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Wien Dinner Cruises Wien

danube river dinner cruise vienna

Select Your Experience

evening sightseeing cruise on danube canal with optional dinner-1

Evening Sightseeing Cruise on Danube Canal with Optional Dinner

  • Experience the magic of Vienna's evening allure with an enchanting cruise along the Danube with the option for a dinner upgrade.
  • Set sail from Schwedenplatz and behold Vienna's iconic landmarks, including the Urania observatory and the Hundertwasser district heating plant.
  • Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the Danube canal and marvel at the illuminated Vienna city center.
  • Upgrade your cruise to include a 3-course dinner and a sparkling aperitif for a perfect romantic night out in Vienna.
  • 3-hour evening Danube cruise
  • Dinner menu (optional)
  • Tip: Look out for unique photo opportunities, such as capturing the reflection of Vienna's illuminated buildings on the calm waters of the Danube.
  • This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
  • Your guide dogs are welcome on this experience.
  • Children under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Your pets are welcome on this experience
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

full-day danube cruise to dürnstein or bratislava from vienna-1

Full-Day Danube Cruise to Dürnstein or Bratislava from Vienna

  • Immerse in Austria's beauty on a day-long Danube cruise, witnessing Vienna's skyline, Kahlenberg Mountain, and Tulln's garden city.
  • This cruise stands out with a balance of onboard luxury on MS Kaiserin Elisabeth II featuring gourmet meals and on-feet exploration of a UNESCO site.
  • Indulge in a carefully curated dining experience featuring a continental breakfast, a lunchtime snack, traditional strudel, and a 4-course evening buffet.
  • With 2 hrs of free time to explore in Dürnstein, visit the blue church tower, castle ruins, and baroque collegiate church amidst the cobblestone charm.
  • Full-day cruise on the Danube River
  • Explore Wachau valley
  • 2 hours extra to explore Dürnstein
  • 4 hours extra to explore Bratislava (optional)
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch snack, strudel, dinner (with options based on the cruise)
  • Bratsilava cruise menu
  • Dürnstein & Wachau cruise menu

Dürnstein & Wachau cruise

  • Boarding at 7:30am | Departure from Vienna at 8:30am | Breakfast at 8:30am | Kahlenberg mountain and Klosterneuburg monastery views | Lunchtime snack at 12:30pm | Dürnstein at 2:30 p.m. | 2-hour to explore | Departure from Dürnstein at 4:40pm | Strudel at 4:40pm | Evening buffet at 7pm | Evening buffet featuring a variety of Austrian dishes | Arrival at Vienna at 9pm

Bratislava cruise

  • Boarding at 8:00am –8:45am | Vienna/Marina | 9:00am from Vienna/Marina | 09:00 am Breakfast | 11:00am Lunch snack | 12:00pm to Bratislava | 4 hours stay in Bratislava | 4:00pm Strudel & departure from Bratislava | 6:30pm Evening buffet | 10:00pm arrival at Vienna/Marina |
  • Tip: While in Dürnstein, don't miss out on the opportunity to sample the locally produced Grüner Veltliner and Riesling wines.
  • Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility, Pram/Stroller Accessibility, Pets & Guide Dog Friendly.

sunset cruise in vienna with barbecue & fireworks-1

Sunset Cruise in Vienna with Barbecue & Fireworks

  • Uncover Vienna's charm as dusk falls, cruising along the Danube River for an unforgettable evening full of sights, sounds, and savories.
  • Elevate your sunset cruise experience with offerings like a top-notch barbecue dinner to a captivating live band performance.
  • Absorb the ambiance of the 360° sun deck, an ideal vantage point to watch the sun sink and the city lights flicker to life.
  • Brace yourself for a stunning fireworks finale and witness landmarks like the towering Millennium Tower to the vast Donauplatte Park.
  • Sunset cruise in the Danube River
  • Barbeque dinner buffet (Menu here )
  • Tip: Try to catch a glimpse of the Danube River's fabled 'blue' hue as the sun sets. It's not typically blue, but the right light might just convince you!
  • Facilities: Wheelchair Accessible, Pram/Stroller Accessible.
  • Pets and guide dogs are allowed onboard the cruise.

danube river evening themed cruise with dinner & live music-1

Danube River Evening Themed Cruise with Dinner & Live Music

  • Savor delicious themed buffets and live music on a 3.5-hour evening cruise on the Danube, taking in iconic landmarks and charming towns.
  • Let loose to 70s, 80s & 90s hits, classic Austropop music with hearty Austrian dishes, or Greek music with Sirtaki dancing.
  • Devour BBQ fare, Swedish delicacies, or classic Italian dishes. Each theme boasts a delicious buffet, perfectly complementing the evening's entertainment.
  • Learn to waltz on Strauss and Danube Waltz night, or experience the traditional Viennese atmosphere with live music on the Heurigen Trip.
  • 3.5-hour Danube River cruise
  • Buffet dinner

Theme Options

  • Swedish Night with Abba Hits (find the menu here )
  • Country Barbecue & Spare Ribs (find the menu here )
  • Italian Night (find the menu here )
  • Greek Night (find the menu here )
  • Austropop (find the menu here )
  • Strauss and Waltz on the Blue Danube (find the menu here )
  • 70s, 80s, 90s Party Cruise (find the menu here )
  • Heurigan Trip with Viennese Songs (find the menu here )
  • Tip: Keep an eye out for Klosterneuburg Monastery, Greifenstein Castle, and the Vienna Woods as you cruise along the river.
  • Guide dogs are allowed on this experience.

blue danube boat tour with dinner & schonbrunn palace concert-1

Blue Danube Boat Tour with Dinner & Schonbrunn Palace Concert

  • You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
  • 3.5-hr Danube boat tour
  • 3-course dinner
  • Schönbrunn concert ticket
  • Travel from Schwedenplatz to Schönbrunn
  • Cloakroom fee
  • Drinks at dinner

Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien, Austria

  • Boat tour at 10:30 AM/2:00 PM
  • Dinner at 6:30
  • Concert at 8:30 PM

Flexible duration

  • Suitable for 8+

The ticket can be presented digitally with a valid photo ID at the boarding point on the day of your visit.

  • Enjoy the music of the ‘Waltz King’, Johann Strauss, at the Schönbrunn Palace after a beautiful 3.5 hours boat tour on the Danube river and a delicious 3-course Viennese meal at Restaurant Tafelspitz or Restaurant Joseph II.
  • The Orangerie Schönbrunn, located in the Schönbrunn Palace area, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a beloved venue for classical music performances in Vienna.
  • The music will be presented by the Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra and consist of a selection of famous pieces from Strauss’ repertoire, like the Blue Danube.
  • Book your tickets to the Vienna Blue Danube boat tour with dinner and Schönbrunn Palace concert today and indulge in a magnificent one-of-a-kind experience.

About Concert

Classical music runs in the blood of Vienna. It has been home to some of the most acclaimed classical music practitioners of all time and continues to give patronage to skilled musicians and talented performers from all over the world to this day. The boat tour will help you appreciate the city from a different perspective and the 3-course Viennese meal and classical concert with enchant all your senses, making you experience Vienna in a new and different way.

Concerts at the Schönbrunn Palace have widespread acclaim all over the world. So, no matter whether you’re new to the classical music scene or if you’ve been an admirer of it for long, this is a concert that you wouldn’t want to miss. The beautiful compositions of Strauss are sure to take your breath away. So what are you waiting for? Get your tickets to the Vienna Blue Danube boat tour with dinner and Schönbrunn Palace concert now!

Know the Performers

The Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra comprises a group of highly-qualified and sought-after musicians who have represented Austria on tours across continents, such as in Japan, Croatia, Germany, Sweden, the Czech Republic and Denmark. They mainly focus on the works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johann Strauss and other contemporary composers of that time. The Orchestra also has a long tradition of accompanying singers and ballet performances.

Show Details

Show timings.

  • 10:30 am/2 pm: Danube boat tour departs from Schwedenplatz.
  • 6:30 pm: Dinner in a restaurant near the Palace.
  • 8:30 pm (admission from 8 pm): Concert at Schönbrunn Palace Orangerie.
  • 10:15 pm: Concert finishes.

Note: Days for Vienna Blue Danube boat tour with dinner and Schönbrunn Palace concert may be subject to change every week/month. You can check your preferred date at the next stage of booking.

Age Suitability

Note: While there is no strict age guidance for most shows, it is good to exercise your judgment before purchasing tickets for children.

Performers: Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra

  • Classical music pieces by Mozart and Strauss, including the 'Blue Danube'.
  • Program is subject to change.

Tickets to the Vienna Blue Danube boat tour with dinner and Schönbrunn Palace concert are available now!

Book your online tickets for the Vienna Blue Danube boat tour with dinner and Schönbrunn Palace concert and secure your seats now!

Tickets Redemption

  • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
  • Redeem the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the boarding point.
  • Please arrive at the venue 30 minutes before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.

Cancellation & Refunds

About theatre.

The Schönbrunn Palace , the largest palace in Austria, is a popular tourist destination, catering to almost 4 million visitors annually. The Orangerie, where the concert usually takes place, was built for the purpose of overwintering orange plants in a greenhouse and has been in existence since around 1760. It was also widely used for court festivities, especially under Joseph II. Mozart himself had once competed against Antonio Salieri in 1786 at the venue.

https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2660.079695395791!2d16.31057531444688!3d48.18581595578087!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x476da8091cc07cbf%3A0x4e69ba5de4ea8bc9!2sSch%C3%B6nbrunn%20Palace!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sin!4v1678685539519!5m2!1sen!2sin

Getting There

Address: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien, Austria

Subway: Take subway line U4 and get off at Schönbrunn.

Bus: Bus lines 10A, 57A, 58A, N60, VAL 1 stop near Schönbrunn Palace.

Facilities & Accessibility

Available Facilities : Bar, Wheelchair access, Stroller access, Toilets

Accessibility : Schönbrunn Palace welcomes disabled guests and strives to make the show accessible for everyone.

Additional Information

  • Dress appropriately for the occasion. While there is no strict dress code, it is recommended that guests wear comfortable and smart casual attire.
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Most venues do not allow outside food but there are many bars and restaurants nearby.
  • The concerts are sometimes shifted to the Great Gallery or the White Gold Room located inside the Schönbrunn Palace.
  • Infant seats are available.
  • Make sure that you tell the restaurant if you have any food-related restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vienna Blue Danube Boat Tour with Dinner and Schönbrunn Palace Concert

Q- How do I buy tickets to the Vienna Blue Danube boat tour with dinner and Schönbrunn Palace concert?

A- Buy your tickets to the Vienna Blue Danube boat tour with dinner and Schönbrunn Palace concert online for a hassle-free and convenient experience that ensures the best deals and discounts.

Q- How much do tickets to the Vienna Blue Danube boat tour with dinner and Schönbrunn Palace concert cost?

A- The cost of the tickets to the Vienna Blue Danube boat tour with dinner and Schönbrunn Palace concert will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.

Q- How can I buy cheap or discount tickets to the Vienna Blue Danube boat tour with dinner and Schönbrunn Palace concert?

A- The best way to buy cheap or discounted tickets to the Vienna Blue Danube boat tour with dinner and Schönbrunn Palace concert is to book them online as you will often come across attractive discounts. Book your tickets in advance as they tend to get more expensive closer to the show date.

Q- How can I buy last-minute tickets to the Vienna Blue Danube boat tour with dinner and Schönbrunn Palace concert?

A- You can easily buy last-minute tickets to the Vienna Blue Danube boat tour with dinner and Schönbrunn Palace concert online.

Q- What are some of the pieces that will be performed at the concert?

A- A range of beautiful compositions by Johann Strauss will be played at the concert, including the Blue Danube.

Q- Who will be performing at the Schönbrunn Palace concert?

A- The Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra will be performing at the venue.

Q- What is the dress code while attending the Vienna Blue Danube boat tour with dinner and Schönbrunn Palace concert?

A- There is no specific dress code. However, it is best to dress in smart casual or semi-formal attire and something comfortable.

Q- Is outside food allowed while attending the Vienna Blue Danube boat tour with dinner and Schönbrunn Palace concert?

A- Outside food is not allowed at most of the venues.

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Danube River Dinner Cruise

  • 6.80 / 10 197 reviews | 2,344 travellers Warm welcome Excellent buffet Atmosphere by the accordionist and the brilliant guitarist Super good evening 10 Anonyme
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the service starts
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Embark on a  magical evening on the Danube  with this boat cruise including a  delicious buffet of traditional Austrian food . Enjoy this unique experience of Vienna and see the city illuminated.

The Danube at night

Setting sail from one of the piers near Reichsbrücke , our spacious modern boat will take you down the  Donaukanal , one of the branches of the great river that flows through Vienna. As you cruise down the canal, you'll enjoy stunning views of the nighttime illuminations of the Austrian capital . The city's historical centre is magically lit up at nightfall!

The boat cruise will continue up the river to the  Nussdorf  area. As you enjoy your trip on the  Danube , the second largest river in Europe, you'll be able to savour a delicious buffet while on-board musicians play  typical songs from traditional Austrian taverns .

