danube river cruise budapest to germany

River Cruises on the Danube

Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of the Danube as you glide past dramatic cliffs, ancient castles, and enchanting vineyards in the legendary Wachau Valley. Experience the rich tapestry of cultural history at age-old sites, be captivated by majestic cities, and revel in the grandeur of nature’s treasures. With 10 countries and over 4,000 river kilometers, the Danube offers endless discoveries. From its source to Europe’s largest delta, there’s something new around every bend. Try to contain your awe as you navigate the Iron Gates in the Carpathians, and let cities like Vienna, Budapest, and Bucharest charm you with their regal splendor and magical ambiance.

Discover sailing the Danube River.

A world of experiences

Enlightening experiences await on your Danube river cruise. Explore vibrant capital cities such as Budapest, Bratislava, Bucharest, and Vienna, and witness treasured landmarks, from Gottweig Abbey to the Iron Gates Natural Park.

Budapest, Hungry

Bratislava, Slovakia

Iron Gates, Danube River

Melk Abbey, Austria

Discover the Danube River

 a diverse and vibrant land.

Tastes of Europe

Bringing the past to the present

Picturesque landscapes

Featured  Itineraries

Danube Delights

Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises

Danube Explorer

Splendours of Europe

Danube Delights & Classic Prague

Danube Explorer & highlights of Budapest

Danube Explorer & Munich

Christmas time on the Danube

Christmas Markets on the Danube

Start planning  your Europe river cruise

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Danube river cruises

Sail the mighty Danube River through Europe and call in at some of the world’s most vibrant and influential cities.

• destinations
• central europe
• danube river
• Previous page

Explore the delights of the Danube River

Experience an eclectic mix of cultures and traditions on your luxury Danube river cruise. Passing through more countries than any other river in the world, you’ll enjoy an unparalleled tour of Europe on your cultural journey.

Discover sailing the Danube River

A world of experiences

Enlightening experiences await on your Danube river cruise. Explore vibrant capital cities such as Budapest, Bratislava, and Bratislava, and witness treasured landmarks, from Gottweig Abbey to the Iron Gates Natural Park.

Discover the Danube River

 a diverse and vibrant land.

Tastes of Europe

Bringing the past to the present

Picturesque landscapes

Featured Itineraries

Seek inspiration from our most popular itineraries to start planning your unforgettable voyage. Explore our latest Danube river cruises offers  today.

Danube Delights

Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises

Splendours of Europe

Danube Delights & Classic Prague

Danube Explorer & highlights of Budapest

Classic prague & danube delights.

Your guide to river cruising

Stay up to date and be inspired.

Yes, please keep me updated with the latest special offers, travel inspiration, product updates, and event invites.

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• European Vacations

Danube Cruises

Danube river cruises in Central Europe

Immerse yourself in the heart of the tremendous cultural wealth of central europe, central europe rivers, full details on all our central european itineraries classified by rivers..

The beautiful blue Danube

The Danube and the Black Sea

The Sava and Tisza

Central European countries

Full details on all our central european itineraries classified by country..

Danube River Cruises

2024- 2025 danube cruise departures are now available.

Sail to Central and Eastern Europe on a  Danube river cruise , each itinerary takes you to a different set of major European countries including   Germany ,   Austria , Hungary , Slovakia , Bulgaria , Romania , Ukraine, Mo ldova,  Croatia  and  Serbia .

The Danube is one of the longest rivers in Europe and it is also one of the most popular one. Our cultural cruises will help you discover Central and Eastern Europe’s most influential cities and their many wonders.

Discover some of Central Europe’s most splendid and authentic capitals along the dreamy Danube River including  Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and Belgrade . A Danube River cruise takes you all the way to the Black Sea, through the  Danube Delta , classed as UNESCO site for its well-preserved natural landscape. Our luxury cruises venture to most of Europe’s gems and every city and country has something to offer.

