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The Ultimate Blue Danube Cruise

Our 14-night Danube River Cruise is the perfect blend of architectural heritage, culture, fascinating history and regional cuisine – let’s not forget the wine! – in a part of the world that spent much of the 20th century hidden from view.

Enjoy 14 luxury nights on an AmaWaterways River Cruise with long days spent in historic towns, beautiful vineyards, and amongst ancient architecture spanning the last millennia, with evenings in the company of the world’s most famous river.

Choose from expertly crafted itineraries with something for everyone, whatever pace you want to set. Tours focus on the best each region has to offer, whether that’s history, scenery or some of Europe’s most remarkable cuisine. Get ready to experience the most memorable two weeks of your life!

4.5
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from 1,523 reviews
  • Cruise Line: AmaWaterways
  • Ship: AmaBella & AmaVerde
  • Duration: 14 Nights
  • Departure: Mar - Dec
£4,787pp
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Grand Danube Cruise Itinerary

The Grand Danube Cruise visits some of Europe’s most famous cities and landmarks. Let this river weave a thread through culture, heritage, architecture and fine cuisine with a variety of tours and excursions to suit every passenger.

Day 1

Giurgiu

Embark in Giurgiu in Romania. Located on the left bank of the Danube and bordering Bulgaria, spend time exploring this beautiful port city before you come on board.

Top visitor attractions include the Clock Tower, originally built as a lookout by the Ottoman Turks and the beautiful bridge over the Danube with spectacular river views.

Day 2

Rousse

This elegant and cosmopolitan Bulgarian city offers a colourful mix of architectural styles and influences. See Baroque, Renaissance, Gothic and Rococo buildings in what is affectionately called ‘Little Vienna’.

Enjoy a choice of itineraries, including an excursion to Bucharest, known as the ‘Little Paris of the East, or a tour of the medieval Veliko Tarnovo. A third option is to explore Rousse and visit the UNSESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches, chapels and monasteries of Ivanovo with their 14th-century frescos.

Day 3

Vidin

Located in northwest Bulgaria, Vidin is close to the border with Romania and Serbia. Situated in a fertile area, Vidin is renowned for its wines, and a wine-tasting excursion to Dos Alamas is one of the four tours on offer. Visitors can opt for a Banitsa Pasty and Yoghurt Making demonstration in the home of a local resident, a great way to make and enjoy this famous Bulgarian sweet treat.

There is also a walking tour of Vidin, including the majestic Baba Vida fortress, a completely preserved medieval castle on the banks of the river or a bike tour for guests feeling a little more energetic.

Day 4

Iron Gates

The so-called Iron Gates are some of Europe’s most breathtaking natural wonders, a series of magnificent gorges where the Danube narrows to flow through the Balkan and Carpathian Mountains with spectacular river scenery.

Guests can take an afternoon tour of the Golubac Fortress, known as ‘the Guardian of the Danube’. This medieval walled town sits on the banks of the river and offers spectacular views from the towers with the chance to enjoy some tasty local fare after the climb.

Day 5

Belgrade

Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, with the ‘City by Two Rivers’ tour, including the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. If you want a more challenging expedition, the alternative is a hike to the Belgrade Fortress with its iconic conical towers.

In the afternoon, enjoy ‘the Brandies of Belgrade’ tour with the chance to sample some delicious Serbian plum brandy or take to the streets of Belgrade for another opportunity to explore on a guided bike tour.

Day 6

Novi Sad/Ilok

In the morning, enjoy a walking tour around what is known as the ‘Athens of Serbia’ to Dunaski Park in Novi Sad and through Stari Grad, the old town. The more adventurous can choose a hike to Petrovaradin Fortress or a guided bike tour instead of walking. Too much like hard work? Join the Serbian Specialities tour instead.

In the afternoon, visit Ilok, a wine-making centre since Roman times and sample some famous Croatian vintages. Or, take the Vukovar city tour showcasing the Eltz Manor House, a landmark caught in the crossfire of the Croatian War of Independence.

Day 7

Mohacs

Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohacs with an excursion to Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the heart of the old town and St. Peter’s Basilica, a UNESCO-designated site with ancient catacombs.

Wine connoisseurs will want to join the Szekszárd wine tasting tour. This is one of the oldest wine-growing regions in Hungary. Enjoy meeting the winemakers among beautiful vineyard landscapes with plenty of tastings and local fare to wash it down.