On board the boat, you'll enjoy a  full buffet dinner  including the main dishes served in the 'Heuriger' style, the traditional Viennese wine taverns.

More Information

Cruise on the Danube River

Traditional buffet dinner

Not included

When to book.

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Most areas are accessible.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

  • Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
  • Reduce, reuse, recycle.
  • Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
  • Uphold fair employment standards.
  • Foster the growth of local communities.
  • Preserve the integrity of local culture.
  • Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
  • Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
  • Operate with honesty and transparency.
  • Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

  • No printing of documentation required.

Vienna Sightseeing Tours Show more

Corporate name: Vienna Sightseeing Tours

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

Q - Will we have a table to ourselves?

A - Depending on the number of reservations and the availability of the boat, it's possible that you may share a table with people who are not in your group.

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities .

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?

A - This activity requires a minimum of 4 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

Meeting point.

Reichsbrücke

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[Translate to English:] Abendliche Schifffahrt mit Wiener Liedern

Vienna Evening Cruise With Dinner and Music

Adult 59.00€ | Children 29.50€

Boat cruise with music and Heurigen buffet

On board the modern DDSG Blue Danube ship, our route takes us from the Vienna / Reichsbrücke landing stage on the Handelskai upstream towards the Greifenstein lock. We then turn around and return to the Vienna / Reichsbrücke landing stage. Enjoy the dinner cruise with traditional Viennese cuisine while the evening skyline of the city glides past. A good meal needs good music. The music that is played at Viennese wine taverns will encourage you to sing and dance along. Our musicians are happy to fulfil you individual music requests.

Essential Information

Due to unforeseeable events such as high or low water or delays in lock or bridge passages, it may be necessary to change the program and / or route.

Start: Reichsbrücke (at the DDSG headquarters - Handelskai 265, 1020 Vienna) CLICK HERE to see the meeting point on Google Maps. 

Departure : 7 p.m. Meeting point is 10 minutes before departure directly at the ship! (boarding possible from 6 p.m.)

Please note that due to the current high water on 07.06.2024 there will be a cancellation of all DDSG boat trips! Thank you for your understanding!

Highlights of the boat cruise

  • Boat cruise on Danube canal & Danube river
  • Dinner cruise with local cuisine
  • Authentic Viennese wine tavern music
  • Boat tour with DDSG Blue Danube
  • Dinner on board

Languages of the boat cruise

German, English

3 hours Arrival: 10 p.m. (Reichsbrücke)

Dates of the boat cruise

  • 04 APR - 12 DEC 2024
  • Thursday, 7 p.m.

Abendliche Schifffahrt mit Wiener Liedern

Handelskai 265 , 1020   Vienna

The Blue Danube River Cruise with Vienna Extension

11 days from only $3,358pp

Price Includes

Personalise your holiday.

  • Useful Info

Accommodation

danube river dinner cruise vienna

FREE Superior drinks package on all European river cruises

find out more

Experience more with so much included

  • Tour the most historic towns and cities along the Danube, including guided tours of Vienna, Dürnstein, Budapest and Bratislava.

Visit Esztergom Basilica, Melk Abbey, Schönbrunn Palace and the Vienna State Opera House.

Explore Salzburg or Linz with an expert guide on a tour of the town's most interesting sights.

Experience in the local culture with a Hungarian folklore show and a traditional Heurigen evening and enjoy a live classical music performance on board with stunning views of Vienna.

Feel the wind in your hair on a horse-drawn carriage ride through Neusiedlersee with wine-tasting and lunch. 

Soak up all that Europe’s most cultured river has to offer, with its wealth of grand baroque architecture, medieval cities, picture perfect towns and the sights that inspired Strauss and Mozart.  

From Budapest, we slip our moorings and head on our journey north to Esztergom spending the morning exploring its historic centre, which once was Hungary’s capital, before continuing westwards to the beautiful old town of Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Navigating through Lower Austria we then reach the romantic town of Dürnstein, where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned, having been shipwrecked on his return from the crusades. After we visit the remarkable monastery in Melk, with its Emperor’s Gallery, lined with portraits of Austrian emperors. Soon we arrive in Linz where you’ll discover its baroque old town on a guided tour. Alternatively, take the short drive to Salzburg and enjoy a guided tour of the old town. We will reach classical Vienna, and see the Spanish riding school. Finally, cruising into Hungary, we arrive back in imperial Budapest, straddling the picturesque Danube. This holiday is ideal for travelers who love culture, music and architecture. 

End this spectacular adventure with a three-night stay in central. During our time on shore, we'll ride through the stunning natural beauty of Neusiedlersee on a horse and carriage. And explore Schönbrunn Palace on a guided tour, following in the footsteps of Emperors through the imperial apartments before saying goodbye to one of Europe's most opulent cities.

Your Itinerary

  • DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN BUDAPEST
  • DAY 2 ESZTERGOM
  • DAY 3 BRATISLAVA
  • DAY 4 DÜRNSTEIN & MELK
  • DAY 5 SALZBURG OR LINZ
  • DAY 6 VIENNA
  • DAY 7 BUDAPEST
  • DAY 8 NEUSIEDLERSEE
  • DAY 9 SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE
  • DAY 10 VIENNA
  • DAY 11 RETURN HOME

ARRIVAL IN BUDAPEST

You fly to Budapest, where a coach takes you to your cruise ship. The dedicated crew are there to welcome you on board, ensuring you settle in and familiarise yourself with this first-class floating hotel. There’s always a sense of expectancy and excitement on the eve of a cruise and, after an excellent dinner in the stylish restaurant, conversation is sure to revolve around the delights ahead.

Route map - not including the extension

Overnight we have cruised upstream to Esztergom, one of Hungary’s oldest towns, a royal capital during medieval times and today the seat of the country’s archbishop. We have a guided tour of the famous neoclassical basilica, standing sentinel over the Danube on the border with Slovakia, and boasting one of the world’s largest altarpieces and a wealth of priceless religious artefacts. The castle is also worth exploring; it was the seat of government until the Ottomans invaded in the 16th century.

Nestling below are myriad atmospheric churches resonating with the enchanting sounds of choir; this is the best of provincial Hungary and is little changed since Habsburg times. As you enjoy your first lunch on board we gently leave Esztergom in our wake, affording a fascinating opportunity to compare the different landscapes, towns and villages of Hungary on one river bank and of Slovakia on the other.

danube river dinner cruise vienna

This morning we explore Slovakia’s fast-emerging capital city, Bratislava, on a guided tour. Until recently swathed in the drab uniformity of Communism, the city has rekindled the splendour of its imperial past in its beautifully restored Old Town. Equally impressive is the imposing 17th-century castle commanding expansive views across the Danube.

This afternoon we cruise into Lower Austria, a peaceful, bucolic region and home to some of the country’s best wines. By now the stresses of everyday life seem distant as you absorb the ever-changing scenes we pass: children playing on the river banks, young couples strolling arm in arm like generations before them, vignerons carefully pruning their vines, and cobbled quaysides lined by half-timbered buildings.

You’ll marvel as the Captain skilfully navigates the ship along the serene river and through locks whose mechanisms never cease to fascinate, as we cruise towards Dürnstei

danube river dinner cruise vienna

DÜRNSTEIN & MELK

Durnstein is known principally for the ice-blue tower of its abbey, which dominates the view, and the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192 after being shipwrecked on his return from the crusades. This morning we take a guided walking tour to explore this memorable city further. Set on a rocky outcrop high above the river, the castle is now ruined, but it’s easy to imagine England’s legendary monarch seething with frustration far from home, while waiting for his family to raise funds to pay his ransom.

After lunch you visit the remarkable Melk Abbey. Nothing quite prepares you for your first sight of this enormous honey-coloured building, standing resplendent above the surrounding countryside. Originally a castle, it was gifted to the Benedictine Order in the 11th-century and, although reconstructed in Baroque style during the 18th century, it has remained a monastic school and monastery ever since. The Abbey is renowned for its 214-yard-long Emperor’s Gallery lined with portraits, many fine rooms and an ornate library. After we re-join the ship, dinner is served during the final part of our cruise upstream through the pretty Nibelungengau, immortalised in the music of Wagner. 

danube river dinner cruise vienna

SALZBURG OR LINZ

Reaching Linz, you will have the choice to stay in the city and take a guided walking tour, exploring its charming baroque old town. At its heart you’ll see one of the finest squares in Austria, lined by grand pastel-coloured facades with an impressive central Trinity Column of white marble, crowned by a gilded sunburst. There’s also the fortress-like castle, built high above the city by Emperor Friedrich III, now a museum housing a fine collection of nineteenth and twentieth-century artworks.

Alternatively, we drive to Salzburg, once an independent state whose archbishops turned it into one of the most sophisticated cities north of the Alps. Dominating the skyline is one of Europe’s largest stone fortresses, the Hohensalzburg, while beneath its walls church domes and spires rise from the delightful Altstadt, or Old Town. Then there’s the wonderful Hellbrunn Palace and the splendid formal gardens of the Mirabell Palace – a must for horticulture fans.

This morning, discover some of the city’s main sights in the company of an expert local guide, then you’re free to explore as you wish. Everywhere there are sights associated with the city’s most famous resident, Mozart, who played the harpsichord aged three, composed rudimentary music at five and wrote his first opera when he was 11!

Please note lunch is not included on this full day excursion to Salzburg; however, the ship will offer a packed lunch. We return to the ship for another splendid dinner.

danube river dinner cruise vienna

For many, today’s visit to Vienna will be one of the highlights of the cruise. The city’s very name provokes images of elegance, fine music, wide boulevards, Baroque architecture and a rich tapestry of peoples who were drawn here from all corners of Europe. For 200 years until the First World War, Vienna was the cultural centre of Europe and many of the showpiece buildings, galleries, aristocratic palaces and magnificent churches you see today were built to reflect its imperial status. The city’s most iconic monument is the breathtaking Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, whose striking multi-coloured roof and huge Gothic South Tower dominate the skyline. There’s also the colossal Hofburg, the former royal court that is now home to a collection of museums, the Crown Jewels and the Spanish Riding School, and where the Vienna Boys’ Choir performs. Then there are the lavish Imperial Apartments and an outstanding collection of relics of the Holy Roman Empire, including, allegedly, the sabre of Charlemagne himself. The Kunsthistorisches Museum, which contains the world’s fourth largest collection of paintings, is just across the road. This morning we have a tour with a local guide offering insights into why Vienna is one of Europe’s great capitals – the seat of the Habsburg emperors and home to some of the world’s finest classical composers, including Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart and, of course, a whole family of Strausses.

During the afternoon you’re free to explore as you wish. Take a stroll in the Prater, notable for the huge Ferris wheel that features in several Cold War spy thrillers. Or, for something quite different, visit the Schönbrunn Palace, a former royal residence now housing a range of world-class museums and galleries. Perhaps, though, just take a stroll through Vienna’s atmospheric side streets, or enjoy a coffee and a slice of delicious Sachertorte in one of the lovely coffee houses.

This evening we’ve arranged truly the ‘icing on the cake’: You have the wonderful Captains Dinner and no visit to Vienna is complete without a live musical experience, so after dinner we have a classical recital on board. To hear this exquisite music played in the city of its creation makes a wonderful finale to the day.

danube river dinner cruise vienna

Enjoy a leisurely morning as we cruise majestically through Hungary’s peaceful pastoral landscape towards Budapest. After lunch we enjoy a sightseeing tour of this captivating city, which truly lives up to its reputation as the ‘Pearl of the Danube’. The twin cities of Buda, built around the hilltop fortress, and Pest, with its wide boulevards, were fought over through the centuries. The Ottomans ruled here for 150 years before being ousted in the late 17th century, but their legacy lives on in the many thermal baths fed by hot springs, giving rise to Budapest’s other sobriquet – the ‘City of Spas’. After the end of Ottoman rule, Budapest became an imperial city of the Habsburg Empire, attracting great cultural and commercial wealth. Castle Hill is Budapest in microcosm: two churches, seven museums and a theatre among streets and squares with their own special atmosphere and a dramatic view across the river to the awe-inspiring neo-Gothic Parliament Building. Budapest’s endless galleries, museums, outstanding Art Nouveau architecture and excellent shopping offer a fittingly elegant end to your Danube cruise.

This evening’s Gala Dinner closes with a Hungarian folklore show, giving you time to bid farewell to your travelling companions and reflect on all the inspirational places, sights and sounds you have experienced on a truly ‘imperial’ cruise.

danube river dinner cruise vienna

NEUSIEDLERSEE

This morning, we'll disembark in Budapest and journey to Neusiedlersee. The region of Neusiedlersee, located on the border between Austria and Hungary, is home to a picturesque lake - the second-largest steppe lake in Europe. The lake is a haven for nature enthusiasts due to its reed beds and wetlands, which provide a habitat for a variety of wildlife. It is also a popular destination for those seeking adventure, as it offers activities like bird watching, sailing, and cycling. And wine enthusiasts will already know that the region is famous for its fruity red wines which you’re invited to sample today with a lunch and wine tasting at a local winery.

