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Blue Danube River Cruise: Budapest, Vienna & Bratislava
An 8-day Danube River cruise from Budapest with Bratislava, the Wachau Valley, Vienna and included sightseeing aboard a five-star river ship.
Length8 days / 7 nights
FormatClassic Danube river cruise
ActivityEasy to moderate; excursion choices vary
Route
Budapest • Bratislava • Dürnstein • Melk • Linz / Salzburg • Vienna • Danube Bend • Budapest
Why This Trip Stands Out
This 8-day Danube cruise gives you three Central European capitals plus smaller river towns in one easy route. Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna anchor the itinerary, while the Wachau Valley, Dürnstein and Melk add the smaller-scale scenery that makes river cruising work so well here.
- Begin and end in Budapest.
- Explore Bratislava and Vienna with included guided sightseeing.
- See the Wachau Valley, Dürnstein and Melk along the Danube.
- Enjoy a full-board river-cruise format with drinks and included experiences already built in.
Sample Itinerary
Days 1–2 | Budapest
Board in Budapest and begin with guided sightseeing before the ship heads into the Danube Bend.
Days 3–4 | Bratislava, Dürnstein & Melk
Continue through Slovakia and Austria with time in Bratislava, the Wachau Valley and historic riverside towns.
Days 5–6 | Linz or Salzburg & Vienna
Explore more of Austria with included sightseeing choices before spending time in Vienna.
Days 7–8 | Return to Budapest
Sail back toward Budapest for a final afternoon and evening before disembarkation.
What You Get
What’s Included
- 7 nights aboard a five-star river ship
- Full-board dining
- All-inclusive drinks package
- Complimentary onboard tea and coffee
- Wi-Fi
- 9 included experiences
- Riviera Cruise Director and Cruise Host
- Port charges and additional taxes
Your Stay
Where You’ll Stay
Seven nights are aboard a five-star river ship. Exact ship and stateroom category depend on the sailing selected.
Getting Around
Transportation
The journey is primarily by river ship, with arranged transportation for included shore excursions where needed.
Food & Dining
Meals & Dining
Full-board dining is included, along with the current all-inclusive drinks package and onboard tea and coffee.
Life Onboard
Onboard Experience
Expect a comfortable five-star river ship with a restaurant, lounge and open deck areas for watching the Danube scenery. Full-board dining, an all-inclusive drinks package, Wi-Fi, onboard entertainment and a dedicated Cruise Director and Host are included.
More to Add
Optional Experiences
Some ports offer a choice between standard sightseeing and more active options. Any additional paid experiences vary by sailing.
Stay a Little Longer
Extensions Available
Pre- or post-cruise hotel nights in Budapest, Vienna or elsewhere in Central Europe can be coordinated around the sailing.
Make It Yours
Ways to Customize It
I can coordinate international airfare, transfers and additional European travel around the fixed river cruise.
Group Details
How the Group Works
This is a scheduled river cruise with organized sightseeing in port rather than one coach group traveling together throughout.
A Good Match?
Who This Trip Is Best For
Travelers who want a classic Danube river cruise with strong inclusions and a lower starting price than many premium river lines.
Before You Choose It
A Few Things to Know
River conditions can change sailing times or docking locations. Some included walking tours use uneven historic streets, and active excursion choices require a higher level of mobility.
Interested in This One?
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Pricing & availability: Prices shown are starting prices from the applicable tour operator and were available when last verified. Unless noted otherwise, pricing is per person based on the occupancy shown above. Availability, taxes, fees, supplements, promotions, and supplier terms can change. Your exact price and availability will be confirmed before booking. Nothing is confirmed until payment is applied.