Danube River History Tours & Trip Packages

Danube River History Tours & Trips

262 Danube River trips. Tours from 59 tour companies. 70 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

21 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
History
Imperial Cities of Europe - 6 Countries
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
11 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bratislava, Budapest, Hallstatt, Lake Bled, Ljubljana, Munich, Prague, Salzburg, Vienna

Highlights

  • Cruise along the Danube River and experience the beautiful sights of Budapest
  • Admire the beautiful gardens and Rococo interior of the majestic Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna
  • Feel the medieval spirit of the Golden city – Prague
  • Enjoy the German way, tasting sausages and beer in a centuries-old restaurant
  • Ring the wishing bell on the island in the middle of the picturesque Lake Bled

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I took "Red Belgrade-Communist Era" tour on corona times. From the first contact, staff took care of things in a very friendly, flexible and professional way. The tour I got was informative and fun, explaining not only Serbia but other Yugoslav countries. Fully recommended."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety

More
Treasures of Romania & Bulgaria
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.4/5 Great
7 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Brasov, Bucharest, Romania, Sofia

Highlights

  • Visit the Parliament Palace - Second largest building in the world
  • Private tour in the Village Museum
  • Pass along the Olt River Canyon
  • Discover Sibiu - European Capital of Culture in 2007
  • Visit the Wooden Churches of Maramures (UNESCO)
Show more

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Education / Learning, Family Friendly, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Photography

What travelers are saying

""After being presented different offers in the hotel we decided to book with this company at the recommendation of our receptionist Alex. We were picked up in a brand new minivan and together with 4 others we left for our Transylvania adventure. Soon we realized that we are in for a treat. Our guide Teo was amazing, took great care of us and got us in all the castles where he guided just the 6 of us. We had our own pace and we were never in a hurry. Every detail was checked to perfection and after returning to our hotel, all we can say is Thank you Eastern European Experience. You made this day trip wonderful. We will recommend this tour anytime.""

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Enchanting Danube (2022)
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
River Cruise
Why we love them
They have the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the river cruise industry and a reputation for excellent service.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Bratislava, Budapest, Linz, Passau, Salzburg, Vienna, Wachau

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Personnel were all very polite and happy to serve. Service was timely and professional. Most remembered your preferences and were prepared to assist."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Blue Danube: Family Riverboat Adventure - Eastbound 2022
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.2/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Bratislava, Budapest, Linz, Munich, Passau, Salzburg, St. Wolfgang, Vienna, Wachau

Highlights

  • Selected as one of the '10 Best River Cruises' byFodor's Travel... there is no better way to experience the heart of Europe with your family than on a leisurely Tauck Bridges Danube river tour and cruise aboard one of Tauck's custom-designed riverboats.Unpack only once as you travel from Budapest
  • Hungary
  • to Slovakia
  • Austria and Germany
  • enjoying action-packed shore excursions specially designed for families. Play medieval games on a visit to Devin Castle in Slovakia. Soar over Vienna on the Riesenrad (giant ferris wheel) in the Prater
Show more

Themes

Family Friendly, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Sad to see a once good tour company stumble and fall into mediocrity. That’s Tauck post-Covid. My May 2023 tour of Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley was done on the cheap by Tauck, yet cost me thousands of dollars extra as a solo traveler on a special small-group tour. 

5-star hotels switched to 3 and 4 (without any compensation or explanation)… many more meals “on your own”… lots of “self-guided” tours of museums and chateaux and castles we knew nothing about… airline quality “rubber chicken” dinners, not in hotel restaurants, but in sad and isolated business convention spaces… poorly-trained newer Tour Directors (like the one on this tour) with limited experience traveling outside her tiny Canadian village or dealing with people from diverse backgrounds. She even confessed that this was a second gig job that took her away from her own business back home! You get what Tauck pays for, but unfortunately, not what YOU pay for. 