First, we visit the wine cellars and learn about wine production here. Then we enjoy authentic Austrian cuisine with specialities from the region to accompany the samples of a sophisticated range of fruity whites, strong reds and mouth-watering sweet wines.

After our wine tasting, we'll take off on a horse-drawn carriage ride in the Neusiedlersee region with a local guide. Feel the wind in your hair as we ride through the meadows and vineyards along its shore and experience the stunning natural beauty of the lake. The rhythmic clip-clop of the horses' hooves lull you into a serene sense of zen that’s unreachable at home, allowing you to simply relax and appreciate the enchanting surroundings. This traditional mode of transportation offers a unique and nostalgic experience and creates lasting memories of this enchanting region.

We'll arrive in Vienna this afternoon and settle into our centrally located hotel, where we stay for three nights.

danube river dinner cruise vienna

SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE

We'll explore Schönbrunn Palace - the most popular sight in Vienna. Experience the opulence of the Habsburg dynasty and explore the stunning architecture, richly furnished rooms and expansive garden of this UNESCO World Heritage site. While the palace was commissioned in the 17th century by Emperor Leopold I, it was Empress Marie Theresa who transformed it into the Palace we see today. 

On the imperial tour, we'll see the grandeur of Austria's imperial history, walking in the footsteps of Empress Maria Theresa and Emperor Franz Joseph. Adorned with exquisite furniture, elaborate chandeliers, and intricate wall hangings, these rooms offer a glimpse into the extravagant lifestyle of the Habsburg dynasty. Discover the extravagant grandeur of the Great Gallery, the exotic influences of the 'Chinese Cabinets', and the impressive Hall of Ceremonies. 

After our tour, explore the palace and grounds at your leisure. Animal lovers should head to the Tiergarten Schönbrunn - the oldest zoo in the world - located within the palace grounds. Here you'll get to see a diverse range of animal species and learn about the conservation efforts being made. Or take a stroll through the meticulously landscaped gardens adorned with fountains, statues and flower beds. Climb the hill to the Gloriette, a striking structure perched at the top of the palace gardens with panoramic views of Vienna and the palace ground. Or head to the nearby Schönbrunn Palace Children's Museum to learn about the everyday lives of the imperial children through interactive exhibits.  

The rest of the afternoon and evening will be at leisure in Vienna. 

We know that for Riviera Travel guests it’s not enough to see the city, you want to experience it – and what better way to experience Vienna than through the music it’s famous for. Tonight, you can choose to spend the evening in one of the most opulent buildings in the city with an additional optional excursion to Kursalon Music Hall. Enjoy the essence of Vienna through the works by the city's most famous Classical composers - Mozart and Strauss.

danube river dinner cruise vienna

This morning, we'll peek behind the scenes of the world's largest repertory operation and uncover the secrets hidden from the evening operagoers during a guided tour of the Staatsoper. Our tour of the architectural and cultural highlights of The Vienna State Opera includes its grand staircase, captivating oil paintings and tapestries inspired by Mozart's The Magic Flute.  

After our tour, there's free time at leisure to explore the city. Perhaps take a tour of the Hofburg - once the imperial family's residence. Marvel at the impressive collection of drawings and master prints at the Albertina, one of the largest and most significant print collections in the world. Or visit the Burggarten, this leafy oasis is the perfect place to relax with lovely views of its palatial surroundings.  

Alternatively, you could choose to join an optional visit to the Kunsthistroisches Museum. This fascinating Art History Museum is home to famous works such as Raphael's "Madonna in the Meadow," Vermeer's "The Allegory of Painting," and the world's largest collection of Bruegel's art. As you explore, you're likely to stumble on some of history's most famous works, like The Infanta paintings by Velazquez, and masterworks by Rubens, Rembrandt, Dürer, Titian and Tintoretto. 

Not sure where to go? Your tour manager is on hand to weigh in with even more local knowledge to help you find the most amazing places most tourists miss.  

Tonight, we'll enjoy a traditional Heurigen evening at a nearby restaurant, where we will be celebrating the latest wine production. You can experience the taste of this year's vintage with a wine tasting while relishing in the exquisite Viennese cuisine.

danube river dinner cruise vienna

RETURN HOME

Today we’ll transfer to the airport for your flight home to the UK. The flight may only take around 2.5 hours but memories of your time spent in Vienna will last a lifetime.

Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin with a limited number of sole occupancy cabins available on all decks, at the relevant supplement. The price includes:

  • All meals on board (except one lunch if choosing the Salzburg excursion) - from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day - including welcome cocktails and the Captain's dinner.
  • Complimentary on-board tea and coffee
  • All visits and excursions as mentioned
  • 3 nights in centrally located hotel in Vienna with breakfast
  • Airport transfers
  • Coach travel as mentioned
  • Travel to and from port of embarkation
  • The services of a Riviera Travel cruise director

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Violinist, Vienna

Optional Classical Music concert at the Kursalon Vienna 

We know that for Riviera Travel guests it’s not enough to see the city, you want to experience it – and what better way to experience Vienna than through the music it’s famous for. Spend the evening in one of the most opulent buildings in the city, Kursalon Music Hall. Enjoy the essence of Vienna through the works by the city's most famous Classical composers - Mozart and Strauss. 

Optional visit to the Kunsthistroisches Museum 

Join an optional visit to the Kunsthistroisches Museum. This fascinating Art History Museum is home to famous pieces by Raphael, Vermeer, Velazquez, masterworks by Rubens, Rembrandt, Dürer, Titian and Tintoretto and the world's largest collection of Bruegel's art. 

Please contact us to pre-book either of the above experiences.

Transfer Times

All transfer times listed here are approximate, and dependant on traffic. If you have a question regarding transfer times please don't hesitate to contact us . 

Useful Information

  • Currencies: Euro, Forint
  • Flight Time: Approx. 2 hrs 25 mins to 3 hrs
  • Languages: Hungarian, German
  • Time Zone: GMT+1
  • Countries: Austria, Hungary, Slovakia

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship for the duration of your cruise. Please note that speeds may vary.

Visa Information

We are unable to accept responsibility if you are unable to travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements.

We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to call us to discuss these concerns. General information on mobility in connection with our tours can be found here .

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danube river dinner cruise vienna

Welcome Guest

Vienna danube river evening cruise with live music and dinner.

dinner cruise at the danube river

awful musicians and singers. Boat needed some upgrades....

Experiencia increíble, mónica parra, pick-up not available, dinner buffet, what to expect, travelers interested in this activity also viewed, overall rating.

did not accept any credit cards, needed Cash only. two awful musicians, one with accordion and the other with guitar, they also did not sing that well. boat was rugged and could use some renovations, rust around body o ... f ship, windows not clean, and woodwork in dire need of updates.

Una experiencia muy agradable. Muy puntuales para el abordaje,.la cena y la música muy buenas. Sugeriría que pasarán por las pantallas al grupo musical para que todos los pasajeros tengan la oportunidad de verlos. Sin du ... da recomiendo esta actividad en Viena.

The Viennese Evening was really enjoyable - good food and entertainment, including the impromptu entertainment provided by one guest who had obviously enjoyed the local beverage! The three hour cruise out onto the Danub ... e was lovely. It was well organised, the hotel pick up was on time and efficient, the crew on the boat were polite and helpful - we would recomment this to any visitor to Vienna.

Activity Provider VIENNA SIGHTSEEING TOURS

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danube river dinner cruise vienna

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danube river dinner cruise vienna

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  • People with reduced mobility should be accompanied by at least one person who is able to give active assistance when necessary.
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  • Children 3 years old and above can participate in this activity.
  • Please call the activity provider 24 hours before your activity to reconfirm your booking. Your voucher has the necessary contact information listed.
  • No pets are allowed on this tour except for guide dogs for the blind.
  • Due to unpredictable events such as high or low water or delays during locks or bridges, a program and /or route change may become necessary.
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Vienna by Boat

The Danube River, Europe’s longest, originates in Germany, flows through 10 countries, and empties into the Black Sea.  One of the best ways to experience this natural beauty is by taking a boat cruise along its path. 

With an assortment of cruises offering unique waterway experiences, there is no limit to the ways in which you can enjoy this breathtaking river.  There are year round cruises as well as seasonal outings, and on some ships, an opportunity to be the captain! Whether catching a moonlight trip, a picnic outing, or a city cruise, Danube boat cruises have much to offer.

Vienna Danube Boat Cruise >>

Danube Boat Cruise Vienna

Danube Boat Cruise for 1-2-3 hours in Vienna

Sailing the Danube on any number of sightseeing boat rides is a wonderful way to experience Vienna.  A one hour, breathtaking  tour on the canal banks offers views of Vienna’s beautiful architecture and its many districts. 

A two hour hour cruise allows you to see Vienna’s greenery starting at the Schwedenplatz, sailing towards Vienna’s planetarium and observatories, through the Freudenau Lock and Marina yacht harbor, ending at the Reichsbrucke bridge, next to St. Francis of Assisi's church. 

A three hour cruise allows you to enjoy more of Vienna, as well as the musical delights that help to define the city.

Danube Boat Cruise with Dinner

No boat ride would be complete without featuring some of  Vienna’s finest culinary artistry.  Consider this:  A buffet dinner complimented by the best Viennese wines, musical accompaniment played softly in the background,  and  the warmth of summer’s air on your skin,  as you savor the sparkling brilliance of a city in lights.

With a tour of Vienna’s sites, this enchanting boat ride offers class and culture, as well as fine dining and sophistication.  An evening cruise along the Danube gives you a nautical glimpse into the city’s past, a look into its modern accomplishments, and a glance into future possibilities.

Cruise outside Vienna - Visit the Wachau Valley

There is opportunity to enjoy the water during the day, if you prefer that to an evening cruise. Coursing along the river during daylight towards the scenic Wachau Valley for example, invites tourists to see the flourishing greenery surrounding Vienna’s vineyards, churches, and baroque structures. 

Vienna to Wachau Full-Day Danube Boat Cruise >>

While the landscape calls to you in Wachau Valley, castles and gilded architecture beckon you in Linz.  The Lentos Museum along the river is but one of the attractions that puts Linz on the map and makes visiting such a treasure.  In addition, the Brucknerhaus concert hall on the riverbank makes the Danube a premier waterway.  

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Vienna State Opera

Vienna State Opera

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Karlsplatz Museum

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Vienna Boat Tour: Cruise the Danube River with these Day Tours

Let’s help you choose the right Vienna boat tour for your trip!

The Danube River runs through Vienna, but because it doesn’t cross right through the Innere Stadt or District 1, which is the old town, it can be easy to miss.

Between the palace, cathedral, museums, art galleries and famous cafes, you could very easily come to the end of your trip in Vienna and realize, you haven’t yet walked along the Danube Canal, let alone the Danube River!

So if you want to cruise the Danube, you’re going to have to be proactive and book a tour. But which one should you pick and where should you cruise?

When it comes to picking a Vienna boat trip, there are no shortage of options. You can take a day trip to Bratislava and then travel back by boat, spend the day exploring the Wachau Valley vineyards on a cruise, enjoy a boat tour with dinner and live music, try out a private e-boat and so much more.

So we’re going to help you figure out which of these Vienna boat tours is right for you! Let’s narrow it down.

My Top 3 Picks: Vienna Boat Tour

Vienna boat tour to Bratislava on a day trip

Vienna to Bratislava Tour by Bus and Boat

✅ Day trip to Bratislava

✅ Full-day tour

✅ Plenty of time for exploration

Vienna boat tour to Wachau Valley, Austria

Wachau Valley Day Tour with Wine Tasting

✅ Scenic boat ride

✅ Great summer tour

✅ Visit wineries

Danube River boat cruise at sunset

Heurigen Cruise with Viennese Songs and Buffet

✅ Viennese songs

✅ Buffet dinner

✅ Sunset views

Best Vienna Boat Tour

1. vienna to bratislava tour by bus and boat.

⭐️  RATING:  4.2/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  11.5 hours | ✅  Book it!

This Vienna boat tour is an exciting one because it takes you all the way to Bratislava, Slovakia! That means you can add another European country to your list!

On the way to Bratislava, you travel by bus. This is a 1-hour journey aboard a coach bus.

Once you arrive in Bratislava, you will meet a local guide who will take you on a guided walking tour of the old town. The tour will last about 2 hours and afterwards, you’ll have additional time to explore Bratislava on your own and perhaps retrace your steps to some of the attractions that most interest you.

A few attractions not to be missed in Bratislava’s old town include:

St. Martin’s Cathedral, a Gothic cathedral that’s been the site of many coronations; Michael’s Gate, the only gate that has been preserved in the city; the Bratislava Fortifications, the last remaining stretch of the medieval city walls; and Roland Fountain, a fountain topped by Knight Roland who was the legendary defender of the city.

I would suggest making time to visit Bratislava Castle. Built in the 9th century and modified many times over, this 4-towered castle sits perched on a hill overlooking the Danube River.

It’s a beautiful walk to the top offering nice views over the Old Town, plus you also have the Slovak National Museum and the Baroque Gardens on the north side.

You’ll also have plenty of time to try Slovak food during the day. I really enjoyed a restaurant called Modrá Hviezda which is set in a cave at the foot of the castle hill. It’s a pretty unique dining experience so ask to be seated in the back if there’s room.