Day 8

Budapest

A trip to Budapest is not complete without a visit to the 19th century Gödöllő Palace with its royal stables and baroque theatre. Enjoy lunch at the Gödöllő restaurant and then afterwards head to Puszta.

This vast Hungarian Plain is home to a world-famous carriage-driving enterprise. Visit the farm and enjoy the skill and excitement of ancient Hungarian horsemanship dating back centuries to the Magyar tribes.

Day 9

Budapest

Another day in Budapest, well, one is just not enough to explore the delights of this famous city known as the ‘Queen of the Danube’. Enjoy a guided tour of Budapest’s most famous sites and attractions.

For the adventurous, put your best foot forward and choose the alternative, the Castle Hill hike. Enjoy historic sites on the way up with your reward at the top, with breathtaking views of the city and the river.

Day 10

Bratislava

Join a walking tour of the ‘Coronation City’ so called because Bratislava hosted the crowning ceremonies of 11 Hungarian monarchs between 1536 and 1830. For a more active adventure, take the Bratislava Castle hike, which offers magnificent city views.

Tempted by the delicious cuisine then, the Tastes of Bratislava tour is the one for you with a chance to sample goulash and potato dumplings, just two of this city’s famous dishes.

Day 11

Vienna

There are two tour options in Vienna, and the first is a guided walking tour which takes in famous sights like the Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs, the Opera House and the UNESCO-designated historic city centre.

If you want to explore further and faster, then take the guided bike tour. Both tour options allow free time so guests can explore at their own pace and discover Vienna’s treasures for themselves.

Day 12

Grein/Weissenkirchen

Enjoy an exclusive visit to Greinberg Castle in its dramatic location jutting out over the Danube, or choose from one of three tour options for those who want to hike, bike, or just savour the local wine! If you want to stay on the water, cruise through Strudengau and the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley.

Take a tour to see the highlights of Dürnstein and Melk Abbey, choose a hike to Dürnstein Fortress or explore further afield on a Weissenkirchen to Melk bike tour. There is also another excursion to Dürnstein, but this one involves wine and apricot tastings!

Day 13

Linz

Enjoy a walking tour around this UNESCO City of Media and the Arts or join the guided bike tour of the city’s famous ‘Cultural Mile’. Visitors who are keen to see Salzburg can join a full-day tour of this iconic city and visit Mozart’s House and the historic old town centre, renowned for its Baroque architecture.

If you have stayed in Linz in the morning, then there’s the option to go on the
Český Krumlov excursion in the afternoon. This enchanting and compact location is incredibly beautiful and photogenic and easy to see in a few hours.

Day 14

Passau/Vilshofen

Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Passau on the ‘City of Three Rivers’ walking tour or take a guided bike tour. There is also a Passau Castle hike. The Veste Oberhaus is one of the largest castles in Europe, the hike is short, and the views are picturesque.

Guests also have the option to participate in an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration where beer festival meets carnival fun and colour, a great way to celebrate your last evening on a Grand Danube cruise.

Day 15

Vilshofen

Disembark at Vilshofen.

Day 1

Vilshofen

Embark at Vilshofen.

Day 2

Passau/Vilshofen

Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Passau on the ‘City of Three Rivers’ walking tour or take a guided bike tour. There is also a Passau Castle hike. The Veste Oberhaus is one of the largest castles in Europe, the hike is short, and the views are picturesque.

Guests also have the option to participate in an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration where beer festival meets carnival fun and colour, a great way to celebrate your last evening on a Grand Danube cruise.

Day 3

Linz

Enjoy a walking tour around this UNESCO City of Media and the Arts or join the guided bike tour of the city’s famous ‘Cultural Mile’. Visitors who are keen to see Salzburg can join a full-day tour of this iconic city and visit Mozart’s House and the historic old town centre, renowned for its Baroque architecture.

If you have stayed in Linz in the morning, then there’s the option to go on the
Český Krumlov excursion in the afternoon. This enchanting and compact location is incredibly beautiful and photogenic and easy to see in a few hours.

Day 4

Grein/Weissenkirchen

Enjoy an exclusive visit to Greinberg Castle in its dramatic location jutting out over the Danube, or choose from one of three tour options for those who want to hike, bike, or just savour the local wine! If you want to stay on the water, cruise through Strudengau and the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley.

Take a tour to see the highlights of Dürnstein and Melk Abbey, choose a hike to Dürnstein Fortress or explore further afield on a Weissenkirchen to Melk bike tour. There is also another excursion to Dürnstein, but this one involves wine and apricot tastings!