Cross the renowned Iron Gate, a spectacular gorge between Serbia and Romania and visit Romania and its landscapes that seem straight out of a fantasy novel with its old buildings, medieval towns, and legendary haunted castles. Learn more about Bratislava and its mythical statues scattered throughout the city or discover less touristy places such as Serbia and its wonderful heritage and architectural marvels. Stroll through the streets of Budapest, also called the “Paris of the East” and its thermal baths, or discover the luxury “Austrian Versailles” that is the Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, and which is one of the most incredible architectural and historical monuments of Austria. Visit the hometown of Mozart, Salzburg, and learn everything about Austrian cultural history.

These destinations have so much to offer that the best way to explore the Danube River and its beauty is on a CroisiEurope river cruise – comfort, convenience, exquisite cuisine and more. We have plenty of different itineraries for you to choose from, to admire varied landscapes and discover the Danube history and cultural heritage and gems through multiple unique countries and cities.  

From Budapest to Nuremberg aboard a Premier River Vessel

Blue danube discovery cruise.

Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia

From $2,899

Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

• Complimentary land package on select departures
• $2000 cruise savings per stateroom + complimentary stateroom upgrade + $50 onboard credit on select departures
• Waived single supplement on select departures

Discover a wealth of art, history, and cultural treasures as you cruise to some of Europe's most famous destinations. Journey to Bratislava, Vienna, Passau, and the 2,000-year-old town of Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, visit magnificent cathedrals and Baroque abbeys, sample Vienna's sinfully rich sachertorte cake, experience the breathtaking scenery of the Wachau Valley wine-making region, and traverse Europe's Continental Divide. Add on a pre-cruise extension to Budapest or a post-cruise extension to Prague.

Arrive: Budapest, Hungary

Depart: Nuremberg, Germany

• Cultural and architectural heritage of Vienna, Bratislava, Melk, Passau, Regensburg
• Walking tours, wine tastings, guided bike tours
• Extend your adventure to Glorious Prague, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Note: This trip is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as an agent in booking your reservation with the operator. Please download the Rate Sheet in the Dates & Pricing section to see the full pricing details and contact our Cruise Collection Specialists to check availability.

Dates & Pricing

Payment & cancel schedule.

At time of reservation: $400 100 days prior to departure: Balance Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

Minimum fee: $200 per person 90-120 days prior to departure: $400 per person 60-89 days prior to departure: 35% of trip cost 30-59 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost 7-29 days prior to departure: 80% of trip cost 6 days or less: 100% of trip cost

Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

• 7 nights deluxe cruise accommodation in an outside stateroom—most staterooms offer French Balconies or revolutionary Twin Balconies
• Life-enriching tours daily with personal headset included “Limited Edition Tours"
• Entertainment on demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed Internet access, hit Hollywood movies, extensive music library, and English language TV stations
• Complimentary Wi-Fi access on board
• Terry bathrobes and white-on-white plush bedding in all staterooms
• Fine dining with all meals included during your cruise
• Multiple dining venues
• Unlimited red and white wines from Europe's great wine regions, beer and soft drinks with every lunch and dinner on board
• Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily
• Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner
• Special highlights including lectures, theme dinners, cooking demonstration, onboard music performances and afternoon/evening piano music
• Bicycles to explore on your own and guided bicycle tours
• Services of professional Cruise Manager
• All English language on board in a non-smoking environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
• Transfers between hotel and ship are included with the purchase of cruise and land package; airport transfers are included with the purchase of airfare
• All local taxes

Not Included

• Arrival/departure transfers
• Passport or visa fees
• Optional travel insurance
• Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)
• Any activities and services described as an upgrade or optional
• Optional gratuities to guides or crew

Accommodations

Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Days 1-7 (7 nights)

What the Trip is Like

This cruise is rated Level 1, Easiest , and is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active. Daily shore excursions require a moderate amount of walking, often along uneven cobblestone streets and up and down stairs. To better accommodate guests and their individual fitness levels, AMA Waterways programs provide several levels of walking tours whenever possible: "Gentle Walkers" are designed for slower walkers to enjoy the tour in a relaxed manner, "Active Walkers" enjoy the tours at a normal pace, and there is also a "Late Starters" group offered to guests who prefer to sleep in.

Staterooms range from 160-350 square feet (depending on category), and typical hotel room amenities include hair dryer, bathrobe, television, and mini-safe. Every stateroom has individually controlled air conditioning, internet access, wi-fi (free throughout the ship!) and a movie-on-demand system that offers a variety of English language channels, films and music options. Most staterooms have balconies, either walk-on or French, but lower categories just have fixed windows or portholes.

