River Cruises from Munich
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10 best River Cruise tour packages from Munich
Compiled by
MelissaMunich travel expert at TourRadar
- New Year on the Danube Munich → Budapest (2025)
- Reflections of the Rhine and Main Nuremberg → Amsterdam (2025)
- Gems of the Danube with Best of Bavaria 2026|2027 - 12 Days (from Munich to Budapest)
- Discovery of the Danube
- Oktoberfest & Danube Delights
- German Grandeur with 2 Nights in Munich for Beer Enthusiasts (Westbound) 2025
- German Grandeur with 2 Nights in Munich for Beer Enthusiasts (Westbound) 2026
- Reflections of the Rhine and Main Munich → Amsterdam (2025)
- Tastes of Discovery Series: A Wine Cruise
- Christmas Markets on the Danube with Munich and Prague Munich → Prague (2027)
Travelmarvel Polaris sails the Danube from Munich through Germany's heartland. Regensburg's medieval architecture stands proudly along the banks, while New Year's Eve brings Bavarian festivities, and Passau's Three Rivers confluence awaits discovery.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Hungary Age Range Ages 8+ Operator APT From
- NZ$4,046+$833 upfront costs
Munich's surrounding waterways unfold aboard Travelmarvel vessels, stopping at historic riverside towns. The Winzerexpress mini-train ride in Rudesheim and glass-top boat tours of Amsterdam's canals offer unique perspectives. Regional wines and gourmet meals enhance the onboard experience.
Duration 8 days Destinations Munich, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Wurzburg, Miltenberg, Rhine Gorge, Rudesheim am Rhein, Cologne, Bruhl, Amsterdam Age Range Ages 8+ Operator APT From
- NZ$3,380+$833 upfront costs
Munich's Frauenkirche Cathedral sets the stage for city highlights including Nymphenburg Palace and Marienplatz Square. Local beer tasting precedes the journey to Schwangau, featuring tours of fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle and Bavarian cultural immersion.
Duration 12 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $9,510
14% Off- NZ$8,210You save $1,300
Duration 16 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $30,925
50% Off- NZ$15,614You save $15,311
Duration 10 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $17,666
45% Off- NZ$9,767You save $7,899
German Grandeur with 2 Nights in Munich for Beer Enthusiasts (Westbound) 2025
1 Review by TourRadar travelers
Munich's Marienplatz launches your Main River cruise aboard Avalon Tranquility II. Guided tours showcase Neuschwanstein Castle and local hop gardens. Premium staterooms feature Egyptian cotton linens and L'Occitane amenities while regional cuisine delights the palate.
Duration 11 days Destinations Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
45% Off- NZ$11,833+$404 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
45% Off- NZ$12,171+$444 upfront costs
Travelmarvel Capella sets sail from Munich to Nuremberg's port on an elegant river voyage. Bavaria's vineyards lead to Würzburg's Residence palace, while the Rhine Gorge's legendary landscapes guide you to Cologne's Gothic cathedral before Amsterdam's finale.
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
45% Off- NZ$3,380+$833 upfront costs
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $6,375
20% Off- NZ$5,075You save $1,300
Duration 14 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Travel Marvel From
20% Off- NZ$8,765+$1,030 upfront costs
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."