Austria and Germany River Cruises
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10 best river cruises through Austria and Germany
Compiled by
MelissaAustria and Germany travel expert at TourRadar
- Jewels of Europe 2026|2027 - 15 Days (from Amsterdam to Budapest)
- European Gems Budapest → Amsterdam (2026)
- Enchanting Danube (2026) (Passau to Budapest, 2026)
- European Jewels (2026) (Amsterdam to Budapest, 2026)
- Magnificent Europe Budapest → Amsterdam (2026)
- Magnificent Europe Amsterdam → Budapest (2026)
- Magnificent Europe 2026 Start Amsterdam, End Budapest (14 destinations)
- Splendours of Europe 2025|2026|2027 - 15 Days (from Budapest to Amsterdam)
- Splendours of Europe 2026
- European Gems Amsterdam → Budapest (2026)
Duration 15 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Hungary Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $9,595
31% Off- NZ$6,595You save $3,000
The premium Travelmarvel ships glide through Austria and Germany's riverside gems. Marvel at Melk Abbey, walk through Vienna's Hofburg Palace, and wander medieval Rothenburg. Savor wine tastings in Dürnstein, join culinary tours in Miltenberg, and step inside the UNESCO-listed Augustusburg Palace.
Duration 15 days Destinations Hungary, Austria, Germany, Netherlands Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Travel Marvel From
31% Off- NZ$7,582+$1,674 upfront costs
S.S. Maria Theresa sails Austria and Germany's scenic routes, featuring Passau's largest pipe organ and Melk's baroque abbey. Wine tasting in Dürnstein, visits to Wachau Valley's saffron grower, and private concerts in Vienna's grand halls highlight this voyage.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $6,199
15% Off- NZ$5,269You save $930
The luxurious S.S. Beatrice sails Austria and Germany's waterways. Melk Abbey's grandeur, Wachau Valley's wineries, and Vienna's imperial heritage come alive. Gourmet dining and elegant accommodations enhance visits to UNESCO sites and medieval towns.
Duration 15 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Hungary Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $12,999
5% Off- NZ$12,349You save $650
This grand tour features Vienna's City Palace, Schönbrunn Palace, and medieval Rothenburg. Wachau Valley cruising, Rhine Valley wine tasting, and Würzburg Residence visits fill 41 included meals aboard premium APT vessels.
Duration 15 days Destinations Hungary, Austria, Germany, Netherlands Age Range Ages 8+ Operator APT From
5% Off- NZ$9,144+$1,674 upfront costs
Luxury APT ships reveal Austria and Germany's cultural riches. Melk Abbey, Schönbrunn Palace, and an exclusive 'Sound of Music' show in Salzburg await. Wine tasting in Würzburg and a princess reception at Namedy Castle complete the experience.
Duration 15 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Hungary Age Range Ages 8+ Operator APT From
5% Off- NZ$9,144+$1,674 upfront costs
Magnificent Europe 2026 Start Amsterdam, End Budapest (14 destinations)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
Guided tours showcase Cologne Cathedral, Melk Abbey, and Vienna's Opera House. The UNESCO Rhine Gorge unfolds while regional specialties tempt your palate. Luxury accommodations and unlimited fine wines ensure comfort throughout.
Duration 15 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Hungary Age Range Ages 12+ Operator AmaWaterways From
5% Off- NZ$11,749+$823 upfront costs
Splendours of Europe 2025|2026|2027 - 15 Days (from Budapest to Amsterdam)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers
Duration 15 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Netherlands Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $16,938
50% Off- NZ$8,469You save $8,469
Duration 15 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Netherlands Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $16,099
50% Off- NZ$8,049You save $8,049
Premium river ships showcase Austria and Germany's highlights. Melk Abbey, UNESCO-listed Augustusburg Palace, and Dürnstein's wine tasting create lasting memories. A traditional Bavarian evening brings local beer and folk music.
