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 2025 - 15 Days (from Amsterdam to Budapest)
- Jewels of Europe 2025 - 15 Days (from Budapest to Amsterdam)
- European Jewels (2025) (Amsterdam to Budapest, 2025)
- European Gems Amsterdam → Budapest (2025)
- European Gems Amsterdam → Budapest (2025)
- Grand European Tour Amsterdam to Budapest
- Delightful Danube & Prague (2025) (Prague to Budapest, 2025)
- Grand European Tour Budapest to Amsterdam
- European Gems Budapest → Amsterdam (2025)
- Magnificent Europe Amsterdam → Budapest (2025)
Jewels of Europe 2025 - 15 Days (from Amsterdam to Budapest)
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Best trip ever. We can't think of what we can do to top this trip.”
CynthiaRoth, traveled in October
Scenic's luxury ships sail Austria and Germany's scenic waterways. Marvel at UNESCO sites like Bamberg's Old Town, attend private concerts at Palais Liechtenstein, and tour castles with nobility. Butler service, 5-star dining, and expert-guided shore excursions included.
Duration 15 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Hungary Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $12,065
21% Off- NZ$9,565You save $2,500
Scenic's luxury ships carry you through Austria and Germany's riverside treasures. Walk through Dürnstein Castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned, admire Würzburg's Baroque palace, and float through the castle-studded Rhine Gorge with butler service and premium dining.
Duration 15 days Destinations Hungary, Austria, Germany, Netherlands Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $12,545
20% Off- NZ$10,045You save $2,500
European Jewels (2025) (Amsterdam to Budapest, 2025)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The service and staff are impeccable, the daily tour offerings are well planned.”
Julie, traveled in September
River Princess sails Austria and Germany's scenic waterways, featuring Melk Abbey, Würzburg Residence, and Wachau Valley vineyards. Wine tastings, guided tours, and cultural performances complement luxury accommodations with Savoir® Beds.
Duration 15 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Hungary Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From
20% Off- NZ$11,199
European Gems Amsterdam → Budapest (2025)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The staff, what can i say. They were all so very special, attentive, professional, and such good fun.”
Elgin, traveled in May
Travelmarvel ships wind through Austria and Germany's riverside treasures. Walk through Melk's Benedictine Abbey, sail the scenic Wachau Valley, and tour Vienna's St. Stephen's Cathedral with optional visits to Schonbrunn Palace.
Duration 15 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range Ages 8+ Operator APT From
20% Off- NZ$6,870+$1,637 upfront costs
Travelmarvel ships carry you through Austria and Germany's scenic rivers. Regensburg's historic heart, Melk's Benedictine Abbey, and Vienna's Naschmarkt offer cultural immersion. Regional wine tastings and Bavarian entertainment enhance onboard life.
Duration 15 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Hungary Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Travel Marvel From
20% Off- NZ$7,095+$1,700 upfront costs
Grand European Tour Amsterdam to Budapest
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The staff were friendly and very professional, the food was amazing and the Tours each day were special.”
Cheryl, traveled in March
This waterway journey through Austria and Germany features UNESCO sites including Würzburg's Residenz and Melk's Abbey. Passau's organ concert, Vienna's baroque architecture, and regional wine tasting create memorable moments. Luxury accommodations overlook hilltop castles and vineyards.
Duration 15 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Hungary Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Viking Cruises From $10,362
25% Off- NZ$7,743You save $2,619
S.S. Beatrice sails Austria and Germany's finest routes, stopping at Regensburg's medieval center and Vienna's grand palaces. Listen to Passau's giant organ, tour Castle Clam, and float through the scenic Wachau Valley with guided excursions.
Duration 10 days Destinations Hungary, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From
25% Off- NZ$9,499
Grand European Tour Budapest to Amsterdam
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent organisation and care of clients.”
Margaret, traveled in July
This waterway route through Austria and Germany showcases historic landmarks. Vienna's baroque palaces, Melk's Benedictine abbey, and medieval German towns tell ancient tales. Local traditions flourish from Heurigen wine taverns to traditional beer halls.
Duration 15 days Destinations Hungary, Austria, Germany, Netherlands Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Viking Cruises From $10,362
25% Off- NZ$7,743You save $2,619
Premium ships carry you through Austria and Germany's riverside gems. Melk Abbey, Würzburg Residence, and Dürnstein's wine tasting showcase regional highlights. Traditional Bavarian evening features folk music and local beer.
Duration 15 days Destinations Hungary, Austria, Germany, Netherlands Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Travel Marvel From
25% Off- NZ$7,095+$1,700 upfront costs
Duration 15 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Hungary Age Range Ages 8+ Operator APT From
25% Off- NZ$8,095+$1,700 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.
- Jewels of Europe 2025 - 15 Days (from Amsterdam to Budapest)
Mentioned to a relative and it could be on there adgenda next Our Room girl Irena deserves a promotion Sammy became my son Victor was the gentleman of honour , loved everyone.
- Delightful Danube & Prague (2025) (Prague to Budapest, 2025)
Service was excellent, food delicious, good tours. Everything top notch but one thing missing is more to do in evening...loved the 20s dance, need more lively music,and maybe a game or two or something we can do at night. (Music trivia, family feud game with teams as exampke).
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."