On our Austria river cruises, you’ll discover the point at which east meets west and where Barbarian meets Byzantium on our Danube Waltz cruise. The river Danube has been an important route for traders, settlers, invaders – and now tourists. Providing inspiration for poets, musicians and artists, you’ll get to enjoy its beauty as you navigate your way through Austria, Slovakia and Hungary whilst enjoying guided tours of some world-famous sights.
Our Danube river cruise is a journey into the history of the great Habsburg Empire. Meandering through the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley, you’re greeted by the Danube’s most beautiful valley. Sprinkled with historic towns, fortified churches, sculpted hills, and castles, you’ll see the famous vineyards and fruit trees, explore Baroque buildings, and experience a concert of Viennese music at a palace.
Our Austrian river cruise has been designed to showcase the best sights along the Danube. Casting off from Vienna, you’ll enjoy seven nights sailing the Danube to Budapest before returning to Vienna via Esztergom. Arriving in Melk, you’ll visit the magnificent Benedictine abbey and monastery, as well as enjoy a guided tour of the medieval town of Durnstein.
Enjoying a day in Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Bratislava castle, where we defy you not to feel awed by the breathtaking views over the Danube and the city. Discover the distinct halves of Budapest – the ancient Buda contains the city’s medieval monuments, whilst the bustling Pest enjoys grand 19th-century boulevards.
Depending on your chosen Austria river cruise, you will either set sail aboard the MS Beethoven or the MS Symphonie. Cabins on board both vessels are cosy and comfortable with modern amenities, including private bathrooms. MS Beethoven enjoys 90 air-conditioned cabins, compared with MS Symphonie’s 55 similarly air-conditioned cabins.
A Danube river cruise aboard both the MS Beethoven and MS Symphonie allows you to relax in true comfort, as every whim is catered for. Admire the views as you recline on the sundeck, post dinner you can practice your Viennese waltz on the dance floor in the lounge bar, or star gaze from the terrace. You’ll enjoy fine French and international cuisine with dinner waiter service, or the occasional buffet, and you’ll have access to a choice of wines in the elegant dining room.
Tempted to explore these enchanting countries through our Austrian river cruise? Talk to one of our personal travel experts who will be able to discuss your travel wishlist and select the best departure date to join us aboard our river cruises on the Danube.
Secret Danube
Sailing from the Black Sea to Budapest, this is a fascinating and multi-faceted journey, revealing the less-known reaches of the Danube, and cruising through the ravishing riverscapes which connect the countries, capitals, and cultures along its remarkable route
Walking the Blue Danube
From splendid landmarks in historic cities to stunning landscapes of hills and valleys, this is a gentle journey of discovery, combining the delights of Danube cruising with unhurried tours of cultural capitals, and invigorating hikes in the glorious ‘great outdoors’
Christmas Markets on the Danube
A short break during the weeks of Advent, this tour combines the history of the Habsburg Empire with the traditions of the Christmas Markets, cruising the Danube to a trio of riverside capitals, from elegant Vienna to beautiful Budapest and medieval Bratislava
Danube Waltz
A wonderful waltz with the Danube’s drift, this classic cruise goes with the flow from Austrian Melk and Vienna to Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava; and sails the natural, national border to Hungary, to visit the Puszta prairie, beautiful Budapest, and Esztergom’s Basilica