AMA is known for its efforts to bring in regional cuisine, which is always fun as you explore new countries and cultures. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style with made-to-order specialties. Dinner is multi-course. Every lunch and dinner includes free-flowing regional wines as well as complimentary beer and soft drinks. Bottled water, specialty teas, and coffees are always available free of charge. All ships have an open seating policy in the main restaurant to encourage you to meet your fellow travelers.

On Board AMA Riverboats

AMA Waterways specializes in high-end river journeys that navigate some of Europe's most famous waterways. Their ships accommodate approximately 150 passengers in comfortable staterooms, all with scenic views. While this might sound like a lot of travelers compared to Wilderness Travel's traditional small group trips, it's a modest number of passengers in the cruise ship world and there are a number of comfortable lounges, dining rooms, bars, and sitting areas on board for you to find a perfect spot to socialize or quietly relax, depending on your mood.

There is a warm and welcoming feel to all AMA cruises. From the moment you step onboard, you will be welcomed by crew, staff, and leaders who are friendly, professional and English speaking. There is a high staff to guest ratio (1:3) that assures a feeling of being well-taken-care-of at all times. Your fellow passengers will come from a variety of English-speaking countries and guests tend to mingle freely. No need to bring fancy clothes as the atmosphere onboard is casual, although guests do tend to dress up for the Captain's dinner.

Daily shore excursions are included in the cost of the cruise, along with free time to explore on your own. Each tour is led by a qualified, local guide. At many stops, you'll be free to choose from one of several options. Complimentary headset systems ensure that you hear every word of your tour. AMA ships carry more than two dozen bicycles and helmets, free of charge, for your use should you want to venture into the countryside.

There is a reception desk onboard that is open 24 hours a day with somebody available to help you, should you need it. All announcements and lectures will be presented in English as the clientele is mainly North American, Australian, and European. All AMA cruises prohibit smoking inside their ships. Smoking is only permitted outside on the sun deck.

Electricity on board all ships is 220v, with 2-pin power outlets. You will need an adapter, and/or converter depending on which electrical appliances you bring with you. There are no medical facilities on board although if medical services are needed, they can easily be called from shore. Laundry services are available for a fee.

All ships are equipped with either a whirlpool or a small, heated swimming pool. If you think you might want to use this, be sure to pack a swimsuit!

Tips are not included in the price of the cruise, and are entirely at your discretion. The recommended rate suggested is 3 Euros per passenger per day to the Cruise Manager and 12 Euros per passenger per day to the crew, which will be divided up and distributed. You can use your credit card for this expense. It is also customary to acknowledge a particularly good performance of a local guide by leaving a tip of 1-2 Euros per tour.

Wilderness Travel enjoys partnering with AMA Waterways because they offer a high quality product with thoughtfully planned itineraries, allowing travelers to experience Europe's most glorious architecture, medieval castles, historic villages, and idyllic countryside with minimal effort. Since these trips are relatively short, you may consider this as part of a longer, European adventure!

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Book your trip today

Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

Submit the form below to download itinerary

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Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Level 1 – Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

• Royal Rajasthan and Villages of India
• Small ship cruises

Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

• Our African safaris
• Costa Rica Wildlife

Level 3 – Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

• Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
• Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
• Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
• Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as  Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin,  are Trip Level 3.

Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

• Ultimate Patagonia
• Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Level 5 – Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Everest Lodge to Lodge

Level 6 – Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

• Everest Base Camp
• Climb Kilimanjaro!