Day 5

Vienna

There are two tour options in Vienna, and the first is a guided walking tour which takes in famous sights like the Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs, the Opera House and the UNESCO-designated historic city centre.

If you want to explore further and faster, then take the guided bike tour. Both tour options allow free time so guests can explore at their own pace and discover Vienna’s treasures for themselves.

Day 6

Bratislava

Join a walking tour of the ‘Coronation City’ so called because Bratislava hosted the crowning ceremonies of 11 Hungarian monarchs between 1536 and 1830. For a more active adventure, take the Bratislava Castle hike, which offers magnificent city views.

Tempted by the delicious cuisine then, the Tastes of Bratislava tour is the one for you with a chance to sample goulash and potato dumplings, just two of this city’s famous dishes.

Day 7

Budapest

Another day in Budapest, well, one is just not enough to explore the delights of this famous city known as the ‘Queen of the Danube’. Enjoy a guided tour of Budapest’s most famous sites and attractions.

For the adventurous, put your best foot forward and choose the alternative, the Castle Hill hike. Enjoy historic sites on the way up with your reward at the top, with breathtaking views of the city and the river.

Day 8

Budapest

A trip to Budapest is not complete without a visit to the 19th century Gödöllő Palace with its royal stables and baroque theatre. Enjoy lunch at the Gödöllő restaurant and then afterwards head to Puszta.

This vast Hungarian Plain is home to a world-famous carriage-driving enterprise. Visit the farm and enjoy the skill and excitement of ancient Hungarian horsemanship dating back centuries to the Magyar tribes.

Day 9

Mohacs

Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohacs with an excursion to Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the heart of the old town and St. Peter’s Basilica, a UNESCO-designated site with ancient catacombs.

Wine connoisseurs will want to join the Szekszárd wine tasting tour. This is one of the oldest wine-growing regions in Hungary. Enjoy meeting the winemakers among beautiful vineyard landscapes with plenty of tastings and local fare to wash it down.

Day 10

Novi Sad/Ilok

In the morning, enjoy a walking tour around what is known as the ‘Athens of Serbia’ to Dunaski Park in Novi Sad and through Stari Grad, the old town. The more adventurous can choose a hike to Petrovaradin Fortress or a guided bike tour instead of walking. Too much like hard work? Join the Serbian Specialities tour instead.

In the afternoon, visit Ilok, a wine-making centre since Roman times and sample some famous Croatian vintages. Or, take the Vukovar city tour showcasing the Eltz Manor House, a landmark caught in the crossfire of the Croatian War of Independence.

Day 11

Belgrade

Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, with the ‘City by Two Rivers’ tour, including the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. If you want a more challenging expedition, the alternative is a hike to the Belgrade Fortress with its iconic conical towers.

In the afternoon, enjoy ‘the Brandies of Belgrade’ tour with the chance to sample some delicious Serbian plum brandy or take to the streets of Belgrade for another opportunity to explore on a guided bike tour.

Day 12

Iron Gates

The so-called Iron Gates are some of Europe’s most breathtaking natural wonders, a series of magnificent gorges where the Danube narrows to flow through the Balkan and Carpathian Mountains with spectacular river scenery.

Guests can take an afternoon tour of the Golubac Fortress, known as ‘the Guardian of the Danube’. This medieval walled town sits on the banks of the river and offers spectacular views from the towers with the chance to enjoy some tasty local fare after the climb.

Day 13

Vidin

Located in northwest Bulgaria, Vidin is close to the border with Romania and Serbia. Situated in a fertile area, Vidin is renowned for its wines, and a wine-tasting excursion to Dos Alamas is one of the four tours on offer. Visitors can opt for a Banitsa Pasty and Yoghurt Making demonstration in the home of a local resident, a great way to make and enjoy this famous Bulgarian sweet treat.

There is also a walking tour of Vidin, including the majestic Baba Vida fortress, a completely preserved medieval castle on the banks of the river or a bike tour for guests feeling a little more energetic.

Day 14

Rousse

This elegant and cosmopolitan Bulgarian city offers a colourful mix of architectural styles and influences. See Baroque, Renaissance, Gothic and Rococo buildings in what is affectionately called ‘Little Vienna’.

Enjoy a choice of itineraries, including an excursion to Bucharest, known as the ‘Little Paris of the East, or a tour of the medieval Veliko Tarnovo. A third option is to explore Rousse and visit the UNSESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches, chapels and monasteries of Ivanovo with their 14th-century frescos.