Speaking to a “Guest Relations” agent was comically pointless. She tried to make everything my fault, which I now understand is par for the course with the “new” post-Covid Tauck. Please reconsider spending huge amounts of your hard-earned money on a tour company that has lost its way and no longer delivers."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Hungary and the Slovenian Alps
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
3.5/5 Great
30 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Budapest, Ljubljana

Highlights

  • Stroll vineyard-striped hillsides and taste wines from Hungary’s Lake Balaton to Goriška Brda in Slovenia.
  • Hike Slovenia’s stunning Alpine scenery: from snow-covered peaks and glacially carved valleys to pristine Lake Bohinj.
  • Discover medieval history at a floating grain mill and herders’ cone-roofed huts.
  • Delve into the otherworldly limestone cathedrals of Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Themes

Culinary & Wine, High Adventure, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
The Great Rivers of Europe
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Amsterdam, Bamberg, Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Koblenz, Nuremberg, Vienna

Highlights

  • Unpack just once, journey 948 miles through three countries, and enjoy an abundance of included features—from all meals to 11 guided tours, and more—on our #1 River Cruise for more than a decade
  • Cruise aboard our award-winning 140- to 164-passenger ships with a dedicated English-speaking crew
  • Experience this European itinerary, and uncover a local and American perspective in destinations like Nuremberg’s Room 600
  • Explore with an expert, local Program Director—a native or resident of Europe—who will be dedicated to your group of no more than 47 from the start to the end of your trip

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I am a 12 time traveler with Grand Circle and OAT. But maybe no more. They are impossible to reach by phone without waiting for hours. I even tired their emergency phone number and was on hold for hours. What if I had been stranded in a foreign country? They cancelled my Eastern Europe to Black Sea Cruise in Sept 2021 and cited "covid" or "civil unrest" issues. Baloney. They cancelled because they did not sell out the cruise and lied about it to me. I know because I went with Viking during the same month with no excuses like Grand Circle gave me. Add to that they promised me a $1,000 credit on my next trip- which was to Antarctica in December. The invoice they sent me showed the credit- and 1 month later a new invoice arrived with the credit removed. Why? Another lie? Something is really wrong here with the company now and I would suggest be very careful with bookings as they are not the same company I traveled with for the past 12 years."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More

Unlock Community Benefits

Travel better together

  • Save favorite trips and itineraries
  • Get insider insights
  • Receive personalized recommendations
  • ... and much more
Join community
Ultimate River Cruise
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
3.7/5 Great
39 reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Bamberg, Budapest, Heidelberg, Koblenz, Munich, Nantucket Island, Nuremberg, Trier, Vienna

Highlights

  • See the fascinating Nuremberg
  • Discover Trier city tour
  • Explore Paris
  • Explore Mainz and visit Gutenberg Museum
  • Explore Kitzingen and enjoy Wine cellar visit & tasting
Show more

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I’ve sailed with AmaWaterways 4 times. They are the best! You become family. I can’t wait to sail with them again!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Czech Republic & Austria Bike Tour
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.8/5 Excellent
62 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Český Krumlov, Prague, Vienna, Wachau

Highlights

  • Discover two intriguing countries and cultures in one trip
  • Český Krumlov, charming 13th-century town with twisting lanes and red-tile roofs
  • Enjoy an informal Q&A session with a Czech historian
  • Bike along the fabled Danube River and through Wachau Valley vineyards
  • Austria's picture-perfect villages with onion-shaped church steeples

Themes

Cultural, Cycling & Biking

What travelers are saying

"Until Covid clears, I would steer clear of Backroads. We were partially through their June 2020 Costa Rica tour when a guest tested Covid positive. She and her husband were isolated. The rest of the group were offered wimpy masks. Nobody was offered Covid testing daily and masks were not required of the guests or staff. The guides kept repeating "not in the CDC guidelines." Our group of six decided that the Backroads response was inadequate so returned home mid-excursion. The hotel and food was excellent, but the provided bikes were inadequate. The front derailleurs were poorly adjusted, and most of the riders had the chains come off during the first ride. Hikes or bike rides were conducted in downpours. Disappointed for charging such a premium price."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip
21 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
History
...

1

2

...

Danube River Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
70  Reviews
See all Danube River tour reviews
Excellent
29
Great
7
Average
1
Disappointing
0
Terrible
0
V

Victoria

Sep 2015

Written on

The trip was well organised and well

The trip was well organised and well thought out. It was only a 10 day trip but we saw so much in that time. Our tour guide provided us with options of what to do i...

C

Chris

Sep 2015

Written on

Brilliantly organised and value for money.

Brilliantly organised and value for money.

T

Tim

Sep 2015

Written on

The trip was fun, interesting and you

The trip was fun, interesting and you experience a different culture to Western Europe.

D

Dee

Aug 2017

Written on

They Made It Difficult For Me To Get Money Back

I booked a 981euro holiday with Intrepid in July 2017. They emailed me a few days after booking to tell me that trip was cancelled and that I was entitled to a refun...