• River Cruises
• View All Itineraries
• Best of the Danube Rudi's Top Choice for 2025
• Legendary Danube
• Magna on the Danube
• Blue Danube Discovery
• Gems of Southeast Europe
• Grand Danube Cruise
• Celebration of Classical Music: The Danube
• Magnificent Europe
• Majestic Capitals of Europe
• Melodies of the Danube
• Romantic Danube
• NEW Grand Rhine & Dutch Canals
• Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle
• Enchanting Rhine
• Captivating Rhine
• Europe's Rivers & Castles
• Treasures of the Main & Rhine
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• Rhine & Moselle Delights
• Rhine & Moselle Fairytales
• Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps
• Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles
• Main & Moselle
• Impressions of the Seine & Paris
• Paris & Normandy
• Grand Seine & Bordeaux
• Grand Seine & Rhône
• Rhone & Saone
• Colors of Provence
• Essence of Burgundy & Provence
• Flavors of Burgundy
• Dordogne & Garonne
• Tastes of Bordeaux
• Enticing Douro
• Flavors of Portugal & Spain
• Dutch & Belgian Waterways
• NEW: Grand Rhine & Dutch Canals
• Best of Holland & Belgium
• Riches of the Mekong
• Charms of the Mekong
• Rivers & Rails of Africa 12 Nights
• Wildlife & the Falls
• Discover Africa
• Rivers & Rails of Africa 13 Nights
• Golden Trails of East Africa
• Stars of South Africa
• Secrets of Egypt & the Nile
• Magic of Colombia
• Wonders of Colombia
• Wine Cruises
• Europe's Rivers & Castles
• Vineyards of Rhine & Moselle
• Taste of Bordeaux
• Specialty Cruises
• A Soulful Experience
• Christmas Cruises
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• Loyalty Appreciation River Cruises
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Overview Blue Danube Discovery

7-night cruise, 7-night cruise with 2-nights budapest pre-cruise, 3 nights prague post-cruise, 7-night cruise add pre- or post-cruise land program 7-night cruise with 2-nights budapest pre-cruise, 3 nights prague post-cruise 7-night cruise with 2-nights budapest pre-cruise, 3 nights prague post-cruise add pre- or post-cruise land program 7-night cruise, cruise from: budapest to nuremberg, countries: austria, germany, hungary, slovakia austria, germany, hungary, slovakia, czech republic, rivers: danube, blue danube discovery at a glance.

• Budapest to Nuremberg
• Budapest to Prague

Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.

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Danube river cruises

Sail the mighty Danube River through Europe and call in at some of the world’s most vibrant and influential cities.

• destinations
• central europe
• danube river
• Previous page

Explore the delights of the Danube River

Experience an eclectic mix of cultures and traditions on your luxury Danube river cruise. Passing through more countries than any other river in the world, you’ll enjoy an unparalleled tour of Europe on your cultural journey.

Discover sailing the Danube River

A world of experiences

Enlightening experiences await on your Danube river cruise. Explore vibrant capital cities such as Budapest, Bratislava, and Bratislava, and witness treasured landmarks, from Gottweig Abbey to the Iron Gates Natural Park.

Discover the Danube River

 a diverse and vibrant land.

Tastes of Europe

Bringing the past to the present

Picturesque landscapes

Featured Itineraries

Seek inspiration from our most popular itineraries to start planning your unforgettable voyage. Explore our latest Danube river cruises offers  today.

Danube Delights

Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises

Splendours of Europe

Danube Explorer & highlights of Budapest

Discover the Treasures of the Danube

Danube Delights & Classic Prague

Amsterdam to Bucharest - Discover the Rhine, Main & Danube

Danube Explorer

Danube Explorer & Prague

• Europe River Cruising 2024
• Europe River Cruising 2025

Your guide to Europe river cruising

Stay up to date and be inspired

Yes, please keep me updated with the latest special offers, travel inspiration, product updates, and event invites.

DATA PROTECTION NOTICE

Cookies help us improve your website experience. By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies.

Danube river cruises

Sail the mighty Danube River through Europe and call in at some of the world’s most vibrant and influential cities.

• destinations
• central europe
• danube river
• Previous page

Explore the delights of the Danube River

Experience an eclectic mix of cultures and traditions on your luxury Danube river cruise. Passing through more countries than any other river in the world, you’ll enjoy an unparalleled tour of Europe on your cultural journey.

Discover sailing the Danube River

A world of experiences

Enlightening experiences await on your Danube river cruise. Explore vibrant capital cities such as Budapest and Bratislava and witness treasured landmarks, from Gottweig Abbey to the Iron Gates Natural Park.