We ordered pork chop covered in crushed walnuts with a honey-mustard sauce and a side of roasted potatoes, and duck cooked in a wine sauce with forest mushroom and potato pancakes.

After enjoying your day trip to Bratislava , you’ll make your way down to the pier to board the boat to Vienna. You’ll travel aboard the Twin City Liner, which is a catamaran. The journey time back to Vienna is 1.5 hours.

Bring your passport on this boat trip as you are entering another country and you may be required to present it.

  • You get to visit another country
  • Full-day activity
  • Plenty of time for solo exploration

Check Prices and Availability!

2. Wachau Valley Day Tour with Wine Tasting

⭐️  RATING:  4.8/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  9 hours | ✅  Book it!

This day trip to the Wachau Valley isn’t a full-day boat tour, however, it does include a boat tour segment in the itinerary when you do this trip during the summer months!

You’ll start the day leaving Vienna and travelling by van down narrow countryside roads deep into the heart of the Wachau Valley.

Along the way, your driver and guide will teach you all about the history of wine-making in the region which dates back to the time of the Romans!

During the tour, you’ll get to taste a variety of dry and fruity white wines from the Wachau Valley and sample other local delicacies like apricot jams and liqueurs.

If you take this tour during the summer months (technically mid-May to mid-October), you’ll be able to enjoy a boat ride on the Danube River from Spitz to Melk. Since this isn’t possible during the winter months, this activity gets replaced with a guided tour of Melk Abbey.

Once you arrive in the medieval town of Dürnstein, you’ll get free time to explore. The castle ruins are an important attraction in the area since this is where Richard the Lionhearted was once held prisoner.

Finally, you’ll get to visit a heuriger , which is a traditional family-run Austrian wine tavern. Here you’ll enjoy a wine tasting!

You can browse more wine tours in Vienna here.

  • Great way to explore an Austrian wine region
  • Visits beautiful medieval towns
  • Scenic boat ride during the summer months

3. Heurigen Cruise with Viennese Songs and Buffet

⭐️  RATING:  4.1/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | ✅  Book it!

This Vienna boat tour down the Danube River is an opportunity to enjoy live music with an Austrian dinner.

During the cruise, you circle Vienna’s 2nd district which offers scenic views of the illuminated skyline. You get to see landmarks like the Danube Tower, the Danube Plate, and the DC Tower.

Plus, you can also see historic buildings such as the Anniversary Church, the Ringturm and the Rossauer Barracks.

The performance is all Viennese Heuriger music. If you’re wondering what that is, you’re not alone! Heuriger refers to a wine tavern, so these are traditional songs played mainly on guitars and accordions which add to the merriment of the place.

Dinner is served buffet style featuring classic Viennese dishes.

  • Get to listen to traditional wine tavern music
  • Scenic views of Vienna
  • Buffet dinner featuring Austrian cuisine

Vienna boat tour at sunset

4. Floating Dinner Vienna: Private Dining Experience on Danube

⭐️  RATING:  NEW! | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour | ✅  Book it!

If you’re looking for the most unusual Vienna boat ride, this one here might be it!

This is a very unique setup where you get your own e-boat Island. Picture something like a round floating deck complete with comfortable patio furniture and a palm tree.

Dinner is served before the cruise and includes a main course meal, either Viennese Schnitzel or a vegetarian option, and one bottle of red or white wine.

You then begin your e-boat sail down the Danube River, but it’s not as tricky as it sounds. The e-boats are extremely easy to drive using a joystick control.

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind boat cruise in Vienna, this one fits the bill.

  • Unique boat experience
  • Get your own private e-boat island
  • Viennese Schnitzel and wine for dinner

Danube Canal at night in Vienna

5. Vienna: Sunset Barbecue Cruise with Fireworks Display

⭐️  RATING:  4.3/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3.5 hours | ✅  Book it!

This Vienna boat cruise takes place aboard the MS Kaiserin Elisabeth.

During the tour, you’ll get to enjoy the Danube River from a unique perspective as well as iconic landmarks like the Donauplatte, the Danube Tower, and the Millennium Tower.

This cruise also features live Heuriger music which creates a very lively environment with the musicians encouraging participation from the public.

Dinner is BBQ served buffet style and the grand finale is a beautiful fireworks display to end off the evening.

  • BBQ dinner buffet
  • Live Austrian wine tavern music
  • Fireworks display while cruising the Danube River

Bridges across the Danube at night

Choosing a Vienna boat tour

So what’s the best Vienna boat tour, you ask?

As you’ve seen, there are all sorts of different options: you can enjoy a river cruise on the Danube River with dinner and live music, a scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley wine region, a private tour on your own e-boat island, or a boat tour coming back from Bratislava to Vienna.

You have lots of choices and hopefully, this blog post has helped you narrow it down to the right one for you!

Views of the Danube at night

Read More about Austria:

  • 10 Delectable Vienna Food Tours
  • 10 Vienna Restaurants to Visit
  • 5 Best Vienna Bike Tours
  • Where to Eat in Salzburg
  • Must-Try Tyrolean Dishes
  • Sachertorte: Vienna’s Famous Dessert

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Vienna Danube River Cruises

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  • Schönbrunn Palace – an expansive palace that served as the summer home for the royal family; although it was the summer residence, its relevance as a Baroque landmark in Austria's architectural and cultural history sets it above most other buildings in Vienna.
  • Hofburg Palaces – built in the 13th century, it has been the imperial seat for more than 800 years
  • Grinzing – this neighborhood is most famous for its taverns, where you will experience a true flavor of the region as you sample its delicious locally grown and crafted wines and beers.

Top Things to See and Do in Austria

European rivers, when to visit europe: seasons & temperatures, cruising europe christmas markets, european cruise: when to go, best time to visit austria, best vienna danube river cruise lines for 2024-2025.

  • AMA Waterways   - an all-inclusive river cruise provider that offers gorgeous itineraries to European destinations like the legendary Danube River, passing via Vienna, Austria. Sail in maximum luxury aboard the  MS Amamagna , double the width of classic European river ships, with more than 50% ultra-spacious suite accommodations with full balconies.
  • CroisiEurope   - Europe's market leader in river cruising, explores the mythical capitals of Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest in a single voyage, the great classic for discovering the splendors of the Blue Danube aboard the river ships  MS France ,  MS Beethoven , and  MS Amacerto . 
  • Emerald Waterways   - explore the delights of the Danube with carefully crafted EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE excursions, world-class dining experiences, and staffs' in-depth knowledge. Journey onboard the  Emerald Sky  and  Emerald Sun , two of its six Star-Ships cruise the Danube rivers.

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Boat on the Danube in Wachau

Vienna River Cruise Guide: A Warning, And 6 Best Boat Trips

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[todaysdate format=”F Y”]    Vienna River Cruise : Much like choosing a restaurant, cruising the Vienna Danube opens up a confusing choice. Do you prefer lush scenery over contemporary architecture? Enjoy the thrill of high speed transport or rather an elegant cruise ship, or chilling in a tiny ‘Zille’? One thing is for sure: You need to be selective to enjoy a boat ride on Donau.

Why Not All Vienna River Cruises Tick The Box

Contrary to Johann Strauss’s Danube waltz and most boat tour operators, the Danube river in Vienna isn’t always as scenic as you may expect, let alone of blue color. Unlike in Budapest, the Danube does not cross the city center. Instead, it separates the 2nd district Leopoldstadt from the 21st district of Floridsdorf. This means that a city cruise on the Danube usually introduces guests to the industrial charms of Handelskai in Leopoldstadt, and the contemporary high-rise buildings of Donau City on the Floridsdorf side. Hence, most city cruises include the more central Danube Canal, which highlights more landmarks. If you consider a Vienna river cruise, just adapt your expectations and go for a short evening cruise with soft light.

If you ask me, the best location for a truly scenic Danube river tour is UNESCO World Heritage site Wachau Valley. A top alternative is to travel to Bratislava, where you can choose between a majestic Danube cruise along the whole Vienna stretch to Bratislava, and an exciting high speed catamaran whizz. Here is my boiled down guide to the best boat trips on the Donau.

1. City Evening Cruise

Boat Trips: UN Headquarters, Vienna Danube

Along the Danube canal, Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser’s Kunsthaus adds fun, and the most relaxing sites are the Prater woodlands and Danube Island. Do also watch out for Otto Wagner’s modernist Schützenhaus, and the Zaha Hadid-designed university library. On top, you’ll get to try the Otto-Wagner designed lock at Nussdorf!

2. Private Yacht Trip On The Danube

Far from the experience of a large cruise ship, this 3-hour yacht ride connects you more deeply with the surroundings of the Danube. At a pier in the 19th district you’ll step aboard. As you glide along the river, you’ll navigate the historical Nussdorf lock and enter the Danube canal, until you reach Schwedenplatz in the heart of the city. During the standard three-hour tour your round trip on the Vienna Danube and the Danube Canal will cover all the key sights. Perfect for a group of up to 7 people you can book this ride for a minimum of three and up to six hours. Read more.

3. Electric Sofa Boat On The Old Danube

Vienna boat tour: Meine Insel sofa boat

Not only are these electric boats quiet and sustainable their quirky designs and large sofas make them extremely comfortable, and an easy platform to take a plunge into the waters on a hot summer day. Read my review.

4. Kayaking On The Old Danube

Boat trips: Kayaking Vienna Danube

One of the best ways to experience the Old Danube along with tiny Gänsehäufel island, a lake shore café and the weekend log cabins of local residents is kayaking. During this private tour your certified open-water lifeguard will take you to the best spots. Between May and September the water is perfect for a swim, so do take your swimsuits with you. Find out more.

5. Wachau boat trip

Boat trips: Wachau ship

6. Quick Vienna To Bratislava Boat Ride

Boat trips: Catamaran to Bratislava

Definitely, we found we had more than enough time in Bratislava to do sightseeing. Read my story about our catamaran ride and mini danube cruise .

Vienna to Budapest

Note: The Vienna river cruise hydrofoil service has been suspended. There is a six hour Danube cruise   that takes you from Vienna to Budapest and back on a high speed hydrofoil. This is the fastest of all boat trips between the two cities. It is a good option for people who want a day cruise on the Danube and visit Budapest. Added benefit: You are free to explore both cities at your own speed and taste. Go here for a review and more information on the  hydrofoil Vienna – Budapest .

About The Danube River

Boat Trips: Danube seen from Donauturm

In Vienna, the Danube was regulated in the 1870ies to prevent Austria’s capital from being flooded. The original Danube bed was transformed into the Old Danube (Alte Donau), now a lake. South of it, the new Danube river bed was created. The long and narrow Danube Island (Donauinsel) separates the Danube from the New Danube (Neue Donau). Explore the best places on the Wiener Donau in my Vienna Danube insider guide.

Map Of Vienna Danube From Wachau To Budapest

The river danube map below highlights the area  between the Wachau Valley and Budapest . Click on the placemarks below for more information about the marked cities and areas.

go to Wachau Valley Tour  Review – Wine And Danube visit  Wachau Tour  – Wine Tasting And Danube Biking find out about a  Burgenland Wine Tour – Wine Tasting Near Vienna check  Vienna Wineries   – Heuriger Guide and Map by Two Natives go to Seegrotte Tour  Review – Europe’s Largest Underground Lake for easy sightseeing go t   Vienna Sights   by Car – What To See On A Private Sightseeing Tour explore  Vienna Travel Planning – Trip Planning and Travel Consulting by Vienna Unwrapped

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Vienna summer opera Klosterneuburg

A Magic Night At A Vienna Summer Opera: Klosterneuburg

Vienna Summer Opera. When Viennese opera houses close for the season an open air opera …

Danube City Panorama 2025

Flusskreuzfahrten Katarakten Donau

Highlights of the Danube Cruise

Complete relaxation between towering cliffs and cultural highlights..

From Passau to Tulln, Bratislava, Budapest, Esztergom, Vienna and Linz to Passau.

With a stroke of the bow, a violin begins to weep. The young, the artistic and business people sit beneath the golden ceiling of the Book Café in Budapest. This city of many influences is a place where people, culture and architecture come together to create a unique atmosphere. Visitors who dock in Belgrade will be able to smell peach trees and wood smoke as they make their way to the imposing fortress. They’ll also be able to try pljeskavica, a kind of burger served with cream cheese and flatbread. There’s more to Vienna than the Sissi Museum, the cathedral and Prater; there’s also an endless array of charming and innovative shops, cafés and museums. Plus, the Carpathian Mountains aren’t far away. First, though, you must pass through the “Iron Gates”. Looking on disapprovingly is a 40-m-high portrait carved into the cliffs of a king who ruled here until 106 A.D. The deep-blue water flows through the vertical cliffs of this mighty canyon, taking many a passenger’s breath away. The Wachau valley seems rather gentle by comparison. This area’s mild climate means that sun-kissed grapes can be grown to produce exquisite wines. This UNESCO World Heritage Site also boasts idyllic ruined castles and picturesque villages. A region for true connoisseurs.

