Austria Small Ship Cruise Tours & Trip Packages

Austria Small Ship Cruise Tours & Trips

784 Austria trips. Tours from 123 tour companies. 1,518 reviews. 4.5/5 avg rating.

219 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Small Ship Cruise
Danube Automotive Heritage: Budapest to Frankfurt 2021
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.2/5 Great
100+ reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Visits

Bratislava, Budapest, Frankfurt, Linz, Vienna

Highlights

  • From the legacy of design pioneer Ferdinand Porsche to today's high-tech automobile production processes
  • celebrate Central Europe’s contributions to automotive history and culture on a unique Danube River cruise.Visits to automobile factories
  • vintage car collections and museums
  • racing facilities and more highlight a very special 12-day journey featuring a 7-night Danube River cruise spotlighting the rich automotive legacy of Central Europe. Explore both Buda and Pest during a two-night stay in Hungary’s capital. In Bratislava
  • embark on a walking tour of Slovakia’s capital or a visit to its Volkswagen plant. Activities in the celebrated Austrian capital
Show more

Themes

Small Ship Cruise

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
Amsterdam to Budapest by Riverboat - Southbound 2022
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.2/5 Great
100+ reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Visits

Amsterdam, Bamberg, Bratislava, Budapest, Vienna

Highlights

  • Cruise along the River Danube from Budapest to Amsterdam on an amazing journey past grand cathedrals
  • medieval monasteries
  • castles and vineyards
  • including a once-in-a-decade visit to Floriade
  • the “world’s fair” of horticultural exhibitions.Pass through five countries including the Netherlands
Show more

Themes

Small Ship Cruise

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
Amsterdam to Budapest by Riverboat - Southbound 2022
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.2/5 Great
100+ reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Visits

Amsterdam, Bamberg, Bratislava, Budapest, Vienna

Highlights

  • Cruise along the River Danube from Budapest to Amsterdam on an amazing journey past grand cathedrals
  • medieval monasteries
  • castles and vineyards
  • including a once-in-a-decade visit to Floriade
  • the 'world's fair' of horticultural exhibitions.Pass through five countries including the Netherlands
Show more

Themes

Small Ship Cruise

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
Grand European Cruise - Westbound 2021
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.2/5 Great
100+ reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Visits

Amsterdam, Bamberg, Belgrade, Bratislava, Bucharest, Budapest, Croatia, Romania, Vienna

Highlights

  • Travel like the royals of old on our grand eastern European river cruises combining Amsterdam to Budapest by Riverboat with Budapest to the Black Sea to create an unforgettable 25-day experience through the heart of Europe.This remarkable voyage virtually links the North Sea to the Black Sea via the Danube
  • Main and Rhine rivers
  • taking you through the Netherlands
  • Germany
  • Austria
Show more

Themes

Small Ship Cruise

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
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
Grand European Cruise
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Amsterdam, Bamberg, Bucharest, Budapest, Budapest History Museum, Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Hofburg Imperial Palace, Nuremberg, Transylvania, Vienna

Highlights

  • Cruise along Europe’s greatest waterways through eight countries, from Amsterdam on the North Sea to Constanta on the Black Sea
  • 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 impacted by global events, such as World War II and the Cold War
  • 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

50 plus, Cultural, 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
The Legendary Danube
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

Budapest, Linz, Nuremberg, Prague, Vienna, Wachau

Highlights

  • Enjoy a fascinating 7-night cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest
  • Discover Prague and get an opportunity to visit world historic sites
  • Explore Vienna cruise through the scenic and romantic Wachau Valley en route to Melk.
  • Visit Budapest

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, 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
Magnificent Europe (Christmas 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

Amsterdam, Bamberg, Bavaria, Koblenz, Munich, Nuremberg, Vienna, Wachau

Highlights

  • Visit Medieval Gothic Cathedral at Cologne
  • Explore Regensburg
  • Discover Nuremberg
  • Explore Würzburg
  • Visit the Residenz Palace and gardens
Show more

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Small Ship Cruise, Festivals & Special Events

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
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
219 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Small Ship Cruise

Austria Reviews & Ratings

4.5/5  Excellent
1,518  Reviews
See all Austria tour reviews
Excellent
1,383
Great
570
Average
92
Disappointing
62
Terrible
15
T

Trusted Customer

May 2024

Written on

Imperial Europe

Well organize and fun

T

Trusted Customer

May 2024

Written on

Imperial Europe

Loved our trip. Of course what made it extra special was our tour guide, *********. He always went the extra mile for everyone on this trip. Also cannot leave our ou...