Parliament Building, Budapest

Bratislava Castle, Slovakia

Iron Gates, Romania

Melk Abbey, Austria

Discover the Danube River

 a diverse and vibrant land.

Tastes of Europe

Bringing the past to the present

Picturesque landscapes

Featured Itineraries

Seek inspiration from our most popular itineraries to start planning your unforgettable voyage. Explore our latest Danube river cruises offers today.

Danube Delights

Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises

Splendours of Europe

Danube Delights & Classic Prague

Danube Explorer & highlights of Budapest

Your guide to Europe river cruising

Stay up to date and be inspired.

Yes, please keep me updated with the latest special offers, travel inspiration, product updates, and event invites.

DATA PROTECTION NOTICE

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• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures
• Budapest to Regensburg
• Regensburg to Budapest

Romantic Danube

• From $2,399
• 5 Guided Tours
• 3 Countries
• Dates & Pricing
• 2024 2025 2026
• Budapest to Regensburg Regensburg to Budapest

Romantic Danube Map

Sail to charming cities & villages

Visit historic Salzburg. Explore Göttweig Abbey, one of Austria’s most revered monastic centers, and make dumplings with Wachau Valley apricots. Spend two days in Vienna, and celebrate the city’s musical heritage at a concert featuring works by Mozart and Strauss. Soak in the healing qualities of Budapest’s thermal baths. With medieval towns, grand cities and stunning scenery, this 8-day journey on the “Blue Danube” is one you are sure to love.

End of Summer Sale

Viking Inclusive Value

All you need included, with no surprises or hidden fees

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: Prague

From $899 | 3 Nights

Pre: Prague Premium

From $1,199 | 3 Nights

Pre: Prague & Nuremberg

From $999 | 4 Nights

Pre: Nuremberg

From $499 | 2 Nights

Post: Budapest

From $599 | 2 Nights

Post: Budapest Premium

From $1,299 | 2 Nights

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2024-2027 RIVER CRUISE AND AIR FARES:  Offer applies to bookings made from September 1-30, 2024. Terms & conditions for select promotions may vary. $25 deposit is applicable to all River itineraries. Special fares plus up to FREE International airfare valid on select departures of Grand European Tour, Lyon Provence & the Rhineland, European Sojourn and Capitals of Eastern Europe, Paris to the Swiss Alps, Cities of Light, London, Paris & D-Day, Rhine & Main Explorer . Airfares may vary on other gateways & departures. Airfare does not have to be purchased to get cruise\cruisetour offer. All prices are in US dollars and for US residents only. Additional restrictions may apply. 2024 : Pay in full by September 30, 2024 or at time of booking if within 120 days of departure. 2025 : Pay in full by October 31, 2024. 2026 : Pay in full by April 30, 2025. 2027 : Pay in full by January 15, 2026. Offers expires September 30, 2024.

$25 DEPOSIT:  For itineraries 35 days or less, a $25 deposit applies to February 2025 & onward departures; for itineraries greater than 35 days, a $25 deposit applies to April 2025 & onward departures; World Cruise products excluded; call for details.

AIR UPGRADE:  Upgrade to Premium Economy air from $799 per person or Business Class air from $3,499 per person based on select gateways and dates. Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply; for more information visit  Airline Luggage Restrictions  . Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received. For more information about customized air services and US gateways, visit the Viking Air Plus page.

GENERAL RESTRICTIONS:  Cruise fares listed are cruise only in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement savings are off applicable rates. Cruise fares listed are valid for U.S. residents only. All fares and offers are for new bookings only and are subject to availability, may not combinable with other offers except Viking Explorer Society Travel Credits and Viking Referral Rewards, are capacity-controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Special fares are based upon published full brochure fares; cruise fares do not include pre-paid charges, optional facilities, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions of the  Passenger Ticket Contract  which may be viewed elsewhere on this website. Full brochure fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Air promotion applies to roundtrip flights only from select Viking Cruises U.S. gateways and includes airport-to-ship or hotel transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares at any time. For up-to-date prices, please call Viking or your Travel Agent. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the  Passenger Ticket Contract .

