly and accommodating with all our needs and want through our whole journey. read more Food was top notch with a different dinner selection every night. Worth every dollar spent. Highly recommend this all inclusive river cruise.
Tracey Standing Legends of the Balkans with Transylvania , WA, Australia, Apr 2026
Tracey was outstanding, always available, answered our many detailed questions and worries, promptly and really cared about us. TM was terrific, we would like to have had a detailed dynamic map on the screen in the cabin, so we knew exactly where we were at any moment. We missed the Iron Gates which we were disappointed about due to water level issues. read more Yes would book again, but never a 'non definite departure 'again.
Wonderful river cruise Jewels of Europe , SA, Australia, Apr 2026
Our cruise with Scenic exceeded all expectations. The ship, the food, the staff and the excursions were all excellent. Highly recommend Scenic and we will be travelling with them again. Global Journeys provided excellent service and were always very quick to respond to my questions.
Fabulous river cruise from Budapest to Bucharest Eastern Europe & Balkans Unveiled with Transylvania , QLD, Australia, Apr 2026
This Scenic river cruise "Eastern Europe & Balkans Unveiled with Transylvania" was fantastic .... the meals and staff were wonderful, would recommend it to anyone.
We also really enjoyed the 4 night extension bus journey around Transylvania.
Hannah from Global Journeys organized everything, so friendly and easy to talk too, was a pleasure booking with her.