7-Day Danube Cruises

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Danube itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaDanube travel expert at TourRadar

• 6 Day Danube River Cruise Itinerary, incl. Vienna and Bratislava

  The UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley serves as backdrop for this 6-day cruise from Passau, costing approx. $140 per day. Vienna's palaces, Bratislava's rococo architecture, and Melk's magnificent Benedictine monastery punctuate the journey. Cultural Linz, famous for Linzer Torte, and historic Krems complete the itinerary.

  

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  • Day 1

    Passau, Germany

    Board your river ship in Passau in early afternoon. This "City of Three Rivers" sits where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz meet. You'll have time before the 4 PM departure to see the Baroque St. Stephen's Cathedral with Europe's largest pipe organ. Tip: Get there early and leave your luggage on the ship while you explore the very walkable old town.

    
  • Day 2

    Wachau Valley to Vienna

    Take in the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley from the sun deck during your morning cruise past terraced vineyards and medieval villages. You'll reach Vienna at 2 PM. Start at Stephansplatz to see the Gothic cathedral, then walk the Ringstrasse. The ship leaves at 11:59 PM, so you can spend the evening enjoying Vienna's famous coffee houses.

    
  • Day 3

    Bratislava

    The 4 AM arrival in Slovakia's capital lets you catch the sunrise from Bratislava Castle. The old town is compact and completely pedestrian-only. Spend your day seeing Michael's Gate, walking the medieval lanes, and trying traditional Slovak dumplings for lunch. You'll have until the 6 PM departure to explore.

    
  • Day 4

    Wachau Valley & Melk

    Cruise back through the scenic Wachau Valley to Melk, arriving at 12:30 PM. The main attraction is the impressive Benedictine Abbey above the town. One visitor shared: "Time your abbey visit for late afternoon when tour buses leave - you'll practically have the baroque library to yourself." With departure at 7 PM, you can see both the abbey and the charming town below.

    
  • Day 5

    Linz

    Pull into Linz at 5 AM. Take a morning walk through the old town and along the Danube. Stop by the modern Lentos art museum on the riverbank. Make sure to try the famous Linzer Torte - local cafes say they have the original recipe of this Austrian pastry. The ship sets off at 7:30 PM.

    
  • Day 6

    Return to Passau

    Arrive back in Passau at 7 AM. If time allows before leaving, walk through the peninsula where the rivers meet. The morning light makes the pastel buildings look beautiful reflecting in the water.

    

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• 6 Days Danube Christmas Markets, incl. Vienna and Bratislava

  The A-ROSA FLORA navigates 7 destinations across Austria and Slovakia over 6 days. Highlights include Vienna's palaces, UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley, Melk's Benedictine monastery, and Bratislava's baroque old town. Total costs around $800 with comprehensive meals and guided exploration.

  

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  • Day 1

    Passau, Germany

    Board your river ship in Passau during early afternoon. Take time to explore the historic Old Town where the Cathedral Square Christmas market is just a 10-minute walk from the dock. The ship leaves at 16:00, so make sure to arrive by 14:00 for check-in. Looking for parking? The Parkhaus Altstadt (€15/day) is closest to the cruise dock.

    
  • Day 2

    Wachau Valley to Vienna

    Spend the morning cruising through the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley. You'll reach Vienna at 14:00. Make your way to Rathausplatz Christmas Market, which features over 150 stalls. Late afternoon tends to be less crowded. Remember to dress warm since December temperatures usually stay between 35-40°F. The market looks magical after dark when all the lights come on.

    
  • Day 3

    Vienna to Bratislava

    Leave Vienna at 04:00 and arrive in Bratislava at 08:00 for a full day in Slovakia's capital. Walk 12 minutes from the dock to reach the main Christmas market in Hlavné námestie (Main Square). Make sure to try local favorites like lokše (potato pancakes) and medovina (honey wine). Your ship departs at midnight.

    
  • Day 4

    Krems - Wachau Valley - Melk

    Today includes scenic cruising with three stops. Visit Krems (13:00-14:00) for its cozy market in the medieval old town. Sail through the most beautiful part of Wachau in the afternoon. Stop in Melk (18:00-19:00) where you can visit the illuminated Christmas market at the Benedictine Abbey if time permits.

    
  • Day 5

    Linz

    You'll have a full day (06:00-18:30) in Linz. The main Hauptplatz market is right by the dock. Take a 15-minute walk to the small but delightful Volksgarten market. Sample some authentic Linzer Torte, which holds the title of world's oldest known cake recipe. As one traveler shared, "The smell of roasted chestnuts and glühwein fills the crisp air - nothing gets you in the holiday spirit like these traditional markets."

    
  • Day 6

    Return to Passau

    Arrive in Passau at 07:00. If your schedule allows, visit the Christmas market one final time during the peaceful morning hours before crowds arrive.

    

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• 6 Day Danube River Cruise Itinerary, incl. Vienna and Budapest

  

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  • Day 1

    Passau, Germany

    Board your ship in Passau after 2:30 PM. Get there early to explore the Old Town where three rivers meet. The baroque St. Stephen's Cathedral has Europe's largest church organ and offers free concerts most days at noon.

    
  • Day 2

    Wachau Valley - Vienna, Austria

    Cruise through the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley in the morning, where you'll see vineyards and medieval villages along the riverbanks. You'll reach Vienna by afternoon. Take the included city tour to see Schönbrunn Palace and the Ringstrasse. Skip the taxi and take tram D from the riverport to Belvedere Palace. It's cheaper and gives you better views of the city.

    
  • Day 3

    Budapest, Hungary

    Your ship docks right by the Parliament Building in Budapest. Start with a morning city tour covering both Buda Castle Hill and the Pest side. Book your visit to Széchenyi Thermal Baths for late afternoon after tours finish to avoid the crowds. In the evening, you'll cruise past the lit-up Parliament Building, which is always a guest favorite.

    
  • Day 4

    Bratislava, Slovakia

    Take the walking tour through Bratislava's Old Town. The castle on the hill offers great views of the Danube, but it's a steep walk. The tourist train is a good option if you want to save your energy. Look for traditional restaurants on Michalská Street just off the main square. The prices are better and the food is more authentic.

    
  • Day 5

    Wachau Valley, Austria

    Back in the Wachau Valley, stop at Dürnstein with its blue church tower and castle ruins where Richard the Lion Heart was held prisoner. Take the "Beauties of the Wachau" tour if you want to try local wines. The Grüner Veltliner tastes even better when you're looking out at the river.

    
  • Day 6

    Passau, Germany

    Leave the ship after breakfast. If you have time before departure, store your bags on board and walk through Passau's baroque streets. The tourist office runs 90-minute walking tours that work well with most travel schedules.

    

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