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NOTE: U.S. flights depart one day prior to check-in date. Paid Business or Premium Economy Class may require travel in economy on flights within North America or Europe. Premium economy is limited to specific airlines and we may not be able to accommodate based on aircraft type and availability. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received.

Majesty and history abound on this once-in-a-lifetime Danube River cruise

Floating in luxury past fairytale castles and storybook villages, there's majesty and history at every turn on a Danube river cruise.

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Daniel, our cheerful piano man aboard the Viking Longship Embla, is leaning into his performance of Beyond the Sea .

We are moored on the Danube River in Vienna watching a clear blue sky bow out with a lush orange sunset as the pretty cityscape twinkles into night.

Nursing our after-dinner cocktails as we laze in timber rocking chairs on the open-air Aquavit Terrace at the bow of the Embla, we drink in the 270-degree views and the soundtrack of this moment as Daniel wraps his oh-so-European accent around the lyrics made famous by Bobby Darrin back in 1959.

Somewhere beyond the sea/ Somewhere waiting for me

My lover stands on golden sands/ And watches the ships that go sailing.

As twilight catches the ripples across the wide expanse of this most majestic of rivers, in this most majestic of European cities, Daniel croons this swoon-worthy jazz standard with a giddy verve that can't help but make you smile and sway along.

Somewhere beyond the sea/ She's there watching for me

If I could fly like birds on high/ Then straight to her arms/ I'd go sailing.

It's the end of day three of our eight-day Danube Waltz river cruise from Budapest in Hungary to Passau in Germany. Yesterday we were strolling the cobbled laneways of Bratislava, the charming capital of Slovakia.

Tomorrow we will be up river near Krems tasting apricot dumplings at Gottweig Abbey, a mountaintop Benedictine monastery of baroque grandeur, and marvelling from the Embla's sun deck as the vertical vineyards and clifftop castle ruins of the stunning Wachau Valley glide by.

The Danube, the mighty, ancient waterway that once kept the barbarian tribes at bay as the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire, is the great divider and connector of central and Eastern Europe.

Flowing 2850 kilometres from the Black Forest in Germany to the Black Sea in Romania, it's the longest river in Europe after the Volga. Unlike the Volga, which is located wholly within Russia, the Danube is the most international river on the planet: ribboning through 10 countries and past four national capitals: Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and Belgrade.

To cruise the Danube on a luxurious Viking Longship - with no sails or oars or horned helmets but heated bathroom floors, a cocktail bar and raiding parties of sightseers at every port - is to experience the feeling of being transported: past evocative vistas of cities, forests, mountains and villages; back in time to ancient palaces, castles and cathedrals; and across borders into richly diverse cultural and culinary delights.

Our cosy French balcony stateroom on the middle deck of the Embla's four levels features a wide ceiling-to-floor glass door that opens to a railing, bringing the river and the countryside beyond its banks right to the edge of our comfortable bed.

Other suites, all neat and smart in a Scandinavian-influenced style like ours, offer separate bedrooms and sitting rooms and verandas with space for a couple to sit but we find the French balcony option has just enough room for us to start and finish each day with the Danube lapping at our feet.

Knowing the cruise only allows a day or so in Budapest, we arrive early as part of Viking's two-night pre-cruise extension package. The seriously elegant but unpretentious Corinthia Hotel offers swanky relaxation and recuperation after a dreadful flight from Bangkok.

First opened as the Grand Royal Hotel in 1896, it more recently served as the inspiration for Wes Anderson's 2014 Oscar-winning film, The Grand Budapest Hotel . The facade out front and the grand marble staircase and Royal Spa baths within are the stars of the show.

The Corinthia Hotel proves the ideal base to explore this fascinating city on foot: from the buzzing shopping streets of downtown Pest across the grand Chain Bridge over the broad Danube that divides the city to the stylishly sedate hills of Buda with its old town and massive hilltop castle.

The storybook streetscapes, plazas of monuments and ornate Parliament building overlooking the river are a feast for the eyes while the city's Grand Market offers a total sausage and paprika fest - Hungary's peppery, smoky kolbasz and famous red spice dominating many stalls.

And what better than a freshly baked, delectably crisp cinnamon chimney cake for a sugar boost to power you along to the next unexpected sight: a bronze statue of former US president Ronald Reagan.