Duration 15 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Travel Marvel From
50% Off- NZ$7,582+$1,674 upfront costs
What people love about River Cruise Tours in Austria and Germany
- European Jewels (2025) (Amsterdam to Budapest, 2025)
Firstly the notification regarding the deviation to the schedule of ports to be visited and where the new pick up was - was very late coming. I had to do most of the chasing and calls whilst I was in Amsterdam the day before the cruise embarked. This caused a lot of anxiety and could have been avoided if a decision was made much earlier in the week. Plus it caused a lot of negative conversation amongst other passengers. However, Agnes delivered those changes to a tough crowd and was most professional in the way she handled the complaints and organised a new schedule at such short notice. Overall - I enjoyed all the ports visited, particularly the smaller villages. However, the demographic on board the cruise was older than I would have liked which made it harder to converse with some of them at times. Some guests were not overly welcoming either. As a solo traveller - meal times were very awkward there was no table allocated just for the single travellers, which helps to overcome potential embarrassing moments/ and helps other single travellers to meet. I was initially told by a previous passenger that this happened on her cruise - so I felt at ease expecting to be the same on this cruise.
- European Gems Budapest → Amsterdam (2025)
This is a wonderful tour on a beautiful ship. The staff are all so accomodating and friendly it’s like you’ve known them for years. The food is excellent as are the accomodations. The sights to be seen are utterly magical and beautiful. Do yourself a favour and take this cruise. It’s wonderful.
- Grand European Tour Budapest to Amsterdam
Nothing was too much trouble for staff. Excellent organisation and xare of clients.
What our customers ask about Austria and Germany River Cruises
What are the best times of year to take an Austria and Germany river cruise?
River cruises run from April through October along the waterways of Austria and Germany. Spring months (April-May) offer pleasant temperatures and riverside flowers. Summer (June-August) provides long daylight hours ideal for sightseeing in cities like Vienna and Budapest. Fall cruises (September-October) let travelers see autumn foliage and wine harvests in places like the Wachau Valley. A TourRadar traveler noted: "We had perfect weather in October for exploring charming medieval towns like Dürnstein and enjoying the fall colors along the Danube."
What are the most popular ports and destinations visited on Austria and Germany river cruises?
Key stops include Vienna where travelers can visit Schönbrunn Palace Passau located where three rivers meet and Melk known for its Benedictine Abbey. The UNESCO World Heritage Wachau Valley wine region draws visitors throughout the season. Ships dock at historic towns like Dürnstein Regensburg with its preserved medieval center and Linz. According to a TourRadar traveler review: "The variety of ports was excellent - from grand cities like Vienna to charming small towns like Melk. The Wachau Valley scenery was absolutely stunning from the ship's deck."
What's included in the dining experience on Austria and Germany river cruises?
The dining program focuses on regional dishes made with local ingredients. Scenic Cruises provides five distinct restaurants ranging from casual spots to upscale dining rooms with complimentary wine and beer. Local food experiences often feature Austrian coffee and pastries Bavarian sausage tasting in Regensburg and wine sampling in Wachau Valley. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The food was exceptional - we enjoyed everything from traditional Wiener Schnitzel in Vienna to fresh-baked pretzels in Bavaria paired with regional wines."
What type of accommodations can I expect on an Austria and Germany river cruise?
Ships like S.S. Maria Theresa and Scenic Crystal provide accommodations from standard rooms to premium suites equipped with panoramic windows or balconies. Rooms come with private bathrooms temperature control and entertainment systems. The Scenic Crystal offers butler service and features convertible balcony windows. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "Our Panorama Suite on the Scenic Crystal was spacious and beautifully appointed with floor-to-ceiling windows that transformed into an open-air balcony."
What are the unique cultural experiences offered on Austria and Germany river cruises?
Each region provides local cultural activities onboard and on land. Programs include wine tasting at venues like Schloss Gobelsburg concerts at Vienna's Musikverein and guided tours of Melk Abbey a UNESCO site. Seasonal events range from Oktoberfest in Vilshofen to winter Christmas markets. A TourRadar traveler highlighted "The exclusive evening at a traditional Heuriger wine tavern in Vienna and the private organ concert at Passau's St. Stephen's Cathedral were unforgettable experiences."
How much does an Austria and Germany river cruise typically cost?
Cruise fares range from 2430 USD to 11180 USD per person based on the cruise line cabin choice and travel dates. Premium operators like Scenic and Uniworld command higher rates but include more services while companies like Lueftner Cruises offer mid-range options. An 8-day Danube voyage on Scenic starts at 9590 USD per person whereas Lueftner's similar route begins at 2430 USD. A TourRadar traveler noted "While not inexpensive the all-inclusive nature of our Scenic cruise made it good value for the experience provided."