Danube River Cruises

Known as 'the little big city', Bratislava is smaller than most other European capitals, but still has plenty to do. From castles and clock towers to cocktail bars and 'the UFO Bridge', it's full of mysteries you'll want to unravel. 

Many Danube cruises start or end in Budapest, and the Hungarian capital remains a highlight for passengers. It’s a crowd-pleaser of a city, with something for everyone – muscle-melting thermal spas for those seeking relaxation, museums packed with artefacts for the culturally curious and ruin bars for travellers searching for an offbeat adventure.

From Belgrade Fortress, which is full of heritage to whet the appetite of history buffs, to museums like the Nikola Tesla Museum, there's plenty to explore in Serbia's capital. The neighbourhood of Skadarlija is the Balkan answer to Montmartre, known for its kafanas (picture something between an old-school tavern and a coffeehouse).  

For wine lovers, Krems is a show-stopping destination on a Danube cruise. The 1,000-year-old city sits at the eastern end of the Wachau, making it the perfect place to sample the valley's vintages. 

For music lovers, Salzburg is a dream come true. Mozart was born here, and the city is full of nods to his legacy. His birthday is celebrated in style every January. Plus, the beloved musical The Sound of Music was shot here. You can even visit the iconic gazebo from the film. 

This city is full of historical treasures, but Melk Abbey, renowned for its Baroque architecture, makes it a must-visit destination on the Danube. 

Dürnstein is a fairytale town on the banks of the Danube, offering a mix of Austrian hospitality and medieval history. You can visit the castle where Richard the Lionheart was held captive before heading deeper into the Wachau Valley to stroll the rolling vineyards and sip the crisp Riesling.

This pretty German city is remarkably well-preserved, with landmarks including a notable cathedral and a bridge that has inspired fascinating local lore. It’s also a beer lover’s paradise, with atmospheric spots to try the local varieties, complemented by traditional sausage and sauerkraut.

One of the main attractions in Vidin is Baba Vidin, a 10th-century medieval castle that played a key role in Ottoman rule. Today, you can visit to see the collection of weapons and artefacts on display. The city is also a great place to shop for products made with world-famous Bulgarian roses. 

Owing to its position at the confluence of the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz, this German city has enjoyed a long history as a religious and commercial centre. Today, you can peer into its storied past and learn about its prince bishops' courts and mysterious guilds. Also, St Stephen's Cathedral is home to the biggest organ outside of the USA.

Linz is a charming stop on a Danube cruise for a variety of reasons. Firstly, it's home to Austria's largest cathedral. Secondly, it has an impressive array of art and science museums. Last, but certainly not least, it's the home of the delicious Linzertorte, which is especially popular around Christmas. 

Bavaria's second biggest city is well worth visiting. Its Christmas Market offers a wealth of handcrafted ornaments, and many visitors are drawn by the city's beer cellars. For those interested in history, there is a considerable amount to explore, including the Palace of Justice, where the Nuremberg trials were held.

The Austrian capital is full of old-world charm. Art lovers marvel at the works of the old masters while the musically inclined head to a gilded concert hall to listen to a world-class orchestra or a ballroom for a Viennese Waltz workshop. For foodies, there's plenty to surprise and delight, from the high-ceilinged coffeehouses to the traditional wine bars that embody gemütlichkeit (the Austrian answer to hygge). 

This German cruise operator has been offering sailings on Europe’s rivers since 2018, earning a reputation for the premium, all-inclusive experience it provides on its intimate ships. With sweet-but-short itineraries, culinary-themed sailings and a presence on rivers like the Elbe and Po, which most other operators miss out, it has plenty to recommend it. 

Emerald Cruises offers a modern, relaxed, super-premium all-inclusive cruising experience, with contemporary and elegant ships and bucket-list destinations. Onboard, guests are able to dine at four all-inclusive and unique outlets, enjoying free-flowing alcoholic beverages at mealtimes. Flexibility is key, with its range of shore excursion packages, and every aspect of the trip is taken care of – including flights and transfers.