Never mind that he never actually visited Hungary, Mr Reagan is honoured here because he famously told his Soviet counterpart, Mr Gorbachev, to "tear down this wall"; his role in ending the Cold War earning him a likeness erected within view of the parliament.

His left hand - outstretched in mid stride - is worn to a golden shine by tourists grasping it for selfies. One of his shoes is also rubbed bright because - the local tour guides smile - the local Communists who used to control Hungary are constantly stomping on his foot.

Not far away, on the edge of the Danube embankment, a more sombre memorial: 60 pairs of shoes sculpted in bronze strewn along the riverfront. This simple but haunting installation to commemorate the Holocaust marks the site where Jewish men, women and children were executed by the Nazi-backed Arrow Cross Party militia during World War II - but not before they removed their shoes, which were of significant value at the time. As artistic expression and as silent historical storyteller, this is a powerful and poignant statement by modern Hungary.

Aboard the Embla, our luggage unpacked and clothes hung for the next week, dinner is served to the vessel's 190 guests as the dramatically illuminated Budapest cityscape at twilight begins to slide past our table. Motoring smoothly upstream, our Danube adventure is under way.

It's often said the only thing blue about this exalted river is the name of Johann Strauss II's The Blue Danube , that rousing, agelessly enchanting 1867 Viennese waltz regarded as one of the world's most famous pieces of classical music. Up close, the Danube's densely sedimented current churning with surprising speed and force appears way more green-grey-brown than blue.

But back in our stateroom after dinner, gazing out from our little balcony under a moonlit night, a glorious blue tint dances across the surface of the river. Sure, it's a trick of the light as the inky blackness of sky and water outside meets the soft glow from our cosy quarters but that luminous blue hue makes for an enchanting nightcap as we begin our waltz up the Danube.

Next morning I have the sun deck to myself as an orange glow rises over the river. Here, the waterway forms the border between Hungary and Slovakia, with forests and farmhouses on either side. Passing through the first of more than a dozen locks on this stretch of the river, the Embla enters a massive concrete chamber side by side with other vessels and is raised some 20 metres so we can cruise on to Bratislava.

In the Slovakian capital's charming old town, an afternoon amble includes a visit to its Gothic St Martin's Cathedral, the coronation church for 10 kings and one queen of the Habsburg dynasty. We look up at the stained glass and peer down through the glass floor at the human remains visible in the catacombs below.

By morning, the edifices and churches become even more grandiose as we wake in Vienna and join a shore excursion that takes us past the giant Riesenrad ferris wheel with its red wagons (made famous by the 1949 noir classic The Third Man ) into the history and majesty of the city's many palaces, museums, memorials and its astonishingly ornate St Stephen's Cathedral. A day spent walking and gaping at all the architectural opulence barely scratches the surface of this extravagant metropolis.

Back aboard the Embla, piano man Daniel tickles the ivories until midnight as we cast off for Krems, where by morning we are visiting the 11th-century Gottweig Abbey and tasting its sparkling apricot wine (crafty monks these Benedictines) and marvelling at its ceiling fresco (circa 1739) depicting then Holy Roman Emperor and Habsburg monarch Charles VI as Apollo - complete with OG golden chariot and Insta-fabulous six-pack abs.

Cruising from Krems to Linz takes us through by far the most scenic stretch of the Danube, the Wachau, a medieval landscape of terraced vineyards ornamented with quaint villages, imposing church spires and ancient ruins, most notably Durnstein Castle where legend has it King Richard the Lionheart of England was held captive in 1192 by Duke of Austria Leopold V after refusing to divvy up his loot from the Crusades.

With our newfound Embla friends Skip and Allison from Houston, Texas, we stand on the sun deck under cloudy skies and marvel at these stunning vistas steeped in history: the townscapes straight off a Christmas biscuit tin lid; the steeples, towers and turrets; the ancient grape vines carved into the sides of mountains. For dinner tonight, because we are in Austria, the ship's kitchen and cheerful restaurant staff put on a hearty dinner featuring, of course, schnitzel and strudel. Plus cake for Skip's birthday!