N

Nadia

Oct 2015

Written on

Small groups are ideal! Like that the

Small groups are ideal! Like that the tour leader is ...

Write a Review

Danube River Tour Selection Trips

  • Because the Danube is Europe’s longest river outside Russia, you have several choices of routes.
  • The most popular stretch flows from Nuremberg, Germany, to Budapest, Hungary (or reverse).
  • Allow at least eight days for your cruise (for the Nuremberg-Budapest itinerary) and up to two weeks or more to sail farther into Eastern Europe.
  • Going downriver – from west to east -- tends to be a smoother voyage, though seasickness is seldom a problem.
  • To judge the best value as opposed to just the lowest price, watch for how many “extras” are included in the base rate – port excursions, alcohol, balcony cabins -- that could add to the cost.
  • Many Danube itineraries include options for intriguing side trips away from the river – such as to Salzburg in Austria or to medieval Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic.
  • You can combine a Danube river cruise with a Rhine river cruise through Germany all the way to Amsterdam via a canal replete with locks.
  • For maximum privacy and comfort, consider splurging on a balcony cabin, where you can relax and watch the changing riverside tableau pass by.
  • May through September is the most popular (and expensive) season on the Danube (September often offers the most pleasant weather with fewer crowds).
  • Don’t overlook the magic of Yuletide cruises, when the entire region comes alive with colorful outdoor Christmas markets.
  • Some Danube River cruise lines market almost exclusively to baby boomers aged 50 and up, while others also cater to younger passengers.
  • If you plan on traveling alone on your cruise, check into policies on charging for single supplements; they might match you with a same-sex roommate to avoid the extra charge.
  • Some luxury river cruise lines offer special evening events on shore – such as private concerts or dining in palaces – or provide complimentary bicycles for sightseeing and exercise.

Additional details

Danube River cruises and tours are available in a variety of lengths, either focusing on a specific section of the river or covering the entire distance. You will often see an itinerary listed as “Westbound” or Eastbound”. This can be helpful when determining your pre and post cruise activities.

The average length of a Danube River cruise is between one and two weeks. Longer Danube River cruises often also visit the Black Sea and a few other rivers in Europe - you’ll see so much of Europe in comfort gliding along the water, and only unpack once!

Many shorter departures along the Danube include cycling excursions, such as those with Butterfield and Robinson. If you travel on a Danube River cruise that’s 6 days or less, chances are you’ll begin or end in Budapest, Hungary visiting three or four other countries along either an Eastbound or Westbound route.

What to Wear on a Danube River Cruise

The Danube is one of the largest rivers in Europe, both by length and width. Given this, it will always be slightly cooler on the boat than on the shore.

Light layers should suffice for most of the year, heavier outerwear for the winter when it will commonly be snowing. Christmas markets are a very popular wintertime activity in Europe and many Danube River Cruises operate during this time, visiting markets along the way.

While most river cruises don’t have strict dress codes, they do cater to an older audience more likely to dress up for dinner.

Danube River Weather

The weather on the Danube is generally mild, though expect to encounter a lot of microclimates as you travel, regardless of the length of your trip. Since you’ll be passing through numerous countries and regions, it’s difficult to pinpoint an easy weather pattern.

The Danube is a popular destination year round - you have the joyous and magical Christmas markets in the wintertime, the lovely springtime with flowers blooming and sunshine peeking through, summertime when it’s warm and small towns and villages vibrant with tourists, and the fall when you can see beautiful changing leaves along the shore and up in the hills.

Weather on the Danube River in August

August is universally one of best months to travel. This is when you’ll find some of the best weather (in the northern hemisphere at least), and the crowds are not quite as heavy as the peak summertime months of June and July, but not so dissipated that certain activities and destinations are shut down to tourism.

In Europe and along the Danube, August is an ideal month, with temperatures ranging from the mid 60s to the mid 90s fahrenheit.

Weather on the Danube River in September

Like August, September is one of the more ideal times to travel. Even less crowds than August, and the weather is usually still warm, but not blazing hot. Expect lows in the 50s especially at night, and 60s and 70s during the day (fahrenheit). You also might get to see some early changes in nature from your cruise deck.

Weather on the Danube River in March

In March, expect the weather on the Danube River to be a bit nippy, though not unbearable. You will be spending time outside though, on the viewing deck, out on the water. So definitely bring a warm jacket so you can spend more time outside. Temperatures will be in the 40s and 50s, mid 30s at night.

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 262 trips to Danube River and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!