Flussreise Wien

Once you've settled into Vienna for a few hours, you won't want to leave in a hurry. You want to visit the countless cafés, where the traditional Viennese coffee house culture is still lived today. And also the great history around the emperors, Sissi and the Habsburgs with their pompous lifestyle contributes to the fascination of this city. Or you can listen to the sounds of Viennese classical music. In addition, the Austrian capital can also inspire on a culinaric level: it is not for nothing that the famous Wiener Schnitzel and the Sachertorte could establish themselves almost everywhere in the world.

Budapest

On one bank of the Danube is hilly Buda with its Fisherman’s Bastion and Castle Hill; on the other, there’s flat Pest with its House of Parliament. These two beautiful districts couldn’t be more different. Perhaps that’s why it took until 1873 for the two cities on opposite sides of the river to merge and form Budapest.

A-ROSA Kreuzfahrten nach Bratislava

Slovakia’s capital is situated exactly at the point where the country meets Austria and Hungary. This makes it the only capital city in the world that borders more than one neighbouring country. Due to its location, Bratislava has been an ethnic melting pot since ancient times. This influence can be seen in every corner of the city.

1st Day Passau Dep 04:00 pm

Passau is the departure point for your exciting Danube cruise. A university city, it combines old-town charm and ecclesiastical history with a young, modern vibe. As the ship departs, enjoy the thrill of heading off along the Danube for the first time – and look forward to your cruise, with its many experiences, picturesque natural scenery and magnificent towns and cities. Welcome aboard!

Flusskreuzfahrten ab Passau

2nd Day Tulln Arr 11:00 am Dep 11:00 pm

The picturesque Tulln, nestled between rolling hills and vast fields, is rich in history, culture and natural wonders. Stroll along the charming cobbled streets and admire the well-preserved historic buildings from different eras.

3rd Day Bratislava Arr 07:00 am Dep 05:00 pm

Bratislava, home to approximately 450,000 inhabitants and located on the left bank of the Danube, is a young capital city – the youngest in Europe, in fact. Throughout the old town, you’ll see traces of the Austro-Hungarian Empire wherever you go. This leisurely city of baroque and rococo, palaces and palisades, and art and coffee houses is a perfect place to wander around, marvel at impressive sights, relax and unwind.

Flussreise auf der Donau nach Bratislava

4th Day Budapest Arr 05:00 am

Do you know how many bridges Budapest has? There are seven in total – and they span the river between the neighbourhoods Buda and Pest. The most well known is probably the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. Take a look at Budapest’s imposing structures for yourself as you cruise down the Danube. And if you go out onto the sun deck of your A-ROSA ship, you’ll also have an unobstructed view of Budapest’s famous parliament building. The perfect way to experience a stunning city.

Städtereise nach Budapest mit A-ROSA

5th Day Budapest Dep 09:00 pm

6th day esztergom arr 03:00 am dep 12:00 pm.

Once the capital of Hungary, Esztergom sits right on the bank of the Danube and can be admired directly from the river. The castle tower and mighty basilica form an amazing sight, rising up from the steep bank of the Danube. This is a view you’ll definitely want to photograph during your Danube cruise. So, it’s a good thing that A-ROSA ships have such pleasant sun decks!

Donau Flusskreuzfahrten nach Esztergom

7th Day Vienna Arr 08:00 am

This is a real highlight of your Danube cruise: Vienna, the capital of Austria with that extra-special something. The locals sound as though they are singing when they speak, and it is customary for certain business owners to address their regular customers with their full title. That’s just the way things are done here. With its wealth of museums, galleries, palaces and castles, plus the state opera and many theatres, the city enjoys a lively cultural scene all year-round. The Viennese are proud of their city – and rightly so!

Karlskirche in Wien besuchen

8th Day Vienna Dep 06:00 pm

9th day linz arr 12:00 pm dep 06:30 pm.

Your Danube cruise is the perfect opportunity to get to know the Austrian city of Linz. It offers an exciting mix of cultural attractions and true works of art. You’ll discover a modern, cosmopolitan city whose diversity, design and creativity really make it stand out. And no visit to Linz would be complete without a trip to a cafe to sample its specialities, such as the famous Linzer Torte.

Spaziergang Linz

10th Day Passau Arr 07:00 am

Today we dock again in Passau. You will return home from the Queen of the Rivers with so many beautiful and wonderful impressions. And if you don't want to leave us quite yet, why not explore the city and region on your last day? You can also extend your cruise in one of our partner hotels. See you soon and ahoy!

A-ROSA Premium all inclusive

Enjoy your most beautiful time with maximum comfort and with the all-round carefree package: A-ROSA Premium all inclusive.

Your desired cabin? Voilà! Sauna, fitness area, pool? Always at your service! Top culinary menus? Enjoy your meal! Attractive discounts on all massage and beauty treatments? Of course! Plus many other benefits that will always put a smile on your face, while you have nothing to do but think about your next wish.

Included Services

  • Full BoardPlus: Comprehensive breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets with live-cooking stations, embarkation snack, as well as daily tea and coffee time
  • High-quality drinks included throughout the day: tea, coffee and coffee specialities, water, soft drinks, beer, prosecco, as well as a selection of wines
  • A-ROSA Best Price until 31 July 2024, Super Early Booking Discounts for bookings made until 30 November 2024 and Early Booking Discounts for bookings made until 28 February 2025 for cruises from March – October 2025 and bookings made until 31 August 2025 for cruises from November 2025 until January 2026.
  • Kids up to 15 years of age cruise for free on deck 1¹
  • One free change of reservation up to 30 days before departure
  • Comprehensive service concept with Guest Relations Management
  • Varied onboard entertainment for cruises of 7 nights or more with local performers
  • Room service in every cabin grade (during bar hours)²
  • A-ROSA App with information about your cruise
  • Special prices for additional services on board, e.g. SPA treatments, workshops³
  • Free e-bikes for independent exploration, subject to availability⁴
  • English-speaking travel and hotel management
  • Transfer between airport or TGV train station and ship when arrival is booked through A-ROSA⁵
  • Toiletries as well as bathrobes on request
  • Ship transfers

¹ Children up to and including 15 years of age travel free of charge when accompanied by at least one (two in Cat. G) supervising adult on Deck 1. From Deck 2 children receive a 30 % discount. Furthermore, children up to 7 years of age accompanied by 2 supervising adults can use a sofa bed free of charge on the A-ROSA SENA in categories B - D. On the A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA & A-ROSA CLEA children accompanied by at least one supervising adult receive a 30 % discount. The children’s discount is only valid for the cruise itself. Limited availabilities on all cruises. ² Drinks only, according to the room service menu. Except A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA and A-ROSA CLEA ³ Except A-ROSA ALEA and A-ROSA CLEA ⁴ A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA & A-ROSA CLEA: E-bike rental not available. ⁵ If a flight or TGV booking is made through A-ROSA, the transfer is included. You will receive the relevant details with your travel information.

PLEASE NOTE: Transfer between railway station and ship on the Danube & Rhine can be booked for an additional fee.

A-ROSA Best Price

A-ROSA Best Price until 31 July 2024 , Super Early Booking Discounts for bookings made until 30 November 2024 and Early Booking Discounts for bookings made until 28 February 2025 for cruises from March – October 2025 and bookings made until 31 August 2025  for cruises from November 2025 until January 2026.

YOUR DESIRED CABIN

Choose exactly the cabin you like. If available, we will book your desired cabin with cabin number.

Dates & Prices

15. apr 2025 - 24. apr 2025 a-rosa flora from € 1,798 pp select cabin from € 1,798 pp.

Spacious and comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A-Rosa Silva Kabine S

Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with Juliette balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A-Rosa Silva Kabine C

Generously sizes and comfortable family cabins with two extra beds. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A-ROSA Donau Familienkabine

Generously sized Junior Suite with Juliette balcony, sofa, spacious bathroom and walk-in closet. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Additional services: check-in and personal welcome from 12.00 h, Suite cocktail with the hotel manager, room service, free use of the mini bar, fresh flowers and fruit, laundry and ironing service, butler service.

2-bed junior suite E, A-ROSA FLORA

Generously sized Balcony Suite with balcony, sofa, bathroom with daylight and walk-in closet. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Additional services: check-in and personal welcome from 12.00 h, Suite cocktail with the hotel manager, room service, free use of the mini bar, fresh flowers and fruit, laundry and ironing service, butler service.

A-Rosa Silva Suite

27. Jun 2025 - 06. Jul 2025 A-ROSA FLORA from € 1,798 pp select cabin from € 1,798 pp

30. jul 2025 - 08. aug 2025 a-rosa flora from € 1,798 pp select cabin from € 1,798 pp, 05. sep 2025 - 14. sep 2025 a-rosa flora from € 1,798 pp select cabin from € 1,798 pp, arrival & hotel, ships on this cruise, a-rosa flora.

A-ROSA FLORA

The 10 best places to go on a river cruise in Europe 

Jun 7, 2024 • 8 min read

danube river dinner cruise vienna

Appreciate the beautiful architecture of Budapest from the Danube © Sanga Park / Shutterstock

Cruising down a quiet, traffic-free river, surrounded by scenic riverfront views is an ideal way to see Europe . You can sip your wine while watching picture-perfect scenery breeze past – taking in castles, medieval villages and fields of flowers. 

By necessity, European riverboats are small and passenger numbers are often fewer than 200, making these cruises a far more social and intimate experience. There’s also plenty to do and see onshore, and with more frequent stops you can enjoy more onshore activities. Cruise lines are now also offering more immersive learning experiences such as cooking classes and home visits, or activities like bicycle trips and long hikes.

The hardest part is choosing where to go — which is why we've rounded up the 10 best places to go on a European river cruise. 

River cruise boats float down a village-lined river in Germany.

1. Northern Rhine (Germany)

From gorgeous river meanders and noble German cities

The northern section of the Rhine features dramatic landscapes and a host of interesting towns. Cologne (Köln), Germany ’s fourth-largest city, offers numerous attractions starting with its famous cathedral, while Koblenz, at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, is a park- and flower-filled delight. Heading south, the Rhine meanders between hillside castles and steep fields of wine-producing grapes. Idyllic villages appear around each bend, their half-timbered houses and Gothic steeples seemingly plucked from a fairy tale. Scarcely damaged during WWII, handsome Speyer is crowned by a magnificent Romanesque cathedral. 

2. Southern Rhine (France, Germany & Switzerland)

Explore intriguing towns in this border land

The Southern Rhine forms the border between Germany and France before becoming Switzerland ’s northern frontier. Strasbourg is the perfect overture to all that is idiosyncratic about Alsace – walking a fine tightrope between France and Germany, between a medieval past and a progressive future. Further south, the Black Forest spills into Alsace in the German town of Breisach. Unsurprisingly, given its geographical and cultural proximity to France, the locals here have a passion for a good bottle of wine. Basel, at the juncture of the French, German and Swiss borders, is perhaps where Switzerland’s Franco-Germanic roots are most evident.

3. Rhône (France)

Indulge in gourmet experiences cruising the south of France

Commanding a strategic spot at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône Rivers, grand old Lyon is France’s gastronomic capital. Downstream, the Rhône forges past Vienne’s Roman ruins and the centuries-old Côtes du Rhône vineyards, opening to sunny vistas of fruit orchards, lavender fields and the distant Alps as it continues south. During the 14th century, the Provençal town of Avignon was the center of the Roman Catholic world. Its impressive legacy of ecclesiastical architecture most notably includes the soaring, World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes .

Sunset's golden light signs on the Italianite city of Passau and the Danube river.

4. Western Danube (Austria & Germany)

Romantic landscapes in the heart of Europe

The baroque streetscapes and imperial palaces set the stage for Vienna ’s artistic and musical masterpieces alongside its coffee-house culture and vibrant epicurean and design scenes. Moving into Germany, the Danube gently winds its way to the Italianate city of Passau . Top billing in eastern Bavaria goes to Regensburg, a former capital and one of Germany’s prettiest and liveliest cities. Nuremberg (Nürnberg), Bavaria’s second-largest city and the unofficial capital of Franconia, is an energetic place with a history that ranges from undeclared capital of the Holy Roman Empire to the trials that judged Nazi war crimes.

5. Eastern Danube (Hungary & Serbia)

Travel a cross-section of Europe’s less-touristed east

The two great cities of this stretch of the Danube are the capitals of Hungary and Serbia respectively. Budapest has something for everyone – from dramatic history and flamboyant architecture to healing thermal waters. Outspoken, adventurous, proud and audacious: Belgrade ("White City") has a gritty exuberance and eclectic architecture making it one of Europe’s most happening cities today. While it hurtles towards a brighter future, its past unfolds before your eyes: socialist blocks are squeezed between art nouveau masterpieces and remnants of the Habsburg legacy contrast with Ottoman relics.

Lush green vineyards line the banks of the Duoro.

6. Douro (Portugal)

See spectacular terraced vineyards, the home of port wine

The Douro region, home to port wine, is simply one of the most glorious spots on earth. The Douro Valley showcases steep terraced vineyards carved into mountains, granite bluffs, whitewashed quintas (estates) and 18th-century wine cellars that draw visitors from around the world. Humble-yet-opulent Porto entices with its higgledy-piggledy medieval center, divine food and wine, and charismatic locals. Its charms are as subtle as the nuances of an aged tawny port, best savored slowly.