C

Carter Wilson Iii

May 2024

Written on

Imperial Europe

Fantastic tour! Tour Director ********* was upbeat, knowledgeable and fun to be around! He convinced us to try a few things we would have overlooked; and the exper...

C

Cathy Wasilewski

May 2024

Written on

Imperial Europe

A very busy tour packed with visits to all the beautiful cities and sights I wanted to see. Budapest and Vienna were my favorite cities. Bavaria is gorgeous. TD Rob ...

Write a Review

Austria Tour Selection Trips

  • June through September are the best months for warm weather touring. December to April provides the setting for winter activities.
  • The magnificent mountains surrounding Innsbruck offer a wide choice of hiking opportunities, from gentle trails perfect for a relaxing family walk to challenging treks.
  • From spring to fall, certified guides lead free hikes to and through meadows, dense woods and scenic overlooks.
  • Most Austrian children begin to study English in the third grade. If you don’t speak German and need directions or other assistance, look for a youngster, who probably will be happy to practice the English learned at school.
  • Trains are a good way to get around in Austria. They’re usually spotless, run with set-your-watch punctuality and serve food that would be at home in many a restaurant.
  • If you’re a fan of “The Sound of Music” motion picture, which turned 50 in 2015, you might wish to take a tour of places in Salzburg associated with the story, and even spend a night or more at the original von Trapp home. It has been turned into a 12-room hotel which is furnished and maintained in the ambience of the time when the von Trapp family lived there.

Additional details

Common countries also visited on Austria tours

When it comes to traveling in Europe, an exciting part of planning a trip is the relative proximity of countries to one another. There is an extensive amount of diversity in lifestyle, culture and attractions within Europe and combining countries in a single trip gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in this diversity. Travelers can easily combine 2 or more countries in a single trip on a European tour, even one as short as 7-10 days.

With regards to Austria, the most common country that tour operators pair with Austria is Switzerland. The reasoning behind this is the draw of the expansive landscapes, intriguing cultures and the proximity of these two countries.

Additionally, Austria tours offer itineraries that include visits to surrounding countries such as Czech Republic, Hungry, Italy or Germany amongst others. Many tours that include some of these countries often visit the iconic cities of Budapest, Prague, Venice or Berlin.

Every tour is unique and there is certainly a tour that can fulfill your interests and desired experiences within Austria and one or more of the surrounding countries. Take the time to research one that fits your travel goals because a trip to this area of the world will enrich your life.

What is the weather like in Austria?

Austria is a country with varied geography including delightful mountain ranges and valleys. As such, it is a country that has a variable climate that changes throughout the seasons and location.

The summers in Austria can be quite pleasant and sunny, with temperatures ranging up to 90 degrees fahrenheit. Expect the winters to include more precipitation including rain and snow (depending on the location).

Fall and spring in Austria is in between winter and summer and can be more brisk and at times have some precipitation.

In general, the best time to visit Austria for a walking or biking tour or to visit a major city is April through October because it is more of a temperate, warm and at times dry time of year. For those looking to enjoy a winter vacation in the mountains, the months of December-March are advisable.

Who will enjoy visiting Austria?

Austria is a great destination for many different types of travelers. It is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, who enjoy skiing, hiking, biking, fishing, relaxing and enjoying the natural environment.

It is a lovely destination for foodies as it has a delectable food and wine scene, both within the major cities and in the countryside. For those that enjoy diving into history and culture, Austria boasts significant landmarks, museums and performances in Vienna and Salzburg. There’s something for everyone in Austria!

Top Austria travel tips

Below are a few travel tips for ensuring that your trip to Austria is unforgettable.

  1. Most Austrians speak a fair amount of English but as always, it’s a great idea to learn some of the local language (German) to connect with the locals more.

  2. In general, the prices include taxes and fees. That being said, at restaurants, there is an expected 5-10% tip on top of your bill.

  3. The water in Austria is extremely clean and delicious, so you can enjoy the local water. That being said, the wine and beer is also enjoyable too.

  4. Sundays are generally a day of rest, so many businesses will be closed on that day. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy some recreation and relaxation on your trip as well.

  5. Thoroughly research the season and location that your visiting and pack accordingly. For example, if you are going to visit the Alps in the winter, bring warm jackets and layers and/or ski gear. It’s best to pack things that are practical and necessary.

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 784 trips to Austria 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!