Best Cruises On The Danube To Go On

The River Danube connects Austria with numerous countries in Eastern and Central Europe – and gives travellers the option of hopping from Vienna to nearby cities such as Budapest or Bratislava by boat. Day trips on the Danube range from exploring domestic villages, such as Hallstatt to excursions further afield. Take a look at our suggestions for some inspiration…

Wachau Valley

This is a magical part of the country, with an endless expanse of rolling hills, historic fortresses and vineyards, all set around the River Danube. The Wachau area in rural Upper Austria is perhaps most famous for being the site where the notorious English King Richard the Lionheart was captured and imprisoned for a year after he insulted Duke Leopold. In 2000, the Wachau was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich architectural and agricultural history. This tour, organised by DDSG river cruises, takes you through the historic towns of Krems and Dürnstein, with the chance to stop for a glass of wine along the way.

Bratislava and Budapest

Bratislava

Bratislava, Slovakia’s low-key capital, directly neighbours Vienna and is reachable in just over an hour when travelling by boat. The Twin City Liner, which leaves from Schwedenplatz, is a 109-seater catamaran, that travels to the city around five times a day. Read up on the best of Bratislava here.

Vienna Danube boat ride

Exploring Vienna by boat is a great way to get to know Austria’s capital, and there are numerous ways you can get around. Glide across the Danube with an excursion ship of the DDSG Blue Danube, soar down the Danube Canal with the Twin City Liner, explore the Donau-Auen National Park with the National Park boat, or enjoy a quaint boat picnic on the Old Danube.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.