Known for its river cruises, CroisiEurope also offers ocean voyages on two small ships. Guests boarding the 130-passenger La Belle des Oceans (formerly Silversea's Silver Discoverer) can follow in Napoleon's footsteps, visit the hilltop villages of Balagne, and enjoy dinner at a traditional inn. Meanwhile, the 197-guest La Belle de l'Adriatique offers itineraries that take in local traditions.

Viking is the largest river cruise line operators in the world, with a fleet of 76 ships running sailings across four continents on an army of award-winning ships. The river arm of Viking is just one of Viking's cruise options, the super-premium Norwegian ocean cruise line known for its superlative cruise experience, small ships with Scandi-chic interiors and fantastic destination and cultural enrichment programme. On the river, Viking offers cruisers the chance to sail in Europe, Asia, Africa and the US, offering facilities like sundeck swimming pools, relaxing Aquavit terraces and well-stocked libraries. Continually making new additions and expanding, Viking has recently upped its Nile river cruise game with two new ships, and also sails the Mississippi river. The cruise line also champions themed cruises, taking passengers to the likes of the Passion Play at Oberammergau and offering exclusive pre-and post-cruise land tours.

Viking began as a river cruise line and entered the ocean-cruise market with the launch of the 930-guest Viking Star. Viking has already made an indelible mark on the sector with its fleet of stylish, near-identical, adult-only ships. The cruise line currently has 10 ships in its fleet.

Riviera Travel is one of the oldest and most reliable river cruise operators in the world, with 40 years of experience running guided and escorted tours, a land and water all around the world, including river cruises. Riviera Travel operates a unique cruising experience, partnering with local guides and experts to create a programme of guided tours and river cruises, bringing like-minded travellers together and offering a selection of authentic and bespoke travel experiences. The operator runs river cruises on European waterways like the Danube, Rhine and Douro, but also the Nile, Mekong and Yangtze. Championing escorted tours and guided holidays, Riviera Travel line also specialises in solo travel, providing a safe, friendly and social environment for travellers going it alone.

TUI river cruises offer adults-only voyages on all the major European rivers. The all-inclusive sailings come with top service and an array of tempting shore excursions. You'll be spoiled for choice! There are currently three river cruise ships - TUI Isla, TUI Maya and TUI Skyla. All TUI vessels have capacity for a maximum of 155 guests, ensuring that there's plenty of personal space onboard.

APT Travelmarvel brings expertise, knowledge and luxury to the party. From Europe to Asia, you are guaranteed the best accommodation, the highest-quality meals, and unique must-see locations. Flexibility is the name of the game. APT Essential River Cruises ensures that a great balance of sightseeing and leisure time creates the freedom to explore at your own pace, without missing out on bespoke destinations and exclusive culinary experiences. You won’t be disappointed!

Uniworld is one of the most luxurious river cruise lines in existence, operating a fleet of 13 unique, opulent and lavish six-star river ships. The company was founded in 1976, becoming part of the Travel Corporation in 2004 – a group which also includes luxurious Red Carnation Hotel. The cruise line operates on the waters of Europe, Arica and Asia, and each Uniworld ship is inspired by its destination.

Austrian-owned Amadeus has been going for more than 30 years, recognised as one of the oldest providers in Europe, and one of the most established and reliable river cruise lines. It's the Rolls-Royce of river cruising. Originally for the German-speaking market, the cruise line has branched into international cruising, along with a revamp of its fleet and the launch of a handful of new ships – like Amadeus Imperial.

Scenic River Cruises is one of the most luxurious cruise operators in the world. It’s the cruise line behind the innovative and super luxurious yacht-style ship Scenic Eclipse, a ship that revolutionised the cruise industry when it launched. That same level of luxury can be had on its fleet of river ships. The cruise line offers an all-inclusive experience, featuring amenities like spas, terraces, panorama lounges and spacious cabins with private butlers.

Tauck is a super-premium river cruise line offering small, intimate sailings on the waterways of Europe. The cruise line launched in 1992, offering luxurious and all-inclusive river cruises on the likes of the Danube, Rhine and Rhone. With many awards under its belt, the cruise line owns it when it comes to European river cruising, heading away from crowded tourist hotspots and off the beaten track.