The Upper Danube Route Best River Cruises

The Upper Danube, stretching from Germany through Austria to Hungary, offers some of Europe’s most picturesque and culturally rich river cruise experiences. This article explores the best river cruises along the Upper Danube, highlighting top itineraries, cruise lines, and key destinations.

In a Nutshell…

1. Christmas on Danube: A delightful 8-day cruise from Vienna to Budapest via MS Princess Isabella, offering festive experiences and picturesque views.
2. Blue Danube Cruise: Explore Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary on an 8-day journey aboard MS Fidelio, known for its fantastic boat and delicious meals.
3. Romantic Danube: An 8-day historical cruise through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary with AmaWaterways, featuring knowledgeable cruise managers and excellent service.
4. Danube Classics Vienna: Discover 8 destinations in Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia with A-ROSA, although primarily German-oriented.
5. Danube Dreams (Eastbound): Avalon Waterways offers an 8-day historical cruise covering Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary, including coach excursions.
6. Quaint Villages and Castles: The Upper Danube route combines large cities, charming villages, and surprise castle sightings among vineyards and forests.
7. Popular Cruise Lines: Consider Viking Cruises, AmaWaterways, Crystal Cruises, Uniworld River Cruises, or Tauck Cruises for your Danube adventure.
8. Local Expertise: Upper Rhine Cruises, run by locals, ensures smooth excursions and insider knowledge.
9. Variety and Scenic Beauty: The Upper Danube offers the right mix of cultural gems, natural beauty, and historical landmarks for first-time river cruisers.

Here is an 879-word literal style article about the Upper Danube Route’s best river cruises:

The Upper Danube Route: Best River Cruises

The Upper Danube, stretching from Germany through Austria to Hungary, offers some of Europe’s most picturesque and culturally rich river cruise experiences. This article explores the best river cruises along the Upper Danube, highlighting top itineraries, cruise lines, and key destinations.

Understanding the Upper Danube Route

The Upper Danube typically refers to the section of the river from Regensburg, Germany, to Budapest, Hungary. This stretch includes popular stops in Austria such as Passau, Linz, Melk, and Vienna. The region is known for its stunning landscapes, historic cities, and cultural attractions.

Top Cruise Lines for Upper Danube Itineraries

Several cruise lines offer excellent Upper Danube itineraries:

1. Viking River Cruises Known for their modern “longships” and culturally immersive experiences.
2. AmaWaterways Offers luxury cruises with a focus on wine and culinary experiences.
3. Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection Features ornately decorated ships and all-inclusive packages.
4. Avalon Waterways Known for their “suite ships” with innovative room designs.
5. Tauck Offers intimate cruises with exclusive cultural experiences.
6. Crystal River Cruises Provides ultra-luxury river cruises with spacious suites.

Popular Upper Danube Itineraries

1. Classic Danube (7-8 days) Typically sails between Passau and Budapest, including stops in:

• Passau, Germany
• Linz, Austria
• Melk, Austria
• Vienna, Austria
• Bratislava, Slovakia
• Budapest, Hungary

2. Legendary Danube (10-11 days) Often starts in Prague (with a land portion) and ends in Budapest:

• Prague, Czech Republic (land tour)
• Regensburg, Germany
• Passau, Germany
• Linz, Austria
• Melk, Austria
• Vienna, Austria
• Budapest, Hungary

3. Grand Danube (14-15 days) Extended itinerary that may include:

• Nuremberg, Germany
• Regensburg, Germany
• Passau, Germany
• Linz, Austria
• Melk, Austria
• Vienna, Austria
• Bratislava, Slovakia
• Budapest, Hungary
• Additional stops in Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania

Key Destinations and Attractions

1. Regensburg, Germany

• UNESCO World Heritage Old Town
• Stone Bridge and Old Stone Bridge Museum
• St. Peter’s Cathedral

2. Passau, Germany

• St. Stephen’s Cathedral with one of the world’s largest pipe organs
• Veste Oberhaus fortress
• Confluence of three rivers: Danube, Inn, and Ilz