7. Elbe (Czech Republic & Germany)

A little-cruised but picturesque stretch of Central Europe

Covering the Czech Republic and a thick slice of eastern Germany, Elbe cruises are under-the-radar options. Prague , not on the Elbe but usually included on river cruises, contends with cities like Budapest and Paris in terms of beauty. Its maze of cobbled lanes and hidden courtyards is perfect for the aimless wanderer. The classic view of Dresden from the Elbe’s northern bank takes in spires, towers and domes belonging to palaces, churches and stately buildings: hard to believe that the city was all but wiped off the map by Allied bombings in 1945. While the city of Wittenberg is first and foremost about Martin Luther, the monk who triggered the German Reformation in 1517.

The pedestrian Pont des Arts crosses the River Seine, linking the Palais du Louvre (shown) and the Institut de France

8. Seine (France)

Cruise out of Paris through northern France

Paris has a timeless familiarity, with instantly recognizable architectural icons, memorable cuisine and chic boutiques. Dining is a quintessential part of the Parisian experience, and its art repository is one of the best, showcasing priceless treasures in palatial museums. Don't miss Rouen is one of Normandy’s most engaging and historically rich destinations, with its soaring Gothic cathedral, beautifully restored medieval quarter, excellent museums and vibrant cultural life. At the mouth of the Seine, Le Havre is a love letter to modernism, evoking France’s postwar energy and optimism.

9. Main (Germany)

A seductive German river connecting to the Rhine and Danube

Rising in Franconia and joining the Rhine near Mainz, the Main (pronounced "mine") is the longest German-only river. From Bamberg to its confluence, it travels some 400km through locks and picturesque scenery, dotted with historic towns. Frankfurt ’s skyscrapers are quite a contrast to the picturesque towns that follow, though it too has a rather traditional and charming old town. Scenic Würzburg is renowned for its art, architecture and delicate wines. A disarmingly beautiful architectural masterpiece, Bamberg’s entire Altstadt is a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

A river flows through lush farmland in Germany.

10. Moselle (Germany)

An intimate stretch of the wine-producing German region

Having traversed France and Luxembourg , the Moselle heads through Germany to meet its destiny with the Rhine at Koblenz. It’s a very pretty stretch of river flanked by vineyards, and makes for great leisurely cruising and exploration. With an astounding nine UNESCO World Heritage sites, gorgeous Trier shelters Germany’s finest ensemble of Roman monuments, and is enlivened by a characterful medieval center and large student population. Bernkastel-Kues are lovely twin settlements in the heart of wine country, while Cochem’s castle and pretty buildings make it a visual highlight of the Moselle .

How do I choose a route for a European river cruise?

The two major rivers for European cruises are the Rhine and the Danube. Together, they were once the northern boundary of the Roman Empire. Rhine cruises often run from Amsterdam to Basel, following the course of the river through Germany. Danube cruises start in southern Germany, wend their way through Bratislava, Slovakia; Linz and Vienna, Austria; and Belgrade, Serbia; then skirt the Bulgarian and Romanian border to reach the Black Sea.

While many first-time European river cruisers stick to these two rivers, there are many other options available. In Western Europe, you can cruise through the French countryside on the Rhône and Seine, or check out the vineyards of Portugal on the Douro. 

Even on the same river, distinct routes can be offered. One company might zip up the Rhine, allowing you to see the highlights in a few days; another might take longer, exploring smaller places along the way and offering more time for onshore experiences. You'll need to decide whether you’d like to get a look at more destinations, or more of a feel for fewer places.

When is the best time to go on a European river cruise?

Cruises on European rivers tend to begin in the spring, around March, and go through to October. Some cruises, operating in areas where Christmas markets are a feature, run right through December but inclement weather or river flooding could put a dampener on plans. Winter cruises tend to focus on places where Christmas experiences are on offer. Shorter daylight hours mean you’ll see less scenery, but the charm of the festive season has its own appeal. 

Choosing your season is very much a matter of personal preference, and there are pros and cons for each season. Summer cruises offer the most spectacular scenery, the longest daylight hours and the best weather, but the towns you visit will be far busier and you won’t be alone in port; in some smaller places, you may have to scramble across the decks of other boats to reach the shore.

Spring and autumn mean less time around the pool on the top deck, but quieter times ashore. Expect rains in spring, but also blooming flowers. Autumn is a great time to cruise the Douro, with grapes being picked and clement temperatures.

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7 Fantastic UNESCO Sites To Experience On A Danube River Cruise

T he Danube is one of the most popular rivers in Europe for its natural beauty and the many castle ruins, monasteries, and palaces you can see while cruising along the river.

In fact, there are so many fantastic sites to see along the Danube, you would need months or even years to see them all. If you’re on a river cruise, as I was, you’ll have a week or maybe 10 days; therefore, I’ve chosen what I believe are some of the most visually splendid UNESCO sites as I experienced them on Viking’s Danube Waltz.

Notably, the Danube flows through two capital cities rich in UNESCO designations: Budapest and Vienna. It was not easy to narrow down the list for this article, and I know many worthy sites and experiences have been left out. Nevertheless, I hope you’re inspired to do your own exploration of fantastic sites along the Danube River.

What Is A UNESCO Heritage Site?

The United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a designation protecting the cultural heritage of places and monuments around the world. There are even intangible UNESCO designations such as Vienna’s coffee house culture.

A key aspect of UNESCO is that it helps to foster appreciation for a people’s culture and heritage, and it supports awareness and conservation.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is one of Europe’s most romantic cities. The mix of architectural styles, broad city streets, and the many bridges crossing the Danube River create an old-world atmosphere that feels as if you’ve traveled back in time. And, in November 2020, Conde Nast Traveler included the banks of the Danube in Budapest in its list as one of the most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

There are three main districts designated UNESCO Cultural Heritage Sites in Budapest: Buda Castle Hill, the banks of the Danube River, and Andrassy Avenue. The Danube River divides the city with Buda Castle Hill on the west side and Andrassy Avenue on the east side. The most beautiful views are anywhere along the river and from Buda Castle Hill.

1. Buda Castle Hill

Buda, on the west bank, is the older part of the city, perched about 500 meters above the river. It is less populated and there is a wonderful mix of medieval, Baroque, and 19th-century architecture. The Buda Castle was built in 1265, but later buildings were added during the Baroque period. In the past, the castle complex was the home of Hungarian kings. Today, it houses the Hungarian National Gallery.

Part of the Buda Castle complex is the 700-year-old Matthias Church, named for King Matthias, who ruled between 1458 and 1490. He was the most popular Hungarian king, and under his rule, the country experienced peace and prosperity. He is sometimes referred to as Matthias the Just and is said to have been a bit of a Robin Hood. Be sure to visit the interior of the church with its gold leaf treasure and ornate stained-glass windows. Matthias Church was the coronation church for many Austrian Emperors.

The Fisherman’s Bastion is a viewing area built to celebrate the 1,000th birthday of the Hungarian State. It is usually crowded with people so don’t be in a rush. It is by far the best place from which to view the river and the monuments on its eastern banks.

Pro Tip: Buda Castle Hill provides the best views of the Danube River and the Parliament Building. You may encounter some steps and a few mildly steep hills, but overall it’s not too strenuous. To get there, walk across the Chain Bridge then take the funicular up the hill. Or, you may hire a taxi to take you up. It’s worth it for the views. Allow at least a half-day for visiting the Castle District.

2. The Szechenyi Bridge

The Szechenyi Bridge is also known as the chain bridge. This iconic monument is spectacular any time but for the most magical experience, be sure to view it at night. Built in 1849, it was the first permanent bridge to connect the east and west sides of the city, and it is the oldest bridge in Budapest. The bridge was blown up during World War II by the retreating German army leaving only the towers. It was rebuilt and reopened in 1949.

Pro Tip: The chain bridge and all of the historical monuments along the river are exquisitely lit at night. It’s easy to see why Budapest is often referred to as the Paris of the east. Do make time to walk across the bridge at night and admire the city from a different perspective.

3. Parliament Building

The Parliament Building was built between 1885 and 1902 on the east bank of the Danube in neo-Gothic style. The building symbolizes the importance of Budapest as the capital of Hungary. The exterior is impressive with its many domes, spires, and statues of Hungarian horsemen, but the real treasure is the inside, which is decorated with 88 pounds of gold.

Pro Tip: If you do visit the interior of the Parliament Building, plan to spend at least 2 hours.

Vienna, Austria

Before embarking on the Danube river cruise, what I knew about Vienna was that it was the home of Mozart (though he was born in Salzburg) and the Habsburgs. I had no idea that the historic center of the city is protected by UNESCO or that it was once the capital of the Holy Roman Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

What makes the city center fascinating is the layers of time exposed in the architecture and ruins that have been excavated. And of course, the history of the Habsburg Empire is seen everywhere, especially as you walk the Ringstrasse, or Ring Road, created in 1865 under the rule of Emperor Franz Joseph. At the time of its completion, it was considered quite chic to walk the Ringstrasse and possibly catch a glimpse of the Royals.

A few buildings of importance in the history and culture of Vienna include the Vienna State Opera, the Hofburg Palace (home of the Habsburgs), the gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and many 19th-century buildings that were once residences. Altogether, it is an enchanting mixture that begs you to stay, and perhaps enjoy a Strauss Waltz or a classical music concert.

4. The Hofburg Palace

The Hofburg Imperial Palace was the home of Austrian sovereigns including the Habsburgs. The Habsburgs ruled for 600 years — from the 13th century until 1918. Like the city of Vienna itself, the Hofburg consists of many additions added over time. The original structures were built in the 13th century! I highly recommend a good guide well versed in the history of Austria to tour this important monument.

The buildings today house the Austrian government, however, the apartments and living quarters of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elizabeth are open for tours.

Plan at least 2 hours to see the apartments, and if you want to visit other exhibitions at the palace, plan a half day.

Pro Tip: If you love all things equestrian you’ll want to at least walk by the stable of the Spanish Riding School where you may get lucky to see the Lipizzaner stallions in their stables. They are treated like royalty. You can purchase tickets for a tour or to watch a training session here.

5. Viennese Coffee Tradition

The Viennese coffee tradition has been designated a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. You must not leave Vienna without having a coffee at one of the historic cafes . There are as many cafes as there are ways to enjoy your coffee. A few options are Cafe Ritter, one of Vienna’s oldest and most elegant cafes; Cafe Landtmann on the Ringstrasse; and Cafe Demel, once the cafe of the royal Habsburgs family. This is a very old and pretty cafe with seating indoors.

Pro Tip: In Vienna, you may linger as long as you like over your coffee. In fact, that is exactly what the Viennese do. Also, your coffee will be served on a silver tray with a glass of water on the side.

6. Gottweig Abbey

Gottweig Abbey overlooks the stunning Wachau Valley and the Danube. It is a working Benedictine monastery.

The original abbey was built in 1084 and became a Benedictine abbey in 1094. After a fire in the 18th century, the abbey was completely reconstructed in the Baroque style. Today, there are only 30 monks who live here. They maintain the grounds and work in the apricot orchard and vineyards. You can buy some of the apricot wine produced at the Abbey, as well as tour the extensive library and art collection.

Referred to as the Montecassino of Austria, Gottweig Abbey is a place of respite and provides a window into the monastic way of life.

7. The Wachau Valley

The Wachau Valley is most memorable for the breathtaking views of castle ruins, monasteries, and vertical vineyards that appear to be at 90-degree inclines. You will see the ruins of Durnstein Castle where King Richard of England, also known as Richard the Lionheart, was imprisoned. The Wachau also encompasses Melk Abbey and the Abbey at Durnstein, which you’ll see on the shore just below the ruins of the castle. Cruising the Wachau Valley is a highlight of the Danube River cruise. 

Pro Tip: If there is one thing I wish I had known before embarking on the Danube River cruise, it’s that there is so much to see, a week is like a movie trailer — just enough to get you really interested in the main feature. It’s a good idea to book some extra days in one of your favorite cities, be it Budapest, Vienna, or another port on the river. Once you’re there, make the most of it!

Related Reading:

  • 7 Best River Cruise Lines Around The World
  • American Cruise Lines Unveils Its Longest U.S. River Cruise — The Four Rivers You’ll Explore In 60 Days
  • 7 Things I Loved About Viking’s Paris & The Heart Of Normandy River Cruise

V_E / Shutterstock.com

Flooding on the Danube in June 2024 has paralyzed shipping and tourist traffic (Photo: German Consulate Chicago)

Rhine and Danube River Cruises Impacted by High Water Levels in Germany and Austria

danube river dinner cruise vienna

High water levels caused by torrential rain has forced sections of the rivers Rhine and Danube in Germany and Austria to close, resulting in a number of river cruise lines having to cancel or alter itineraries in the region.

The increased water levels , which have caused extensive flooding, means that some vessels (cargo and river cruise ships), don't have enough space to sail beneath bridges.

