Danube river, Bratislava

Danube River Cruises

Carving in the Iron Gate Gorge, Romania
Iron Gate Gorge, Romania

Calling at some of Europe’s most beautiful cities, with ample spectacular scenery and extraordinary culture along the way, Danube River cruises are unforgettable.

The chance to explore a wide variety of stunning European cities is undoubtedly the biggest draw for Danube cruises. Be it tasting tantalising local delicacies, exploring centuries of rich history or marvelling at majestic natural wonders, you can be sure of a truly memorable journey. Bask in nature amid the region's various vineyards, dense forests and picture-perfect valleys, and pay a visit to its many cathedrals, palaces and medieval sites. Explore winding tributaries and captivating views from the comfort of your elegant vessel before soaking up vibrant culture, local traditions and arresting architecture as a guest aboard our enchanting Danube River cruises. 

Melk Abbey, Austria
Melk Abbey, Austria

Stretching across 1,770 miles, the enigmatic river passes through no fewer than ten countries, originating in Germany's Black Forest and ending in Eastern Europe’s Black Sea. Leaving Germany the river flows through the Austro-German border city of Passau, known as the Venice of Bavaria and crowned by ornate St Stephan’s Cathedral, before flowing onwards through mountainous Austria. In the country's Imperial capital, Vienna, you'll find ornate palaces, elegant arcades and grand open squares, along with a wealth of stunning art galleries and museums and a contagious cafe culture born out of some of the world’s finest coffee houses. The Austrian section of the Danube is also home to the spectacular Wachau Valley, a Unesco World Heritage site famed for its captivating historical and natural sights, including castles, abbeys, vineyards and picturesque towns and villages. 

Hungarian Parliament, Budapest
Hungarian Parliament, Budapest

The next stop on many of our Danube cruises is Hungary, where the country's enthralling capital city, Budapest, welcomes visitors with wonderfully grand architecture, fascinating history and healing hot springs. A journey along the Danube also provides the chance to visit Esztergom, one of the oldest and most picturesque towns in Hungary, with its impressive Basilica being a particular highlight for many visitors. Many of our cruises of Danube also pass through Slovakia, with a stop at the enigmatic and happily walkable capital city, Bratislava, provides the chance to explore medieval architecure and splendid Baroque palaces, as well as an ancient suspension bridge. Elsewhere, Serbia's capital, Belgrade, one of the oldest cities in Europe, is home to the imposing third-century Kalemegdan Fortress, while Novi Sad, the country's second-largest city, boasts a captivating old town that has a distinctly Italian feel.

Things to do

Discover some of Central Europe's most beautiful cities – including historic Vienna, stunning Budapest and enchanting Bratislava on our cruises of Danube. This region offers so much to see and do, so we’ve listed some of our highlights below.

Featured Danube River Cruises

G 1165680144 Budapest Hungary Danube River
Save up to £800 per couple
Splendours of the Majestic Danube
Austria, Slovakia, Serbia
  • Cruise through the Iron Gates and the Wachau Valley
  • Enjoy an included city tour of Vienna, the Austrian capital
  • Overnight stay in stylish Hungarian capital Budapest, with included city tour
  • Arosa Logo (1)

    15 days from £4,128 pp

    was £4,828 pp

  • Dates Available

    13 June 2025

  • Duration

    15 days

  • Depart From

    2 airports

  • Meals

    35 included

  • Operator

    A-ROSA

Shot of a gothic city hall which has a tall clock tower in the middle and four smaller towers, two either side, all with spiky turrets. The building has long windows all over and is a gold colour. Below are the Vienna Christmas markets, with four vertical strips of stalls, the centre having a christmas tree at the far end. There are many people shopping, with lights and lit up signs above them.
Save up to £800 per couple
Danube Christmas Markets
Austria, Slovakia, Germany
+ 2 More
  • Visit Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, a city transformed with festive lights and markets
  • Join an included city tour of festive Vienna
  • Explore the Austrian capital and its Christmas markets
  • Arosa Logo (1)

    5 days from £1,554 pp

  • Dates Available

    14 December 2025

  • Duration

    5 days

  • Depart From

    4 airports

  • Excursions

    1 included

  • Meals

    11 included

  • Operator

    A-ROSA

Wachau Valley, Austria
Save up to £800 per couple
Classic Danube Explorer
Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
  • Stay overnight in Vienna and enjoy an included guided tour of Austria's capital city
  • Arrive early at small but historic Esztergom, one of the oldest towns in Hungary
  • Cruise the Wachau Valley
  • Arosa Logo (1)

    8 days from £1,954 pp

    was £2,104 pp

  • Dates Available

    May 2025 - October 2025

  • Duration

    8 days

  • Depart From

    4 airports

  • Excursions

    2 included

  • Meals

    20 included

  • Operator

    A-ROSA

Explore our River Cruise collections

Selected ports of call

Sh 385306363 Hofburg Vienna

Vienna, Austria

The glorious Austrian capital, famed for its coffee, cake, waltzes, and intellectual heritage, boasts astonishing palaces, elegant arcades, and vast open spaces.

Bratislava Christmas Market

Slovenia

The compact, walkabout Slovak capital is a medieval gem, centred on St Martin's Cathedral and boasting some splendid Baroque palaces.

You'll love our holidays