3. Linz, Austria

• Ars Electronica Center
• Lentos Art Museum
• Pöstlingberg Schlössl

4. Melk, Austria

• Melk Abbey, a stunning Baroque monastery
• Wachau Valley wine region

5. Vienna, Austria

• Schönbrunn Palace
• St. Stephen’s Cathedral
• Belvedere Palace
• Vienna State Opera

6. Bratislava, Slovakia

• Bratislava Castle
• Old Town Hall
• St. Martin’s Cathedral

7. Budapest, Hungary

• Hungarian Parliament Building
• Fisherman’s Bastion
• Buda Castle
• Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Choosing the Best Upper Danube Cruise

Consider the following factors when selecting your cruise:

1. Itinerary Length Decide whether you prefer a week-long cruise or a more extended journey.
2. Embarkation and Disembarkation Points Choose based on your preferred starting and ending cities, considering pre- or post-cruise extensions.
3. Included Excursions Compare the shore excursions offered by different cruise lines.
4. Onboard Amenities Consider factors like cabin size, dining options, and onboard activities.
5. Price and Inclusions Compare all-inclusive options with those that charge separately for certain amenities.
6. Ship Size Smaller ships can often dock closer to city centers but may offer fewer onboard facilities.
7. Sailing Date Consider the season – spring and fall offer milder weather and fewer crowds, while summer provides warmer temperatures but busier ports.

Special Experiences on Upper Danube Cruises

Many cruise lines offer unique experiences to enhance your journey:

1. Wine Tastings Particularly in the Wachau Valley, known for its Grüner Veltliner and Riesling wines.
2. Classical Concerts Often offered in Vienna, featuring works by Mozart, Strauss, and other famous composers.
3. Culinary Demonstrations Learn to make local specialties like apple strudel or Sachertorte.
4. Bike Tours Many ships offer bicycles for guests to explore riverside paths.
5. Christmas Market Cruises Special itineraries in November and December visiting famous Christmas markets.

Practical Tips for Upper Danube Cruises

1. Pack for Variable Weather The weather can change quickly, so bring layers and rain gear.
2. Currency Be prepared with Euros for Germany and Austria, and local currency for Hungary and Slovakia if visiting.
3. Language While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, learning a few basic phrases in German and Hungarian can be helpful.
4. Mobility Considerations Some excursions involve walking on uneven surfaces or climbing stairs. Check with your cruise line about accessibility options.
5. Danube Water Levels Water levels can affect itineraries, particularly in late summer. Be prepared for potential itinerary changes.
6. Pre- and Post-Cruise Extensions Consider adding a few days in Prague, Munich, or Budapest to enhance your experience.
7. Dress Code Most river cruises are casual during the day, with some requiring smart casual attire for dinner.

Choosing the best Upper Danube river cruise depends on your personal preferences, budget, and travel style. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, cuisine, or simply scenic views, the Upper Danube offers a wealth of experiences. By considering the factors outlined in this article and researching the offerings of different cruise lines, you can find an itinerary that provides the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration along one of Europe’s most iconic waterways.

Remember that each cruise line and itinerary offers a unique perspective on the Upper Danube region. Take time to compare options, read reviews, and consider what aspects of the journey are most important to you. With careful planning, an Upper Danube river cruise can provide an unforgettable journey through the heart of Central Europe, combining centuries of history with modern comfort and convenience.

So…

The Upper Danube is the most popular stretch of river in Europe for river cruises, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty. This 779-word guide explores the best river cruises along the Upper Danube, highlighting key destinations, attractions, and experiences.

Popular Itineraries

Most Upper Danube cruises operate between Regensburg, Germany and Budapest, Hungary, typically lasting 7-8 days. Some of the best itineraries include:

1. Passau to Budapest: A classic route covering the heart of the Upper Danube.
2. Nuremberg to Vienna: Focusing on the German and Austrian sections of the river.
3. Munich to Budapest: Often including a pre-cruise stay in Munich before joining the ship in Passau.