Areas impacted include the German city of Passau , which lies on the Austrian border at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, and the Austrian city of Linz , which are both experiencing flooding, according to a report on the BBC.

News agency Aussiedlerbote reports that water levels continue to climb, with at least one river cruise ship requiring other vessels to come to evacuate its passengers. Water levels are expected to surpass records set in 2002, when 10.8 metres of water flooded Passau.

The Danube and the Rhine are Europe's busiest waterways for river cruises, with lines including Viking , Emerald , A-Rosa and Riviera Travel plying these waters.

Those due to head out on river cruises on the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers in the near future should prepare for potential travel disruptions.

What River Cruise Lines Have Said About Flooding

Passau, Germany inundated by flood waters in June 2024 (Photo: German Consulate Chicago)

Cruise Critic has contacted major river operators for comment on the situation in Europe along the rivers. Cruise Critic will monitor and update this list if further cancellations occur.

Emerald Cruises

Emerald Cruises has confirmed that some of its river itineraries have been changed due to the floods, but the line has not provided a comment or further details.

Riviera Travel

A spokesperson for UK-based tour operator Riviera Travel said: "A limited number of our sailings are impacted by the flooding on the Danube. We are in frequent contact with guests onboard to keep them fully up to date as the situation evolves and are making itinerary adjustments as needed to minimise disruption. We are not sailing near villages that are being evacuated and will always keep guest safety at the forefront of everything we do." 

TUI River Cruises

TUI River Cruises , sister line ocean-going Marella Cruises with three river vessels in Europe has cancelled this week's sailings on TUI Isla on the Danube.

A TUI River Cruises spokesperson said: "Due to the increased water levels across several areas of the Danube, we're currently unable to safely sail in these areas. The safety of our customers and crew is our number one priority so we have made the decision to cancel this week's upcoming TUI Isla itinerary. We appreciate how disappointing this news is to our customers and we have given them options to rebook their cruise in the near future or receive a full refund.

"We're continuing to assess the water levels and will be in direct contact with our customers if needed."

Luxury river line, Uniworld, said: "Due to heavy rainfall and flooding in Central Europe, various cities and stretches along the Rhine and Danube rivers have been impacted, temporarily affecting operations for all river cruise lines.

"We are actively monitoring the situation and communicating with impacted Uniworld guests and their Travel Advisors as soon as changes to the embarkation point, sailing schedule, and/or tours are known and confirmed; with solutions being determined on a case-by-case basis. Due to the changing nature of the situation, we are not always able to provide specific details in advance. Guests can be assured that the operations team is working diligently to provide them with alternatives that meet Uniworld’s strict standards for quality and service, delivering the 5-star experience that they know and expect."

In a statement posted to Viking' s website, the popular river cruise line says it is monitoring the situation for potential impacts.

"Currently, sections of the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers are experiencing high water levels. To varying degrees, these conditions may affect select itineraries. Our Switzerland-based nautical team is continually monitoring the situation and will make any necessary adjustments to accommodate the conditions.

"Guests and their Travel Advisors will continue to be notified directly if we think that their itinerary might be impacted.

"Viking has two key advantages with regard to handling water level disruptions. First, we own and operate our ships. We have a Switzerland-based nautical team and a network of local partners and authorities that are focused on monitoring and adapting to current water levels to ensure our guests experience the least possible disruption.

"Second, we strategically launch sister ships on the same itinerary, but sailing in opposite directions. In the event of high (or low) water, this tactic allows us to implement a ship swap that is typically seamless for guests – both they and their luggage are able to be transferred to their exact, identical stateroom on a sister ship that was purposefully sailing on the other half of the river in preparation for such a disruption."

VIVA Cruises

Viva Cruises has rerouted ships from areas impacted on the Rhine and is yet to make a decision on Viva Two , which departs on a seven-night Danube cruise from Vienna on June 8.

In a statement, the line said: "While the southern part of the Rhine is temporarily closed for all ships due to the floods, we want to assure our passengers that VIVA Cruises has not had to cancel any cruises at this stage.

"Our Rhine South itineraries – including stops in Strasbourg and Coblenz – are currently being re-routed to the Netherlands and Belgium. We have called all customers who had booked a cruise in the affected areas to explain their options – and we're updating our website constantly with the latest information. We will keep monitoring the situation together with our nautical team, local partners and authorities to ensure that our guests are affected as little as possible."

© 1995— 2024 , The Independent Traveler, Inc.

+43 1 588 80

[email protected]

danube river dinner cruise vienna

Discover Vienna on board of the MS Blue Danube

You travel in a loop starting at the Wien / City boat station on Schwedenplatz on the Danube Canal. On this tour you will see important buildings: Uniqua Tower, Urania observatory, Badeschiff, Ringturm, Roßauer barracks, Zaha-Hadid-Haus, and much more.

Experience Vienna from a different perspective

Several departures daily.

danube river dinner cruise vienna

Schedule 01.01. – 31.12., daily

SCHWEDENPLATZ TO SCHWEDENPLATZ

No City Cruise on 24.12.!

City Cruise on the Danube Canal

You can discover Vienna from the water on board of MS Blue Danube.

Experience Vienna from the water

Enjoy a cruise on board while our captains take care of your safety on board

Restaurant on board

Let yourself in our Viennese on-board restaurants – under the direction of Roman Loos – indulge in culinary delights. We offer you a varied range of food and drinks at moderate prices. The dishes are freshly prepared on board and the schnitzel is knocked, breaded and deep-fried directly at our restaurant.

Sightseeing

At any time of the year you have the opportunity to let the shores pass by in a relaxed way

€ 29.50 / per person

RESTAURANT ON BOARD

Onboard catering Loos Restaurant on board

Air conditioner on board

Announcements explanations of the main attractions

Children: 0-9 years: free | 10-15 years: -50% discount Seniors: 20% discount | Monday to Friday Groups: 10% discount from 20 persons tour guide free of charge, every 21st person free of charge People with disabilities: 20% discount (only with ID) also for 1 accompanying person

danube river dinner cruise vienna

Combi tickets

Combine your boat trip with an additional offer at sensational prices!

Course lising

until 29.03.2024: € 39,60 per person

from 30.03.2024: € 41.00 per person

SHIP + SCHNITZEL

Pork schnitzel with parsley potatoes freshly prepared on board.

Apple Strudel

until 29.03.2024: € 35,60 per person

from 30.03.2024: € 37,00 per person

SHIP + APPLE STRUDEL

Apple strudel with whipped cream + hot drink of your choice in addition to the boat trip.

Apple Strudel

until 29.03.2024: € 42,60 per person

from 30.03.2024: € 44,00 per person

SHIP + LUNCH

Combine your city walk with a short break.

Apple Strudel

2024: € 71,00 per person

SHIP + DINNER

End the day with a boat trip through illuminated Vienna.

landing piers

Shipstation vienna / city schwedenplatz.

Shipstation Vienna / City 1010 Vienna Franz-Josefs Kai 2 U1, U4 | Metro station “Schwedenplatz” underground car park

Ready to go?

Secure your tickets now!

Experience Vienna by boat!

A boat trip is always exciting and varied. During the trip, our captains ensure that your tour runs smoothly.

danube river dinner cruise vienna

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

Here you will find the answers to important questions about our cruises in Vienna.

Where can I buy tickets?

Tickets are available at our landing piers in Vienna and in the Wachau. You can also conveniently purchase your tickets via the online shop and print them out at home as Print @ Hom e tickets.

personally | at all ticket counters in Vienna or Wachau in the online shop | https://shop.ddsg-blue-danube.at by email | [email protected] by phone | +43 1 588 80

Can I take my bike on board?

It is not possible to transport bicycles on our ships in Vienna

Is there food on board?

All of our ships see themselves as floating restaurants. In Vienna, the Roman Loos company can pamper you with Viennese delicacies. Please choose from our extensive food and drink menu.

Are your ships air-conditioned?

The temperatures on our ships are always pleasant. Our ships are equipped with air conditioning.

children 0–9 years free of charge 10–15 years 50% discount

Seniors 60plus: 20% reduction Mon-Fri (from 60 years or with a pensioner ID)

groups 10% discount from 20 people Tour guides free, every 21st person free

Are the ships wheelchair accessible?

Wheelchairs must be registered for all journeys. You can find information on wheelchair-accessible ships and moorings under the following link and in the folder “People with special needs”.

SPECIAL NEEDS

In the case of boat trips with included bus transfers, transport for wheelchair users is unfortunately not possible.

Smoking on board?

The restaurant area is a smoke-free zone for all boat trips. Smoking is possible on the sun deck.

Table reservations

Table reservations for group bookings and menu orders possible. Otherwise free choice of seats.

Cancellation conditions

Can i take dogs on board.

Dogs travel with us for free. However, a muzzle and leash are essential! Unfortunately, dogs cannot be transported on boat trips with included bus transfers.

Discover the “ Queen among Europe’s rivers ” with the DDSG Blue Danube. The Danube is the most sung about river, it crosses a world cultural heritage, glides majestically between vineyards, breaks through rock massifs, offers imaginative views and a lot of variety. For the curious and first-time visitors as well as for “repeat offenders” and connoisseurs.

danube river dinner cruise vienna

MS_Wien_Grosse_Donaurundfahrt

Ms_blue_danube_dinner_cruise.

Dinner Cruise oder City Cruise

danube river dinner cruise vienna

Dinner_Cruise

Entspannte Atmosphäre auf Donauwellen

danube river dinner cruise vienna

Schiff + Schnitzel

danube river dinner cruise vienna

Vienna_Lunch_Boat

Gemütliche Auszeit am Wasser.

danube river dinner cruise vienna

Beste Entspannung und schönste Aussicht

danube river dinner cruise vienna

Rettungsring_DDSG_Blue_Danube

bei der DDSGBl

danube river dinner cruise vienna

Schulterklappe

Steht Ihnen zur Verfügung. Schiff ahoi!

  • Newsletters

Austria closes Danube for shipping as deadly floods spread across central Europe

A lifeboat navigates through the flood waters of the Danube in the old town of Passau, Germany, Tuesday June 4, 2024.

Flooding caused by torrential rain that killed five people in Germany over the weekend has spread across Austria and Hungary overnight Tuesday.

The entire Danube in Austria has been closed after its banks burst in Linz, the country's third-largest city.

The river, which flows over 350 kilometres of Austria, was shut down for shipping after heavy rainfall caused floods in both Austria and Germany.

The decision to close comes after flooding turned deadly in southern Germany on the weekend, where five people were killed.

Police confirmed on Tuesday that a woman's body was recovered from a car that sank into floodwater in Bavaria.

The woman was found in the town of Markt Rettenbach after ignoring barriers blocking a flooded road on Monday and driving off the road into a field.

The bodies of four other people who died in the floods were found on Sunday and Monday, three of them in basements.

A 22-year-old firefighter was killed during a rescue operation.

The old town is flooded by the Danube in Passau, Germany, Tuesday June 4, 2024.

The German DWD weather service declared the rainfall, which has hit southern Germany for days, had ended on Tuesday. Water levels remain at high levels, however.

Markus Söder, the minister-president of Bavaria, has announced that the state government will provide those affected with at least €100 million in financial aid. He declared the as "serious."

Firefighter killed, ICE train derails as catastrophic flooding continues in southern Germany

  • At least five dead in floods in southern Germany as situation remains critical

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited the impacted areas on Tuesday, saying it was the fourth time this year he was on a similar mission.

He added the German government "will do everything we can, including using the possibilities offered by the federal government, to ensure that help can be provided quickly."

The weather has also impacted nearby Hungary and Poland, which both predicted heavy rainfall in the coming days.

You might also like

German city of regensburg declares state of emergency due to flooding, firefighter dies as heavy rains and flooding worsens in germany.

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danube river dinner cruise vienna

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danube river dinner cruise vienna

CLUB WYNDHAM TRAVEL

7-night danube dreams, multiple sailings dates in june 2024 – june 2025 | avalon waterways.

Enjoy seven nights of adventure along the Danube River. Departs from Budapest, Hungary.

Cruise Details

Cruise along the peaceful Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany—discovering some of Central Europe’s most splendid capitals and charming towns along the way. Begin this timeless European river cruise in Budapest, where guided sightseeing acquaints you with the highlights of the vibrant capital of Hungary. Set sail on the Danube, take pictures of the impressive Parliament Building as you leave Budapest, and head for Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Here, enjoy a guided walk through the delightful Old Town and visit the Gothic-style St. Martin’s Cathedral. Vienna, Austria, the “City of Music,” makes an immediate impression with its lavish Habsburg Imperial Palace and neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House.

Enjoy the magnificent views as your river cruise takes you through the picturesque wine region of the Wachau Valley, with stops for a guided walk in Dürnstein and a visit of the impressive Benedictine Abbey of Melk. In Linz, walk around the Hauptplatz— Austria’s largest medieval square, which forms the center of the city, and be sure to photograph the splendid Trinity Column. Passau, Germany, the “City of Three Rivers,” is uniquely located where the Inn, Ilz, and Danube rivers converge. See its maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautiful Patrician houses, and marvel at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. A memorable conclusion to this delightful Danube River cruise!