Day 15

Giurgiu

Disembark in Giurgiu in Romania. Located on the left bank of the Danube and bordering Bulgaria, spend time exploring this beautiful port city before you come on board.

Top visitor attractions include the Clock Tower, originally built as a lookout by the Ottoman Turks and the beautiful bridge over the Danube with spectacular river views.

Grand Danube River Cruise Ships

Discover the Timeless Danube

Embark on an extraordinary journey as you cruise the Danube River, a majestic waterway that weaves through the heart of Europe’s captivating landscapes and historical treasures. From the enchanting forests of the Black Forest in Germany to the breathtaking expanse leading to the Black Sea in Romania, each moment on this cruise will leave you in awe.

Unravel Europe’s Iconic Cities

Step ashore to explore iconic cities like Vienna, where the grandeur of imperial palaces meets the soul-stirring melodies of classical music. Each port of call offers an opportunity to uncover the heritage and beauty of Europe, leaving you with cherished memories that will forever evoke the allure of this majestic river.

Grand Danube Cruises

Traverse the iconic spots that have dazzled travellers for generations, and let yourself be drawn to the lesser-known, hidden gems tucked away in secluded bays, waiting to unveil their unspoiled charm.

Trustpilot Reviews

Grand Danube River Cruise Deals

Experience the Grand Danube River Cruise with Crui.se

14 Nights
Mar Dec

The Grand Danube

  • Giurgiu
  • Rousse
  • Vidin
  • Iron Gates
  • Belgrade
  • Novi Sad & Ilok
  • Mohacs
  • Budapest
  • Bratislava
  • Vienna
  • Grein & Weissenkirchen
  • Linz
  • Passau/Vilshofen
  • Vilshofen
£4,787pp Est. Price per person
  • AmaBella & AmaVerde  

Reviews From Cruises Customer

“We were tempted by the fame and reputation of cruising the Danube or the Rhine but also wanted to do something just a bit different on this, our first cruise. And we hit the nail on the head as this cruise includes rivers and the Main, a fascinating tributary with history and heritage at every turn. The port itineraries were really well thought out and run by expert guides, and the vessel was the height of luxury.”

Penny and Steven, Hemel Hempstead

“A great trip for people like us who like to get under the skin of a place and avoid the obvious well-trodden tourist routes. Not that this cruise didn’t visit some high spots like Nuremberg and Munich, but there was also so much for the traveller who likes to get off the beaten track, like us. We didn’t opt for the ship’s planned itineraries, but all the way the tour guides were helpful and shared information to help us explore (such as local vineyards!). It felt like we had planned our own holiday and were almost lone travellers, just perfect.”

Kevin and Sandi, Doncaster

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Prague and the Delights of the Danube

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Christmas Markets on the Danube

Enjoy Christmas European style at the enchanting Christmas Markets and savour the tastes and sophistication of the season with handcrafted gifts and toys, hot mulled wine and tasty gingerbread and roasted chestnuts.

Blue Danube Discovery

Travel from Budapest to Vienna, Passau and Regensburg with majestic castles, cathedrals and Baroque abbeys for company whilst savouring delicious regional cuisine – this cruise is a feast for the tastebuds and the eyes!

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Follow the inspirational route of some of the world’s most famous classical composers and hear their melodies harmonising with the current of Europe’s leading waterway.

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The Grand Danube FAQ

Find answers to some of the most common questions about river cruising here.

What options are there for dining onboard for someone on a restricted diet?

Our gourmet chefs offer varied menus daily, including vegetarian and vegan options, and can easily tailor dishes to suit any allergies or restrictions – just let us know when you book. The cuisine is a mix of international and locally inspired fare with no compromise on taste or flavour, whatever your diet.

Can you accommodate a guest with limited mobility?

All our cruisers are specifically designed for optimal access, so let us know your needs when you book, and we’ll be able to accommodate you. Some vessels have interconnecting staterooms, perfect for people who require assistance from a family member or friend. We are always happy to tailor rooms to give guests the best cruise experience and can also help with special dietary requirements and any medical needs whilst you’re on board.

What is the current policy on Covid vaccinations?

Our booking team will let you know when you make your river cruise reservation. We follow the latest World Health Organisation Covid guidance and refer to local protocols in the regions we sail through. Our on board staff are all fully vaccinated.

Cruise With Confidence

Our mission at crui.se is to help you and your loved one’s book and experience the best cruise holiday imaginable. We’re different in that, our customers come first, not our suppliers or profit margins. Get in touch and let us help you set sail.

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