River Cruises in Bavaria
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10 best river cruise Bavaria tours
Compiled by

MelissaBavaria travel expert at TourRadar
- Danube in Depth 2026|2027 - 10 Days (from Nuremberg to Budapest)
- German Riverscapes from Passau to Trier (Passau - Trier)
- Christmastime on the Danube with 2 Nights in Prague (Eastbound) 2025
- Classic Christmas Markets (2026) (Nuremberg to Frankfurt, 2026)
- Danube in Depth 2025|2026|2027
- Rhine & Danube Symphony (Cologne - Passau)
- Classic Christmas Markets (2026) (Frankfurt to Nuremberg, 2026)
- Main River Discovery Frankfurt - Nuremberg 2025
- Main River Discovery Nuremberg - Frankfurt 2025
- Main River Enchanting Christmas Markets 2025 (4 destinations)
- Duration - 10 days - Destinations - Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Budapest - Age Range - Ages 12+ - Ships - Scenic Crystal Scenic Jade Scenic JasperScenic Opal - Operator - Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours - From $7,595 33% Off
- NZ$5,095You save $2,500
 
- Duration - 9 days - Destinations - Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Ochsenfurt, Wurzburg, Wertheim, Miltenberg, Koblenz, CochemSee all destinations - Age Range - Ages 8+ - Operated in - English, German - Ships - Amadeus RivaAMADEUS Amara - Operator - Lueftner Cruises - From $5,714 15% Off
- NZ$4,857You save $857
 
- Avalon Suite Ships float through Bavaria's winter wonderland, offering Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows in Panorama Suites. Regional specialties await at Nuremberg's famous Christkindlmarkt, while Regensburg's Porta Pretoria and Passau's St. Stephen's Cathedral offer guided exploration. - Duration - 9 days - Destinations - Czech Republic, Germany, Austria - Age Range - Ages 8+ - Ships - Avalon ExpressionAvalon Envision - River - Danube - Operator - Avalon Waterways - From 15% Off
- NZ$9,472+$313 upfront costs
 
- The luxurious S.S. Elisabeth sails through Bavaria's winter wonderland, featuring riverview staterooms and gourmet dining. The route from Nuremberg to Frankfurt includes stops at medieval Bamberg and Würzburg's baroque Residence palace. Guests browse traditional Christmas markets in Rothenburg ob der Tauber and join mulled wine demonstrations in historic Wertheim. - Duration - 8 days - Destinations - Nuremberg, Bamberg, Kitzingen, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Wertheim, Wiesbaden, Frankfurt-am-Main - Age Range - Ages 16+ - Ship - S.S. Elisabeth - Operator - Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection - From $9,199 16% Off
- NZ$7,699You save $1,500
 
- Duration - 10 days - Destinations - Budapest, Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg - Age Range - Ages 12+ - Ships - Scenic Crystal Scenic Jade Scenic JasperScenic Opal - River - Danube - Operator - Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours - From $7,595 33% Off
- NZ$5,095You save $2,500
 
- Duration - 8 days - Destinations - Cologne, Rudesheim am Rhein, Miltenberg, Wertheim, Wurzburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau - Age Range - Ages 8+ - Operated in - English, German - Ships - Amadeus BrilliantAMADEUS Aurea - Operator - Lueftner Cruises - From $4,122 15% Off
- NZ$3,504You save $618
 
- The S.S. Elisabeth glides along the Main River through Bavaria's Christmas wonderland. The route connects Frankfurt's Altstadt to Nuremberg's grand market square, visiting medieval Wertheim and UNESCO-listed Würzburg Residence. Passengers admire river views of Bamberg's Old Town while sampling regional specialties and glühwein. - Duration - 8 days - Destinations - Frankfurt-am-Main, Wiesbaden, Wertheim, Wurzburg, Kitzingen, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Schweinfurt, Bamberg, Nuremberg - Age Range - Ages 16+ - Ship - S.S. Elisabeth - Operator - Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection - From $7,999 19% Off
- NZ$6,499You save $1,500
 
- Duration - 6 days - Destinations - Nuremberg, Regensburg, Kelheim - Age Range - All Ages Welcome - Operated in - English, German - Operator - A-ROSA - From 19% Off
- NZ$1,405
 
What our customers ask about River Cruises in Bavaria
- When is the best time of year to take a river cruise through Bavaria?- River cruises in Bavaria are at their best from May through October with pleasant temperatures and less rain. The region sees a spike in visitors during December for the Christmas markets particularly in Nuremberg which features Germany's biggest holiday market. Budget-conscious travelers might consider April or November when prices drop but weather remains suitable for cruising. Summer provides ideal conditions for activities beyond the ship like cycling in Passau or exploring Würzburg's vineyard paths. A TourRadar traveler commented "We took our cruise in September and had perfect weather for exploring the Christmas markets and medieval towns along the Main River." 
- What types of cabins are available on Bavaria river cruise ships?- Ships cruising Bavaria's rivers offer accommodations from basic river-view rooms to expansive suites. The S.S. Elisabeth sets itself apart with Royal Suites reaching 506 square feet making them Europe's largest river cruise accommodations. The Amadeus Brilliant features French balcony cabins with sliding glass doors while the A-ROSA CLEA provides standard rooms and premium balcony suites with extras like bathrobes. A TourRadar traveler mentioned "Our French balcony cabin on the Amadeus Brilliant was spacious and comfortable with stunning panoramic views of the Bavarian countryside." 
- Which Bavarian cities are typically included on river cruise itineraries?- River cruises through Bavaria stop at key historical cities including Nuremberg's medieval quarter Bamberg's UNESCO Heritage Site Würzburg along the Romantic Road and Regensburg's preserved medieval center. Routes often include visits to smaller locations such as Miltenberg and Wertheim. A TourRadar traveler shared "Each stop offered something unique - from Bamberg's incredible architecture to the wine tasting in Würzburg's Residenz Palace every day brought new discoveries." 
- What shore excursions are typically included on Bavaria river cruises?- Shore activities range from urban walking tours to cultural programs. Travelers can join guided walks through Nuremberg's old town explore Würzburg's Residenz Palace or sample wines in Franconia's wine region. For active guests there are bicycle tours along the Danube and trails in the Bavarian Forest National Park. Avalon Waterways organizes excursions in three categories: "Classic" "Discovery" and "Active." As one TourRadar traveler noted "The included walking tour of Regensburg with visits to the Gothic cathedral and historic merchants' houses was fascinating and well-organized." 
- How many passengers do Bavaria river cruise ships typically accommodate?- River ships in Bavaria carry between 100-200 guests creating a more personal atmosphere. The MS Douce France hosts 160 passengers across 79 cabins while the River Princess accommodates 130 guests in 65 rooms. The S.S. Elisabeth focuses on luxury with fewer but more spacious accommodations. A TourRadar traveler remarked "The smaller size of our Amadeus Brilliant with just 150 passengers meant we could dock right in town centers and enjoy a more personal experience than on larger ocean cruises." 
- What kind of dining experiences are offered on Bavaria river cruise ships?- Dining on Bavaria's river cruises combines regional dishes with international options. A-ROSA vessels provide à la carte menus with local wine selections included in the fare. Uniworld's River Princess emphasizes farm-fresh ingredients with an all-inclusive beverage program. Ships like the Amadeus Brilliant offer multiple venues from main dining rooms to casual bistros and outdoor seating. A TourRadar traveler shared "The dining on our CroisiEurope cruise was exceptional - we enjoyed traditional Bavarian specialties paired with local wines while taking in views of castles along the river." 




