Package Includes:

6 Ports | 4 Countries | 6 Excursions | One-Way Trip

What to Expect:

  • 6 shore excursions
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • 24-hour specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water
  • Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Day 1 : Budapest, Hungary
  • Day 2 : Budapest, Hungary
  • Day 3 : Bratislava, Slovakia
  • Day 4 : Vienna, Austria
  • Day 5 : Durnstein-Wachau Valley, Austria
  • Day 6 : Linz, Austria
  • Day 7 : Schlogen Oxbow-Passau, Germany
  • Day 8 : Vilshofen, Germany 

Your Club Wyndham Travel Advisor can book this cruise along with any additional travel needs you may have for this vacation including flights, car rental, hotel stay, or even an activity.

Reserve Your Cabin Today Call 800-732-0203

PlusPoints is a payment option for PlusPartner owners that entails a combination of points and out-of-pocket charge towards select Club Wyndham Travel bookings. PlusPoints can be used for the first two passengers in a cabin and allows owners the flexibility to use less points than listed and a larger out-of-pocket amount towards the reservation. PlusPoints is subject to change and availability. A PlusPoints booking will be charged a non-refundable $69 PlusPartner point exchange fee. Points may not be rented during the Express Reservation window.

Cruise and rates are subject to change and availability. Rates are listed per person based on double occupancy per cabin and includes port charges. Flights, gratuities, incidental expenses, and government taxes are not included. At least one shore excursion at every port and Wi-Fi are included. Coffee, tea and water for breakfast and beer, wine and soft drinks at lunch and dinner are included. Travelers are responsible for all required travel documents, including but not limited to passports or travel visas. Minimum age requirements may apply. Special feature is listed per cabin and is subject to change and minimum bookings. Travel is arranged by Club WyndhamTravel, 6277 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, FL 32821.

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IMAGES

  1. Vienna Danube River Evening Cruise with Live Music and Dinner tours

    danube river dinner cruise vienna

  2. 2023 Danube River Cruise with Dinner and Viennese Songs in Vienna

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  3. Danube River Cruise with Dinner and Viennese Songs in Vienna 2021

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  4. Danube River Dinner Cruise, Vienna

    danube river dinner cruise vienna

  5. Kombiticket Dinner Cruise

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  6. Vienna: Danube Cruise with Dinner & Orangery Concert

    danube river dinner cruise vienna

VIDEO

  1. Meet Vienna’s Rocky Balboa! Cruise On The Danube!

  2. Budapest River Tour

  3. Danube river cruise

  4. Budapest/Eger Hungary Travel

COMMENTS

  1. Vienna Dinner Cruise

    Danube River Evening Themed Cruise with Dinner & Live Music. from. €59. Check availability. 3 hr. - 3 hr. 30 min. Meals Included. 4.6(286)

  2. Danube River Dinner Cruise, Vienna

    Danube River Dinner Cruise. Setting sail from one of the piers near Reichsbrücke, our spacious modern boat will take you down the Donaukanal, one of the branches of the great river that flows through Vienna.As you cruise down the canal, you'll enjoy stunning views of the nighttime illuminations of the Austrian capital.The city's historical centre is magically lit up at nightfall!

  3. Danube river evening cruise Vienna Dinner & live music

    On board the modern DDSG Blue Danube ship, our route takes us from the Vienna / Reichsbrücke landing stage on the Handelskai upstream towards the Greifenstein lock. We then turn around and return to the Vienna / Reichsbrücke landing stage. Enjoy the dinner cruise with traditional Viennese cuisine while the evening skyline of the city glides past.

  4. Cruises Vienna

    Via the Nussdorf lock we reach the Danube Canal, where you can experience "historic Vienna" and the interesting architecture of Hundertwasser and Zaha Hadid. The tour ends in the city center at the Wien / City station on Schwedenplatz. Boat trip with the MS Wien. Departure station Vienna / Reichsbrücke. Duration approx. 1.5 hours.

  5. Combiticket Dinner Cruise

    Dinner Cruise. CHILDREN (10-15 YEARS) €39,00. Enjoy an evening boat trip, while passing the living bustle of the danube canal as well as a cruise on the "great Danube" and passing the lock of Nussdorf. Aperitif and romantic dinner at the reserved and set table, 3-course with a choice of options. BUY TICKETS.

  6. Grand Danube River Cruise

    Sightseeing. At any time of the year you have the opportunity to let the shores pass by in a relaxed way. € 29.50 / per person. Grand Danube Cruise (Route A or B) € 42.00 / per person. Grand Danube Cruise (Route A + B or B + A) Half Route, Duration Route A: 2 hours, Route B: 1,5 hours. Round Trip, Duration: 3,5 hours.

  7. Vienna Evening Sightseeing Cruise With Music and Dinner

    See Vienna illuminated at night on this 3-hour cruise along the Danube River. Hop aboard your boat and savor a dinner of traditional Austrian dishes served buffet-style, as live Viennese music keeps the mood festive. As the sun sets over the city, soak up stunning views of the capital's top attractions while gliding along the Danube River.

  8. THE TOP 10 Vienna Dinner Cruises (UPDATED 2024)

    See Vienna illuminated at night on this 3-hour cruise along the Danube River. Hop aboard your boat and savor a dinner of traditional Austrian dishes served buffet-style, as live Viennese music keeps the mood festive. As the sun sets over the city, soak up stunning views of the capital's top attractions while gliding along the Danube River....

  9. The Blue Danube River Cruise with Vienna Extension

    Tour the most historic towns and cities along the Danube, including guided tours of Vienna, Dürnstein, Budapest and Bratislava. Visit Esztergom Basilica, Melk Abbey, Schönbrunn Palace and the Vienna State Opera House. Explore Salzburg or Linz with an expert guide on a tour of the town's most interesting sights.

  10. Vienna Danube River Evening Cruise with Live Music and Dinner

    Experience a real Viennese evening! Cruise down the Danube River as you listen to Viennese music played in wine taverns. Cap off your night cruise with a delicious Heurigen buffet dinner consisting of traditional Viennese food.

  11. Vienna Combo: Danube River Cruise, Dinner and Schonbrunn Palace Concert

    Enjoy a day in Vienna with this combo tour, including a scenic cruise on the Danube River, a classical music concert, and a delicious 3-course dinner. Admire the city's top sights from the blue waters of the Danube, passing Millennium Tower and Urania Observatory. Then enjoy an authentic Austrian dinner at Café-Restaurant Residenz before topping off your evening with live classical music at ...

  12. Vienna: Danube River Cruise w/ optional Viennese Specialties

    14 Bad Voslau. 15 Seefeld. 16 Zürs. 17 Mühlbach am Hochkönig. 18 Obermoos. 19 Brixen im Thale. 20 Biberwier. Experience Vienna from a new perspective with a short or extended cruise on the Danube River. Enjoy the scenery as you relax on board with optional Viennese specialties available.

  13. Vienna by Boat

    Danube Boat Cruise for 1-2-3 hours in Vienna. Sailing the Danube on any number of sightseeing boat rides is a wonderful way to experience Vienna. A one hour, breathtaking tour on the canal banks offers views of Vienna's beautiful architecture and its many districts. A two hour hour cruise allows you to see Vienna's greenery starting at the ...

  14. Vienna: 3.5-Hour Danube Cruise with Live Music & BBQ Buffet

    Explore Vienna onboard a ship and cruise down the Danube River on this boat tour. Dance to live music while savoring a buffet of BBQ spare ribs, salad, sliders, chocolate brownies, and cheesecake. ... Vienna: 3.5-Hour Danube Cruise with Live Music & BBQ Buffet. Activity provider:DDSG Blue Danube Schiffahrt GmbH. 3.5 / 5 6 reviews.

  15. Vienna Boat Tour: Cruise the Danube River with these Day Tours

    This Vienna boat tour down the Danube River is an opportunity to enjoy live music with an Austrian dinner. During the cruise, you circle Vienna's 2nd district which offers scenic views of the illuminated skyline. You get to see landmarks like the Danube Tower, the Danube Plate, and the DC Tower.

  16. Danube River Cruise: Danube Classics Vienna 2025

    Highlights of the Danube River Cruise A composition of culture and relaxation, history and indulgence. From Vienna to Esztergom, Budapest, Bratislava, Krems, Melk and Passau to Vienna. Vienna has produced some of the world's most famous composers: Mozart, Schubert, Beethoven - all of them were either born in the Austrian capital or lived here.

  17. 30 Best Vienna Cruises on the Danube River for 2024-2025

    10 Top-Rated Danube River Cruise Ships to Vienna for 2024-2025. Ship Name. Max Passengers. From. Summary. MS Amasonata. 164. $3099. The MS Amasonata is among the most luxurious and advanced river vessels in Europe, with occupancy for up to 164 passengers in comfortable cabins, ….

  18. Evening Sightseeing Cruise

    Sightseeing Cruises Vienna. free up to 2 weeks prior to departure ... The Danube is the most sung about river, it crosses a world cultural heritage, glides majestically between vineyards, breaks through rock massifs, offers imaginative views and a lot of variety. ... MS_Wien_Grosse_Donaurundfahrt. MSWi. MS_Blue_Danube_Dinner_Cruise. Dinner ...

  19. The Blue Danube River Cruise with Vienna Extension

    Enjoy a cultural immersion on our popular Blue Danube cruise, followed by a brilliant three-night extension which allows you to explore historic Vienna. After seven nights cruising along the Danube river and exploring historic destinations - including some of Europe's cultural highlights in Budapest, Esztergom, Bratislava, Dürnstein, Melk ...

  20. Vienna River Cruise Guide: A Warning, And 6 Best Boat Trips

    Here is my boiled down guide to the best boat trips on the Donau. 1. City Evening Cruise. Clearly, taking a classical Vienna river cruise connects you first and foremost with contemporary sites. To start with, the boat tour departs from the Danube canal at the north-eastern edge of the city centre.

  21. Danube Cruise: Danube City Panorama 2025

    Ships on this cruise. Complete relaxation between towering cliffs and cultural highlights. Danube Cataracts Cruise from Engelhartszell (Passau) to Vienna, Budapest, Kalocsa, Mohács, Belgrade, Cruising Day, Novi Sad, Mohács, Cruising Day, Bratislava, Wachau and Melk to Engelhartszell (Passau).

  22. The 10 best places to go on a river cruise in Europe

    5. Eastern Danube (Hungary & Serbia) Travel a cross-section of Europe's less-touristed east. The two great cities of this stretch of the Danube are the capitals of Hungary and Serbia respectively. Budapest has something for everyone - from dramatic history and flamboyant architecture to healing thermal waters.

  23. Danube River Cruise with Dinner and Viennese Songs in Vienna

    Overview. Experience the culinary and musical delights typical of Vienna during this Danube River cruise. Enjoy a buffet dinner of Austrian specialties while listening to live music from a singing duo in the traditional Viennese style. Dinner cruise on the Danube River. Enjoy traditional Austrian fare and live Viennese music.

  24. 7 Fantastic UNESCO Sites To Experience On A Danube River Cruise

    And, in November 2020, Conde Nast Traveler. included the banks of the Danube in Budapest in its list as one of the most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are three main districts ...

  25. Rhine and Danube River Cruises Impacted by High Water Levels

    High water levels caused by torrential rain has forced sections of the rivers Rhine and Danube in Germany and Austria to close, resulting in a number of river cruise lines to cancel itineraries in ...

  26. Danube Waltz

    Soak up soothing steam at a Budapest thermal bath. Learn to waltz at a Viennese dance school. Savor Austro-Hungarian cuisine in Vienna and Budapest. Admire the Wachau Valley's beauty. Explore lesser-known Central European cities like Bratislava and Passau. Witness daily monastic life on an exclusive visit to Göttweig Abbey. This eight-day itinerary reveals the best of these places while ...

  27. City Cruise

    Sightseeing Cruises Vienna. free up to 2 weeks prior to departure ... The Danube is the most sung about river, it crosses a world cultural heritage, glides majestically between vineyards, breaks through rock massifs, offers imaginative views and a lot of variety. ... MS_Wien_Grosse_Donaurundfahrt. MSWi. MS_Blue_Danube_Dinner_Cruise. Dinner ...

  28. Austria closes Danube for shipping as deadly floods spread across

    The river, which flows over 350 kilometres of Austria, was shut down for shipping after heavy rainfall caused floods in both Austria and Germany. ... The old town is flooded by the Danube in ...

  29. Owner River Cruises: 7-Night Danube Dreams

    Minimum age requirements may apply. Special feature is listed per cabin and is subject to change and minimum bookings. Travel is arranged by Club WyndhamTravel, 6277 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, FL 32821. Enjoy seven nights of adventure along the Danube River. Departs from Budapest, Hungary.

  30. Vienna 3.5-Hour Grand Danube River Cruise 2024

    Enjoy a relaxing way to explore Vienna—and wend your way along the famous blue Danube—on this sightseeing boat tour. Pick from multiple daily departure times, and set sail from Schwedenplatz. You'll discover landmarks both old and new, ranging from the Danube Tower and Millennium Tower to the Urania Observatory. You'll also have access to the boat's on-site eatery, where you can enjoy ...