Explore one of Europe’s most iconic waterways—where gothic cathedrals, medieval towns, and wine country await around every bend.
Imagine waking up to storybook towns, clifftop castles, and vineyard-cloaked hills—all from the comfort of your luxury river cruise ship. A Danube River Cruise offers the perfect balance of history, culture, cuisine, and scenic beauty.
From the musical streets of Vienna to the thermal baths of Budapest and the baroque charm of Passau, every port reveals a new treasure.
Whether you're dreaming of a romantic escape, a bucket-list trip with friends, or a hosted group adventure, the Danube delivers an unforgettable journey through Europe’s cultural crossroads.
Explore multiple countries with one seamless itinerary – Sail through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, and beyond—no packing and repacking.
Dock in the heart of Europe’s most charming cities – Walk straight into Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest without long transfers.
Small ships, big experiences – With only 150 guests on board, enjoy personalized service, no crowds, and VIP-level comfort.
Something for everyone – Foodies, history buffs, music lovers, wine aficionados, and relaxed explorers will all find their perfect pace.
Perfect for solo travelers, couples, and groups – Whether you travel independently or as part of one of our hosted groups, you’ll feel right at home.
Each stop along the Danube is like stepping into a storybook—where medieval castles, grand cathedrals, and cobblestone towns meet warm hospitality and rich culture. From the romantic streets of Vienna to the dramatic cliffs of the Wachau Valley and the spa-filled charm of Budapest, every port offers a new chapter in your European adventure. Whether you're exploring ancient abbeys, tasting local wines, or simply soaking in the scenery, the Danube's ports of call are the heart and soul of your journey. Here are some of our favorite ports of call and itineraries on this magnificent river.
- Best of the DanubeRudi's Top Choice for 2025
- Grand Danube Cruise
- Magnificent Europe
- Melodies of the Danube
- Romantic Danube
- Legendary Danube
- Magna on the Danube
- Blue Danube Discovery
- Gems of Southeast Europe
Explore some of the amazing ports of call along the Danube river along with matching itineraries below.
A Danube River Cruise takes you through some of Europe’s most iconic and culturally rich destinations. From the fairy-tale charm of Dürnstein and the grandeur of Vienna to the thermal baths of Budapest and the hilltop abbeys of Melk, every stop offers a unique blend of history, beauty, and immersive experiences. Whether you’re exploring a medieval fortress, sipping wine in the Wachau Valley, or strolling through a Christmas market, each port reveals a new layer of the Danube’s timeless magic. Explore the ports of call and a highlighted itinerary for that port of call below.
This picturesque Bavarian town is where many Danube cruises begin. Vilshofen charms with cobbled streets, beer gardens, and festive welcomes featuring traditional music and local brews. Cruise along the city’s famous canals, visit the Van Gogh Museum, or pedal through tulip-lined streets on a guided bike tour.
Known as the “City of Three Rivers,” Passau is a blend of baroque beauty and natural wonder. Tour St. Stephen’s Cathedral with the world’s largest pipe organ or hike to the Veste Oberhaus fortress for panoramic views.
Austria’s third-largest city offers a modern take on old-world charm. Explore its dynamic arts scene, stroll along the Danube promenade, or take a full-day excursion to nearby Salzburg—birthplace of Mozart and backdrop to The Sound of Music.
The crown jewel here is the Benedictine Melk Abbey, perched high above the river. Tour its grand library, frescoed halls, and baroque church, then enjoy a wine tasting in the sun-soaked vineyards of the Wachau Valley.
This fairytale village is famous for its blue-and-white abbey tower and castle ruins where King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. Walk through cobblestone lanes, sip apricot liqueur, or bike along the scenic riverbanks.
Discover half-timbered houses, canals, and a blend of French and German heritage in this fairytale Alsatian city.
A charming capital with a relaxed vibe. Wander the old town’s pastel streets, visit Bratislava Castle, and enjoy panoramic views from the UFO Tower. Bonus: the local wine scene is up-and-coming and delicious.
Cruise into the heart of this twin-city wonder and soak it all in—thermal baths, ruin pubs, grand cafés, and the iconic Parliament glowing at night. Don’t miss a soak in the Széchenyi Baths or a stroll along Castle Hill.
Experience the magic of the season as you sail through Europe’s most enchanting holiday towns. Danube Christmas Market cruises blend old-world charm, festive lights, and centuries-old traditions with cozy markets full of mulled wine, handcrafted gifts, and holiday cheer. From Vienna’s glittering Rathausplatz to the storybook stalls of Regensburg and Budapest, each stop feels like stepping into a snow globe.
Love Wine and River Cruising?
Danube wine cruises are the perfect pairing of scenic sailing and unforgettable flavor. Enjoy vineyard tours, local tastings, and charming towns known for their winemaking heritage—all while gliding along one of Europe’s most iconic rivers.
Popular Danube itineraries that feature wine-focused experiences include:
Sip, swirl, and sail your way through wine country—Danube style.
The Lower Danube offers a rich blend of Eastern European history, dramatic landscapes, and off-the-beaten-path adventures:
Mohács, Hungary – Gateway to the Villány wine region and traditional Hungarian culture.
Vukovar, Croatia – A resilient riverside town with poignant war history and nearby Osijek’s Habsburg charm.
Belgrade, Serbia – Lively capital with Ottoman forts, bohemian cafés, and vibrant street life.
Iron Gates Gorge – One of the most scenic river stretches in Europe, flanked by cliffs and ancient rock carvings.
Vidin, Bulgaria – Home to the medieval Baba Vida Fortress and the dramatic Belogradchik rock formations.
Rousse, Bulgaria – “Little Vienna” with grand architecture and access to UNESCO-listed rock churches.
Giurgiu/Bucharest, Romania – End your cruise in Romania’s eclectic capital with Belle Époque flair and communist-era history.
No worries—this is just a small taste of what’s possible. Click below to explore the full collection of river cruise itineraries from one of our most trusted and preferred partners. Whether you're dreaming of the Danube, the Douro, the Rhine, or beyond, there’s a sailing perfectly suited to your travel style. Let’s find the one that’s right for you!
Hi, I’m Sonia—Certified River Cruise Specialist and European Travel Advisor with a passion for Europe, wine, culture, and all things slow travel. I help busy travelers plan unforgettable, fully customized river cruise experiences—without the stress, overwhelm, or guesswork.
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