If you’re looking to explore the world’s waterways in comfort and style, then a river cruise is the perfect place to start.
And there’s no better river than the beautiful Danube.
With a rich history dating back millennia, an amble down this river makes for an exciting blend of tranquil scenes and urban adventure. Perfect for travellers looking for a bit of variety in their cruise in 2024.
Let’s look at what makes the Danube an ideal destination for river cruise beginners and veterans alike.
The Beautiful Danube
Starting in the Black Forest of Germany, the Danube River makes its way through ten countries from Austria and Slovakia to Serbia and Romania before joining the Black Sea.
But what makes this exciting waterway so great for cruising?
Firstly, if you call the UK your home, it’s barely a hop, skip, and jump away from the countries the Danube meanders through. There are no long flights and changeovers to worry about, making it an excellent destination for a relaxing getaway.
And if you’re a history, art, or music buff, there’s plenty to get your teeth stuck into with sights dating back millennia. Even if city sightseeing isn’t your cup of tea, the Danube River offers a scenic route second to none with natural views to take your breath away.
River cruises are all about the land-based destinations. So what makes for a great trip is a full itinerary in cities with a little something for every taste. In this sense, the Danube River is the ideal destination for every type of traveller.
A Danube river cruise for every traveller
The Danube River makes for an excellent cruise location. Whether you’re looking for a weekend trip or an adventure-filled fortnight, you’ll find it here.
Mini Cruises
A mini-break might be the answer for travellers looking to dip their toes in the river cruise waters.
Danube Mini Cruise Cities Wachau 2024
This cruise from A-ROSA starts in the market town of Engelhartszell An Der Donau, Austria. Over four nights, you’ll drift along the Danube, stopping off in Vienna and Wachau Valley before hopping over to Bratislava, Slovakia, for a day.
Then, heading back into Austria via Linz, you’ll finish where you started in Engelhartszell An Der Donau. A-ROSA offers this trip aboard the Mia, Flora, and Riva, depending on your departure date. All of which have a casual and friendly atmosphere, ideal for first-timers.
Mar 2024 – Nov 2024
4-night cruise
Full-board
Prices from £570.00 per person
Cruise Only
Capital Cities Along The Danube Port to Port Cruise
If you’re looking to fit all the big hitters into a short trip, don’t miss the capital cities tour from CroisiEurope. Spread over four nights on MS Vivaldi, you’ll be welcomed aboard in Vienna, Austria, with cocktails and dinner.
The second day is also spent in Vienna, giving plenty of time to enjoy the Konzerthaus concert hall before making your way to Budapest, Hungary, for the third day. The trip finishes at the foot of the Carpathian mountains in Bratislava, Slovakia, for the last days of this waterway tour.
Mar 2024 – Nov 2024 4-night cruiseFull-board Prices from £930.00pp
Cruise only
Midi Cruises
If you’ve got more time on your hands, take your time and explore the Danube on a longer cruise.
Romantic Danube
Enchant your loved one in 2024 with the Danube River cruise, available from both AmaWaterways and Viking River Cruises. With AmaWaterways, you’ll take this leisurely 7-night cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest, a whole day of which is dedicated to scenic cruising to enjoy with your loved one. Viking Cruises explore the romance of the Danube from a different point of view, taking seven nights to sightsee from Regensburg to Budapest, with two days of scenic cruising.
Mar 2024 – Nov 2024 7-night cruiseFull-board Prices from £2695.00 per person
Enchanting Danube
Climb aboard the S.S. Maria Theresa with UNIWORLD Boutique River Cruises for something special. Starting in Passau, Germany, you’ll meander through the Danube across seven nights of interest. Stopping first in Linz, Dürnstein, and Vienna, you’ll leave Austria to explore Bratislava, Slovakia, before finishing up in Budapest, Hungary. The UNWORLD locally-based destination experts make this trip perfect for travel and history lovers.
Mar 2024 – Oct 2024 7-night cruiseAll-Inclusive Prices from £2799.00pp
Long Cruises
Perfect for the true adventurers, discover all the Danube has to offer on a lengthy cruise.
European Gems
Explore the standout gems of Europe on APT Travelmarvel’s 14-night premier cruise. Including return flights from the UK, start in the popular Amsterdam and float along the Rhine River before joining the Danube on day 8 in Nuremburg, Germany. Once the Travelmarvel Polaris has made its way through some of Germany’s most beautiful towns, you’ll have a chance to enjoy the sophistication of Austria. Then finish up in Budapest, Hungary’s capital, for an unforgettable journey.
Mar 2024 – Dec 2024 14-night cruiseFull-board Prices from £2995.00 per person
The Danube From Germany to Romania
For the trip of a lifetime, look no further than Avalon Waterways‘ 16-day Danube River cruise. This mammoth trek will take you on a whistle-stop tour of European history through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania.
Starting in Deggendorf, Germany, you’ll have the chance to enjoy unprecedented sights and sounds from the Danube’s horseshoe bend, the Schlögen Oxbow, to the incredible castles of the Blue Danube, and ancient archaeological sites of Bulgaria, to end in Bucharest, the Paris of the East. What’s not to love?
21st April 2025 15-night cruiseFull-board Prices from £5426.00 per person
Ready, set, sail!
The Danube River offers a little something for everyone. From ancient historical castles and archaeological sites to modern marketplace marvels, river cruise beginners and veterans alike will love a trip on this waterway.
Choose from a mini, midi, or long trip to suit your travel style, and get ready for the journey of a lifetime.
AG River Cruises offers all these adventures on the Danube River and more. Get in touch with our experienced cruise specialists and start planning your next cruise today.