The next day in Linz, after a group walking tour of this artsy provincial city, we explore beyond Hauptplatzf, the old town's main square, and find ourselves at one of the city's oldest bakeries, k.u.k. Hofbckerei. No better spot, it turns out, to try the traditional Austrian Linzer Torte, a densely textured, jam-filled cake topped with thinly sliced almonds. With its dark wooden facade and interior walls crammed with fabulous old portraits of Austro-Hungarian aristocrats and monarchs, the cosy old-world authenticity here adds richness to our coffee and cake.

Cruising overnight from Linz brings us all too soon to our last stop on the Danube: Passau, Germany. Known as the "City of Three Rivers", this gorgeous city lies at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube rivers. From the uppermost turret of the cliff-top fortress Veste Oberhaus (overlooking the confluence since 1219) we trace the distinct colours of the Inn and Ilz as they fold into the Danube.

In the heart of Passau's Old Town, our tour guide leads us along cobblestone lanes between rows of creamcake-coloured buildings to Saint Stephen's Cathedral. Just when we think we might be all churched out, this masterpiece of the Italian baroque style sets our heads spinning with its absurdly pretty ceiling fresco.

Some fellow passengers take a bus excursion to Salzburg to get their Sound of Music on in the city of Mozart two hours away, but we find plenty in Passau to explore at our leisure, including market-fresh pretzels savoured on a park bench by the Inn River and steins of beer and lunch of juicy bratwurst as the Old Town Hall glockenspiel chimes in with a soundtrack.

As we make our way back to the Embla to say our goodbyes, echoing strings lure us to an alcove where an adorably scruffy, urchin-looking terrier is propped in an open violin case and wrapped ever-so-photogenically in a bright blue blanket to snuggle against the light but crisp breeze.

As the smiling busker leans into the ancient, cobblestone-assisted acoustics with classical notes that pluck ever-so tenderly at the heartstrings, his scrappy sidekick makes a face that only scrappy mutts can make.

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It's a tourist trap for sure. But we've just waltzed for a week up the beautiful Danube so we can't help but succumb to another exquisite moment of artful enchantment.

The ship: Viking Longship Embla. In Norse mythology, Embla was the first woman to be created, the mother of the human race.

The size: 135 metres long, 95 staterooms, 190 guests, 2 putting greens on the sun deck

Get on board: Viking's eight-day Danube Waltz journey from Budapest to Passau or vice versa is priced from $5295 per person including return economy air fares on all 2025, 2026 and 2027 cruises if booked before November 15.

Must-do: Optional shore excursions in Linz, Austria, include a guided tour of Mauthausen Memorial, a former Nazi concentration camp and notorious slave labour prison that is now a site of remembrance and education. A solemn step back into Austria's dark past.

Good to know: Viking's pre- and post-cruise extension packages include additional two-, three- or four-night stays in Budapest, Prague, Munich and Salzburg.

Explore more: vikingrivercruises.com.au

The writer was a guest of Viking River Cruises.

James Joyce

James Joyce is executive editor of ACM, the publisher of this masthead. Based in Canberra, he is a former editor of ACM's The Canberra Times and began his journalism career as a cadet reporter for his hometown paper, ACM's Newcastle Herald, where he spent two decades moonlighting as the masthead’s movie and TV critic while working his way up to the position of deputy editor.

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Watch: Hungary’s Danube River bursts banks as flooding reaches parliament in Budapest

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Watch as the swollen Danube River reaches Hungary's parliament building in Budapest as flood waters continued to rise on Friday, 20 September.

Roads, train stations and ferries along the river, which rose by nearly one metre in 24 hours, have been shut.

Prime minister Viktor Orban has warned that floodwaters will peak in the city on 21 September, with the worst weather expected to pass by midweek following prevention efforts.

Flood defence measures have been set up along 540km of Hungary's rivers, with a third-degree alert along 200km, Orban said.

The floods in central Europe and deadly wildfires in Portugal are joint proof of a “climate breakdown” that will become the norm unless drastic action is taken, the European Union's head office has warned.

“Make no mistake. This tragedy is not an anomaly. This is fast becoming the norm for our shared future,” EU Crisis Management Commissioner Janez Lenarcic said.

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