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

MelissaBavaria travel expert at TourRadar
- Main River Discovery Nuremberg - Frankfurt 2025
- Rhine & Danube Symphony (Cologne - Passau)
- Christmastime on the Danube with 2 Nights in Prague (Eastbound) 2025
- Classic Christmas Markets (2026) (Frankfurt to Nuremberg, 2026)
- Classic Christmas Markets (2026) (Nuremberg to Frankfurt, 2026)
- Christmastime on the Danube with 2 Nights in Prague (Eastbound) 2026
- Main River Discovery Frankfurt - Nuremberg 2025
- Rhine & Danube Symphony (Passau - Cologne)
- Along the Danube and the Rhine - Following the Romantic Road (port-to-port cruise)
- German Riverscapes from Passau to Trier (Passau - Trier)
A-ROSA CLEA travels Bavaria's scenic Main River, stopping at Nuremberg's medieval quarter and Bamberg's UNESCO site. Wine culture flourishes in Würzburg while Miltenberg showcases Bavarian charm, complemented by premium beverages and regional cuisine onboard.
Duration 8 days Destinations Nuremberg, Bamberg, Schweinfurt, Bad Marienberg, Miltenberg, Frankfurt-am-Main Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Operator A-ROSA From
- NZ$1,936
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 $3,762
15% Off- NZ$3,198You save $564
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$9,206+$305 upfront costs
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
10% Off- NZ$7,199You save $800
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 $7,999
5% Off- NZ$7,599You save $400
Avalon Envision connects Bavaria's enchanting riverside markets. Highlights include Nuremberg's world-renowned Christkindlmarkt, Regensburg's preserved medieval architecture, and Passau's market near St. Stephen's Cathedral, complemented by regional cuisine and Christmas tradition lectures.
Duration 9 days Destinations Czech Republic, Germany, Austria Age Range Ages 8+ Ships Avalon ExpressionAvalon ImpressionAvalon PassionAvalon Vista River Danube Operator Avalon Waterways From
5% Off- NZ$7,085+$335 upfront costs
A-ROSA CLEA visits 7 historic ports over 8 days in Bavaria's heartland. The itinerary features Bamberg's 1000-year-old architecture, Würzburg's Marienberg fortress, and Nuremberg's famous Christkindlmarket. Guided tours and gourmet meals complement sailing the scenic Main River for approx. $130 per day.
Duration 8 days Destinations Frankfurt-am-Main, Aschaffenburg, Wertheim, Wurzburg, Schweinfurt, Bamberg, Nuremberg Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German River Main Operator A-ROSA From
5% Off- NZ$2,130
Rhine & Danube Symphony (Passau - Cologne)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Well organised trip which fulfilled our expectations.”
Ralph, traveled in June
The Amadeus Brilliant connects the Rhine and Danube, featuring stops at UNESCO sites like Bamberg's medieval center and Würzburg's Baroque Residenz. Highlights include Weltenburg Abbey's 600-year-old brewery and wine tasting in Rüdesheim's Drosselgasse. This 8-day journey costs around $2,200 including gourmet meals with regional wines.
No departure dates availableDuration 8 days Destinations Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Wurzburg, Wertheim, Miltenberg, Rudesheim am Rhein, Cologne Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, German Ships Amadeus BrilliantAMADEUS Queen Operator Lueftner Cruises Along the Danube and the Rhine - Following the Romantic Road (port-to-port cruise)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The boat was at maximum capacity for passengers however it was too much for the seating in the Salon and Dining rooms.”
Carmen, traveled in October
MS Modigliani sails through Bavaria's heart, stopping at Regensburg's BMW facility and Nuremberg's historic center. The voyage includes Würzburg's Prince-Bishops residence and Rothenburg's medieval walls, complemented by regional wines and gourmet meals.
No departure dates availableDuration 9 days Destinations Austria, Germany, France Age Range All Ages Welcome Ship MS Modigliani Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises
No departure dates availableDuration 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
Bavaria River Cruise Reviews
- Along the Danube and the Rhine - Following the Romantic Road (port-to-port cruise)
The tour was advertised as English speaking. We were the only English speaking passengers on board however the CrosiEuropre team all had English and provided an English speaking guide for all the onshore excursions. The boat was at maximum capacity for passengers however it was too much for the seating in the Salon and Dining rooms. These areas were very cramped and the Salon staff were very too busy. The food and staff were excellently. The towns visited on the cruise were excellent choices.
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."