Key Destinations

Regensburg, Germany
This well-preserved medieval city offers:

• Gothic St. Peter’s Cathedral
• 13th century Domplatz Town Hall
• Historiche Wurstkuchl, a 500-year-old tavern famous for bratwurst and beer

Passau, Germany
Known as the “City of Three Rivers,” Passau features:

• Beautiful 17th century Old Town
• St. Stephen’s Cathedral, home to Europe’s largest pipe organ

Linz and Salzburg, Austria
These cities highlight Austria’s musical heritage:

• Birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
• The Sound of Music filming locations in Salzburg

Vienna, Austria
The imperial capital offers:

• Schonbrunn Palace with over 1400 rooms
• St. Stephen’s Cathedral
• The Vienna State Opera
• Numerous museums and art galleries

Bratislava, Slovakia
Slovakia’s capital boasts:

• Historic Stare Mesto (Old Town)
• Devin and Bratislava Castles
• Unique Soviet-era architecture

Budapest, Hungary
The “Pearl of the Danube” features:

• Hungarian Parliament Building
• Neo-Romanesque St. Stephen’s Basilica
• Buda Castle and Castle Hill
• Szechenyi Thermal Baths

Top Cruise Lines

Several cruise lines offer exceptional experiences on the Upper Danube:

1. Avalon Waterways: Known for its Suite Ships with panoramic windows and beds facing the river.
2. Viking River Cruises: Offers a wide range of itineraries and excursions.
3. AmaWaterways: Features luxury ships with amenities like swimming pools and multiple dining venues.
4. Uniworld: Provides boutique river cruising with lavishly decorated ships.
5. Crystal River Cruises: Offers all-suite vessels with butler service for a truly luxurious experience.

Unique Experiences

Upper Danube cruises offer various special experiences:

• Wine Tasting: Sample local wines in the Wachau Valley, known for its Grüner Veltliner and Riesling.
• Classical Concerts: Attend performances in Vienna, the “City of Music.”
• Biking Excursions: Many cruise lines offer bikes for exploring riverside paths, like the 20-mile route from Durnstein to Melk Abbey.
• Christmas Markets: Winter cruises showcase the region’s famous Christmas markets.

Culinary Highlights

The Upper Danube region offers diverse culinary experiences:

• Bratwurst in Regensburg
• Wiener schnitzel and Sachertorte (chocolate cake) in Austria
• Goulash in Hungary
• Potato dumplings in Slovakia

Best Time to Cruise

The ideal time for an Upper Danube cruise is from April to October:

• Spring (April-May): Mild weather and fewer crowds
• Summer (June-August): Warmest weather but busiest season
• Fall (September-October): Pleasant temperatures and beautiful autumn colors

Christmas market cruises in November and December are also popular.

Practical Tips

1. Pack Layers: Weather can be variable, especially in spring and fall.
2. Book Popular Excursions Early: Tours to Salzburg or concerts in Vienna often sell out quickly.
3. Consider Pre/Post-Cruise Stays: Many itineraries offer options to extend your stay in major cities like Munich or Budapest.
4. Be Prepared for Locks: The Upper Danube has numerous locks, which can be interesting to experience but may cause minor delays.

Choosing the Right Cruise

When selecting an Upper Danube cruise, consider:

1. Itinerary: Ensure it covers the destinations you most want to see.
2. Ship Size: Smaller ships can dock closer to town centers but may have fewer amenities.
3. Inclusions: Compare what’s included in the fare (excursions, drinks, gratuities) across different cruise lines.
4. Activity Level: Some cruises offer more active excursions, while others cater to a more relaxed pace.

Conclusion

An Upper Danube river cruise offers a perfect introduction to Central Europe’s history, culture, and natural beauty. From the medieval charm of Regensburg to the imperial splendor of Vienna and the vibrant atmosphere of Budapest, each day brings new discoveries. Whether you’re a first-time river cruiser or a seasoned traveler, the Upper Danube provides an unforgettable journey through the heart of Europe.With its blend of UNESCO World Heritage sites, musical heritage, culinary delights, and stunning scenery, the Upper Danube remains one of the most rewarding river cruise destinations in the world. By choosing the right itinerary and cruise line, you can tailor your experience to match your interests and travel style, ensuring a memorable voyage along this iconic waterway.

– Reviewed by Contributing Author Silvester Thomson