River Cruises from Munich
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10 best River Cruise tour packages from Munich
Compiled by
MelissaMunich travel expert at TourRadar
- Danube in Depth 2025 - 10 Days (from Munich to Budapest)
- Reflections of the Rhine and Main Munich → Amsterdam (2025)
- Danube Explorer & Highlights of Budapest 2025|2026
- Early Season on the Danube 2026|2025 - 8 Days (from Munich to Budapest)
- Gems of the Danube with Munich 2025 - 10 Days (from Munich to Szentendre)
- Highlights of the Danube Munich → Budapest (2025)
- Highlights of the Danube Munich to Budapest (2025)
- Christmas Markets on the Danube Nuremberg → Budapest (2026)
- German Grandeur with 2 Nights in Munich for Beer Enthusiasts (Westbound) 2026
- Romantic Franconia & Bavaria & Legendary Rhine & Moselle
Luxury Scenic Space-Ships showcase Munich's riverside treasures. Bavaria's capital leads to Nuremberg's Imperial Castle and medieval Old Town. Traditional beer tastings in rock-cut cellars and World War II history at Rally Grounds precede a four-country sailing to Budapest.
Duration 10 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $7,825
13% Off- NZ$6,825You save $1,000
Duration 8 days Destinations Munich, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Wurzburg, Miltenberg, Rudesheim am Rhein, Rhine Gorge, Cologne, Bruhl, Amsterdam Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Travel Marvel From
13% Off- NZ$3,045+$850 upfront costs
Duration 10 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $15,256
50% Off- NZ$7,628You save $7,628
Sail from Passau's Three Rivers junction aboard the 182-passenger Emerald Dawn. Cruise past Wachau Valley vineyards to Melk Abbey's gilded halls, then onto Vienna's Kunsthistorisches Museum. Evening entertainment includes traditional Slovakian shows and Hungarian folklore performances.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $11,862
50% Off- NZ$5,931You save $5,931
Munich's grandeur unfolds at Nymphenburg Palace and Marienplatz before boarding your Scenic Space-Ship. Visit the city's English Garden and medieval Isartor gates, then sail to Regensburg's UNESCO-listed old town with its 900 historic buildings.
Duration 10 days Destinations Munich, Regensburg, Passau, Budapest, Szentendre Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $8,010
12% Off- NZ$7,010You save $1,000
Guided walks through Passau's Altstadt welcome guests from Munich's gateway port. Scenic routes lead to Melk Abbey and Vienna's Ringstrasse, featuring stops at the Naschmarkt. Bavarian entertainment and regional wine tastings aboard Travelmarvel Capella enhance the journey.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range Ages 8+ Operator APT From
12% Off- NZ$5,304+$566 upfront costs
The 8-day river odyssey aboard Travelmarvel Capella departs Munich. The Danube flows through Passau's historic Altstadt, past Melk's majestic Benedictine Abbey, and along Vienna's Ringstrasse. Traditional Bavarian festivities and local wine tastings highlight the journey.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range Ages 8+ Operator APT From
12% Off- NZ$4,195+$818 upfront costs
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Hungary Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Travel Marvel From
12% Off- NZ$5,756+$566 upfront costs
German Grandeur with 2 Nights in Munich for Beer Enthusiasts (Westbound) 2026
1 Review by TourRadar travelers
Duration 11 days Destinations Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
12% Off- NZ$12,276+$448 upfront costs
Duration 11 days Destinations Munich, Neuschwanstein, Nuremberg, Mainz, Rudesheim am Rhein, Bernkastel, Trier, Cochem, Koblenz, Frankfurt-am-Main Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $17,080
45% Off- NZ$9,452You save $7,628
What our customers ask about River Cruises from Munich
What is the best time of year for river cruises starting from Munich?
April through October is ideal for river cruises from Munich, with peak season during summer. June to August brings warm weather around 75°F (24°C) and lots of daylight for sightseeing. If you prefer fewer tourists and milder temperatures around 65°F (18°C), plan your trip in May or September - many travelers say these months hit the sweet spot. Want to experience Germany's famous Christmas markets? Book a December cruise, but pack warm clothes since temperatures can dip to 35°F (2°C).
What cities will I visit on river cruises starting from Munich?
From Munich, you'll cruise along the Danube to some of Europe's most fascinating cities. Your journey usually starts with a transfer to board your ship in Nuremberg, Passau or Vilshofen. Along the way, you'll stop in historic Regensburg, see the beautiful Melk Abbey, explore Vienna's grand palaces, discover Bratislava's charm, and end in Budapest. In Vienna, you can tour Schönbrunn Palace and catch a classical concert. Budapest is especially beautiful at night when its buildings light up along both sides of the river. You'll get guided tours in each city plus free time to explore on your own.
Where do travelers stay in Munich before their river cruise?
Before your cruise, you'll stay in comfortable 4-5 star hotels right in the heart of Munich. Popular choices include the Courtyard by Marriott City Centre, Hotel du Collectionneur Arc de Triomphe, Hotel Bayerischer Hof Munich and Le Meridien Munich. These hotels put you within walking distance of Munich's main sights like Marienplatz and the English Garden, so you can easily explore the city before your cruise begins.
Which rivers can I cruise from Munich?
The Danube is the main river for cruises from Munich, taking you through beautiful cities like Passau, Vienna and Budapest. You can also cruise the Rhine and Main rivers to visit medieval German towns like Bamberg and Würzburg. One traveler told us that "cruising through the Wachau Valley along the Danube offers spectacular views of castles and vineyards." The Rhine Gorge is another highlight with its steep hillsides and historic castles.
What kind of ships are used for river cruises from Munich?
You'll travel on modern luxury ships from companies like Scenic, APT and Emerald Cruises. Ships like the Scenic Crystal and Emerald Destiny are designed for comfort, carrying about 160-180 guests. Your room might have panoramic windows or a private balcony. These ships feel like floating hotels with nice extras like a sun deck for viewing scenery, wellness areas, multiple restaurants and comfortable lounges. They're specially built to navigate rivers while giving you a really comfortable experience.
What cultural experiences will I have on river cruises from Munich?
You'll get to experience local life in really authentic ways. Visit traditional breweries in Bavaria's Aldersbach, listen to classical music in Vienna's concert halls, and taste wines in Austria's Wachau Valley. The tours take you to important UNESCO sites, local markets, and historic places like Melk Abbey and Bratislava Castle. Some unique experiences include having coffee with families in Slovakia and watching Hungarian folk dancing. As one traveler told us, "the local interactions, from Bavarian breweries to Slovak home visits, made the journey truly memorable."