Must-See Danube River Cruise Excursions

A Danube River cruise offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and scenic landscapes. Each stop along the river provides unique excursions, from grand palaces and mediaeval castles to festive Christmas markets and stunning valleys. 

At Crui.se, we know a thing or two about cruising! So, here are our picks for must-see excursions you won’t want to miss on your Danube River cruise adventure.

1.Vienna, Austria – A City of Music and Majesty

Vienna is often the crown jewel of any Danube cruise, offering a rich tapestry of culture and history.

• Schönbrunn Palace: Visit the grand summer residence of the Habsburgs, where you can explore the beautiful gardens and historical interiors. This is a highlight of any stop in Vienna and offers a glimpse into the life of Austrian royalty.
• Vienna State Opera: Attend a classical concert or enjoy a backstage tour at one of the world’s most renowned opera houses.
• St. Stephen’s Cathedral: Explore this Gothic masterpiece located in the heart of Vienna, offering stunning architecture and panoramic views of the city.

You can experience these highlights on the Magnificent Europe and Danube Waltz cruises.

2.Budapest, Hungary – The Pearl of the Danube

Budapest’s grandeur is evident from the moment you set foot in the city, and its excursions are not to be missed.

• Buda Castle: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this castle offers panoramic views of the Danube and the city. You’ll also learn about the rich history of Hungary.
• Fisherman’s Bastion: This neo-Gothic terrace in Budapest offers panoramic views of the Danube and the city’s skyline, making it a must-see for photographers.
• Castle Hill: For the more active traveler, hiking to the top of Castle Hill rewards you with incredible views of the city and river.

Explore these iconic sites on the Blue Danube River Cruise and Legendary Danube cruises.

3.Bratislava, Slovakia – Where Medieval Meets Modern

Bratislava is a charming mix of old-world history and modern culture, making it a unique stop along the Danube.

• Bratislava Castle: Overlooking the Danube, this historic site offers incredible views and insights into Slovakia’s history.
• Old Town Walking Tour: Meander through the quaint streets of Bratislava’s old town, where medieval history meets quirky statues and modern cafés.

Find these excursions on the Danube Waltz and Legendary Danube cruises.

4.Dürnstein, Austria – The Heart of the Wachau Valley

Dürnstein, set in the Wachau Valley, offers both historical intrigue and scenic beauty.

• Dürnstein Castle: Visit the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. The hike to the top rewards you with sweeping views of the Wachau Valley.
• Wachau Wine Tasting: The Wachau Valley is known for its vineyards. Take a wine tasting tour and sample some of the region’s famous Grüner Veltliner.
• Bike Tour: For the active traveler, cycling through the scenic Wachau Valley is a great way to take in the beauty of the region.

Enjoy these experiences on the Magnificent Europe and Danube Waltz cruises.

5.Melk, Austria – Monastic Grandeur

Melk offers a step back in time with its stunning Melk Abbey, one of the most famous baroque monasteries in Europe.

• Melk Abbey: A guided tour of the abbey allows you to admire its magnificent architecture and learn about its historical significance.
• Abbey Gardens: Take a leisurely stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens that surround the abbey.

This excursion is a key highlight of the Blue Danube River Cruise and Magnificent Europe cruises.

6.Regensburg, Germany – A Well-Preserved Medieval City

Regensburg offers an authentic glimpse into medieval Europe, with its narrow streets and towering landmarks.

• Old Town Tour: A guided walking tour of Regensburg’s medieval old town will take you to key sites such as the Old Stone Bridge and St. Peter’s Cathedral.
• Imperial Castle in Nuremberg: On select itineraries, you can visit Nuremberg’s Imperial Castle, which offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.

These excursions can be found on AMAWaterways’ Legendary Danube cruise.

7.Passau, Germany – The City of Three Rivers

Known for its unique geography where three rivers meet, Passau offers both historical and natural attractions.

• St. Stephen’s Cathedral: Visit the cathedral that houses the world’s largest cathedral organ, a true masterpiece of craftsmanship.
• Inn River Bike Ride: For the adventurous, a bike ride along the riverbanks of Passau’s three converging rivers is an unforgettable experience.

You can explore these highlights on the Danube Waltz and Magnificent Europe cruises.

8.Christmas Markets – A Festive Wonderland

Looking to dial up the festivities this Christmas? For those taking a Danube cruise during the holiday season, the festive Christmas markets are a must-see!

• Nuremberg Christmas Market: This traditional market is one of Europe’s largest, offering festive foods, crafts, and holiday cheer.
• Vienna Christmas Markets: Vienna comes alive with festive lights and stalls selling everything from mulled wine to handmade gifts, perfect for some extracurricular Christmas shopping and souvenirs. 
• Budapest Christmas Markets: Explore the vibrant holiday markets in Budapest, where local crafts and Hungarian treats await.

These excursions are featured on AMAWaterways’ Iconic Christmas Markets cruise.

Explore the Danube River with Crui.se

A Danube River cruise offers something for every traveller, from cultural exploration to festive holiday experiences. To discover all the possibilities and find the Danube cruise that’s right for you, explore our Danube River cruises page today.