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 5,148 river cruise departures along the Danube

Popular Cruises on The Danube

8 Days Nuremberg to Budapest

Operator: Avalon River Cruises

From 3,035pp
Save 1,616pp

8 Days Budapest to Nuremberg

Operator: Avalon River Cruises

From 2,939pp
Save 1,612pp

8 Days Regensburg to Budapest

Operator: Viking River Cruises

From 2,399pp
Save 500pp

11 Days Budapest to Bucharest

Operator: Avalon River Cruises

From 4,301pp
Save 1,677pp

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 Rivers718
Budget:Premium
Known For:Luxury & Wellness
Fleet Size:29
Emerald Cruises
From culture-rich cities to world-famous wine regions, Emerald Cruises represents a new chapter in the world of river cruising. Our deluxe fleet of revolutionary more Star-Ships promise contemporary comfort and unique on-board innovations, while our generous offering combines affordability with great dining, exceptional service and immersive itineraries across Europe and Asia.

With return flights, transfers, all on-board meals, complimentary drinks, tips and much more included in the price of an Emerald Cruises river cruise, we’ve taken care of everything. Our attentive team of crew, sommeliers and personal butlers are available day and night to ensure every minute on-board the Emerald Cruises fleet is as enriching, enjoyable and relaxing as possible.
Danube Rivers465
Budget:Premium
Known For:Affordable Luxury
Fleet Size:11
Avalon
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.
Danube Rivers826
Budget:Premium
Known For:Panorama Suites
Fleet Size:16

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
Exceptional Danube Tour Germany to Hungary Danube Christmas Markets with Nuremberg , SA, Australia, Dec 2025
Our booking with Hannah at Global Journeys was seamless. There isn't a single thing I would've changed on our Danube Cruise with Scenic Waterways. We felt spoilt from the first day until the last. Just the right amount of free time and the tours were very good. We cruised in December & it was Christmas Market magic.
Best experience ever on the Danube Magic of Advent on the Danube , QLD, Australia, Dec 2025
We were so taken by this cruise that we will do another one with Amadeus next year. Could not fault it. From the friendly staff to the amazing food. Definitely recommend this tour. Thank you Global Journeys.
European Gems European Gems , NSW, Australia, Dec 2025
Have travelled with several other cruises lines and whilst Travelmarvel was very nice, we found it at the lower end of the scale. But it was very well priced in comparison so I guess you get what you pay for. We felt the cruise director was was hard to understand whenever she held a microphone and at times tried to give out too much information at once read more which had the guest bored and not listening. The meals were excellent but the tours only basic.
Lasting memories European Gems , QLD, Australia, Dec 2025
We cruised from Amsterdam to Budapest during the Christmas season. The cruise and the included guided tours were great. We learned so much about the history of these lovely cities, towns and areas that we visited. The standard and quantity of meals provided was amazing and the onboard service faultless. The only change I would make is to not go to read more as many Christmas markets as they all became a bit same same and most had food and drinks that we just didn't need. Next time we would spend more time exploring more than just the old town and market squares.
Amazing experience Christmas Markets of Europe , SA, Australia, Dec 2025
We have just finished the Budapest to Amsterdam Christmas Market Cruise. Wow!! What an unforgettable experience. The whole crew were amazing - from our cabin Steward, Rendi, to the Cruise director, Armin, and the Entertainment director, James, the serving staff and bar staff..... I cannot fault one of them. The food was delicious. The markets and tours read more were fun, informative and memorable. We will definitely be doing another cruise with Emerald.
Danube Christmas Market River Cruise Magic of Advent on the Danube , MA, United States, Nov 2025
Everything went off like clockwork. The trip was fabulous! Some recommendations: Transfers between boat and airport were pricey. Paid approximately $130 for return trip to airport when I could have taken an Uber for $35. Upon arrival we had to sit in the airport for 5 hours waiting for our transfer because we couldn’t get on the boat any earlier. read more I didn’t use Global Journeys to schedule the flight, so that may have been the issue. Would use Kellene Roberts again. Very professional and responsive! Thank you Kellene!